Claire Smith

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:1-6
Luke 12:54-59

Reflection:

Traction and Distraction

St. Paul of Tarsus is said to have written this Letter to the Ephesians from a prison cell; his future is bleak, yet his words are full of hope and encouragement. Paul has already experienced a profound joy while observing the salt-of-the-earth goodness of believers in an early faith community in Jesus Christ.

He then pleads for unity. “Make every effort to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace,” he writes.

The word diabolic, or devilish, comes from the Greek word, ballein, meaning “to throw.” It’s where we get the English word, ball. So, diabolic means to throw apart or to divide. In Goethe’s Faust, for example, when Mephistopheles enters the stage he announces, “I am the spirit who always divides.” The opposite of diabolic is symbolic, which literally means to throw together.  It’s why we speak of sacraments as symbolic; the grace of Eucharist or Reconciliation binds us together when geography or hurt feelings can separate us. If we seek an example of evil today it is that force which divides us rather than unites us. POLARIZATION.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus scolds the crowd for failing to appreciate the signs of the times. He repeatedly urges them to pay attention, stay awake, and recognize the present moment. Sometimes our greatest wound is not one of the capital sins like pride, anger, lust or greed. Today it might be distractions. Because our daily lives are saturated with interruptions — from cell phones and social media to emails and pixels of light — all demanding our attention or traction. Distractions.

Perhaps today I could grow in holiness simply by (what the Synod keeps thundering) LISTENING, giving my attention to a person at lunch, reading the signs of my time, traction, preserving the unity of the Spirit.

Fr. Jack Conley, CP, is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Ephesians 3:14-21
Luke 12:49-53

Reflection:

Love of Christ

 To know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
-Ephesians 3:19

This week in the Eucharistic liturgy the Church shares with us the amazing love God has for each of us in His Son Jesus!  In the Epistle to Ephesians, we find some of the most astonishing statements of Jesus’s loving care for us!  In Eph 3:19 we read: “to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” The translation into English of the inspired Greek word for “surpasses” is a gross understatement of God’s feelings for us.  The Greek word is “upper-ballo” which means to throw something way over our head!  It would be like a catcher in baseball throwing a ball to a player on second base above him that the ball goes over the center field wall!   Jesus’ love for each one of us is so astounding it is impossible for us to even imagine it in our furthest dreams! 

The author of the Epistle reminds us that we must be rooted and grounded in the exceeding love that Christ has for us.  Not for a minute do we think we earned or deserve this prodigious caring fondness of Jesus!   We must indeed appreciate this lavish affection of His love and share it with others.  The great loss of our lives is a failure to comprehend how very much we matter to Him!

His love for us should give us an enormous sense of Peace. Paul said, “The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal 2:20 This wonderful gift of a deep understanding of God’s care should give us great peace in our life!  

Someone once said: “If you are depressed you are living in the past; if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” —Lao Tzu If we are “rooted and grounded in the love that Christ has for us” the past only humbles us leaving our hope alive! The future gives us an unspeakable expectation of the joy of being in Jesus’ loving arms and smiling eyes!

“Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be a cowardly fearful.” John 14:27

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P., preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:12-22
Luke 12:35-38

Reflection:

For the weekday Masses during Ordinary Time, the Scripture readings go through the various books of the Old and New Testaments, and the Gospel readings are sequential as well. Because of this, the readings do not often point to the same aspect of faith or discipleship or Christian life. That is the case with our two readings for today.

In our first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul speaks about the Cross of Christ, and how the “enmity” between Jew and Gentile was put “to death by it.” In our Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus speaks to His disciples about always being vigilant in following Him, waiting for Him to return.

I suppose it’s because my mind and heart have been focused lately on reconciliation in the midst of divisions and factions all over the world, but I found myself sort of combining the two readings in some way.

What if our vigilance in following Jesus demonstrated itself in being vigilant for opportunities for reconciliation? What if we were to contribute to people coming together as an alternative to participating in the divisions into which we so often fall? Could not this be an expression of love of God and neighbor?

Jesus Christ died for all, not just some, even though many people do not believe in what He did and what He continues to do for us. It is true that part of serving the Gospel is speaking the truth. But at the same time, we need not push away others because of our differences. We can witness to the power of God’s love in working with all people of Good faith to put aside all the enmities that still exist in our world.

May Jesus find us working for peace and justice when He returns.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:1-10
Luke 12:13-21

Reflection:

In our gospel today, someone says to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”  Jesus does not directly respond. Rather Jesus cautions against greed.  Life does not consist of amassing lots of possessions. Jesus then shares a parable of the rich man who asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ So, he built larger ones.  How many of us have experienced neighbors who continuously purchase or build bigger and better things?  (Adapted from Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, Give Us This Day, October 21, 2024, p218.)

Many of us measure our success in terms of the amount of dollars earned, our raises and promotions gained, our productivity levels, and the amount of profit attained from our businesses.  Our culture emphasizes that the more we have and gain, the more successful we are.  “We earned it, so it is ok.”

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that the riches we store up are not separate from God.  There is a contradiction regarding amassing wealth and where it comes from – God. St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides us insight—we are given Christ’s saving grace.  This is God’s gift to us.  Have we accepted God’s grace and mercy? (Adapted from Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, Give Us This Day, October 21, 2024, p218.)

What is our goal and focus in life? When we die, we can take nothing with us except only God’s mercy and grace. We will be asked:  have we lived as Jesus did, sharing the inheritance of love to everyone we meet?  What will our answer be? (Adapted from Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, Give Us This Day, October 21, 2024, p218.)

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

Feast of St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists

Scripture:

Isaiah 53:10-11
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

Reflection:

Today is a very important day for all the Passionists throughout the world.  It’s the feast day of our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross.  Perhaps you’ve wondered what inspires the various Passionist priests and brothers you have known?  What vision do they carry in their hearts that forms them into the people they become?  Jesus Crucified is, of course, the most important inspiration for all of us.  But a man of the 18^th century, who allowed himself to be transformed by the love he saw in Jesus Crucified, is certainly a major inspiration as well.  So, I want to tell you a bit about St. Paul of the Cross because some people are just worth knowing.

Paul Daneo, St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists, was born in 1694 in a small town called Ovada, in Northern Italy.  He was one of sixteen children, only five of whom survived infancy.  His father, Luke Daneo, owned a small clothing and tobacco shop that barely supported his large family.  His mother, Anna Maria, was a faith-filled woman, whose devotion to the Passion of Jesus was the source of her courage and strength as she endured the grief and loss of so many of her children.

From his earliest years Paul, by the example of his Mother, had a deep devotion to the Passion of Jesus and at the age of 19 had a vivid experience of the depth of God’s love.  As a result of this experience Paul became determined to give himself totally to God.  Due to family need, however, he stayed at home, helping to support the family by working in his father’s shop.  At 22 he joined the crusade against the Turks though it took only two months for him to realize that the army was not for him.  Returning home, he once again worked in the family business.

When he was 26, the circumstances of the family became a bit better and Paul finally felt free to pursue his own personal dreams. Bidding good-bye to his family, he went to Alessandria, where Bishop Gattinara, Paul’s spiritual director and confessor, clothed Paul in a black tunic on the day of his arrival and then sent him to the parish of St. Charles in Castellazzo for retreat.  In the small sacristy of the parish church Paul made a 40 day retreat.  It was during those 40 days that Paul had the most extraordinary experiences of union with God and wrote the Rule of Life for the congregation he hoped to found.

After his retreat Bishop Gattinara sent him back to his home town where Paul lived in various hermitages for several years.  In 1721 Paul made his way to Rome in hopes that he could get his Rule of Life approved by the Pope.  He was turned away by a Vatican guard so Paul returned home, discouraged but determined.  On his return, his brother, John Baptist, joined with him to try living according to Paul’s Rule of Life.  Paul and John Baptist became well-known catechists and Paul was even invited to give spiritual talks by various groups.

In 1725, the brothers returned to Rome and this time Paul was given verbal permission to gather companions to live according to his Rule of Life.  Cardinal Corrandini asked the brothers to work in a newly established hospital there in Rome.  The president of the hospital was so impressed by Paul and John Baptist that he arranged for them to be ordained to the priesthood.

As more men joined with Paul and John Baptist, they moved the whole community to Monte Argentario, a promontory about 150 kms northwest of Rome, where they established the first Passionist monastery in 1737.

While contemplation and prayer were at the very heart of Paul’s life and the life of his new institute, Paul himself soon became a very famous popular preacher, spiritual guide, writer and mystic.  For Paul the Passion of Christ was the most vivid witness to God’s love for us and he constantly called upon his followers to remember the sufferings of Jesus.

During his lifetime Paul founded thirteen monasteries of Priests and Brothers throughout Italy as well as a monastery of Passionist Nuns.  Today the Passionists live and serve in 62 countries of the world and are enhanced by other religious and lay groups who find inspiration in the Charism of St. Paul of the Cross.

This bare outline of the life of Paul Daneo only describes some of the important moments of his life.  But it was his interior transformation brought about by his total openness to God’s love and his commitment to love God with his whole heart that made Paul into one of the most significant mystics and spiritual guides of the 18^th century.  May his example lead you into a deep and passionate love for Christ who gave himself so generously for us all.

May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts!

Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P., is a member of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Community in Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 12:8-12

Reflection:

There is no better gift than to receive a card or letter letting us know that we made a difference in someone’s life and blessed them in ways we likely would never have known. That is what Paul is up to in our first reading today. He is writing the church in Ephesus, letting them know that he is so edified by their faith and their love—so brought to joy—that he has “never stopped thanking God” for them and remembering them when he prays; indeed, Paul is so grateful that he tells them exactly what he prays for on their behalf.

First, Paul prays that God will give them the “wisdom and insight” to know God because if they know everything but don’t know God, they don’t know the one thing they really need to know for a good and meaningful life. Second, Paul asks that God enlighten them so that they grasp “the great hope” to which God not only has called them, but also wants for them: the unbroken joy and unsurpassable love that is found in everlasting communion with God and the saints. Third, Paul prays that they recognize the special gifts that God has entrusted to every member of the church at Ephesus. They should recognize and claim those gifts, and they should use them generously in serving others, whether in the church or in the wider community. Finally, when Paul urges them to embrace “the immeasurable power” of God that is at work in them, he’s reminding them why they should never feel hopeless or defeated. They should be bold and courageous in their faith, in their love, and in all the good they do because no matter what life might throw at them, God is always with them and working through them; therefore, they can do far more than they ever imagine. Paul knows that is true because they have already done so for him.

Of course, since this letter to the Ephesians is in the New Testament it is also meant for us. This reading is Paul’s gift to us too, Paul’s love letter of thanksgiving. The best way for us to receive it is to take to heart everything Paul says.

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

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:1-10
Luke 11:47-54

Reflection:

Have you ever heard news so wonderful, so completely stupendous, that you couldn’t hold it in? A message so breathtaking that it just had to be shared? That may be the best way to understand today’s first reading. Scholars believe this passage from Ephesians was likely an early church hymn—a joyous song bursting forth in praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s unimaginable blessings.

We can picture the first Christian communities, as they gathered each week, exulting in the opening words of this hymn: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why this song of unrestrained praise? Because God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” Our ancestors in faith knew that in Christ God has blessed us not sparingly or selectively or sporadically, as if God ever so often sprinkled a few blessings on his creatures. No, God has blessed us (and continues to bless us) in every possible way. The good news in this hope-drenched hymn of salvation continues when the early church proclaims that God “chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” Before a single thing ever existed, before time had even begun, God not only envisioned, and delighted in, every single person who would every live, but chose to love us. And because God has forever loved us, God calls us to be holy; to be like God in goodness, mercy, and love.

No wonder those first Christians could not stop singing! Thanks to God’s ever-flowing blessings, we are not defined by our waywardness—all our failures and all our flaws—but by a divine love that insists on making us whole. Lest we doubt it, this amazing hymn, that we’d be foolish not to learn by heart, tells us that we are the adopted children of God, sisters and brothers who together always live in, from, and with God. We will never be forgotten, we will never be forsaken, we will never not be forgiven and redeemed.

We can almost hear those first Christians singing now. Isn’t it time to join them?

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.