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Scripture:

1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Luke 6:6-11

Reflection:

The law is clear: No one is supposed to work on the Sabbath. This sacred written law was given directly by God to Moses. You can’t get much more authoritative than that. When it became apparent that Jesus was about to violate that law in order to cure a man’s withered hand, I can imagine the Pharisees asking him, "What is it you don’t understand? Can you not see how clearly this is written in the law? In order to call yourself a Jew, you must obey the law without exceptions.  It is a black-and-white, open-and-shut case. This is God’s word and you may not violate it."

Yet Jesus turns the law on its head by asking whether the Sabbath is intended to give life or take life. Knowing that giving life is the answer, he heals the man’s hand and ignites the fury of the hierarchy of his day. They condemn him as a notorious lawbreaker leading people astray from the truths and authentic practice of their faith.

I understand the desire of so many people in our church today to uphold the law. We need to have rules, boundaries, and guidelines. We need to retain our sense of sin, right and wrong, and faithfulness to the tradition. But I wonder what would happen if Jesus were here today. I wonder how often, and in how many ways, he would point out that we rely too heavily on the rules and the letter of the law instead of looking at the underlying goals of discipleship and faith.

For example: Would Jesus dictate that hosts could be made only of wheat, even for people with gluten intolerance or in cultures where wheat is rare and other grains are a staple? Would Jesus deny communion to a sinner? Would Jesus cling to a human law on celibacy if it meant large numbers of the faithful could no longer celebrate full Eucharist on a daily or even weekly basis? Would Jesus condemn a Church official who invites the President of the United States to a lunch he is hosting, or refuse to allow a respected speaker at a Catholic university unless every one of the speaker’s positions (even those not addressed at the event) were in line with official Church teaching? Whether you would answer "yes" or "no", the list could go on endlessly as we examine the rubrics of our sacraments and our worship, the services we offer or refuse to offer, our willingness to communicate/collaborate rather than adamantly refusing to engage, our ecclesial structures and decision-making authority, our accountability (or lack thereof) for actions we condemn in others, and more.  In other words, how dramatically different would our church be if we viewed every issue with the law in mind but with the primacy of love, inclusion, and pastoral service at heart?

I do not pretend to have the answers. I know the issues are complex and deeply rooted. I do suspect there are too many ways in which the reality of our church today is at odds with the ideal Jesus upheld. I also mourn the frequency and virulence with which people who sincerely work for the vision they believe embodies that ideal are summarily dismissed or condemned as notorious lawbreakers leading others astray from the truths and authentic practice of their faith.

So I begin by examining my own practices, always seriously considering the law and teaching authority of the Church while opening my heart of stone to the Spirit in prayer, reaching out in love even when it is costly, and proactively making changes in my life to conform more completely to the model of Jesus’ love, inclusivity, and pastoral practice. At the same time, I pray for the wider Church, that there may be more openness and dialogue, more flexibility for pastoral application, more gentleness and compassion, more soul-searching and perhaps even a bit of law-changing.

 

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

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3: 18-23
Luke 5: 1-11

Reflection:
The gospel story about Jesus calling Peter to be a disciple is familiar. Luke tells us the people were "pressing in" to hear the word of God. Some were there to get a healing miracle, others simply to see this famous healer who spoke with authority.

Simon Peter is off to the side, cleaning his nets after a long and failed night of fishing. He is brought into the story when Jesus climbs aboard his boat and continues his teaching. This is the beginning of a remarkable change in Peter’s life. Peter was a professional fisherman, owned his boat, had a couple partners, and earned his living on the lake. His occupation defined who he was. By Jesus stepping into Peter’s boat, the fisherman, an occupation not high in the social ladder, received an honor that perhaps raised his reputation a little higher. Who of us doesn’t feel more important when we are connected to someone famous: "I know the mayor." "I was just fifty feet from the Pope." Peter, occupied with this honor, did not recognize that Jesus was going to change his life forever.

"Peter, go out to the deep and lower your nets." Maybe we are surprised that Peter didn’t object more strongly. He was the fisherman who knew where to fish and the best time to fish. What does a carpenter, a preacher, a miracle worker know about this lake? "At your word I will do so," Peter responds; he is obedient. We don’t know why Peter went out to the lake again after a night of disappointment. Perhaps he trusted the reputation of Jesus. As Peter tossed the nets into the lake, the nets caught a huge haul of fish, so great that there was immediate need for other fishermen to help.

This incredible catch brings Peter to his knees; Peter is humbled. His first words are to tell Jesus to go away. That reaction is normal. People who are smarter, more talented or stronger than I can make me feel inadequate. We like to be king of the hill and don’t like anyone else ousting us from our hill or comfort zone. Peter sees the holiness of Jesus and his own sinfulness.

This dynamic story reminds us that a divine encounter can happen at any time and in any place. Peter was cleaning the nets when Jesus came into his life. The encounter didn’t happen at a synagogue or at the temple or when Peter was deep in prayer. The same can happen to us. We don’t need to go to a special shrine. Jesus is with us as we work at the desk, clean the dishes, wash the car, entertain friends or set up a yard sale. Are we listening?

Sometimes in our encounter with Jesus, we don’t like what we hear and we feel resistance, like Peter. But ultimately we are asked to trust Jesus, to bend our knee, see our own limitations and follow Jesus. This is not easy, but the opportunity is always there to go fishing with Jesus.

 

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province and resides in Chicago.

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture:

Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23

Reflection:

Hanging on a retreat center wall in Lake Charles, La. is a portrait of the annunciation. A radiant angel stands before Mary. Her posture is one of humble submission. It is the moment of surrender. She says "yes" to God’s plan for her and humanity.

I believe surrender is the fundamental act of the Christian life. More than praying a prayer, it is a posture from which we can live our life. Surrender is a daily, sometimes hourly abandonment of our person and will to God who always wants the best for us. Living a surrendered life is far from being passive or resigned. It was because of Mother Teresa’s daily surrender that she ministered to the poorest of the poor. Maximillian Kolbe’s surrender impelled him to give his life in the place of a married man in a concentration camp’s starvation bunker. It is through surrender that people who are bound come into recovery. People who live surrendered lives are among the most proactive, passionate people alive.

There were two memorable moments of surrender in my life. One was lying prostrate in the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Church as the litany of the saints was being sung. That occasion was my ordination to the priesthood in 1991. The other was proclaiming my vows to the passion, poverty, chastity, and obedience to God on this day 27 years ago. Peak moments of surrender help shape our lives and define the way we live each day. 

God is so worthy of all that we are. As we heard in the readings, God chooses the lowly. He predestines us for glory in love. God works through our sometimes splintered family tree to bring about good. God is gracious, kind, and merciful. God never forces our surrender but captivates us and allures us to freely give ourselves fully in the context of a love relationship.

Today we celebrate the birth of the one who’s "yes" would change the destiny of humanity. Our daily "yes" can affect people too.

 

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 16 books and creator of television and radio programs airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Luke 5:33-36

Reflection:

On working the world famous 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I found myself confronted with step eight: "Made a list of those persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all." Every time I sat down to make that list, I would think of someone, and then rationalize: "No, that son of a gun owes me more amends than I owe him." I struggled with that for over a year, before I remembered that I was counseled to put God and myself on the top of that list. So I did that. I put God and myself on the top of the list.

Now I had to figure out how I harmed God and myself. My first reaction to trying to determine how I harmed God was that I couldn’t harm him-what does He care about this little old nothing me? God doesn’t need me. I put God aside for awhile and began trying to figure out how I harmed myself. The answer came almost immediately. I had harmed myself by not allowing me to be me. I had spent my life trying to live up to what I thought you expected of me. I had spent little energy trying to figure out who I was and to live faithfully to that truth.

After a little further thought I began to realize that I treated others, especially those near and dear to me, the same way. I wouldn’t let you be who you really are. I wouldn’t let God be God, i.e. able to love me and every member of His creation, no matter how seemingly unimportant with an everlasting, infinite love. WOW!

I learned that if I listened with compassionate ears and eyes, I could learn about who you really are-even if you don’t know who that is. I learned that I had to stop judging people from my myopic perspective and open myself to the wonders of diversity and beauty beyond my wildest dreams. I had to as Paul tells us today: "not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God."

 

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

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Luke 4:38-44

Reflection:

I was sitting with friends today talking about how we are always in a hurry.  We are in a hurry with driving, always on a schedule, living by the clock.  Our society even wants a remedy for rapid results:  A pill to lose weight fast, a pill for sleep, and a pill for more energy so we can do more than we already have time for.  We as a society are not making enough time for ourselves.  We are squeezing too much into our already busy schedules.  Our ability to really enjoy life with our family and friends is buried in the distractions and the rush of our hectic schedules.   In the end our spiritual life suffers greatly.  Why are we in a hurry?  Where are we going?  Where are we evolving to?

As I reflect on Paul’s teaching in today’s scripture reading, I realize that we have not evolved spiritually.  Even though nearly 2000 years have passed, we are still "infants in Christ". Our society as a whole is spiritually immature and undeveloped.  Many are unprepared to accept God’s grace and salvation.  Many are searching for something to fill their spiritual void.  However, in our search we are easily overcome by life’s distractions.  We are people "still of the flesh" unprepared to received "the solid food".  We are afflicted with physical desires, anger, and jealousy.  In today’s world we have more distractions with technology and moral dilemmas.  In our search, we go to church but again we become easily distracted with our schedules and do not spend the time we should reflecting and praying. 

Paul teaches us that he and other apostles are instruments of God to lead the way to Christ but it is God that causes the spiritual growth.  Through God’s grace and love we have the potential for spiritual growth.  Our church leaders are "coworkers with God" and we are "the field".  This field needs fertilizing, watering and nurturing.  God laid the foundation and we are His building but it is up to us to take the time for doing good deeds, praying and reflecting on the Gospel in order to grow closer to Him and to understand the mystery of His Kingdom. 

Through prayer and reflection we receive spiritual healing and growth.  Jesus healed and drove  out the demons in Luke 4.  As we learn to slow down and take the time for reflection and prayer, we allow the Holy Spirit to enter us more freely to heal and expel our demons so that we may come to understand God’s grace and love.  Only then will we be prepared to receive "the solid food " that God has waiting for us in His Kingdom.

 

Ana Overley, M.D., Assistant Professor at The University of Louisville Department of Internal Medicine, and Secretary of the  Pastoral Council at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Louisville ,Ky.

 

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Psalm 145
Luke 4:31-37

 

 

Reflection:

God’s Spirit at Work

As I’ve grown older, I know firsthand how I depend on my eyeglasses to help me see.  I’ve worn glasses for most of my life; they are "first-on" and "last-off" each day.  I regularly have my eyes professionally examined, and often there are tweaks in the prescription lenses.  My eyeglasses are important in helping me see clearly the beauty of God in both people and nature…and then engage in life.

Building upon today’s first reading from St. Paul, we need to "see clearly" with the aid of the spiritual vision that comes from faith in Jesus Christ.  We have received a share in God’s Spirit which helps us to recognize and then actively appreciate the many gifts God shares with us.  Looking through in the Scriptures, the gift of faith helped the Israelites to see that it was God who parted the waters of the Red Sea for their Exodus crossing, and the gift of faith that helps us see Jesus’ death on the Cross as Jesus’ supremacy over sin and death…not simply a political execution.  As we regularly share in the Eucharist, it’s faith that helps us see not ordinary bread and wine at Mass but truly Jesus’ own Body and Blood given to us.

In the Gospel, Jesus is teaching with authority at Capernaum.  He encounters a possessed man in the synagogue, and powerfully and lovingly cures the man.  Again, it’s God’s Spirit at work in Him, meeting the challenges of a man possessed and people of little or no faith – inviting all of them to a deeper faith — and changed lives!

It’s God’s Spirit at work in our lives, helping us recognize God’s gifts all around us – in both joys and sorrows, successes and failures, the forces of nature, the passage of time.  Nothing in life escapes God’s presence and love.  In faith, we are called to see everything in light of God’s love…"God is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works" (Psalm 145).

Blessings on this day, and the Spirit at work in our lives!  May we "see" clearly and respond lovingly!

 

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Luke 4:16-30

Reflection:

In the Gospel we hear and ponder in our hearts the stirring mission statement of Jesus Christ our Savior. Relief, hope, and great news confront the bad news faced by the oppressed, the stubborn, the dictatorial, the blind, the freedom-deprived and the poor. I am mindful today, that in fact, 20% of our country do not celebrate Labor Day because they are unemployed. And, as we allow Jesus’ "mission for the world" to renew its penetration in us we realize again that "This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen." 

We cannot underestimate the movement of the Spirit to address issues of injustice. It is constitutive to the gospels. And in our pondering, not letting pass by the words of Paul today, when he assures us that he lives and writes "so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God."

That assurance is critical if we are to embrace the same mission as Christ — addressing in our own environment systemic injustice in all of its forms. This activity will lead to the Cross in some form of rejection at a personal cost. While initially Jesus "won the approval of all" who heard Him speak, when they realized that the blessings of Yahweh were primarily for the sake of those who were foreign, at-risk, and unattractive, "they were enraged" and tried to "throw Him down the cliff." The cross of the Catholic Christian is what is endured when one speaks out and acts for the sake of Justice For All.

Although this is a "small sting of rejection," when we at Holy Family Cristo Rey H.S. in Birmingham seek employment for all of our students (the 9th graders being the most difficult to employ) we feel the sting of incredulity and rejection from potential employers who turn us down without an explanation. We do not give up, because this Passionist Mission is embedded in the Cross of Christ, the greatest and the most overwhelming work of God’s love.

 

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
Psalm: 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Reflection:

Strong words come forth from today’s readings!  Moses, the prophet of the Passover and Exodus, clearly asks the people to reconcile themselves to the power of the commandments of the Lord over them.  Their public behavior will be the "evidence" that will move other nations and peoples to recognize the covenant relationship that exists between the Israelites and God.

The meaning of the commandments and the underlying covenant is made explicit in the Responsorial Psalm, which names the practical expression of a just life.

Our second reading from James emphasizes the importance of a coherence between what we believe and what we do.  "Be doers of the word and not hearers only…."  In harmony with what the Psalmist had made explicit, James names the practical exercise of the commandments that reflect this first generation of the Christian community: "to care for orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Finally, in the gospel selection from Mark, Jesus is presented in dialogue with the Pharisees and scribes, the usual framing of a discussion that would exact from later hearers the clearer understanding of how Jesus was setting his followers apart from "traditional" Judaism.

Some scripture scholars attribute this concern over the rituals of the Jewish purification practices to be a response to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.  Having been denied the supreme physical place of worship, the Jewish community began to magnify the importance of the domestic rituals and practices of the Law, as a sign of the fidelity of the community in spite of the loss of the Temple.

The response of Jesus to the implicit accusation that his followers are less devout and less observant because they do not perform the purification rites, is that these rites are merely external rituals which cannot redeem the individual from the truly "impure" motives and behaviors that flow from within the individual, from his or her heart.  Just as what enters from without cannot defile, so the washing from without does not wash the guilty heart within.  "From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile."

One cannot reflect on the Scriptures these days that lie amid the two national political conventions, and not ask whether our Scriptures should enlighten the discourse taking place.  Upon listening to the hours and hours of speech-making, one might be inclined to believe that certain basic Christian tenets have been dispensed for the campaigning: "thou shalt not bear false witness" comes to mind.

However, what is even more contrary to the Gospel of Jesus is the sentiment that "economy" trumps "human dignity", or that "wealth" is a sign of "goodness".  Both points of view are markedly contrary to the teachings of Jesus.  When economic principles (whether proven or unproven) are actively debasing human dignity, can we support them in good conscience?  It seems to be a principle that giving money to wealthy people (tax cuts) is good, but giving money to poor people (health care/medicare) is bad.  Underlying this polarity is probably the bias we have about success equals goodness and indigence or need equals badness.

Let us pray that the pivotal decisions that will be made about the future leadership of our country will be, as the first reading points out to us, a witness to the presence of God in our lives and in our consciences.  Let us show the other nations that in our country the value of human being and human goodness is not measured by the dollars in the bank account, whether onshore or offshore.

 

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P., is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness for Holy Cross Province.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois.