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Scripture:

1 Corinthians 12: 12-14, 27-31a
Luke 7: 11-17

Reflection:

There was a man calling all his friends to his back yard.  He wanted to show them the car he had just bought.  "Isn’t that something," he said.  "How lucky can a guy get?"  There was silence.  Nobody was answering.  Finally, there was a single voice, "The body of the car looks terrific.  But there are no rims and tires, no steering wheel.   All you can do is just look at it.  It’s useless.  If you want to go somewhere, you better have a good pair of walking shoes!"

 Well, laugh along with the people standing there.  It really isn’t a whole car.  Some of the essential parts are missing.  Take a quick step forward and look at that first reading from St. Paul for today’s Mass.  He is talking about the Body of Christ.  Paul insists that there are many parts, namely, gifts.  Some of them certainly stand out and are very visible.  The gift of Apostleship heads the list.  Paul was very much aware of this gift.  And he goes on to list a number of gifts.  But an important fact here is that Paul includes all of them as making up the Body of Christ.     

People notice the well spoken word, the clear language, the enthusiasm of the leaders, the fearlessness, for instance, of the modern day prophet.  But when we look around at our parish family, or our natural familiy, we may be tempted to skip over the ones who don’t have much to say or anything outstanding that they have done.   

Is it that hard to spot the dedicated Christian man and woman who shares the life of the Body of Christ?  That sharing, for instance, is offered to us when we gather as the Whole Body of Christ at Eucharist.  All the "parts" are there: the old and the young, the healthy and the sick, the happy and the sad, the rich and the poor, the married and the single, the saint and the sinner,etc.  They are present.  ALL of them together make up the Body of Christ and have with them their precious gifts that are shared.   Watching an older person nodding in agreement with one of the readings…I never stop learning.  Seeing a husband reach over and give an affirming pat on the shoulder to his wife as the reading continues…"thanks for reminding me of that."   A big smile is her word of thanks. Or a teenager giving a big grin to his dad at the sign of peace…"nobody can replace you, dad!"   

No one of us is going to make it without others.  Paul is so wise in reminding you and me that we are not alone.  We have the richness of the love, the example, the many, many different gifts that are found in the Body of Christ. 

See what gifts you become aware of as you relate, mingle, share with the Body of Christ in your life.  Interestingly enough, its some of our family or friends or even strangers that can surprise us with, "Thanks for sharing that.  I never saw it that way."  Or it can be just as surprising to hear them say, "You have a way of saying a lot just by the way you treat toward people.  Thanks!" 

 

Fr. Peter Berendt, C.P. is the Senior priest at Immaculate Conception Parish, Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
Luke 7:1-10

Reflection:

When I was young my great-aunts used to say things like:  ‘Vaya con Dios’ whenever I left their houses, ‘Si Dios Querien’ whenever we spoke about the future, and ‘Gracias a Dios!’ when something good happened. These statements, no matter how ordinary or small, always have reminded me where to fix my eyes, no matter the situation. Even the good things that I accomplish are for the glory and from the willingness of God.

A shining example of humility is brought forth in today’s Gospel. Humility is knowing where our gifts and talents come from, realizing that everything comes from God, and that everything should be offered back to Him. In the Gospel, the elders claim that the centurion "deserves" to have Jesus heal his servant. Yet, friends come later with a statement from the centurion himself, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed."

We pray this before coming to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, humbly presenting our faith. Humility is key to opening our hearts and lives to Christ. At the Paschal Sacrifice we witness the unending love that Jesus had for us by dying on the Cross.  As witnesses, we are called to go forth and proclaim what we participate in at every Mass. This is our primary objective as followers and children of the Father. The gifts he has given us are meant for us to evangelize in various ways.

In my own life, I relate asking for humility to asking for a bolt of lightning or asking for trouble. Even though we ask for humility, it is can be hard to accept when it comes. There are often times when I am brought back to the reality that I am a human who makes mistakes. When those moments happen, I glance up to heaven and say "Okay, I get it." God does grant me the gift of humility, but am I always apt to receive it when and in the way it comes?

As we reflect today, let the example of the centurion remind us to have the faith that all it would take was a word and the humility to know that we are not worthy but made so by His grace.

 

Kim Valdez is a Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas. 

 

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:5-9a
James 2:14-18
Mark 8:27-35

 

 

Reflection: 

Who Do You Say that Jesus Is?

"Who do you say that I am?"  Mark finally takes us to the central, objective point of his Gospel, that is, to know Jesus as "the Christ" and accept him as "the Son of Man" who is to suffer, die and rise for our sins.  More than being an existential question that reveals Jesus’ messianic identity and mission, this is a behavior-based question that evokes our faith in Jesus and engages us in a demanding life of discipleship. He could have also asked his disciples: Based on what other people and you have seen me doing, who do they and you say that I am?  In fact, Jesus answered John the Baptist’s Christological question "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" with a behavioral response "the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. . ." (Matthew 11:3-5) that sets the life-giving tone of our faith in him. 

Knowing Jesus as "the Christ" is to know ourselves as his disciples and do what is implicit in that, for he describes our discipleship in terms of his messiahship, which is to tread the way of the cross as God’s Suffering Servant does in Isaiah’s first reading.  We can therefore say that today’s Gospel’s Christological question is as relevant to us as it was to first-century Christians who lived in a different historical and cultural context than ours.  But, what exactly do we imply when we say that Jesus is "the Christ" or "the Messiah?"  Do we really understand the evangelical implications of professing our faith in Jesus Christ?  We obviously do not have the same historical messianic problem that Jesus’ intimate friends faced, as they lived in the pre-resurrection period expecting their promised Messiah with a belligerent, liberating attitude towards the Romans.  However, I dare to say that many "modern Christians," and perhaps I am one of them, still fail to commit to our faith.  For we still fail, like Peter and the others, to understand that once we profess our faith in Jesus by acknowledging him as "the Christ," we embark on a life of discipleship that demands our self-denial and willingness to take up our crosses and follow in his footsteps. 

For the above reason, Jesus warns us that our Christian life and discipleship will always ask of us to die to ourselves in order to rise with him, so that we can say with Paul: "I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:19b-20a). In doing that, we can come to understand and follow James’ advice, that is, to live a living faith that engages us in a fraternal relationship with our sisters and brothers to whom we are to demonstrate the social works of our faith by responding generously to their human needs.  We will thus echo the words of Isaiah’s Suffering Servant: "see, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?"  Hence, as Christians, we should ask ourselves:  Who do we follow?  And what kind of works do we do to witness to our faith in Jesus Christ?

 

Fr. Alfredo Ocampo, C.P. gives retreats and parish missions.  He is stationed at Holy Name Passionist Community in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Luke 7:31-35

Reflection:

"But wisdom is vindicated by all her children."
Luke 7:35

 

When I first reflected on the readings for today’s Mass, I was quickly drawn into the beauty and poetry of St. Paul’s description of a more excellent way. There is power in its message and imagery. Love is what makes all of the virtues virtuous. Yet, I read on and was invited to enter more deeply into the last line of today’s Gospel: "But wisdom is vindicated by all her children."

Wisdom is one of those beautiful attributes of God that is woven throughout the entire Scriptures. When reflected on and celebrated in the Old Testament, wisdom is portrayed as a Woman. She was with God when the world was created. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding" (Proverbs, 3:19) and she is sought after by Solomon and every servant of God. In the book of Job, there is a long passage on where Wisdom comes from. It is a gift from God, for Wisdom was with God from the very beginning. (Job 28-29)

So, when Jesus said "Wisdom is vindicated by all her children," I felt that it was an invitation to reflect and meditate more profoundly on the children of Mother Wisdom.

This invitation to be children of wisdom came about because some disciples of John the Baptist wanted to know if Jesus "is the one who is to come or should we look for another." (Luke 7:19) Jesus responds by pointing out his recent ministries: teaching the Good News of the Reign of God to the poor, healing the blind and lame, bringing life to those who were dead. (Luke 7:22) Basically, Jesus is saying: "By their fruits, you shall know them." (Matt. 7:16) I also believe that Jesus is saying to us: if we let Wisdom become our mother and teacher, she will lead us to Himself and to God.

The list of all of Wisdom’s children is long. I begin with Insight. Wisdom gives us insight into the understanding and appreciation of complex and complicated realities. There is Prudence, which asks us not to jump to quick conclusions. Integrity is another child. Integrity teaches us to be honest and faithful to the truth and our core values, even when these embarrass us. Another child of Wisdom is Tranquility. Wisdom does not sire  rage and violence and free-floating anxieties. Wisdom wants us to be peaceful, open-minded and open-hearted so that we can act with conviction, courage and confidence.

Wisdom has many other children that are too numerous to name. All of Wisdom’s children will vindicate what Jesus says and does. These readings invited me to move deeper into the mystery of God and Wisdom.

Furthermore the first reading should remind us of what St. Paul says in Colossians, 3:14: "Above all, put on love-the perfect bond of unity." St. Paul so eloquently says this in the first reading: "And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing!" So, let Wisdom be our guide and take a more excellent way.

 

Fr. Clemente Barron, C.P. is a member of the General Council of the Passionist Congregation and is stationed in Rome. 

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:14-22
John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35

Reflection:

For all Passionists and the larger Passionist family of those associated with them this is an important liturgical feast. It has been celebrated since the 13^th century and is connected to the Servants of Mary (Servites) who were established at that time. Its place in the calendar, immediately after the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, occurred in the 19^th century. St. Paul of the Cross was especially devoted to Mary under the title of the Sorrowful Mother. The Passionists Regulations which go back to Paul state: "Both the members and the works of the Congregation are entrusted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Lady of Sorrows, as patroness of the Congregation…"

In this context let us look at the first reading the church has given us. The continuous reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians at first seems little connected to the feast we are celebrating. The reality of the Eucharist as the sacrifice of Christ in which he offered his body and blood to his Father for the redemption of humankind is boldly proclaimed by St. Paul. Through the Eucharist he says that we participate in that mystery and are united as one with all those who drink from the "blessing cup" and "partake of the one loaf".  So, all the members of the larger Passionist family are intimately united with one another and with their Lord every time they gather around the table and receive his Body and Blood. And also, are we not joined in heart and mind with the Sorrowful Mother? She was there with Jesus, standing beneath the cross, offering him to the Father, in a real but different way, as he offered the sacrifice of himself to his Father. If we ask her, can she not help us to participate more fully and consciously in the sacrifice of the Mass?  

 

Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P. is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California. 

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8:1b-7, 11-13
Luke 6:27-38

Reflection:
Scandal! Jesus words are outrageous:  " . . .rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked."

More than 150,000 deaths were caused by Mexican narco-traffickers, governmental corruption, and weapons brought illegally from the United States.  Just two days ago there was a scare in the municipality in Coyoacan, in the northern region of Mexico City. The threats of possible mass killings by drug-lords paralyzed the whole region. The signs of desperation and fear have permeated even remote towns.  In the small town of Tumbala of about 10,000, where I now reside, people complain with a great sense of melancholy and concern about the infestation of drugs and increase of violence in their streets.

In the midst of this darkness there are sparks of hope. Javier Sicilia’s Caravan for Peace with Justice and Integrity is a movement that has challenged the modus operandi of the Mexican Government regarding the "War on Drugs." Influenced by the USA, the Mexican State has used the military as the only strategy to counter the cartels. According to a political analyst this is a flawed strategy. Although enforcement worked in the USA to contain the great Mafia families, in Mexico there is not a sufficiently competent federal judicial system that can incarcerate the heads of the different drug cartels. This has also brought about abuses by the military, who themselves have been accused of murder, torture and intimidation.   Javier Sicilia’s movement has also opened up a space for healing the family members of the victims of this "war." First and foremost, Sicilia’s movement was the first one to name the suffering of thousands of faceless victims. These families of victims gathered to mourn and to seek justice in a way that runs counter to paramilitary groups who have taken the law in their own hands by killing the so called traffickers as retribution for the death of their family members. Sicilia’s group seeks peace. They seek peace with justice and dignity, the justice that the State is unable to provide, and the dignity that also upholds the ungrateful and the wicked.

As long as we allow the dehumanization of those that we may consider scum of the earth, namely, rapists, murderers, greedy bankers, and corrupt clergy, then Jesus’ words will only cause scandal. Jesus’ life and words uphold both the victim and the victimizer. How far does this conviction guide our own opinions or public policy?

 

Fr. Hugo Esparza, C.P. is a Passionist of Holy Cross Province now working in Mexico with the Province of Cristo Rey.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Luke 6:20-26

Reflection:

I am the 3^rd of 10 children.  There are wonderful things about such a large family, and I am grateful for them.  There are also disadvantages.  For instance, it can be very hard to get any attention.  My older brother and sister handled that through rebellion, causing endless trouble and heartache for my parents and yes, commanding attention.

I handled it by being perfect.  I strove to be the best, always doing an outstanding job, achieving excellent grades, and capably handling heavy responsibilities.  I lived for the praise of my parents and teachers, and indeed felt their praise proved my worth as a person.

Perfectionism carried over into my adult life.  I have tried so hard to be the perfect wife, perfect mother, perfect teacher, perfect employee, perfect friend, and perfect Christian.  I always gave 100% or more, sometimes even to my detriment.  Doing one’s best, of course, is admirable.  However, for too much of my life the goal was not really to do my best, but to be praised. 

In the gospel, Jesus teaches that the desire for praise, along with the desires for wealth and easy life, are hollow. My worth in God’s eyes does not result from awards, achievements, or applause.  Instead, I need to continue letting go of any need for glowing accolades.  My task is to use my gifts to the best of my abilities, to serve God and God’s people, and to empty myself. 

If the result is misunderstanding, slander, or denigration, then so be it.  It is really none of my business what other people think of me.  If the result is tributes and recognition, then so be it.  They are wonderful to receive and can still energize me, but they are not necessary for my self-worth.

The beatitudes are challenging.  In our praise-driven society, I need to daily choose to be meek, lowly, and even imperfect.

 

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she partnered with the Passionists.  See her website: http://www.amyflorian.com/.

 

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Scripture:

Numbers 21:4b-9
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17

Reflection:

As I was reflecting on Friday’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, I was struck by the Gospel selection. "God so loved the world He gave His only Son." In some ways the greatest, most recognized symbol of Christianity, the cross, is matched with probably the most recognized scripture passage in the Bible, John 3:16. The cross and God’s love! Doesn’t that seem like a contrast? I often struggle with the idea of the cross. It conjures up thoughts of suffering, pain, struggle, and even death. Not a lot of love in that. Didn’t St. Paul tell us the cross was "folly" for unbelievers and a "stumbling block?" I am a Christian and the latter sure can be for me. In our lives we can struggle with our circumstances, suffer with the illness of one close to us, or have the pain of loosing a loved one. Where is God’s love in all that?

As Christians we are called to see the connection, not contrast, in the cross and His gift of love. To lift high the cross and to see gift in our struggles, and believe that growth and healing come from the crosses in our lives. To see hope and resurrection. That’s not easy. It sounds good when preached from the pulpit, but it is sometimes hard to understand in the realities of our lives.

A close relative recently died after weeks of struggle and pain. For sure this was a cross for those who were losing a loved one. As the family circled the bed during her last hour of life, they sang a long treasured and favorite song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." On the ride home from the hospital after she died, some family members sat quietly in the car just beginning to grieve their loss. It was raining lightly. Out of the car window on the horizon they saw a bright, bold rainbow clear as day. In the inexplicable pain and loss that comes with the death of someone close, came Gods love in the presence of a rainbow, allowing them to feel, if for a moment, that God was with them. And, being touched by His love, gave them the hope that in time they could heal.

Yes, the cross and God’s love do go together.

 

Steve Walsh is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, and a good friend of the Passionist Community.