The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

Claire Smith

Daily Scripture, August 24, 2025

Scripture:

Isaiah 66:1-21
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
Luke 13:22-30

Reflection:

Enter Through the Narrow Gate

In our Gospel reading for Sunday (Luke 13:22-30), someone asks Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Jesus replies, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” As I thought about Jesus’ reply, I began to wonder whether any of us were strong enough to enter by our own power. I don’t think any of us are. We need God’s love and grace and strength to enter through the narrow gate.

Maybe what Jesus is calling us to is humility, especially when it comes to being saved. After Jesus speaks about the narrow gate, He uses the image of a master of the house who has locked the door, and there are people knocking to get in. But the master says, “I do not know where you are from.” And the people outside say, “We ate and drank in your company, and you taught in our streets.” But the master is unmoved, and says, “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!” and then Jesus says, ‘And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out…For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

What if the people on the outside were on the outside because they were so sure of their righteousness that they wanted to be the master and be able to tell others that they couldn’t come in? Maybe they wanted to be able to label those who were different as “all evildoers,” and therefore not worthy to be saved. Nowadays, that seems to be a very wide gate that people are flocking to enter through. It may not be as wide as the gate where people just grab things for themselves, or the gate at which people hope to have power over others, but it still is a pretty wide gate.

But if I am humble enough to realize that I need God to have the wisdom and the fortitude to enter through the “narrow gate,” I may be less ready to pass judgment on others. In fact, I may even be willing to seek justice for them as well as myself. I may even be willing to make sacrifices for others.

True humility is not always easy. Our second reading from Hebrews (12:5-7, 11-13) speaks about accepting “discipline” from God. In the language of Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholics or addicts usually have to hit some kind of “bottom” before they recognize that they need help from a Higher Power. We need not be discouraged about not being strong enough to enter through the narrow gate. We only need a humble heart to surrender to God’s love and will for us; to let go of judging others, and instead help lift each other up, working for justice and making peace.

In a variation of the words from that second reading, may we open ourselves to God’s love, and let that love “strengthen our drooping hands” and “weak knees,” so that “what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.”

Fr. Phil Paxton, CP, is the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Birmingham, and St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama. He is the Local Superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.

Daily Scripture, August 23, 2025

Scripture:

Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17
Matthew 23:1-12

Reflection:

In our Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about the Pharisees and the scribes: “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen…. they love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor at synagogues…. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

I think part of what Jesus says is about privilege. The Pharisees and scribes enjoyed their “perks” of being the religious leaders of the people. But when people get caught up in their privileges, they forget to serve, and they have no trouble berating people without trying to help them.

We are called to service, not privilege. It might be helpful to look at Jesus’ words at the end of our reading: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” We can be tempted to try to raise ourselves up by putting others down. We can be tempted to justify our prejudices by demonizing those who are different. But when we remember how Jesus humbled Himself to save us, we can let go of these temptations and seek to serve. We will not be concerned about having privilege or not; we will only be concerned with following Jesus and being right with God.

Fr. Phil Paxton, CP, is the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Birmingham, and St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama. He is the Local Superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.

Daily Scripture, August 21, 2025

Scripture:

Judges 11:29-39a
Matthew 22:1-14

Reflection:

Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.  -Psalm 40:8-9

How challenging is figuring out God’s will for you currently? In our psalm response the psalmist is in transition from being disobedient to now wanting to do what is obedient and right in the eyes of God. The difficulty for most people is trying to discern the will of God especially in making major decisions.  Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines discernment as “the quality of being able to comprehend what is obscure.” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discernment)

Discerning the will of God has multiple  components within the process.  Key interfaith factors in discerning God’s will are:

  • Study Sacred Writings which include the Bible for Christians, the Torah for Jews and the Quran for Muslims. These sacred writings contain what people believe to be the revealed word of God and assist in determining God’s will.
  • Seek guidance and advice from spiritual mentors, Priests, Rabbis, Imams and others especially in regard to denominational teachings. 
  • Research and gather information regarding medical and clinical information or insights from psychology or business in making major decisions.
  • Pray to God/Power Greater Than Ourselves which puts us in the proper attitude and positive to openness to God’s will. Pay particular attention to God speaking and guiding us through the  promptings of the Holy Spirit.
  • Be sincere and honest with getting in touch with your own desires, fears, aspirations, and motivations regarding your mission in life.
  • Consult friends, relatives and trusted people in the community who will give you honest feedback and input.

This reflection shares a process of discerning God’s will and outlines key steps across faith traditions, including studying sacred texts, seeking counsel from religious leaders, conducting thorough research, engaging in sincere prayer, being honest with oneself, and consulting respected community members. Lord, guide and direct me in discerning your will.

Carl Middleton is a theologian/ethicist and a member of the Passionist Family.

Daily Scripture, August 20, 2025

Scripture:

Judges 9:6-15
Matthew 20:1-16

Reflection:

Are you envious because I am generous?

What is it about this parable that gets our attention?  What of our experience gets touched?  Challenged?  Often our first reaction is… well, that is not fair!, they shouldn’t all get the same wage, they didn’t work the same…

In Matthew’s Gospel, this story follows the rich young man who Jesus tells to sell everything and follow me – become a disciple – and he goes away sad.  Peter then says to Jesus – we have sold everything and followed you, what is in this for us?  And now this parable – everyone gets the same, regardless of when they begin to follow?!?  Our humanness cannot understand.  How can this be, we mumble and grumble and ultimately, go away sad…

But the owner of the vineyard, kept his deal, he paid everyone what he offered them – what they agreed to.  Maybe that is the real question – what do we agree to?  Are we really followers of Jesus?  Do we let the gospel guide us in all we do?  The whole gospel – not just what is easy or what we like to do – not just what is comfortable, but what is challenging as well?  Are we like Peter, who says, look, we have done this, this, and this – so what do we get, aren’t we better than him/her who hasn’t?  Or are we willing to do what we do out of love – love for God, for others and for self? 

When we notice ourselves reacting and getting defensive – do we pause to ask God to help us notice where this resistance or reaction is coming from – what is underneath this feeling, emotion, reaction – how can I open my heart to your generosity, love, mercy and forgiveness.  What does God want us to notice in ourselves, is there an opportunity for transformation?

Are we willing to leave everything – our judgments, biases, fears and defensiveness – to follow Jesus – can we be grateful that God is big enough for everyone – God’s generosity reaches everyone – does ours?

Faith Offman is the Associate Director of Ministry at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Daily Scripture, August 19, 2025

Scripture:

Judges 6:11-24a
Matthew 19:23-30

Reflection:

Fables and ancient legends often tell of heroines and heroes being seduced away from their great task or journey by some momentary lapse, when they suddenly turn from their task, loose focus and reach out for a seeming good that appears attractive but often contains within itself the seeds for disaster. Often this momentary lapse gives rise to great difficulties in pursuing one’s original dream, or leads to a fall or even to disaster.

It may be only a momentary lapse but it often has long term implications.

Perhaps it is in this sense that Jesus speaks about riches in today’s gospel.

Jesus stresses it is not easy to enter the Kingdom and riches can impede one’s entry into living within God’s reign (just as many other concerns can and do). As for that dramatic image of camels passing through the eye of a needle – well perhaps this image is meant to shock and puzzle the disciple, and leave him or her ‘wondering’. For it is often in this state, where one’s mind is open, searching for answers and cleared of predispositions – that the Spirit can prompt a deeper awareness and whisper an answer to us.

I am sure preachers within every Christian tradition agonise over this text, trying to reconcile wealth and riches with discipleship. I don’t intend to go into that debate here. I think it is sufficient to say that Jesus saw the need to reach out beyond one’s needs and desires in order to adopt the right disposition if one wished to strive for the Kingdom of God and thus enter into it.

But Peter also names another dynamic that often puzzles people too. He speaks of the ‘recognition’ or ‘reward’ that a good disciple might desire or expect. Although the disciple may set out with an open heart, generous and willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom, he or she is only human. Thus the need for recognition, even reward can surface and at times hold one’s attention powerfully.

The danger at that moment, much like that of the great heroes in various myths, much like the pursuit of riches, is that the desire for recognition can lead one away from the mission. One begins to seek reward rather than the growth of the Kingdom.

Jesus speaks to this very feeling and longing. He affirms that it is true that if one is to live one’s marriage, relationships, single life or life as a religious or minster – for the sake of the kingdom – then this may mean the loss of many things in order to generously give one energy, love and service to others.

But Jesus does suggest too that so often in life generosity and self-sacrifice are returned to the one who gives. We have all experienced this I am sure – love begets love, generosity begets generosity and we find that what we give is so often returned in excess to us. Perhaps in different ways, perhaps not even in a manner that is obvious at the time, but we do receive. It may be in the form of thanks, it may be that we see someone else freed, it may be that we rejoice in the accomplishment and good ness of another enabled to be like this because of our efforts – whatever we can take great satisfaction in these moments.  So often too we discover reward in another powerful way – when one steps out towards the other be it partner, child, friend, or stranger seeking to help them only to discover that we are the one being helped, inspired or carried by them or their example.

So a lesson for us today may well be that if we set out to make our lives a ‘continual service’ to those we love and to those who need us, then although it is not our goal or aim, we will receive back in return.  Jesus saw this and experienced it himself, and he passes on his experience to us, that people respond to the good, that people are guided by and attracted to the light of kindness and compassion, and that when we love others unselfishly they will be inspired, enabled or moved to return such love. Love given freely may rebound to us, or it may radiate out and make the lives of still others better, but we will receive back gifts

 Fr. Denis Travers, CP, is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.

 

Director of Donor Relations, Southern United States

Department: Office of Donor Relations
Position: Director of Donor Relations, Southern United States
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Reports to: Executive Director of Development for Holy Cross Province
Location: Province Offices – Park Ridge, IL

Passionist Mission:

We Passionists proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ.
The Passionists, a global family of priests and brothers, nuns and sisters, and lay men and
women, reach out with compassion to the crucified of today. We keep alive the memory of
Christ’s Passion through our commitment to community, prayer, ministries of the Word, and
service to those who suffer. We welcome all who seek renewed life through the power of the
Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.

Position Overview:

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province aim to deepen their connections with individuals inspired by the Passionist mission by appointing a dedicated lay representative to the Southern United States. To learn more about The Passionists, visit www.passionist.org.

This individual will work in the field, fostering relationships that provide support and encouragement for the life and ministries of The Passionists of Holy Cross Province. The Director of Donor Relations, Southern United States is responsible for cultivating and stewarding individuals who are committed to keeping the memory of the Passion alive through their time, talent and treasure.

The Director will represent the mission, values and vision of The Passionists of Holy Cross Province to donors through various media, including print, electronic, audiovisual communications and face-to-face interactions. This individual must be an informed and committed advocate for the organization, capable of clearly envisioning and communicating future plans and strategies for sustainability. Sensitivity to and awareness of diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values and attitudes are essential.

The scope of work encompasses cultivation, stewardship, communication, marketing and solicitation of planned and major gifts.

Director of Donor Relations, Southern United States – Key Responsibilities:

The Director of Donor Relations, Southern United States will collaborate with the Donor Relations team to cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of donors while identifying and engaging new prospects. This role supports the long-term financial strength of Holy Cross Province by fostering meaningful relationships and implementing strategic fundraising initiatives.

  • Strategic Donor Engagement – Develop and implement short- and long-term strategies for cultivating and stewarding Southern United States donors through personalized outreach, including regional events, prayer groups, retreats, handwritten notes and phone calls.
  • Personalized Gift Solicitation – Secure philanthropic support by making tailored gift solicitations aligned with donor interests and capacity. This includes understanding and presenting Holy Cross Province, giving opportunities, preparing customized solicitation materials and briefing Province leadership for donor meetings.
  • Passionist Community Engagement – Build relationships with Passionist priests, brothers and lay partners to deepen understanding of Passionist spirituality, history and values, ensuring alignment with fundraising efforts.
  • Province Collaboration – Serve on Province committees to support initiatives that strengthen Holy Cross Province’s mission and long-term vision. Attend key gatherings, such as the Assembly and Chapter, to engage with Passionist leadership and donors.
  • Professional Development & Networking – Maintain active membership in organizations such as The Nonprofit Alliance and The Catholic Development Council to stay informed on best practices, industry trends and collaborative opportunities that enhance fundraising effectiveness.
  • Team Communication & Coordination – Maintain open and consistent communication with the Executive Director of Development and development colleagues across Holy Cross Province to align efforts and share insights.
  • Donor Outreach & Travel – Schedule and conduct strategic face-to-face donor visits to ensure efficient and meaningful engagement while optimizing travel schedules.
  • Moves Management & Data Tracking – Document donor interactions, engagement strategies, and follow-up actions in the Aegis Data Solutions CRM to maintain accurate records and enhance relationship management.
  • Event Leadership – Plan and host regional donor-focused events to deepen engagement and inspire continued support.
  • Reporting & Accountability – Provide a weekly progress report to the Executive Director of Development, detailing key activities, donor interactions and fundraising progress.
  • Additional Responsibilities – Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and growth of Holy Cross Province.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is desired.
  • Five or more years of development experience (fundraising, donor relations, marketing/communications).
  • Ability to empathize with donors, typically middle aged and older.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be a self-starter and team player with a positive outlook and ability to manage ambiguity and change, proficient in identifying solutions and opportunities.
  • An understanding of the programs associated with the donor relations office (planned giving, major gift solicitation, monthly giving program and the donor recognition program).
  • Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate and steward donors. Experience in personally soliciting gifts and/or pledges is necessary.
  • Proven management and leadership capabilities.
  • Familiarity with faith-based (preferably Catholic) fundraising. Must have an intuitive sense of church and religious life.
  • Able to travel. Some night and weekend travel, as necessary.
  • Experience with a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) database such as Aegis is desirable.
  • Possess an outgoing personality that is engaging, pleasant, kind and confident.

Working Conditions:

This remote position will require travel by air for periodic visits, which will require overnight stays. The Passionist Province Offices are located in a safe and accessible neighborhood in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The Passionists offer a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work-life balance and professional development.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest about the position to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Daily Scripture, August 18, 2025

Scripture:

Judges 2:11-19
Matthew 19:16-22

Reflection:

A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
Matt. 19:16

Did you ever wonder if you are on the right path to eternal life? Do you worry whether you are doing all you can to inherit everlasting life? Do you become anxious about wondering whether you are doing all needs to be done to follow Jesus?

During Jesus’ ministry, he had to deal with these question or similar ones. Today’s Gospel encounter is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. And there is a similar question posed to Jesus in the same three Gospels: What is the greatest commandment in the Law? Our questions and concerns for gaining everlasting life is as old as life itself!

This passage always reminds me of the old story of the two farm animals who had become friends, the hen and the pig. One morning the hen says, I will lay some eggs and we can have bacon and eggs for breakfast. The pig replies, for you, this is just involvement. But for me, it’s total commitment!

I believe that all of us are like the rich young man in today’s Gospel. We all have a deep longing to gain eternal life. We are constantly seeking ways to achieve our ultimate goal in life, getting to everlasting life. Most of us who are reading and reflecting on these scriptures and homilies are socially stable, have worked hard all our lives, are involved in our parishes and in ministry, attend retreats and do Holy Hours, go to confession regularly and strive to do all those things, like the rich young man, to gain eternal life.

The young man in today’s Gospel has followed the commands to the best of his abilities. And yet there is something lacking: “What do I still lack?” (In the other two Gospels, Jesus is the one who points out that there is still something lacking.)

This is when Jesus responds: go and sell what you have; give to the poor; follow me. The young man went away sad because he had many possessions.

This is when we take a deep breath and begin to ask ourselves, do our possessions own us or do we own our possessions. If we own our possessions, we can give them away. If they own us, we cannot.

What Jesus is reminding me in this passage is that it is easier to be involved, as difficult and sacrificial as that is, than to be totally committed to the following of Jesus. It also reminds me that discipleship or the following of Jesus is a journey.

By reading and reflecting and praying the Gospels, I begin to realize that I will always be asking the question, what must I do to gain eternal life and I will always get a response that challenges me to do more. I, like the rich young man, have many more possessions than I need. I can always give more to those in need and realize that I will always need God’s help to respond to discipleship with absolute commitment.

Just because I haven’t gotten there yet doesn’t mean that I must give up my quest of following Jesus. The first step toward total commitment to discipleship always begins with the unwavering desire to gain eternal life. If let go of my possessions, then God will do the rest!

Fr. Clemente Barrón, C.P. is a member of Mater Dolorosa Community in Sierra Madre, California. 

Daily Scripture, August 17, 2025

Scripture:

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
Hebrews 12:1-4
Luke 12:49-53

Reflection:

“This is the Sunday of division and disturbance…of violence and outrage.” The late Passionist scripture scholar, Carroll Stuhlmueller, wrote that about today’s gospel and it would be hard to disagree. It is one of the most unnerving passages in the gospels because the Jesus we encounter this Sunday vehemently contradicts the kind of Jesus we find most attractive—a Jesus who is agreeable, congenial, and reassuring; a Jesus who unfailingly comforts and consoles, gratifies and pleases; and surely a Jesus who wouldn’t dare ask too much of us.

Today we meet a Jesus who stirs things up, who rattles, provokes, disturbs, and perhaps even frightens us. After all, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” is hardly a serene proclamation. Jesus’ promise of a ferocious conflagration is a violent image of all-consuming destruction and devastation; a terrifying transformation that suggests all the evil born from sin leaves the world so utterly at odds with the ways of God that nothing less than a total re-creation will suffice.

And when Jesus declares, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?”,  he leaves no doubt that if we live by the gospel, if we take his teaching to heart and strive to conform every dimension of our lives to it, we will find ourselves surrounded by enemies (like Jeremiah who was thrown into the cistern); indeed, animosity and division will penetrate into even the dearest and most intimate relationships of our lives.

To cast our lot with Jesus is to stand apart from all that opposes and undermines his mission of inaugurating the reign of God. There is no neutral zone, no safe place, no losing ourselves in the crowd. “I have come to set the earth on fire!” It may not be what we want to hear, but we can’t say we were never warned.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family of Holy Cross Province.