Claire Smith

Scripture:

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
Ephesians 4:17, 20-24
John 6:24-35

Reflection:

Last Sunday we began reading from the 6^th Chapter of St. John’s Gospel. It is most explicitly and candidly a dialogue between Jesus and those masses of people from Galilee and from the cities of Capernaum and Tiberias who found Jesus to be at least a fascinating individual.

The chapter opened with the miracle of the feeding of five thousand from a few loaves and fishes that were brought to Jesus. Twelve baskets remained to be collected after all had eaten.

In this Sunday’s reading, the conversation is resumed after the crowds, who had lost sight of Jesus overnight, track him down across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus accusingly opens the conversation by suggesting that they have come for more food. He tells them to seek the food which does not perish but leads to eternal life. The people defend themselves by asking what is required of them to be in God’s favor. Jesus tells them to believe in the one sent by God, and they ask for a sign to prove that he is from God…a sign, like the manna which their ancestors received in the desert.

So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (verse 32)

Jesus has taken hold of the conversation, and begins to expand his teaching from believing in his person, to undergoing the transformation which follows on being nourished by the life of Him whom God has sent.

So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (verse 35)

In later parts of this sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus will be even more explicit by identifying himself, his flesh and his blood as the food that gives eternal life (verse 53).

Most of those who read this website’s daily reflections will have heard or will hear this reading in the setting of their Sunday Mass, probably a parish celebration of the Eucharist. It will be in an assembly of the faithful, sharing the Word and sharing the Eucharist, as they share the company of Jesus and of each other in that assembly. John was prescient in placing his narrative of Jesus’ exposition on the Eucharist out in the Galilean hillsides, following on the miraculous feeding of five thousand.

Perhaps the gospel of John was not prescient, but more than likely, reflecting the changed conditions of the Church community at the time that the Gospel was completed. In the earlier Synoptic Gospels, the Last Supper of Jesus and his Apostles takes place in the context of a Jewish Passover meal. It is “by invitation only”, and Jesus uses the ritual elements of the meal to communicate his body and blood to the Apostles. One could say that the Last Supper was a private affair.

John, who had been alongside of Jesus during the Last Supper, and whose narrative of that Last Supper event is the longest text among the four gospels, does not retell the “institution narrative” when he recalls the Last Supper. There is no “Take and eat, this is my body, take and drink, this is my blood.” The Christian experience had changed too much by the time of the final redaction of this Gospel (about 85-95 A.D.). The Christian community had been excommunicated from the Synagogue, and gentile Christians were bringing Roman and Greek language, traditions and practices with them into the Church membership.

By presenting the Eucharistic teaching of Jesus in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, the emphasis is placed on the “openness” of the Eucharist, in contrast to the Jewish ritual meal. By separating the “Bread of Life” teaching from the manna of the desert, Jesus makes the Eucharist more than natural nourishment, but declares it to be supernatural and for eternal life. By saying that what they must do is believe in the One sent by God (verses 28, 29), Jesus takes down the barriers of Jewish prescriptions, in order to extend the invitation of the Eucharist to all people who seek Jesus in the community.

This universal call to Eucharist is such a wonderful theme for our Sunday Eucharistic celebration. In so many of our urban parishes, one need only look around at the congregation to see the vision of St. John’s Gospel, chapter 6, fulfilled. People from many nations, from many cultures, from many languages, all gathered together to listen to the Word, to share the Body and Blood of Christ, and to recognize the person of Jesus in each of the parishioners. May this Sunday’s Eucharist be a blessing for each one of us.

 

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P.  is the director of the Missions for Holy Cross Province.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Leviticus 25:1, 8-17
Matthew 14:1-12

Reflection:

The Scripture readings we hear in today’s Eucharist are a study in contrasts.  The first reading from Leviticus deals with some of the practical issues involved in celebrating the Jubilee year. The gospel account is the story of King Herod Antipas (the son of the infamous Herod the Great) ordering John the Baptist to be beheaded.

The Jubilee was celebrated every fifty years in ancient Israel.  The land was to lie fallow in order to let it rest. All debts were to be forgiven and special care was to be shown for those in need.   In his hometown synagogue at the very beginning of his ministry Jesus himself quotes from Isaiah 61:1-2 where the Jubilee Year was also proclaimed (see Luke 4:17-19).  The underlying idea of the command not to plant or sow during this Jubilee year was to be a reminder to the Israelites that the land was a gift from God and was not their personal possession.  Striving to deal fairly with their neighbors, especially the poor, was an expression of their reverence for God.

The unsettling story of the execution of John the Baptist from Matthew’s Gospel is a startling contrast.  Herod fits the picture of the excesses and cruelty of royal courts found in a lot of ancient literature.  Even though Herod fears John as a great prophet and shuddered before the prophet’s confrontation with him about taking his brother’s wife as his own, the king succumbs to his ego and the promise he made to his wife’s daughter because he was dazzled by her dance.  A terrible injustice—one that in Matthew’s Gospel anticipates the unjust death of Jesus.

A concern for the gift of the land and the need to care for those in need, on the one hand, and a picture of corruption and disregard for human life, on the other—that is the contrasting picture we hear today in our readings.  Today is also the feast of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, the Founder of the Redemptorists and a great theologian who devoted his life to identifying the virtues necessary for a genuinely Christian life.

Everyday we seem to hear stories of wanton violence and disregard for human life.  And recently, not unlike the message of Leviticus, Pope Francis published an encyclical, Laudato Si, in which he urges not only Christians but all people of good will to care for the earth, “our common home.”  Some critics have responded that the Pope should stick to religion and not meddle in science or politics!  But our Scriptures today remind us that condemning violence and caring for the earth as God’s gift entrusted to us are, in fact, deeply religious issues that reach far back into our biblical heritage.  On this feast of St. Alphonsus—a contemporary, by the way, of the Passionist founder, Paul of the Cross—let us ask God for discerning hearts and the strength to choose the right way in our own lives.

 

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.

 

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola

 Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
Luke 14:25-33

Reflection:

 “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

“Any of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

I’ve been working from home all week.  There were some repair-emergencies on the house that kept me there to keep an eye on the workmen.  They were working on plumbing, as well as some resulting water damage and electrical issues.  No matter how much I tried, or how much I wanted to, I simply couldn’t find a way to justify taking the opportunity to recline at the house, sip a cool beverage, and ignore all my responsibilities.

So I set up my office in the kitchen.  I made a list of projects and a timeline, began unpacking my laptop, many of my books and folders, pads and pens and pencils, several instruments, and of course my iPhone and iPad were both present.  Everything was laid out, ready to be opened and used to its fullest capability.  Friend, I was ready for action!

As I launched into all I had to accomplish, I recognized something that made me very uneasy (and no, it wasn’t the odor of the gentleman who was replacing a portion of that wall over there).  I had been so focused on all this other stuff that I hadn’t yet fed our animals and gotten to hear their clucks and meows of gratitude.  Or kissed my daughter good-morning and gotten a great hug.

Or prayed.

I was so distracted by the things I thought I needed, that I completely excluded caring for and appreciating the gifts by which God has so profoundly blessed me.  The items I carried to work that morning may have been necessary to complete my scheduled tasks, but they really shouldn’t have been the focus of my life.  Is it the end result or is it the journey that makes our trip worthwhile?

And you know, it’s not just about “things.”  We humans have this incredible capacity to carry tons of cluttered baggage in our hearts.
Grief from death?  Still stings like a knife.
Pain from a broken relationship?  It’s as real and acute as the moment it happened.
Hurt from something someone said?  Yep… it’s palpable.
Guilt and regret from mistakes I’ve made?   Oh, BROTHER, wow!!!
And hate and fear and…

The list goes on.

When we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by a tsunami of things and baggage, we close the door on our dance with presence of God – we shut the journal on what He is writing for us. And, friends, I really don’t want to miss out on that!

It’s true, in our world we must tend to our responsibilities… but where does our true heart rest? What’s keeping us from being a true disciple?  What is it that we refuse to let go of?  What tomorrows – what heavens are we denying because we insist on holding on to yesterday?

Dear God, thank you for the gift of your constant presence, even when we ignore You.
Please grant us the grace to shed the weight that binds, so we may have room for the true love and joy of Christ in our hearts.
Amen.

 

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, CA, and a member of the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.

Scripture:

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38
Matthew 13:47-53

 

Reflection:

In our first reading today we see Moses building a Dwelling for the Lord. “He (Moses) brought the ark into the Dwelling…”  Later we read, “Then a cloud covered the meeting tent and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling.”  “In the daytime the cloud of the Lord was seen over the Dwelling; whereas at night fire was seen in the cloud by the whole house of the Isreal in all the stages of their journey.”  With the ark, the cloud and fire, the Israelites were very conscious of the presence of the Lord in their midst.

What came to mind is our use of the red sanctuary lamp in our churches.  When it is burning it alerts us that the Lord is present in the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.  So we genuflect or bow when we enter the church.  But if this candle alerts us to the presence of Jesus, it could be used in other ways, too.  For instance we could place it by the Ambo.  Vatican II tells us that Jesus “is present in his Word, for it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church.”

This candle could be placed on my head.  Vatican II says, “In the sacrifice of the Mass, he (Jesus) is present in the person of the priest.”

Jesus told us that, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)  That means this candle could be placed in the middle of the assembly gathered for Mass.

Jesus also told us that, “whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you do to me.” (Matthew 25:40)  Jesus is present in our neighbor in need, esp. the poor.  So we could place this candle in skid row.  He is there.  Mother Teresa was one person who was very much aware of this.

And finally, we could place this candle right next to your heart and mine.  St. John tells us that, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God and God in them.” (John 4:16)  Is there love in your heart?  I trust there is.  God is present within you.

Holy Eucharist, the proclaimed Word of God, the priest, the gathered faithful, the poor, our hearts…  Yes, there are many places we encounter the risen Lord.

At the Last Supper, Jesus prayed to his Father, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am…” (John 17:24)  Whether in clouds and fire, or Word and Sacrament, it is mindboggling that the Lord of the universe wants to be with little us.  We bow our heads in awe, wonder, — and gratitude.

 

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.  Visit his website: http://www.alanphillipcp.com/.

 

Scripture:

Exodus 34:29-35
Matthew 13:44-46

 

Reflection:

Jesus said to his disciples:  “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  These words of Jesus remind me of my first experience on a “treasure hunt.”

Fr. Blaise, C.P., my student director, first taught me how to hunt for treasure when I was a college student in Louisville.  “Terry, take this metal detector to the front yard of the monastery and when it beeps, dig up whatever is under the detector.  Then, bring it to me if it looks like it’s worth anything.”  I never found anything but I can imagine the joy I would have felt if there were anything but old bottle caps and nails in the front yard!

Yesterday I found a treasure in the heart of a 91 year old man sitting next to me at our meeting of the Louisville Compassionate ElderCounsel.  “Tom” is an elder in our Louisville community who has practiced compassion all his life.  He walked with Dr. Martin Luther King and still is walking today for justice, peace and compassion in our community.  His heart is generous and his words are gentle with kindness but strong for justice.  Tom’s kind heart reminds me to look within my own heart and the hearts of others for the Kingdom of God.

The kindness within is the treasure I seek, truly the Kingdom of heaven.  Today I rejoice in this gift worthy of everything I possess.

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of the Passionist Family in Louisville, Kentucky

Scripture:

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34
Matthew 13:31-35

 

Reflection:

A New Reformation

I suppose most of us succumb, throughout our lives, to the sin of “them and us”…that is, we project guilt on others, then try to distance ourselves from that guilt. For example, each person, tribe, family, nation, or church — like ancient Israel in today’s first reading — continues to commit the sin of worshipping a golden calf and reckless revelry. For us, the golden calf might be purchasing things, clutter. Passionist Scripture scholar Fr. Carroll says, “The consequences of sin aren’t always experienced immediately, but, sooner or later, the poison works its way through the system.”

Pope Francis is now leading us in a reformation. Repeatedly he reminds us that our golden calf (and revelry) is consumerism. Most of us counter his prophetic word with, “But look how capitalism has lifted so many out of poverty!”  Maybe we are confusing the ideals of Adam Smith in the 18^th century — a foundation in morals, values, doing what’s right for the common good (a vision that created a great economic superpower) — with “mutant capitalism” (an aberration sabotaged by greed, Ayn Rand’s narcissism).

The parable we hear in today’s Gospel about how yeast is able to transform a large batch of dough suggests a better way to impact society, countering this mutant capitalism, than litigation and argumentation. Countless studies and our own observation remind us again and again that people are led to Christ by good example. I know the impact Pope Francis has had on me: I want to be a better priest, I want to be a better disciple.  From South American recently, Pope Francis’ words are compelling: “The future of humanity does not lie solely in the hands of great leaders, the great powers and the elites. It is fundamentally in the hands of peoples and in their ability to organize. It is in their hands, which can guide with humility and conviction this process of change. I am with you.”

 

Fr. Jack Conley, C.P. is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness.  He is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Scripture:

2 Kings 4:42-44
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:1-5

Reflection:

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?”

The miracle of the loaves and fish begins with the disciples feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of people to feed with such meager resources.  But what there is, it is enough.  It is enough when Jesus takes the five loaves and two fish, gives thanks, breaks it, and distributes it among the people.  Not only was there enough, there was more than enough.  Lots of leftovers.

This is the only miracle story that appears in all four gospels.  It is a powerful story that connects us to the Last Supper and our own Eucharist.  But it also connects us to our own sense of feeling overwhelmed with the tasks given to us.  We too often say, “Lord, what can I do with so little?  I am not rich enough, talented enough, old enough, educated enough, strong enough.”

And Jesus says to us, “What you have is enough, and even more than enough.”  It is enough when we allow him to take what we have, to bless it, and to say back to us, “Now, give them something to eat.”  Give them what you do have.  Give them a smile, a pat on the back, a dollar, a bit of volunteer time; give those around you a compliment, an offer to help with a home project, a ride to the doctor, a note to a grieving widow.

If we all took our meager little five loaves and two fish, and we together put them at the service of God’s people, there would be enough.  In fact, there would be more than enough.  When we gather for Mass, we all bring what little we have, and together with the bread and wine, it is blessed and broken and given to us to take back into the world.  We won’t feed the hungry world all by ourselves.  But together, all of us blessed by Jesus and sent into the world, we do have enough.  More than enough.  But first, we have to hand over the loaves and fish.

 

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and is the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.

Feast of Saint James, Apostle

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Matthew 20:20-28

Reflection:

What was the mother of James and John thinking? Jesus has just finished talking about his betrayal, the subsequent suffering and death and his rising to life on the third day. The mother of James and John didn’t want to miss this opportunity to push the envelope. Like any other mother or parents, she wanted the best for her sons. Which mother, or parents, wouldn’t want to see their children doing well in life? She actually kneels down and comes with a straight forward request. The request probably took Jesus by surprise!

Jesus tries to be patient with the mother and the two brothers and explains to them what it all entails. He understands the indignation of the other disciples. He tries to convince them that success in his Kingdom does not consist in prestige and power, but in following the way of Jesus, their leader.

However, what happens to James and John eventually is what we celebrate today. They didn’t back off because Jesus challenged them. We can be sure that the sons of Zebedee must have been deeply struck and moved by Jesus’ words, for James began preaching with great zeal. James will ultimately drink the ‘cup’ that Jesus drank when he will be put to death shortly after the death of Jesus.

We can easily get discouraged and disappointed by life’s challenges. It is easy to get carried away by our achievements and fame. We can easily lose sight of what God wants us to be. Sometimes we just get it all wrong. Sometimes we just need to stop, re-focus and re-align. It is both a challenge and opportunity for us to bring God’s love, care and compassion through the various roles that we play in our lives. It is a privileged task as God’s children. This feast also reminds us that while grace is God’s free gift, there is a cost to discipleship.

Writing to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us: God who said, Let the light shine out of darkness, has also made the light shine in our hearts to radiate and to make known the Glory of God, as it shines in the face of Christ (2 Cor 4:6)… we hold this treasure in earthen vessels!

 

Fr. Bruno D’Souza, CP, is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.