Claire Smith

Scripture:

1 Kings, 8: 1-7, 9-13
Mark 6:53-56

Reflection:

I am a visual person so when I read scripture, I like to picture what is being described.  Thus in today’s Gospel, when I hear Mark talk about people coming to Jesus to be healed, I can see scores of people walking over the hills of the countryside.  They gather at the market place and anywhere Jesus visits. They have heard that Jesus of Nazareth is healing people with incurable diseases-lepers, the blind and deaf, the lame and those possessed.  Here they come, limping or being carried.  Here they come thinking maybe if I just get close enough to touch his clothes, I might be cured.   And as these people come over the hills, approaching Jesus, what does He do?  Does he turn and run?  Does he tell his Apostles to disperse the crowd?  Does he disguise himself or try to avoid the masses of people?  Those might all be logical responses.  But no, Jesus turns to the people with love and compassion.  Perhaps he asks himself, how can I turn them away, they are so much in need.  So he cures them.  We are told, “as many as touched it [the tassel of his cloak] were healed.”  This is Jesus, Jesus who also loves us, who came to save us.

We live in a different day and time, and it is hard to imagine this scene taking place in our world.  But imagine this, what if for a 24-hour period, anyone who needed the healing of heart and soul could reach out and be cured.  This is, in fact, our reality.  On March 4 and 5, around the world, the Sacrament of Penance will be offered continually for 24 hours!  Parishes will open their doors, offer opportunities for Adoration and prayer, and extend the healing and forgiving power of Christ to all.   We should be able to see people streaming over the hills, coming by car, bike or on foot.  We should hear people saying; “maybe if I just touch the tassel of his cloak, if I just receive Christ’s forgiveness, given by the priest, maybe my soul will be healed.”  As we continue in this year of Mercy, to bring God’s mercy to others, let us take the time to reach out to Jesus who loves us, who came to save us.  And Jesus will say, how can I turn them away, they are so much in need.

Will you be in that crowd, coming over the hill, looking for Jesus’ healing touch?

Mary Lou Butler is a long-time friend and partner in ministry to the Passionists in California.

Scripture:

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11

Reflection:

My days are filled with people giving me advice, some of it good and some not so good. “Buy this brand! It will make you attractive and loveable. Drive this car! You’ll be the envy of all your neighbors. Behave this way and you will be pleasing to God—behave that way and you won’t!” In reflecting on today’s scripture, I know how Peter must have felt when he said: “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,” (LK 5:5)

Luckily along my life’s journey, I’ve been inspired by individuals I’ve met or read about who I believe must have felt that same way when faced with what seemed like another impossibility in their lives. The January 26^th issue of Chicago’s “Streetwise” featured such a story about a man named Ed Shuna who just retired as director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Reading Shuna’s long list of accomplishments that include working for several years to get the attention of the Chicago Bear’s owner Michael McCaskey and eventually convincing him to reconsider building the new Bears stadium on the West Side because of what it would do to the neighborhood, encourages me. Later when the Bull’s and Blackhawk’s stadium was built there, Shuna made sure the residents of the West Side were at the planning table. He worked with Bill Wirtz, owner of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago Bulls, and got them to include new housing and infrastructure as well as a park and a youth center for the neighborhood. Shuna and his West Side residents got their net full of fish.

God, I pray for the strength to continue working even when I see no results believing that You, as You did in today’s Gospel selection, will take care of the results.

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago. 

Scripture:

1 Kings 3:4-13
Mark 6:30-34

Reflection:

No one and nothing prepares you to be a parent. The amount of love that comes pouring out of your heart when you see your baby for the first time is indescribable. The first time I held my daughter, I thought to myself, I never knew I could love someone so much. And then, the 3am feedings came. My heart, while still full of love, took on very different feelings of tiredness, annoyance and anxiety. Despite all of these things, the minute I peered over into the crib and looked into those big bright eyes, my heart, while still sleepy, filled with love – a love that tramples over sleeplessness and backaches. And by the grace of God, I was and still am able to muster enough energy to comfort her.

Both readings speak today in the vain of merciful love. In the first reading, Solomon, recognizing his youth and ignorance about what he was about to take on, asked the Lord not for riches but for an understanding heart to rule his people. The Lord pleased with him, grants him this and so much more. In the climate of our world today, we all need hearts of understanding. In this year of Mercy, we are called by Pope Francis to be “merciful like the father.” Mercy is God’s love in action, and we are called to be the actors. How are we using our hearts of understanding in our families? Communities? With strangers?

We are further given example of this by Christ our Savior. In the Gospel reading, His first intention is to go off to a deserted place and rest a while with his disciples. They must have been tired from their travels and needed time to recharge. Yet, when He saw the crowds He was moved with pity for them. Some translations use the word compassion instead of pity. In either event, the Gospel writer Mark uses this strong emotion to show us the love that Jesus had for his people. It is reminiscent of Psalm 23, where the shepherd leads the psalmist by restful waters. He loves and teaches the people, He is their shepherd. We are reminded of the all-giving, sacrificial love that Christ offers us. He wants us to follow and learn from Him.

As you go about your day, take time and reflect on how you can be God’s love in action. How can you be more loving, compassionate and merciful? Be reminded of God’s great love for you. Come to Him, rest and learn from Him for He is our shepherd. Go forth, wrapped in His mercy to give to others.

“God is always waiting for e never grows tired. Jesus shows us God’s merciful patience so that we can regain confidence and hope — always!” Pope Francis on Divine Mercy Sunday 2013

Kim Valdez is the pastoral associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas

Scripture:

Sirach 47:2-11
Mark 6:14-29

Reflection:

“The LORD forgave him his sins
and exalted his strength forever.”

 “The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.”

Today our readings present two tales of kings. In the first, a reading from the prophet Sirach, we hear a grand summation of the kingship of David. David excelled in every measure of a king at that time. He was a mighty warrior, a wise judge, a fine artist and his people responded with great praise.

King Herod, on the other hand, is presented as a weak and hedonist ruler. He puts John in prison because John had the audacity to speak truth to power. It is easy to see the contrast between the two and their respective styles of leadership.

However, if we look more deeply beneath the surface, there may be more to find. Very few of us will ever find ourselves leading a nation (thank God!). And yet, many of us often find ourselves in positions of leadership. Parish councils, RCIA, committee upon committee, these are all positions that require someone to step forward and demonstrate leadership. Unfortunately, being human, we may find ourselves making mistakes when we serve others and the community around us. So how did these two kings handle this most human of traits?

In writing about David, Sirach says, “The LORD forgave him his sins.” Earlier in the book of 2 Samuel, when David is confronted with his sin, he publicly repents. He doesn’t try to hide it or even wait to see if punishment is coming. Once he recognizes his transgression, he admits it to all.

Herod deals with a similar situation in a very different manner. When he sees his error (promising more than he should), he defends his pride by continuing down the path he is on, rather than admit his mistake in front of those who, at least to his face, sing his praises.

One of the most powerful traits in a leader is humility. Owning our humanity and being willing to be seen as less than perfect is not often found in those seeking public office, whether at a local or national level. My prayer for myself today is that I have the strength to admit my shortcoming, both God and those around me, so that I can move forward to serve them better.

Talib Huff is a presenter and volunteer at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, Ca. He may be reached at [email protected].

Scripture:

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
Mark 6:7-13

Reflection:

A Disciple’s Love

As Jesus gathered the Apostles together and sent them out to preach and heal, they must have been filled with both excitement and fear.  To preach repentance, to heal, to have authority over unclean spirits…with your only resources being your faith in Jesus, the clothes on your back, sandals and a walking stick…Wow!  And – it worked!  They drove out many demons, anointed the sick and shared God’s healing love.  To be able to come back to Jesus and report what happened…priceless!

In our own way, we share that same call as 21^st century disciples:  to bring the Good News of Jesus to our needy world and its people.  No small task in our large and complex world which is beset with all-too-many suffering and human tragedies!

Jesus missioned those early Apostles in a spirit of simplicity and sharp focus.  Today’s call to Jesus’ mission comes to many of us in the midst of personal lives that are complex, cluttered, and most likely all-too-busy.  Our desktops, smartphones and calendars are filled with all sorts of opportunities, commitments and challenges.  As we are sent out, our tendency is to carry along all our “baggage” (witness recent holiday travel on airlines!).

Just perhaps today’s Scripture is meant to encourage us in simplifying and refocusing our lives — just as David did with his son Solomon as death drew near.  Jesus’ Message is clear today as it was centuries ago:  believe in Him and follow his example of all-inclusive, selfless, sacrificial love; live as if today were the ultimate day of life on earth and the gateway to the fulfillment of Life which is Heaven.  Food for thought:  What needs to be set aside?  Jesus encourages only a simple tunic, a walking stick and a pair of sandals…

With Lent on the immediate horizon, I can hear Jesus speak to us:  “disciples:  simplify, and take time for yourselves:  some peace & quiet in prayer, time for a personal retreat, the opportunity to see the sun rise or set in these frosty winter days, time to get back in touch with family and friends, time to experience the mercy of God in this special Jubilee Year.”  Let’s preach the Good News of Jesus — mercy, repentance, healing, love — by our lives, using words if necessary!

Amen!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is a member of the Passionist community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17
Mark 6:1-6

Reflection:

“I made my sin known to you, did not conceal my guilt. I said, ‘I shall confess my offence to Yahweh.’ And you, for your part, took away my guilt, forgave my sin.” Psalm 32:5

In the first reading, David sinned against God, repented, and God forgave him. God is always just to forgive our sins when we confess, but, there are also consequences. David was allowed to choose the consequence, but for us, the consequences usually flow naturally from our actions.

When I was a little kid, a friend and I were throwing a ball up on the neighbor’s roof and catching it when it rolled back down. I missed the roof on one of my throws, and shattered their large plate-glass window. I ran back home and hid in a closet! My friend told my mom and she took me to the neighbor’s house. She had me apologize and tell them that I would pay for the window. Even though the woman was gracious and told me it was okay, I still had to work to earn the money to pay for that window. I had to collect a lot of pop bottles and mow a lot of lawns to do it! Just like when we go to confession, we have a penance to do to make up for our sin.

When you do something to hurt a friend or spouse, you need to make it right. You apologize, but things don’t just go back to the way they were before you hurt them. Especially if your offense is a serious one, it takes time to forgive, and even more time for trust to be rebuilt. Sadly, sometimes the damage is irreparable and the relationship ends in divorce or estrangement. Consequences can be grave indeed. Ask a person who drove their car drunk and then hit and killed a pedestrian, or someone who has suffered an abortion. They can’t bring the person back to life. They will have to live with that memory for the rest of theirs. Forgiveness is wonderful, but we still have to “suffer the consequences.”

Thank you God for your gift of mercy and forgiveness. Help us to need it less as we grow in wisdom and discipline by staying close to You.

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Scripture:

 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13
Mark 5:1-20

Reflection:

The readings for this day are dominated by one of the longest and most powerful stories in the gospels, namely the healing of the Gerasene demoniac from chapter 5 of Mark’s Gospel.  In Mark’s Gospel the Sea of Galilee stands as a kind of boundary between the Jewish region of Galilee on the west and on the eastern shore, the Gentile region of the Decapolis, the league of ten cities founded in the wake of Alexander the Greats conquest of the Middle East three centuries before the birth of Jesus.  Most of Jesus’ mission takes place in the Jewish area but here, in a rare crossing to the other side of the Sea, he and his disciples land in Gentile territory.

What happens next is a parade example of the kind of “exorcism” stories that abound in Mark’s narrative.  As Jesus and his disciples come ashore, a man who had been dwelling among the tombs confronts him. Already we know something tragic about this man—he is living among tombs, in the abode of the dead.  We then hear a chilling description of his condition. He is wild, uncontrollable yet bound in chains, day and night crying out in torment and abusing himself with stones.  What the evangelist has done is describe, in the manner of his own time and culture, a person who has been completely de-humanized and suffers terrible isolation and mental illness.  We might think of someone we have observed on our city streets, truly down and out.   A few days ago I was in New Orleans for a meeting and noticed how many young people languished on the streets, obviously gripped by drug addiction, looking totally defeated and desolate.

In the view of the gospel this man has become dominated by a terrible evil that is sapping his life away.  For the biblical world, the ultimate root of illness and desolation was the power of the demonic.  Not in the sense that the person’s illness or distress is caused by their own failures but in the deeper conviction that the sting of death is not the work of God but the cost of the mortality that afflicts human nature.

Jesus, on the other hand, is filled with God’s life-giving Spirit.  Mark has stressed this from the very beginning of his gospel when Jesus comes to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  The Spirit descends on God’s beloved son and thus begins Jesus’ life-giving mission of healing and destroying death.  That mission of Jesus is revealed in all of the healing and exorcism stories in the gospel and, in a particular way, through Jesus’ ultimate giving of his life for the sake of the world.

In this gripping story in today’s gospel, Jesus confronts the evil spirit that is destroying this beautiful human life.  The demon’s name is “legion”—a remarkable detail of the story.  The term used here—legio—is actually a Latin word and refers to the Roman legions that held this region in their iron grip.  The gospel signals that the evil Jesus is confronting takes many forms, all of them destructive of human life.  In a touch that the early Jewish Christians would appreciate, Jesus allows the demons to infest a herd of pigs who go crashing down into the water and die.

The story ends in a stark contrast to its beginning.  The man Jesus has liberated from his living death is now calm and restored to his family.  The townspeople who come out to see what had happened are amazed and fearful (a typical reaction in the Bible to a divine intervention); they beg Jesus to leave their region.  But the man whose life Jesus had restored has a very different reaction.  He pleads to be able to stay with Jesus.  But, instead, Jesus asks him to “go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”  The man responds and, the gospel notes, begins to proclaim in the region of the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him.  From being a totally lost human being living in the tombs, the Gerasene becomes the first missionary to the Gentiles in the Gospel of Mark!

This is a powerful story of redemption and transformation.  It reveals the very purpose of Jesus’ mission: to liberate us from all the symptoms of death and to give our lives new meaning. Our circumstances may not be as dire as that of the Gadarene demoniac, but all of us are in need of healing and restoration.  As Pope Francis has said, “Jesus reveals the face of the Father’s mercy.” This amazing gospel story proclaims that very message in a compelling way.

Fr. Donald Senior, C.P. is President Emeritus and Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union.  He lives at the Passionist residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.