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Scripture:

Isaiah 49:1-6
John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reflection:

Shelly Douglass, director of the local Catholic Worker House in Birmingham, AL, once commented that she always thought that "Jesus meant what he said in the gospels." But it was not until she was in college that she found anyone who agreed with her. She discovered a group of people "who thought Jesus meant what he said and they were trying to do it."

This week called "holy" by Christians is the "DNA," the blueprint, the "matrix" to following in the very footsteps of Jesus Christ, Son of God and our Savior. Consider the plight of this prophet seeking to speak the truth to a corrupt system. For the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 42 as well as for Jesus, disappointment and even betrayal led to their own glorification and the accomplishment of their God-given vocation. Remember "glorification / glory" actually means to fulfill one’s desires, dreams or hopes. We give God glory by fulfilling God’s Will, by living our lives as on mission to serve others, thus fulfilling the hope, the "dream," the Plan of God for the whole universe.  

A day does not go by in this mission at Holy Family Cristo Rey that we are not up against yet another obstacle in "breaking the ingrained cycle of poverty" in the minds and hearts of our students. One of those ingrained attitudes has to do with putting off the immediate gratification, that is, looking for the quick fix, the "short-cut," and not taking care of business – homework, applying oneself at the workplace, staying focused. In battling against the cycle, there is not a time where there is not a setback, a defeat, a disillusionment, a disappointment or some battle with oppressive systems. "I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly spent my strength for nothing and vanity;" (Is 42:7) Jesus faces two betrayals among his own followers at the most intimate moment with His closest disciples – announcing His faithful presence in the Eucharist.

The venerable Fr. Carroll Stuhlmueller, C.P. once pointed out that "instead of dying with bitter frustrations both the servant as well as Jesus realized that they were called into earthly life, not for an earthly ambition, but to achieve a delicate love and a faithful consecration with God and with their neighbors within the scope of their earthly life." I ask myself this question in prayer, "Lord, as I face this challenge in the mission, right now, where can I find you, in my efforts to persevere?" Our choice to respond in faith is to give "glory" with Jesus to the Father. "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him." (Jn 13:36)

 

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

Monday of Holy Week

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

It’s Holy Week in the Western Christian World, there’s anticipation in the air.  Here, in Chicago, the Cub’s home opener is Holy Thursday, April 5; an early spring thaw at ground has produced blooms and blossoms that make one forget it was winter three weeks ago.  The official weather record says there are only 9 winters when snowfall averaged 20 inches or less (this year’s average), since 1885.  Many colleges and school districts let their students out for Spring Break over the last couple of weeks, and Easter frocks are on display at the traditional big merchandisers. Spring is definitely in the air.  It doesn’t feel much like Lent anymore.

However, Lent is for the rest of the week.  We read the Passion of Jesus at yesterday’s Palm Sunday liturgy, and it will be repeated for us during our Holy Week liturgies.  What began last Ash Wednesday with good intentions and determined sacrifices, a period of serious consideration of our need for conversion and repentance, is coming to an end. 

There are probably some who would anticipate this reflection’s admonishing us to "keep the Lenten promises and resolutions" for the rest of the year; it would be "good for us"!  Instead, however, we should listen to the undercurrents in the texts of the Prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of John.  They plunge deeply into the meaning of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah, and of the Passion of Jesus in John’s Gospel.  Isaiah proclaims the justice and mercy of God in His Servant.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus boldly proclaims his willingness to embrace his dying, so that belief in Him as the one who gave life to Lazarus could become the hope of all people.  Both texts can’t help but acknowledge that in the great mercy and love of God, the Passion of Jesus is the instrument of his Resurrection, which He will share with all who believe in Him.

We often ignore the Responsorial Song when preparing these reflections (speaking for myself, of course!), but today we hear the theme of Resurrection-after-defeat poetically proclaimed by the Psalmist in Psalm 27:

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
To open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

The Resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate victory of justice, for it is the victory of the Just One over all that is injustice.  The Resurrection of Jesus is the demonstrative sign of the Covenant God made with His People, more radiant than the rainbows that color the skies.  The Resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate liberation of those who have been imprisoned by sin and who have lived in the darkness of hopelessness or despair.

This week’s liturgies are the proclamation of the Church that we have embraced Jesus’ Resurrection because we are embracing his Cross as the instrument of our salvation.

 

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

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39

 

 

Reflection:

Today, Palm Sunday, the blessing of the palms followed by a procession into the church precedes the principal Mass. The gospel of Mark depicting the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is used at the blessing to help us enter the solemn mysteries of Holy Week: the Passion, Death, and Burial of Jesus, leading to his glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  During the Mass itself we enter into that very passion and death in the gospel of John.  In this opening gospel of Mark, however, Jesus asks us to contemplate his entry into the last week of his life.  His very entry is a parable for us – to ponder and understand what he is doing, to see who he really is – the messiah – and what he is taking upon himself, and how he takes it.

When Jesus and his disciples draw near to Jerusalem, he sends two of them into the neighboring village to procure a colt that seems to be tied there just for him, waiting to be picked up and brought to him.  Moreover he seems to have made his own arrangements ahead of time with the people who own this colt, without any of the disciples being aware of it.  The disciples then put their cloaks over the colt, and Jesus sits on it – he clearly had planned to enter Jerusalem at the beginning of the holy season mounted on the foal of a donkey.  He is quietly acting out what had been foretold by the prophets Isaiah and Zecharia.  Though his disciples may not see this at the time, afterwards they would recall it and record it.  Matthew, writing much later than Mark, makes it clear, quoting the prophets (Matt 21).

The people along the way, thinking of what he will do for them and the entire nation, throw their cloaks and palm branches before him, singing out his praises as their king to come.  And how does he come?  Quietly, riding a young donkey, not a glorious steed, with the common peoples’ cloaks to sit upon, not a fine leather saddle.  A humble messiah,  not an imperious king, but as one who teaches humility, kindness, compassionate care of the poor and the down trodden, as one who teaches  justice for all, but especially for the powerless.  A parable in action – and a sign of how he will live out his final week on this earth, a sign of how he will enter into his passion and death.

Jesus coming on this young donkey asks us, I think, to enter into this week in all humility and  to contemplate each day his great love for us.  He asks me to contemplate that his love brought him to this week.  That his love puts him on the cross, not my sins – his love prompted him to do this for me and for all.  That his love saves me and will save me from my sins if I but stay with him.   I think of the line from the prayer of St. Francis Xavier: "Thou, thou, my Jesus, whilst on the tree, didst in thine arms encompass me."  May he hold us tight to himself on the cross this week.          

                                                                                                           

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

Scripture:

Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-56

Reflection:

"Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves.  They looked for Jesus…."

When I first read today’s Gospel, the phrase that immediately caught my attention was: "They looked for Jesus…." 

As human beings, I believe that we were created to be in relationships: relationship with God, relationship with other people, and in a sense, relationship with ourselves–to become the person God created us to be and to celebrate who we are.  When all three of these relationships (God, self, and others) are in harmony, we are most fully human.

Whether we realize it or not, it seems that we are all on a journey to find that certain something that will bring meaning, fulfillment and purpose to our lives.  We may spend many years in this pursuit.  There appears to be a vacuum created inside of us that yearns to be filled and we may try many different possibilities in our attempt to fill that "hole in our soul."

This was certainly true in my life.  I spent many years trying to fill that hole by "looking for Jesus" in all the wrong places–in the acquiring of material possessions, in the desire for honor and prestige, and ultimately in the comfort of various addictions that caused damage in all of my relationships.  None of the options that I tried ever came close to filling that hole.  It wasn’t until I finally surrendered and acknowledged my need for help, that I discovered the Person of Jesus. 

Further along in John’s Gospel, chapter 15, verse 16, Jesus reminds us; "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you."  I think God creates that vacuum within us that only He can fill.

Jesus continues to seek a personal relationship with each of us and it is through His love that we experience a sense of connectedness, a deep intimacy that brings serenity, inner peace and joy into our lives.  Jesus restores right relationships in all areas of our lives as we "look for Jesus" in the faces of all those we encounter each day.

 

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

Scripture:

Jeremiah 20:10-13
John 10:31-42

Reflection:

Jesus makes the statement which would have him condemned to die. "I am God’s Son." Are we not reminded constantly that we are God’s image? Well, here it is, Jesus is pointing out to the Jewish leaders, "Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’" "The Father is in me and I am in the Father."

This is a meditation in itself, I am the image of God today, in public. The scandal? The blasphemy? How can the Almighty "fit" in our weak, limited flesh? Is that in itself a "faith question" for me? Do I accept the Loving Presence of God within me? Do I act in the confidence that God is in me, through Jesus’ name? Am I willing to be treated as He is?

But is there something even more significant to what is going on here in the discussion with these leaders? In public, Jesus had just healed a young man born blind on the legally, sacred Sabbath. And then, in public, he describes himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for his flock.  Is that too much to hear and to bear? The willingness to sacrifice all for the other’s sake? The willingness to put others’ welfare before my own?

In taking up my responsibility, daily, to image God publicly, the words of Jeremiah are right on!

 

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

Scripture:

Genesis 17:3-9
John 8:51-59

Reflection:

"The Lord remembers his covenant forever." 

I take comfort in the covenant I have with the Lord described in today’s readings.  The comfort comes from knowing I am in a "relationship" with God which lasts forever and spans the months and miles which make up my life.  In a real sense, this covenant love relationship has lasted all my life.  In simple terms, God and I go "way back".

From the moment of my Baptism, God and I have been in a grace filled relationship, punctuated by the occasional experience of my sin but always underlined by God’s forgiving and loving presence.  Maybe Question Number Twelve from my old Baltimore Catechism sums it up! 

12.  Does God see us?

 Answer:  God sees us and watches over us with loving care.

I have been through many changes in my life.  The one wonderful constant is that God always has taken care of me.  God is always with me and never forgets His covenant with me; just like Abraham and Jesus in today’s readings.  Even when I experience suffering in myself and others, ministering as a member of the Passionist family, God’s unending love is always present.

Last week I had the high honor of working with survivors of the Henryville, Indiana F-4 tornado for the American Red Cross.  I met suffering folks standing in rubble who had lost everything.  They had every reason to wonder whether God "remembered them".  Yet these same people, suffering and in great pain, spoke through their tears about their faith in and relationship with God!  Time and again I heard "I’ve lost everything, but I know I’ll get through this because God is with me."

The power of the tornado could not stand against the power of their relationship with God.  Indeed, God does see us and does watch over us with loving care.

Today, let us remember and smile when we recite the verse "The Lord remembers his covenant forever."  Because He does…

 

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

Scripture:

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
John 8:31-42

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that if we are to be disciples, we are to make His Word our home.  How do we do that?  We find Jesus’ Word in the Gospels – and His Word makes the way clear.  His Word gives us the commandment to love God and love our neighbor.  His Word gives us the Beatitudes.  His Word tells us to forgive.  His Word tells us to care for the widow and orphan, to feed the poor and care for the sick.  His Word gives us the example of sacrificing everything, even our life, for others. 

He goes on to say this truth will set you free. The Jews who were following him were shocked that He would imply they were slaves.  They didn’t understand that there is more than one kind of slavery.  In our Western culture, we certainly seem to be enslaved by many, many things.  We are enslaved by our "stuff", by our work, by TV shows, by sports, by fashion, by our electronic gadgets, by our egos, by alcohol, by sex and the list goes on.  And here is the thing – we become enslaved since we can’t ever get enough.  We keep wanting more and more.  We keep trying to fill up and there is never enough to fill us up because these are not the things that our soul is seeking.

But if we live the message of the Gospel, if we live His Word, we will be set free.  When we feed the poor, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick and dying, visit the imprisoned – then we will be free.  He promised it.

Try it.  Before this Lent is over, replace some of your quest for more by giving away.  Give of your resources and give of your time to reach out to someone in need.   Volunteer a few hours in a soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter, visit someone in your parish who is homebound or sick, console someone who is grieving.  

Warning though: once you try it, you’ll want to do more.  But here’s the difference, now you will be filled up.  You’ll be filled with God’s love and your soul will be satisfied.  He promised it. 

 

Mary Lou Butler is a long-time friend and partner in ministry to the Passionists in California.   

Scripture:

Numbers 21:4-9
John 8:21-30

Reflection:

Sociologist Peter Berger writes, "It seems plausible that folly and fools, like religion and magic, meet some deeply rooted needs in human society."

 

What is it about folly that stirs our inner worlds?  Ancient monarchs all had their court jesters. Even their clothing betrayed the folly; they were attired in clown-like vibrant colors, and their hats were floppy with three points, each of which had a jingle bell at the end. Yes, their role was to entertain the king, but also to speak to the king’s heart. The jester was the king’s friend and he alone was permitted access to the king’s inner chamber, for he played prophet to the king’s soul.

King David once listened to Nathan, his court prophet or clown. He once entertained the king with an anecdote about a village and two men – one very rich and one very poor (2 Samuel 12). The poor man had a little ewe lamb whom he loved; he even shared his food with the lamb. And one day, Nathan explained, the rich man had a friend visit him, so rather than take from his own enormous herd, he slaughtered the poor man’s sole little ewe lamb as a banquet for his guest. King David flew into a rage thundering, "That man should die!" Then the jester Nathan tells King David, "That man is you." For it was David who had Urriah the Hittite killed in battle as he had taken his wife, Bathsheba, for himself.

In today’s reading we hear of Moses holding before the people… grumpy and irritable, tired and miserable… a bronze serpent, a symbol of their sinfulness (remember the icon we use for physicians?)  While the serpent has always been a symbol of Satan, it’s venom is also a symbol of the healing power for our woundedness. As if he were holding a mirror before the Israelites, Moses holds the bronze serpent. Don’t deny or project, don’t blame others or rationalize or psychologize away your sinfulness. Acknowledge it. Admit it. Only then will you be healed.

Years ago a television show entitled "All in the Family" captivated the hearts and imaginations of many of us. The protagonist, Archie Bunker, would sit in his living room armchair and shout violent diatribes against his Polish son-in-law. We’d slap our knee in amusement and giggle our way through the narrative until about three quarters through the show when suddenly we realized that Archie is ME!  I’ve again been hooked, indicted, by my own complicity.

Maybe this Lent is a time to embrace my need for God’s healing, to acknowledge my sin and celebrate God’s unconditional love and forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance. Got a clown in your life?

 

Fr. Jack Conley, C.P. gives Passionist missions and retreats and lives in Chicago.