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Scripture:

1 Peter 4:7-13
Mark 11:11-26

Reflection:

Today in his first letter, St. Peter encourages his brothers and sisters to live in the Lord, for the time is soon coming when they shall meet Him face to face.  "The end of all things is at hand."  In my imagination, back with those first Christians listening to Peter, I smile a bit – for my hindsight tells me almost 2000 years have passed awaiting that end time of all things.  But then Peter makes a statement that thrusts me right into our own day: "Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you." 

"A trial by fire. . . " What flashes before my mind is the cover-up by our hierarchy, from the Vatican on down, of the clerical sexual abuse and defilement of our youth.   Meanwhile, in the Vatican, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, whose main job according to Benedict XVI is to clean up this sexual scandal, turns instead upon our American Sisters.  The CDF is going to clean up the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. A five-year purge has been imposed upon them.  Truly indeed "a trial by fire is occurring among us."  Yet Peter cautions us not to be surprised.  "Rejoice," he says, "to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ."

My recent experience of the last few months comes into my reflections.  I have joined a group of people who are pondering whether they should form a local unit of Call to Action.  From their meetings, almost by accident, these people drew me to participate in another sequence of meetings — those of a parish founded intentionally to promote the forward-looking directions of Vatican II.  Through these people – single and married, women and men, mothers, fathers, grandparents, Sisters, and priests – I have been enriched with hope.  For all the Tuesdays of May they have met on the cathedral steps to show our support for the Sisters.  In all the media they have declared the great wonders the Sisters have done for our church and for our country, pioneers opening the west to God and graced humanity. And they recount what the Sisters continue to do as real spiritual ministers and missionaries of the Holy Spirit here and throughout the world.   On the steps of the cathedral they stand in silent prayer for the Sisters and the LCWR, that the Holy Spirit sustain and inspire the Sisters in this second trial imposed by the Vatican just as She did in the first trial – and in prayer for the CDF, that the Holy Spirit may open their hearts and their eyes to the truth.  I am grateful to be part of this group – grateful to the Holy Spirit and grateful to these committed people.  The tremendous hope of our laity has given me hope.

The gospel for the day then speaks to us of Jesus’s cleansing of the Temple.  Jesus tells us, "My father’s house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."  What would Jesus call it today?  The media has given an answer – "a den of corruption," "a den of vice," "a den of snipers."  Our laity, filled with anger and courage, the two beautiful daughters of Hope according to St. Augustine, follows the cleansing action of Jesus in quiet public prayer on the cathedral steps across the country.  Their silence is eloquent.

 

Br. Peter A. Fitzpatrick, CFX, a Xaverian Brother, is a Passionist Associate at Ryken House, St. Xavier High School, across the creek from the Passionist Monastery in Louisville,  Kentucky. 

Scripture:

1 Peter 1:18-25
Mark 10:32-45

Reflection:

"When you care enough to send the very best."  This is the well-known advertising slogan of a greeting card company.  One obvious faith application of this thought is John 3:16.  "God so loved the world that he sent his only Son."  Yes, God cared enough to give us Jesus, the very best!

What did God give to Jesus?  At the Last Supper, when Jesus prayed to his Father, he said, "They (the apostles) are your gift to me." (John 17:24)   Yes, the apostles were a mix of both talents and faults, but yet they were "the very best."  They were human beings!  They had minds that could know truth, wills that could choose the good and hearts that could love.  They (as we) were made in the image and likeness of God and therefore good and valuable.

Today’s epistle reading from the first letter of Peter takes us further.  Not only are we human beings valuable because of the inner goodness we possess from creation.  We are infinitely valuable because we were ransomed "not by any diminishable sum of silver or gold but by Christ’s blood beyond all price."

C.S. Lewis said, "Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object present to your senses."

Next time someone criticizes us, harasses us or bullies us, we need to call to mind how valuable and holy we are in the eyes of God.  We are God’s gift to Jesus!  And he takes us with him and gives us back as gift to the Father.  All we have to do is say "Yes."

 

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:
1 Peter 1:10-16
Mark 10:28-31

Reflection:
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age…"

These are comforting words from today’s Scripture readings.  Jesus encourages us.  Jesus reminds us of the abundant rewards of leaving everything behind and preaching the Gospel, proclaiming the Kingdom of God.  We are asked to give up everything in our lives which might prevent us from focusing on the Gospel message.  So what are the hindrances in my own life, what do I need to "give up" in order to be free to preach the Kingdom of God?

As I age I have realized that material things are losing their meaning and grip on my life.  I’m not so entangled in my belongings anymore and I don’t really fear "giving them up."  The allure of money, power and position has faded as I realize that indeed "money can’t buy you love" and being "first" is a temporary experience.  Jesus reminds us of this in the Gospel reading; "But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."

I’ve also realized that relationships, so important and vital in our personal and communal lives, cannot be my sole source of support in the Kingdom of God.  Solitude reveals the truth that all my relationships with others flow from and are tied to my relationship with God.  It really doesn’t matter how many people "friend" me on Facebook.

So what do I need to give up so I will be free to preach the Kingdom of God?  For myself, and I think for many others today, giving up fear is a great place to start.  Fear has a way of driving us toward the middle of every issue when it comes time to speak up.  Many of us move toward the statistical mean of every situation in an effort to be seen as a rational, measured, balanced, middle class Christian.  Today’s Gospel doesn’t seem to be a call toward this type of calculated approach to following Jesus.

As Passionists we proclaim the heart of the Gospel as we preach Christ’s love for us on the Cross.  We can’t afford to be timid or fearful as we do so.  Our world longs for and desperately needs this message of love.  Let us pray together and support each other, giving up our fear and preaching the passion as we stand with the poor, oppressed and powerless of our world.

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Pentecost Sunday

Scripture:

Acts 2:1-11
Galatians 5:16-25
John 20:19-23

Reflection:

Earlier this week, a 21-year old pawn shop worker from Leesburg, Georgia, was crowned the new American Idol on national television, after the casting of 132 million viewers’ votes!  The Associated Press later recounted how young Phillip Phillips "dissolved into tears as he sang the song, ‘Home.’" The AP went on to describe how "Phillips retained his humble, self-effacing demeanor to the end, and beyond."

While music critics struggle to find superlative adjectives to describe the young man’s extraordinary talent with guitar and voice, they are also quick to add that his humility and humanity are just as remarkable and inspiring. What a delight to experience a celebrity today – an entertainer or athlete – who radiates what St. Paul speaks of as the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, humility, kindness, gentleness, self-control.

Today, on this Feast of Pentecost, Jesus tells us what he told his disciples, "I will not leave you orphans." The Holy Spirit, our Advocate, will come to be with us, to guide us to fuller truth and deep-down-goodness. Pentecost invites us to share more deeply in our loving God by becoming aware of that God-Presence all around us. We are not orphans.

Recently I was privileged to spend about three weeks touring our missions in India. What impressed me most was the goodness of our young Passionist men… their willingness to sacrifice, to serve. They are tireless in doing good, they are unwavering in their commitment. The fruits of modesty in times of success and patience in times of trouble mirror this Pentecost Presence. If this feast is the birthday of the Church, what could possibly bring us more hope? 

 

Fr. Jack Conley, C.P. ministers as a preacher of parish missions and retreats.  He is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Scripture:

Acts 25:13b-21
John 21:15-19

Reflection:

"Do you love me?"

Thirty two years ago yesterday, my husband Tom and I promised to cherish each other for as long as we both lived.  We took vows to support each other in good and bad times and promised to love and be faithful forever.  As I count the years that have gone by in marital bliss, I am reminded of the avalanche of challenges we encountered along the way.  I remember early on in our marriage, when either of us felt we failed to meet the others expectations or we had an argument or disagreement, the familiar phrase, "How much do you love me," would enter the conversation – usually at the end.  The foundation of our marriage was in the formation stage at this time and we both needed assurance.  As I sit here today, I can say with certainty that over the years we have opened our hearts to each other and with that our love has grown strong and that strength has helped us to overcome the doubt and fear that lurked around many corners in the early days.  Now, we never ask, "do you love me," we state, "I love you."

When Jesus asked Peter Simon, "do you love me," maybe He was looking for the same assurance we looked for.  Or maybe, by asking that question, Jesus forced Peter to contemplate his devotion to their relationship.  Either way, the question is one that elicits strong feelings and prompts us to reflect on the importance of the love we have for each other and God. 

 

Angela Kwasinski, Director of Planned and Major Gifts for, The Passionists of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Zephaniah 3:14-18a or Romans 12:9-16
Luke 1:39-56

Reflection:

"…And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me…."

So many events in Scripture would never have occurred if humans had not believed enough to act in spite of their doubts and fears. In story after story we read that people are essential to carrying out God’s plan for humankind. From Abraham and Sarah to Mary and Elizabeth, and continuing right down through the centuries to the present day, God inspires us to speak those courageous words, to offer that consoling message, to say "Here I am" to what we are asked to do.           

Today’s Feast is the joining of the stories of two women, Mary, a teenager and Elizabeth, an elderly woman. The angel informs Mary that Elizabeth, her cousin, is pregnant, and immediately Mary begins her journey to see how she can help.  It was not easy or convenient for Mary to travel that long, lonely, dangerous road to the hills of Judea, but Mary knew that Elizabeth needed a helping hand to prepare for the birth of her son, John the Baptist.

Mary arrives at the door bearing Jesus in her womb.  That’s how simple it is sometimes to spread the Good News…show up with Christ formed deep within you…and you are indeed preaching,  without saying anything more than "Here I am."   

Mary, filled with grace, proclaims "…my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant….and has done great things for me…." 

When we come to Mass, we lay before Him all that we are, all that we need, and all that we can become.  We approach the Eucharistic table with a desire to become the best version of the person that God created us to be…to be FULL OF GRACE.  At the moment of Communion with the Lord, we become filled with the Divine Spirit…FULL OF GRACE, and in that experience of joining our lives to His, a spiritual connection between the Redeemer and the redeemed occurs, and God’s unconditional love abounds…AND CHARITY MUST FOLLOW….

Today’s Gospel is a celebration that seems to demonstrate that one of the blessings of a grace-filled life is a spirit of gratitude that results in generosity.  The MAGNIFICAT is an example of gratitude and the VISITATION teaches us generosity.

Salvation history ends up in the hands of a teenager and an elderly woman, both preparing to give birth, both miraculous in their conception, and both who responded, " Here I am."

 

Deacon Brian Clements was formerly a member of the staff at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California

Scripture:

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
John 17:20-26

Reflection:

Audacity of Courage

The world of faith is a scary one.  It calls for a great deal of courage! 

In today’s Scripture we read in Acts 23:11 "The following night the Lord stood by him (Paul) and said, ‘Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.’"   The original Greek word for courage is tharseō. It not only means courage but has a double recipe of boldness in it.  In Scripture courage has a lot of chutzpah. 

It is not surprising that Jesus often urges us to have the audacity of courage in the Bible.  "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart (tharseō); I have overcome the world." John 16:13 In the Hebrew Scriptures this concept of bold courage is expressed very often by the word batach.  It is used 120 times and means bold confidence.  Bold courage does not rule out fear; but it does eliminate out of control panic.   After all, Paul needed the reassuring presence of Christ standing by him when he said "courage."   Courage without fear is reckless stupidity!

 One naturally thinks of examples of courage on the battle field.  Not long ago I visited Gettysburg’s bloody angle where on the third day of battle there was about 8000 casualties!   There some 12,500 men charged over 1000 yards of open field to capture Cemetery Hill.   Out of these twelve thousand or so Confederate soldiers, headed by General Armistead who was quickly killed, only about 2,500 got over the wall.   The rest of his men were killed, captured, or retreated.  With his hat placed on his sword Armistead led his troops "from the front."   Certainly this man had courage and daring!  

But all of us in our frightening life of faith have to have even more audacity!  We all have to face daunting problems of health, family, and fate.  Even death itself we must face with chilling courage.  Paul needed Christ Himself to stand by him saying, "courage," and so must we!

 

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

Scripture:
Acts 20:28-38
John 17:11b-19

Reflection:
In our Scripture readings for today, we have passages from two "farewell" events. In our first reading from Acts, Paul is saying good bye to his fellow disciples. In our Gospel reading from John, Jesus is praying to the Father in front of His                                                                                                                         disciples at the Last Supper.

What strikes me about both readings is admittedly a recurring theme for me – how the Gospel goes contrary to the wisdom of the world. In our reading from Acts, Paul describes how he lived among them and says, "In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give then to receive.’" That last line is so familiar, but it is so radical! It is radical because even though the world gives lip service to it, the world rarely operates that way, and when it does, it makes the news for being so extraordinary.

The Gospel calls us to a perspective that is extraordinary to the eyes of the world. That is why, I think, we hear Jesus say twice in our Gospel reading: "They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world." We are not to belong to the world, but to the Gospel, to Jesus. That doesn’t mean we don’t engage the world, because Jesus also says, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one."

We are called to love the world, but not to follow the ways of the world. The more we are willing to love, the more we stay away from evil, and the more the world learns of the Good News. The more we love, the more we bring the hope of the Resurrection and the joy of the Holy Spirit.

May we be willing to love; to give more than to receive, and may God bless the world through us.

 

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P. is the director of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.