Claire Smith

Scripture:

2 Kings 11:1-4,9-18, 20
Matthew 6:19-23

Reflection:

For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.  -Matthew 6:23

I don’t have a lot of money or as we term it treasure, and I feel I am  in good spiritual shape.  However, over the years I have begun to rethink my approach to this scripture passage.  Maybe it is not about solely hoarding money, gold and jewels.  Then, we must stop and ask ourselves what is “treasure” for us?  If our treasure is not just money or earthly wealth, what is it or what should it be? The passage clearly states where your treasure is, your heart will be.

We accumulate because we lack trust. “During the forty years in the desert, the people were tested to see if they were capable of observing God’s Law (Ex 16:4). The test consisted of this: to see if they were capable of gathering only the necessary manna for a single day and not accumulating for the following day. When I share, or give to others, do I give a little and keep most of it, or give most and keep only what I need for the day?” Does it distract me from relating with God on a regular basis.(https://www.sacredspace.ie/node/187249)

Take time today to find a quiet place and identify what you believe are the real treasures in your life? Write them down and then highlight those that are lasting or spiritual treasures.  Put your list in a place where you pray.  Give thanks and praise often to God for these special gifts. (https://www.sacredspace.ie/node/187249)

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

Scripture:

Sirach 48:1-14
Matthew 6:7-15

Reflection:

The readings for today offer us quite a contrast.  The first reading from the Book of Sirach we are presented with the fiery prophet Elijah and his impact on Israel while the Gospel reading offers us simplicity and transparency on the authentic way to pray. 

In the first reading, from the Book of Sirach, we hear of the dramatic and fierce impact of Elijah on Israel.  Kings and nobles are brought low, food becomes scarce, the people are battered and bruised.  At the same time, a dead man is raised from the nether world and new prophets are established.  The old order collapses and a promise of a new Israel is declared.  Elijah himself is taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot and will return to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord.  Whew, it’s exhausting just to imagine the chaos that Elijah brought and will bring to the earth.

In contrast to this breathless description of the whirlwind created by Elijah, the Gospel offers us Jesus teaching on prayer.  Jesus first clears away the some of the false beliefs about what makes prayer “work.”  Apparently, some believed that they needed to bombard God with a constant “babbling” of their needs and petitions.  Jesus tells them they don’t need to babble on endlessly because God already knows their needs.  And then, Jesus goes on to help us understand that the reason prayer “works” is God’s love for us and intimate relationship with us.  It is within that relationship of trust that our prayer becomes effective and nourishing.  And, the most important arenas for prayer are God’s will, daily bread (all those needs and relationships that nourish us), and forgiveness, a forgiveness that we’ve already received through God’s love and are called to share with the people in our lives.

We hear a lot of different things about what it means to be a religious person.  The readings today present us with a remarkable contrast of God’s action in the world.  While our world is often enough battered by the chaos described in the Book of Sirach, the Gospel reminds us that an authentic relationship with God needn’t be complicated or arcane.  Rather, it should be a straightforward embrace of God’s love for us revealed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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

Scripture:

1 Kings 21:17-29
Matthew 5:43-48

Reflection:

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:43

A few years ago, I celebrated a home Mass for our Community of Passionist Partners in San Antonio, Texas. As all were going to celebrate Father’s Day the following day, there was a reflection on how God, being a good Father, will always offer us an opportunity to start over again. While this teaching was very well accepted in our personal lives, it was difficult to apply it to our current social situation. We are bombarded by examples of how unjust and hateful our enemies are and how difficult it is to love them. Some were saying that it is easier to forgive them than to love them. Some were feeling that in loving them, we were affirming their unjust ways.

One of the reasons why our faith is such a challenging one is because it calls us to live in ways that go counter to our feelings and our sense of justice. As long as we continue to look at Christian Love as painless and as justifiable, we will feel good about our efforts to love as Jesus loved. But the more we delve into how Jesus loved us, then the more difficult it becomes to love the way Jesus loves. We fail to understand fully the insight that Paul the Apostle had when he wrote in Romans 5:8: God proves his love for us that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. This insight gives us great personal consolation. God’s love and Jesus’ love is unconditional.

There are no human words that will persuade us to love our enemies that way Jesus loved his enemies and gave up his life for them. All we are left with right now is the invitation to love as Jesus loved us, not in theory but in practice. We need to be able to name our enemies and make the decision to love them.

It is only with God’s help that we can do this!

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