Claire Smith

Scripture:

Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17
Matthew 18:21-19:1

Reflection:

One of the most difficult challenges in life is forgiveness. In fact, I might argue that unforgiveness is the cause of so much pain in our world, in our towns, in our families and in our hearts. We can be in such bondage to our hurts that we fail to see exactly how toxic they really are as we go along our days. I once read the statement: “Pain that is not transformed will be transmitted” and I felt its truth—feel its truth.

Peter approaches Jesus with a very generous offer. It appears to go to the widest boundaries of the time—finite, and Jesus responds with not seven times but seventy-seven times—infinite.

This servant owes so much to his master and as he begs for mercy by promising to repay, the reader understands the absolute impossibility of this. He is totally at the mercy of his master for his life and that of his family. Yet, we read that in an instant, he is forgiven—done, forgotten, free. It is that simple with God—mercy flows freely to those who ask. Following this encounter, it is so easy to judge this servant’s behavior as deplorable in the context of the mercy extended to him. Is he that disconnected from the encounter to completely forget to be merciful to others? Are we?

Father Eamon Tobin in his book, “How to Forgive Yourself and Others”, states that forgiveness is largely an act of the will and not a matter of feelings. This makes sense in line with Jesus’ words on forgiving from the heart. Father Tobin goes on to explain that forgiveness:

• is a process where we seek to rid our mind and heart from hurt and resentments because of what someone did to us;
• it is spiritual surgery that we perform on ourselves with God’s grace so as to free ourselves from the venom we feel;
• is a gift we give ourselves so we do not remain stuck in the past and in our pain. When we are able to forgive, we can move from being a victim.

Forgiveness is not a surrender to our right to justice; we do not necessarily want to forget—some hurts teach us. It doesn’t it mean that we never have negative feelings towards our offender.

The only response to the kind of mercy shown the servant by the master is to receive it so as to be open to bring that same mercy to others. We are asked to move beyond vengeance and move towards reconciliation in humble willingness. We never fully experience one without the other; God’s mercy towards us as we go and do the same from the heart. “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matt 6:12).

Lord, God, heal our hearts and our world. 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:

2 Corinthians 9:6-10
John 12:24-26

 

Reflection:

Jesus teaches that when the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it produces fruit. We often interpret that as dying to our false selves in this life. However, it also applies to the way we die, a topic we are not good at facing in our society. One application: When I teach about advance directives, I inevitably get questions about assisted suicide and euthanasia. This topic is too complex to explore deeply in a couple of paragraphs, yet we can look at general principles to better understand what is in the news and how it might fit with Jesus’ words.

By means of definition, assisted suicide occurs when an “assistant” provides the means for ill or suffering persons to take their own lives (lethal medications, gun/ammunition, carbon monoxide hood, etc.) but the assistant does not participate in the act. Euthanasia occurs when someone actively participates (or acts alone) to take the life of persons who are ill or suffering, sometimes with permission or even at their request. The Catholic Church condemns both, proclaiming that we need to alleviate end-of-life suffering by utilizing effective pain relief, employing hospice and palliative medications early in the process, and ensuring every patient has proper, compassionate care, rather than ending the suffering by killing the patient. Death should rightly occur because of disease, illness, or injury, not human actions.

Yet the Church also clearly teaches that this does not mean we are morally bound to use every means known to humankind to keep our bodies alive until our bodies simply can’t take it anymore. Life is not the ultimate good. God created us as finite beings and death is a normal, natural, expected occurrence. We are not supposed to be here forever, and God has something better in store. At some point, it is time to let go of life, die, and go home.

Recognizing this fact, in document after document the Church calls for “acceptance in the face of death”, and weighing the potential burdens and costs of treatment against the potential benefits it could offer. It is morally and ethically OK to stop or refuse treatments that only serve to prolong dying or that cause increased pain and suffering in the dying process. For instance, a patient experiencing a recurrence of aggressive cancer can morally and ethically refuse a last-ditch round of harsh chemotherapy, believing it would prolong the dying process complete with painful, debilitating side effects, and instead choose to maximize the quality of whatever life remains. This is not assisted suicide nor euthanasia. Death occurs naturally, caused by the underlying disease or illness, and the patient is free to more fully enjoy their final days on earth, hopefully surrounded by supportive family and friends.

Jesus says “Whoever loves his life will lose it.” We are called to cling to nothing, not even life itself. If instead of viewing death as the ultimate evil, as something that must be fought with every ounce of strength until the last moment, perhaps we can get better at accepting death with faith, dignity, and grace. Perhaps we can better utilize the benefits of hospice and palliative care for weeks or months instead of hours or days before death, enabling us to be more present to loved ones as we die. Perhaps we can then achieve the goals we long for – whether reconciling with someone, tying up loose ends, or having time to properly say goodbye. Perhaps by the way we die, we can be a visible sign to the world that we are part of something bigger, that this life is not the ultimate good, and that we can sink into the river of God’s peace and love as we take our last breath. The issues are not so simple, yet we can do a much better job of valuing life even as it ends. And what a witness that could be!

I pray that not only my life but my death might produce much fruit and be a source of inspiration and hope to others. I hope I have the strength to stop the fight when it becomes futile, living fully whatever days I have and then going peacefully into the arms of God. I pray for you, too, that whether we live or we die, we may all be instruments of 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/.

Scripture:

1 Kings 19:4-8
Ephesians 4:30-5:2
John 6:41-51

 

Reflection:

The Inn of Hospitality and the Bountiful Table are images that John Chrysostom uses to speak out our experience of church. Before baptism the inn has doors hanging loosely on broken hinges; it is a dangerous, chaotic place. The inn of the church is one of gracious people, safe and peaceful, its doors open easily to where we can share bountiful gifts at a table that groans under the weight of such abundant blessing.

We reverently receive the mystical bread. We do not rush this acton of taking, speaking Amen, and placing it in our mouths. We savor the vivifying bread of life. Likewise we take the holy cup, speak Amen, bring it to our lips, and drink. We enjoy the cup that inebriates our sprit with joy.

Those who come to Jesus will be drawn to the Father and will have everlasting life. Jesus says, ‘I am the bread of life’, ‘I will give my flesh for the life of the world’. Jesus has spoken of being raised up, of his approaching ‘hour’, and of the conflict between light and darkness. He will give us his flesh for food when he breaks bread at last supper meal and gives himself over to its fulfillment on Calvary when his body is broken and his blood poured out. This is the food of the bounteous table. The inn of hospitality calls out, ‘come to me all you who are hungry and all you who thirst’.

We may find it challenging to explain the beautiful words of John, but when we have eaten at the bounteous table at the inn of hospitality our actions say it all. We want to lead the way for the hungry and thirsty. Today is the feast of Edith Stein, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, OCD. A scholar, Jewish convert and Carmelite religious. Edith died in Auschwitz with her sister and several religious who were Jewish converts as a reprisal for the Dutch bishops speaking out against the Nazis. A witness describes her standing in an open railway car packed with those going ‘East’. It was late at night in a marshaling yard when the soldier on duty saw her as a commanding presence sheltering those in the train and asking him to get water for them. He did, and did not forget that experience. Edith went to her death having said to her sister, ‘let us go with our people’. She knew Jesus in the Eucharist and in these steps to her death could share him. She led her companions to the Inn of Hospitality and shared the refreshment from the bounteous table. He is the living bread, the life of the world.

Today in the Passionist family is the ordination of Emery Kibal, CP as bishop of Kole in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Emery lived at the Passionist Monastery in Jamaica, NY, working in a neighboring parish and interested in pursuing studies in liturgy. His appointment came as a surprise. His ministry will be in the heart of a very poor country and it is an assignment that is not only difficult for many reasons but also dangerous. He is asked to be in an innkeeper in the Inn of Hospitality indeed, one on the margins of where people travel, but none the less where people hunger and thirst for the Bread of Life.

God asks of us to share the Bread of Life in such different circumstances! Let us find in his generosity strength to be gracious, inviting, self-giving, hopeful and humble.

 

Fr. William Murphy, CP is the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 6:4-13
Matthew 17:4-20

 

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel from Matthew is an opportunity to reflect a bit on Faith.  Faith is a freely given gift from God.  So then why does Jesus seem so exasperated with his Apostles for not having enough faith to drive out the demons?  Why does he admonish them about the size of their faith?   Yes, faith is a gift from God, planted in our heart and soul, but it’s up to us to make sure it takes root.  So here are the Apostles, constantly with Jesus – seeing him live and in action-as it were.  Of everyone in the Bible surely these men were given the gift of faith.  But the question Jesus seems to ask them throughout the New Testament is what are you doing with it?  Throughout the New Testament Jesus asks them questions that we could paraphrase today as “…don’t you get it, yet? …Hey, I’m not always going to be with you…hurry up, get on board…”

So when Jesus tells us that with even a little growth in faith, maybe just to the size of a mustard seed, we could cure demons or walk on water or move mountains, or perform other miracles he really means it. And make no mistake, while Faith is a gift, it’s up to us to nurture, to tend that Faith that’s been implanted in us, to grow it to the size of a mustard seed.   We grow and enrich our Faith by prayer and the Sacraments, by spiritual reading, and by the ways we love God and one another.

In our first reading from Deuteronomy, the Israelites are told to love the Lord with their whole being…. and then told how to do that.  The time sequence in this reading suggest that the people are being prepared for a time when it will be harder to love God with their whole being, a time when, with no effort on their part, they will have their fill to eat.  Do you find it harder to love God when you have all that you need and then some?  It seems to me that when we have much, our lives are also filled with with a desire to acquire more and with all the activity that requires.  Sometimes it is hard to find room for God.  We do know that our faith is built upon love of God, and if we are to have faith that cures, forgives, evangelizes and grows, we must first love God completely.

Let us pray to St. Dominic, whose feast day we celebrate today, for the gift of Faith, for the ability to grow that faith and that the love of God will permeate our lives even in the midst of our activities and busyness.

 

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

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Matthew 16:24-28

 

Reflection:

It looks like every other bus in Chicago when it pulls up to your stop, but don’t be fooled. Riding the number 36 bus on Chicago’s North side offers one a microcosmic view of our world and much food for thought. On my more clear-headed days, I stay out of the fray and remain just an observer. On my less clear-headed days, well…

Not too long ago, I boarded the number 36 and got to see a view of myself that is not so pretty, only this time I was an observer. Luckily I had planned ahead and had plenty of time to reach my destination. The man sitting two seats in front of me evidently had not planned as well.

Jerking along with speedy starts and hasty stops made the trip seem a little more like a rodeo than a bus ride, but that’s the number 36. We came to a stop where the driver picked up some patrons, closed the door and before taking off, opened the door again, this time to let a man in a wheel chair aboard. The gentleman occupying the seat in front of me began fidgeting and moving around restlessly. The driver gave the person in the wheelchair ample time to get their seat belt on before proceeding. Just as he was about to move, some younger people came running from behind the bus, yelling “Hold the bus, hold the bus.” The driver waited and let the young people on. Ready to move—not yet—a lady who had been dozing woke up, noticed where we were and convinced the driver to open the door yet again to let her off. Totally exasperated, the fellow in front of me began pulling the rope also requesting to get off, but not really meaning to. It seems he just wanted to communicate without talking to the driver that, “HE was in a hurry, so move this bus”.

I wonder if this is what Jesus meant in today’s gospel selection when he said: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (MT 16:24) Please God, give me patience when I need it most.

 

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

Scripture:

Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29a, 34-35
Matthew 15:21-28

Reflection:

“Thus you will realize what it means to oppose me.
I, the LORD, have sworn to do this…”

“‘O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.’
And her daughter was healed from that hour.”

 Do you ever have those days (weeks? months? years?) when it seems nothing goes your way? Personally, I find it all too easy when this happens to assume I have somehow offended or opposed God. Both the Old and New Testament readings today speak of people opposing God’s decrees.

In the first reading, from the book of Numbers, God tells Moses to send scouts into the Promised Land to “reconnoiter,” that is, to gather information. It wasn’t to make a decision about whether to go forward or not, it was simply to verify that it was “indeed a land flowing with milk and honey.” The Lord had already told His people to enter into this land. However, when they see that it will be challenging, they hesitate and balk at going forward. This is often the human response after a period of discerning God’s will. We find out what it will cost us, and we want to take a different, easier route. It is interesting that God doesn’t so much punish Israel as send them back into the desert for further purification.

In the Gospel, it is one Canaanite woman who sets herself in opposition to God, in the form of Christ Jesus. Here, the opposition is of a different sort. She does not refuse to follow God’s direction; she simply refuses to believe He will not help her. Note that when the disciples ask Jesus to send her away, He doesn’t. He engages her in conversation. Perhaps He was testing her faith. Perhaps He was speaking out loud what the disciples were thinking in order to turn it on its head as a lesson for them. Perhaps she did change His mind and show Him that His mission was to the entire world, not just the House of Israel. In any case, she persisted and was rewarded. Her faith in the goodness of God helped her move through the opposition and secure the healing of her daughter.

Both of these readings give me hope for when I feel opposed or challenged. I can ask myself, have I refused some task the Lord has set before me because it was too difficult? Is my faith in God’s goodness being tested? God challenges us in our lives – sometimes to purify us for the work ahead; sometimes to test our faith. In the end, however, if we allow Him, He will use our challenges to bring us closer to Him.

 

Talib Huff works and volunteers at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California. You may write to him at [email protected].

Scripture:

Numbers 12:1-13
Matthew 14:22-36

 

Reflection:

Foibles & Fear to Faith & Forgiveness

St. John Mary Vianney, today’s celebrated saint, was known for his generous ministry of the Sacrament of Reconciliation…many regularly sought God’s forgiveness and encouragement through the pastoral care of the Cure of Ars!  For ourselves, years later, our own failures and fears can readily and mercifully be met by God’s forgiveness and love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Today’s Scripture readings highlight God’s continued outreach to us in our foibles and fears.  In the Book of Numbers, Aaron and Miriam mistakenly grumbled to God about Moses’ personal conduct; realizing the gravity of their mistake, Moses interceded for them and asked God to remove the leprosy which had afflicted Miriam.  The words of the responsorial, Psalm 51, are an inspired plea for God’s mercy, prayed by all sorts of saints and sinners.  And today’s Gospel selection from Matthew highlights Peter’s lack of faith as he tried to cross the choppy waters of the lake, and Jesus’ literal reaching out to him to save him from drowning.  In these scripture selections, “human nature” tried to get in the way of God’s loving plan for people – and yet nothing can hinder God’s faithful, unconditional love for us.

God invites us to benefit from regular, in-depth reflection on our personal spiritual lives.  Are we growing?  Has personal sinfulness clouded our view of people and our world?  Is our faith strong enough to carry us over troubled waters?  Are we humble enough to reach out for the help that God offers us in so many ways, especially through the Sacraments?  Such questions and reflection are at the heart of our Passionist retreats, parish missions, and other ministries.

And, “Cheerleaders” abound for us in living the Christian life — Moses, Miriam, Aaron, Peter, John Vianney, our own Paul of the Cross … to name just a few!  Their lives witness that our foibles and fears are divinely outmatched by God’s forgiveness and love — if we faithfully open our hearts to Jesus Crucified.  Indeed He awaits us with outstretched arms, a loving smile, and a warm embrace.  Jesus speaks to us his Gospel words:  “Come.”

 

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Scripture:

Numbers 11:4b-15
Matthew 14:13-21

 

Reflection:

“Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed and broke them, and gave the loaves to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the people. All those present ate their fill. The fragments remaining, when gathered up, filled twelve baskets.” Matthew 14:19-20

In today’s Gospel, we hear one of the accounts of the very familiar story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. I love this story, because Jesus lets us see how much He is able and willing to provide for us when we have a true need. He even provides left-overs!

I have heard people discount this miracle by saying they believe the true miracle was that people shared the food they brought. I don’t buy it. I truly believe that Jesus simply multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fish, and everyone ate as much as they wanted. If I shared my lunch with you, we would each get a half sandwich, and I don’t think we would be very satisfied. The fact that they could eat as much as they wanted seems to show there was much more than sharing would provide.

We live in a culture where we often think there isn’t enough, but when God provides, there is more than enough.

This story also points to the future feeding of the masses in the Holy Eucharist where Jesus gives himself to us as spiritual food every day. That’s another great miracle that I am very grateful for today. Thank you, Lord, for feeding us and providing for our needs when we take you at your word.

 

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 wrote her first book: God Speaks to Ordinary People – Like You and Me. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].