Claire Smith

Scripture:

Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 2:18-22

Reflection:

This little periscope from Mark’s Gospel could very well be called a “Treatise on Happiness and Joy.”  Jesus is being challenged by the disciples of John the Baptist as well as by the Pharisees.  The thinking behind the challenges is that there are three great acts of religion. #1. Prayer, #2. Fasting, and #3. Alms Giving.  The disciples of JB and the Pharisees  knew there was only one day that required fasting.  This was the Day of Atonement.  However, the Pharisees also fasted two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Jesus informs the questioners that as long as the Bridegroom was present, there was no call for fasting, but only celebration, happiness, and joy. In the time of Jesus a wedding celebration could last a whole week.  During this period the bridal party and the guests continue the celebration and sharing in the joy of the newly married couple.  So too, for Jesus’ disciples, as long as Jesus was present, it was time to celebrate.

This scripture passage is one of the resources that establishes in Christian Spirituality the axiom that an infallible sign of the presence of God in one’s life is the presence of “joy” and “happiness.”  The word “joy” is uses fifty-five times in the New Testament.  Derivations of the word “joy” such as “joyful, Joyously” are used at least fifty times!  The other axiom in Christian Spirituality that assures one of the presence of God in one’s life is a deep sense of “peace.”  This word is used 393 times in the New Testament.   If one wants to understand if they are close to God all one has to do is ask “Am I a person of Joy and Peace?”

Happiness happens to us when we rejoice in the truth.  The Absolute Truth is itself the Light of God.  The Celts say that life is a journey to Truth.  When someone passes on, the Celts will say: “Now he/she knows the Truth.”  This journey compels us to “love people and use things.”  It takes courage to repudiate pride and it takes strength to love others, family, friends, and the Ultimate Other, God.

In recent years, people have taken this message to heart and have developed a spirituality which could be called the “The Mysticism of the Face,” others have called it “The Mysticism of the  Eyes,” and still others have called it the “Mysticism of the Other.”  The ultimate Other is God.  The atrocities of the past century would not have happened if we all looked each other in the eyes, in the face,  and again saw them as a reflection  of “The Other” i.e. God.

Fr. Ken O’Malley, C.P., is the formation director and local superior at Holy Name Passionist Community in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
John 1:29-34

Reflection:

As we enter a brief period of what is called “Ordinary Time” in our Church calendar, our Gospel reading for Sunday (John 1:29-34) points out a basic tenet of our faith. In our reading, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him, and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” As I was reflecting on this, I thought of all the terms the Baptist did not use to refer to Jesus. He didn’t say, “Hail to the Victor” (a la the University of Michigan). He didn’t use the term “Conqueror,” or “Emperor,” or “King.” Instead he says “The Lamb of God.”

There is a lot of meaning in the term “Lamb of God.” (See the notes on this Gospel verse in the NAB). It can refer to the lamb whose blood was put on the doorposts at the first Passover to save Israel (Exodus 12), or to the Suffering Servant likened to “a lamb led to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7). This Person of love and sacrifice is also the One of whom John the Baptist says “ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.” In other words, the Messiah, the Savior, is not one who conquers by force, or seeks domination over others. Instead, our Lord saves us by a giving of His entire self, body and blood, poured out for us.

To extend this line of reflection even more, the Baptist also says about Jesus, that He is the one “who takes away the sin of the world.” Again, note that this is not the usual response when we think of sin and evil. We often have a reaction to evil of seeking vengeance. But Jesus is not referred to as the one “who takes away the sinners of the world;” much as we might think that is the desirable outcome. Thanks be to God!

And so it is the Lamb of God in whom we have been “sanctified” and “called to be holy,” in the words of our second reading in 1 Corinthians (1:1-3). It is the Lamb of God to whom we witness as a “light to the nations,” in the words of our first reading from Isaiah (49:3, 5-6). It is the One who loves us and has sacrificed Himself for us whom we are called to follow.

Although we work for justice and stand for the Gospel, we do not seek vengeance against others or dominion over them. We seek to practice the love of Jesus Christ. This may be worth considering here in the U.S. as we celebrate the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, and we witness, no matter how we may feel about the election, a peaceful transition from one presidential administration to another on Friday.

May God give us the grace to be faithful disciples of the Lamb of God.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan. 

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 2:13-17

Reflection:

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. Hebrews 4:16

I remember arriving in Lourdes for my first pilgrimage feeling so humbled as I watched people being rolled into Mass in hospital beds and wheelchairs. I couldn’t imagine how I could possibly ask for any graces when there was so much greater need around me. In those first moments there, all I was poignantly aware of were the outer needs of healing. But as the days of the pilgrimage progressed, with the more time I spent experiencing Christ through the sacraments of confession and Eucharist, adoration and finally in line for the baths I came to understand that every single one of us has area(s)- spiritual, emotional, physical – that we struggle with where we are all in deep need of God’s loving Mercy and Grace. And despite being one in a gathering of thousands upon thousands of people, God’s healing mercy arrives in an exceptionally intimate way. What I initially viewed from a place of scarcity, thinking there is only so much to go around, I received as an intimate experience of abundance, as God’s grace entered our experiences impacting lives through uniquely personal encounters.

This past week I was privileged to attend the SEEK conference in San Antonio put on by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) with over 13,000 college students and college missionaries strong in attendance.   It was amazing to witness and experience personally how in the midst of this immense communal experience, Christ was intimately connecting with and drawing near those who opened their hearts to His Presence.

No matter our stance before we arrive at a place of pilgrimage, retreat or confession there is a softening that occurs when we allow it. A relaxation and relief knowing we can lean into and be met where we are. Gifted with a vision of the possibility of what we can become in the world through Christ. Little glimpses of the sky opening to reveal what life can look like through our new lens of Mercy, Grace and Love.

It is real. It is accessible. Sometimes it takes us stepping out of the crowd of our sins or away from those places in us which point a finger at all but ourselves. Moving our eyes towards Jesus who sees us and the heartache of our own hope filled thirst of intentions.

When we meet the gaze of the One who knows us on every level and loves us just the same, can we drop everything? The judgment of the world. Our limited self perceptions. Our sinful ways. Through each intimate encounter, Jesus invites us to trust His Way. Can we respond fully?  In this moment. Now. And for all our days going forward?

M. Walsh is a retreatant and friend of the Passionist Community.

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
Mark 2:1-12

Reflection:

I believe that today’s readings invite us to look at our faith through two different lenses. The first lens is from the point of view of the four men bringing a paralytic to Jesus. Imagine the power of their faith; to stop at nothing to get their friend before Jesus believing that this was his best chance. The message for us here is to never underestimate the power of our own faith in situations like this one.

Is there someone in your life who is “sick” and needs to be brought to Jesus? It doesn’t have to be so radical as we read in today’s Gospel. It can be as simple as bringing them to prayer. Clearly in this scene the paralytic’s faith or desire for healing is not mentioned the focus is on the men who brought him. This suggests that healing can come through your faith alone. Never forget that. Our God is so close to those who suffer that he hears the cries of friends on behalf of the sick person. He desires healing for all.

Think about the layers of roof those men had to remove—the work of bringing someone for healing suggests that we are to leave no stone (or roofing layer) unturned. Many times, in my life when praying for someone’s healing, I have visualized this scene substituting the paralytic for the person I am praying for at that moment. Over the years, it has served as a beautiful way for me to pray as I “lower” people to the presence of Jesus.

The other lens I believe is that of the paralytic, there are times when we need to allow the people in our lives to bring us to Jesus for healing. To be open to healing even if we cannot see it for ourselves; to choose hope! Are there layers of pain, hurt, confusion, bitterness, loneliness, sorrow, unforgiveness preventing us from coming before Jesus and asking for healing? Like the roof which was opened up as a passageway to Jesus. There is always hope to remove the obstacles so as to allow Jesus to work in our lives.

Jesus was preaching the Word to the people and always calling us forth to rest in him. We can have mixed up ideas on exactly what rest means. It is the Sabbath rest which nourishes us for today. It is the foundational movement in keeping us close to Jesus as expressed in our first reading. May we truly profit from the Word.

May we all come to understand the gift and power that our faith offers us and how it is strengthened by our resting (praying) in the Lord while we live on this earth. Amen.

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Hebrews 3:7-14
Mark 1:40-45

Reflection:

An examination of conscience is included in today’s Word which exhorts us to not “harden our hearts” and to not, excessively, rely on externals as sure signs of God’s Will in our lives. “…your ancestors put me to the test, though they had seen my works for forty years.” (Heb. 3:8) “See that you say nothing to anyone…but the man went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the word….” (Mark 1:43-44)

This examination can bring new, refreshing, light and perspective to a marriage, a family, or a religious community.  I am thinking of that excessive reliance on custom and routine in which we become set, doctrinal and hardened on that certain way in which “we have always done this.” With surrendering our reliance on the “tried and true”, or “the facts as I see them” is it possible to surrender, and step back from yet another battle ground? God brings new graces and new insights that will enable us to enter into a “rest,” thoroughly in God, deep within our hearts. With Christ as my acknowledged partner, (I bring my concerns to prayer, and into dialogue with others) I am able to hold my first confidence firm to the end. (Heb. 3:14)

The followers of Moses missed totally the significance of their sojourn despite how sacred the Ark was. It’s a matter of trust and faith in the mystery of the unknown, where God is.

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president emeritus of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

Hebrews 2:14-18
Mark 1:29-39

Reflection:

After his stunning display of preaching, banishing unclean spirits and healing the sick, there is a note of simplicity and humility in Jesus rising before dawn, going off to a deserted place to pray.  He sought silence and solitude.  He sought intimate communion with God, to be alone with the Father.

But, in typical fashion, Simon and the others went running here and there, looking for Jesus – and with some impatience.  Didn’t he realize the crowds were clamoring for him?  Didn’t he know how popular he now was?  Didn’t he know he’s a superstar?

Jesus, however, has a radically different sense of himself and his purpose.  It has nothing to do with popularity, with the expectations of others or being puffed with self-importance.  From the depths of his silence and solitude, Jesus had a clear self-understanding of his purpose and mission.

“Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also,” he told them.  “For this purpose have I come.”

Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom is central to Jesus’ mission.  All that he does, all that he is, must be in harmony with the Good News.  But this mission is not that of Jesus alone.  “Let us go,” Jesus says.  He is including his disciples – us – in his mission.

It follows then that if we are to keep our priorities in order, we must imitate Jesus.  We too must find our deserted place to be alone in prayer with our Father.  We too need silence and solitude if we are to hear the soft whisper of God voice speaking us, inviting us to seek conformity to his will.

Whatever the mission God has in store for us, it always begins in a deserted place, in silence in solitude.

Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Hebrews 2:5-12
Mark 1:21-28

Reflection:

There is power in calling things by their right names. Those who named Jesus as the Christ were healed and freed from whatever held them bound. Jesus recognized demons and unclean spirits for what they were and expelled them. Paul writes extensively to more clearly name what Jesus means in our lives. As disciples, we are likewise called to name reality, discern truth, and call out evil.

I find that this is particularly important in our world right now, when positions are given free reign that in the past would have been immediately named as racist, xenophobic, misogynist, and more. Women are told that to resolve on-line abuse, they should just log off. Immigrants, regardless of their legal/political status and even if they are refugees fleeing for their lives, are told to “go home”. Groups of white men who declare that this country was built by whites and belongs to only whites are given unprecedented press coverage and find their ranks growing. People who fear the imposition of a different religion on the legal system strive mightily to impose their own religion on the legal system. It seems that we as a society are allowing and even promoting abusive, discriminatory, prejudiced, and intolerant language and actions.

As Christians, we must name and combat these things. And we have to start with ourselves. The examples I gave above are blatant. But they can start to seem acceptable only because there are lingering threads of racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and other prejudices within our own hearts. This is especially true for those of us born and raised with the privilege and benefits of being white. When I was growing up in rural Iowa, I never encountered anyone from another race, religion, or culture. Living in the Chicago area, that is definitely not the case. I have always worked to be open, accepting, curious, generous, and kind. Yet I catch myself. I have to constantly examine my reactions when, for instance:

• The person on the phone has a non-European foreign accent
• I drive into a neighborhood populated by another race or culture
• I see a woman wearing a tight-fitting low-cut outfit
• I see a women wearing a burqa
• A person living with disabilities slows down the checkout line
• A young black man wearing a hoodie and low-slung jeans walks toward me on the street

Your list is likely different than mine, but all of these situations trigger emotions inside of me that I work and pray to understand and eliminate. It is all too easy to succumb to the emotions, especially when surrounded by people who feel the same things, but that is not the way of Christ. I need to continue naming these realities, calling out their anti-Christian nature, and working with others who are committed to helping the reign of God come to earth.

Perhaps that can be our New Year’s resolution. Let’s work together to fight injustice, oppression, and prejudice in all its forms. In the face of a wave of resistance that grows bigger by the day, let’s do whatever we can to birth, embody, and promote the reign of God and the compassionate love of Jesus Christ.

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.