Claire Smith

Scripture:

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Reflection:

Announcing the Three Comings of Jesus

There is a little girl whom I’ve known since before she was born. She was a latecomer to her family, her brothers all teenagers. I’ve followed her from Baptism through an occasional hello to the family on Sunday or her mom and her at a daily mass. Over the years she has become the main person to whom I regift from my stash of chocolates. Small bits with an occasional reminder to share. She is now a first grader. This Advent she got a bonus. I gave her a tree with little windows that you open, one for each day of Advent and behind each window is a chocolate! I wonder if her mother passed on the instruction, ‘one window a day’? Or if her daughter will simply chop down the tree with a chocolate binge before the week is over? Will this somewhat exercise in torture and delight, speak something of anticipation and patient waiting to a six-year-old?

Advent brings us to the unfathomable mystery of the Incarnation. Lukes’ ‘fullness of time’. Madeline L’Engle describes it beautifully: this is “the irrational season when love bloomed bright and wild. Had Mary been filled with reason, there would have been no room for the child.”

Not only do we celebrate Jesus’ birth among us, we look to a final coming of Our Lord.

What we know will pass but we have the vision of our gathering at the banquet table of eternal life. These were the words of Isaias the first Wednesday of Advent,

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples
a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is
woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. (Isaias 25: 6-7)

Or as C.S.Lewis describes it when the children in the Chronicles of Narnia are told they have left the Shadowlands (died): “School is over: the holidays have begun”.

And there is the ‘third’ coming of Christ, Christ among us now. It is like playing hide and seek. God hiding, our searching, or our hiding and God seeking. It is a game where those who play are meant to be found. Then the laughter begins. Advent reminds us that finding Jesus among us may have us looking into darkness still. We may not see him clearly, it may be surprisingly hard to accept what we find, and obstacles appear unsurmountable at times. An Advent prayer from mass sums up the three ways that we find Jesus coming to us: May we who have shared the sacrifice of Jesus, the gift of the Last Supper, receive strength in this present moment and may it help us along our journey to eternal life.

In our gospel the apostles announce, “The reign of God is at hand”. Jesus has come to us, he is with us, we look to our being together in God’s presence for eternity, this is what they proclaim. It may seem to be a jumble or mix, and it is. But each part of this mystery helps us to better see the others. How coincidental it is that a Willie Wonka movie will be out during the holidays. He is Willie Wonka who has the magical chocolate factory! I imagine a trip with my little friend. After waiting, enjoying but sadly running out of her Advent chocolates, perhaps in this move we will find something of the hopes and joys of Advent fulfilled, a vision of the banquet table of heaven?

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture:

Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38  

Reflection:

Open Our Hearts and Bear Christ to the World

It is God’s grace that allows us to do anything. We have a choice to use or not use the grace of God to bear Christ to the world. Mary was graced to be born immaculate and without sin. Mary was not forced to bear the Son of God. Mary was asked and she gracefully accepted. God does not force us to do anything. We always have the freedom to choose. Adam and Eve chose to sin, and this is where death entered into the world. Mary chose to bear the Son of God, and this is where life entered the world.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived immaculately, and so is unstained by original sin. In the second reading today, Saint Paul reminds the Ephesians that God chose us to be adopted as God’s children, holy and loved. We all received a call in our baptism. That call is remarkably similar to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s, whose calling we recall in today’s Gospel. Like Mary, we are called to bear Christ to the world. We are called to be the voice of Christ in what we say and the hands of Christ in what we do. We are called to put this into practice every day, allowing ourselves to be the vehicle for Christ’s ongoing uplift of the world. Let us respond as Mary did: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary opened her heart to hear God’s word from the lips of the angel. Let us open our hearts as well as we hear God’s word.

Deacon Peter Smith is a member of the Passionist Family. He resides in Arizona.

Scripture:

Isaiah 26:1-6
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Reflection:

…Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
He humbles those in high places,
and the lofty city he brings down;
He tumbles it to the ground,
levels it with the dust.It is trampled underfoot by the needy,
by the footsteps of the poor.  -Isaiah 26:4-6

One of my favorite TV programs which ran during the late 1960’s was “Green Acres” starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor. It was about a couple who move from New York City to the rural countryside.  The opening scenes, flash between Oliver played by Eddie Albert in his suit and tie behind a plow, working his fields, and Lisa, Eva Gabor singing the praises of city life in their luxury Park Avenue apartment. They both end up on the farm and the struggle rages on in each of the episodes.

My great, great grandfather coming from Ireland, a land that couldn’t support him and his family, settled in Illinois, about forty miles west of Chicago in a town called Gilberts and worked as a milk farmer, daily bringing the milk from his cows and land to a railroad stop along the nearby Fox River. There he loaded the gifts of mother earth onto the relatively new, technology, the railroad which carried it into Chicago where it provided nourishment to some of the nearly one million people already living the city of Chicago.

Today as I look around the city where I live, the home of the skyscraper, I am humbled by the wonders of the architectural marvels and the abundance surrounding me. I also often struggle with the same desire so well expressed by Lisa and Oliver above, a yearning for the realness of nature found in the country. I wonder what, if any, role I have to play in this creation or if it’s all beyond me, and I should just drop out. Maybe those children of the ’60s had the right idea.

God, help me recognize You in this world around me. Help me see the gifts you’ve bestowed upon us, are gifts for all of us, not just a few who claim ownership. If we are not all winners, as my father used to say, we are all losers.

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Matthew 15:29-37

Reflection:

It is good to remember, when reading Matthew’s Gospel, that it was not written with Twenty-First Century men and women in mind. The author or authors, guided by the Spirit, wrote the Gospel for First Century Jews after the year 70 CE when the Roman Empire destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem leaving the Jewish community scattered.

If the Jews saw the Temple as the sacred spot that centered their lives, what happens when it is destroyed? If they had hoped to overthrow the Roman rulers, how could God have permitted such devastation?

Following the destruction the Jews broke into several factions, each trying to reinterpret their identity and mission. One faction was the followers of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew is written to strengthen this group’s resolve to live entirely different lives with an entirely different

understanding of what God wants. God does not want empire building, political dominance, or pride in the Jewish people as set apart from non-Jews. God welcomes everyone, including Gentiles.

Matthew thus bolsters his narrative with quotes from ancient Jewish literature, what we call the Old Testament.

In today’s first reading from Isaiah, we see the universality of God’s love and promise. “…the Lord of hosts will provide for all people…” We are promised a spectacular banquet and, in poetic terms, the destruction of what all people fear most: death.

Jesus models how God’s reign is to be. He heals the lame, blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others.

Then, in his compassion, he recognizes the physical hunger of the “great crowd” by having his disciples practice their life mission by feeding the people themselves. God worked through these disciples to make sure there was more than enough food for everyone.

What does all this mean for us Twenty First Century humans? Each of us, in our personal and communal discernments, are asked to listen to one another and to the silent God to understand what we must do. There is more than enough food for everyone, but we must share it with one another. We might financially support those who feed the poor, it might mean regularly working in a dining room feeding the poor, or working to change public policies that favor the corporate agricultural interests over local farmers growing healthy foods for their neighbors, especially the more needy.

If you gave to a soup kitchen a match of your tips from every fine meal you ate in a restaurant, think of how you could expand opportunities for healthy diets for the most vulnerable.

The Corporal Works of Mercy are our way to God. Choosing which ones match your talents, interests, and opportunities are the work of discernment in long silence, sittings with God.

The New Jerusalem is not in Jerusalem. It is right where you are right now. Opportunities abound to serve the lame, blind, deformed, mute, hungry, lonely, and many others all around each of us.

We take seriously our discipleship. Daily prayer deepens our awareness of where God is at work in our lives.

Take time to be still today and listen for God moving within you.

Jim Wayne is a board member of the Passionist Solidarity Network (PSN), and author of The Unfinished Man. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Isaiah 11:1-10
Luke 10:21-24

Reflection:

As we are beginning our Advent journey, we are gifted with two really rich readings.  First, we have the prophet Isaiah speaking about sprouts, roots and stumps, all imagery relating to the lineage of David.  Biblically, it is very important for the blood line of Jesus to be linked to David.  Even though it has been many generations, God’s covenant to David promised that David’s throne will last forever. 

Generations after David and his father Jessie’s death, Isaiah’s prophecy announced that God will honor the sacred lineage.  It may have seemed improbable, for after the Babylonian Exile, very little of King David’s dynasty remained.  But there was enough to bring forth the long awaited one, the Messiah.  It is yet another example of how God works in the improbable.  Even at the beginning of David’s monarchy, the story of the anointing of David as king was improbable.  He was the 8^th son of Jessie.  So excluded was the lad that he wasn’t invited to the sacrificial celebration.  He stayed home to take care of the flocks.   God overlooked the oldest seven sons and chose the youngest. 

Moving to the Gospel of today, have you ever noticed how many times Jesus invites people to see things in a new way?  He does this by inviting people to change their perspective.  As an example, in Matthew 12, the Scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus to show them a sign, and Jesus quickly mentions two of their heroes, Jonah and Soloman.  And after each he proposes there is someone greater than Jonah and Soloman right here in front of you, and they can’t see it.  They ask to see something; Jesus shows it to them, and they can’t see it.  

The other side of the coin are those who actually do see it and tell Jesus what they see and understand. We are all familiar with stories where people in deep need of some miraculous healing approach Jesus, reverence him either in word or deed, and plead their cause.  Think of Bartimaeus who calls out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” These are people who see who Jesus truly is.  They stand in awe before his authority and know that his authority reaches beyond disease, illness, and death.

That same theme reoccurs in today’s Gospel.  Jesus asks his circle, do you have any idea how many people would want to see what you see?  Jesus could have said, do you know how many people would give anything to be able to walk in your shoes?  It isn’t about just seeing with physical sight the signs and the miraculous events.  It isn’t about the walk or having a front row seat to Jesus’ ministry. It is far more about being present to a greater awareness.  It is more about coming to a consciousness of who Jesus is and less about what Jesus does.  It is about attentiveness to what Jesus reveals about his Father and knowing we are invited into that intimacy.  That gift is freely given.

Beyond seeing or walking, today’s Gospel reveals the intimate prayer Jesus has with his Father.  We could say how blessed were the disciples for being able to walk with Jesus and be with Jesus.  Yet I would suggest how blessed we are when we have been given the words of Jesus’ prayer in today’s Gospel.  For Luke’s account transcends time, placing us in Jesus presence to help us understand this intimacy.  This invitation into God’s divine intimacy is a profound and rich gift so appropriate for Advent. 

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province. He resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Isaiah 2:1-5
Matthew 8:5-11

Reflection:

Our Advent Call to Deeper Faith, Rooted in Humility

It’s early December and the sights and sounds of the Christmas season are ever more evident; there’s a special “beauty” and attraction as we approach Christmas 2023.  The holiday decorations, the classic carols and instrumentals we hear these days move us towards a special holiday mood, stirring up the Christmas spirit in these early days of Advent — while our world continues to struggle with wars, violence, injustice, and destruction.  Our faith in Jesus our Savior is foundational to the Life we hope to celebrate this Christmas 2023.

Today’s Scripture readings highlight the power of faith to enrich our outlook and motivate us to increased action on behalf of our troubled world.  With classic style Isaiah proclaims God’s transformative love, helping us embrace a new world order founded upon justice, goodness, and peace…enabling both personal and community transformation.  Jesus meets a centurion who needed help for his paralyzed servant who was in very poor health; with faith and humility, the centurion tells Jesus about the sick servant — and Jesus offers to come and visit.  As the centurion expresses his faith in Jesus, Jesus highlights the centurion’s deep faith…and the servant’s miraculous cure happened!  Both Isaiah and the centurion recognized God’s presence in their lives, and with humility and faith opened their hearts to God’s salvific action; life was changed! 

During these days of Advent 2023 we’re encouraged to pause in the midst of the Christmas “hoopla” and our world’s serious needs — to seriously reflect on how our faith in the loving presence of God enriches our relationships with all of creation.  These Advent days and their special Scripture selections challenge us to get ever more serious about putting our faith and love into practice — devoting time and energy to prayer and action so that God will be evermore present to us, motivating us to live as true children of God, children of the Kingdom of Jesus.  Perhaps…if we have a lasting change of heart and act upon it…the experience of Christmas can “flavor” every day of the year.  With Isaiah we can “…walk in the light of the Lord.”  These Advent days, may we be watchful in prayer, and exultant in God’s praise.

Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.  

Scripture:

Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37

Reflection:

History is full of stories and records of individuals and nations alike, who prepared for one eventuality only to be totally surprised by an unexpected turn of events. War accounts alone make up many of these incidents, but we see too in sporting contests that the aim is often to spring a surprise move to blindside one’s opponents.

To take the dynamic of ‘contest’ out of this reflection, we might say that preparation and anticipation are very real and necessary aspects of life. But they can be limiting too.

What Jesus calls for through our scriptures today is not so much a matter of having a grand plan or even minutely detailed preparations in place, rather he speaks of an inner disposition. If we are to glimpse or sense the presence of the Lord, if we are to see signs of the ‘reign’ of God that point to the presence of the divine, then we need to live with an active and dynamic attitude – one of being alert. Static plans and preparations will always be limited by the extent of the present moment’s agenda and vision, rather we need a more foundational attitude so that we can finely tune our perspectives, so that we can notice differences and subtle movements, so that we can ‘see’ what others cannot see or what is not at first obvious.

Jesus warns us of the same. We cannot ‘know’ the hour or the Lord’s presence in our lives with certainty – there are too many variables in life and love. We can only know that the Lord does enter our lives just as boldly as he has entered our world, and that he is among us and active still. We need to watch – not just with our eyes, but with our whole being.

We are called to openness and receptiveness, to an alertness that is quietly at work within every moment of the day. We watch with the ‘eyes’ of faith which see what is not visible and obvious.

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

Scripture:

Daniel 7:15-27
Luke 21:34-36

Reflection:

Tomorrow is the first day of Advent. Soon we will be singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. If we ever wondered if we need Jesus in our world, we only need watch the news these days. The suffering of innocent people, especially children, is so very painful to watch. It is heart wrenching to see war-torn areas where land is polluted with military hardware, and basic human needs are not being met. Powerful organizations and nations run roughshod over Creation and human rights, exercising their power and control, and violating the ancient commands from Genesis to “serve and protect” the Garden (Earth) and from Deuteronomy to “love your neighbor as yourself”.

In today’s first reading, Daniel was deeply disturbed over some similarly terrible scenes. He vividly saw the empires that dominated the world of his time, and he anguished as we do when cherished spiritual values were being violated. Daniel was one of the many Jews taken into exile in Babylon, who were persecuted for their faith. We recall the story of “Daniel in the Lion’s Den”, when Daniel and his companions were saved from being devoured by lions, by the power of God.

Jesus did not flee from this imperfect and hurting world either, and following His example, Christians work for justice and peace. In order for us to accompany those who are suffering, and to persevere in working for justice and peace, we need to be prepared spiritually. And in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples (and us) how to do that:

Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.  –Luke 21:34-36

Could sobriety regarding substances, turning our lives over to God in trust, vigilance, and prayer be the spiritual practices we are called to do this Advent?

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.