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Ash Wednesday

Scripture:

Joel 2:12-18
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Reflection:

"Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment." Joel 2: 12-13

Today we begin another 40 day journey through Lent to Easter. The Church in her wisdom invites us to slow down and look more deeply at our lives. It’s a time to strengthen our spirits in the fight of flesh vs spirit. We are encouraged to fast, to repent, to pray more and to be generous to others. Lent is a perfect opportunity for renewal and a chance to grow in our relationship with the Lord who loves us so much!

Here are some tried and true ideas to help you go deeper this Lent. Add another daily devotional to your morning prayers. Take one of your crucifixes and put it in an unusual place in your home where you will see it often. Stop and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice each time you see it. Find a prayer partner and set up a time to pray together each day or week during Lent. You could pray on the phone if you can’t get together in person, or you could make it a prayer walk and get the added benefit of exercising together. Sign up for a small faith-sharing group or volunteer to facilitate a group. Go to confession. Find a way to go to daily Mass where grace abounds! I like to call it the two-for-one meal. You feast on God’s Word and you receive the Eucharist. What could be better?

God is inviting us to return to Him with our whole hearts —  no matter what shape they are in. He wants us to bring Him our broken hearts so that He can heal us; our sinful hearts so that He can forgive us; our closed and fearful hearts so that He can assure us of His love and His faithful companionship. He wants to make us whole again!

Don’t let bad habits or laziness or unforgiveness or some secret sin keep you away from the only One who will love you no matter what. Turn back to Him for He truly is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment." One last thing we can do this Lent: Let’s all pray for each other as we journey towards the wholeness that God desires for each of us so that on Easter Sunday we may all rise to new life with the Lord. God bless you!

 

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. Janice also leads women’s retreats. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.jcarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected]

 

Scripture:
Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Mark 2:1-12

Reflection:
"You burden me with your sins, and wearied me with your crimes. It is I, I who wipe out, for your own sake, your offenses; your sins I remember no more." Isaiah 43:24b-25

The readings for today’s Mass speak to us of sin, transgressions and forgiveness. St. Paul, in the second reading, remind us that God is faithful, and that we should not be "yes" one moment and "no" the next. And yet, we are very much aware of our own personal frailty, our weakness, and our sinfulness. Isaiah the Prophet, in the first reading, says that our sins weary and burden God. Yet God is greater than any of our sins, and for our own sake, God forgives us. This very awareness causes shame and gratitude both at the very same time. We are shamed by the fact that our sins have burdened God, but grateful that God forgives for our own sake, because God is God.

In the seventies, when I was just beginning my ministry, there was a very popular song by Waylon Jennings: "Looking for Love in all the wrong places." This sentiment just resonated with us, because we thought that it was our calling to look for love, only to discover that we could never find it. True Love always finds us. The same can be said about forgiveness. We look for forgiveness in all the wrong places because we think that forgiveness, like love, is a commodity, it is something that we can trade for, and even worse, we can buy. We have fallen out of the practice of seeking forgiveness because we are truly sorry for our sins and transgressions. We think that as long as the public does not know our sin or weakness, there is no need to seek forgiveness. Most of us have lost the sense of sin as a social reality and therefore we think that forgiveness does not require a social context.

It seems to me that one of Jesus’ great accomplishments is exposing sin as a social reality. In the Gospel for today’s Mass, Jesus clearly associates our human frailty with our sinful condition, and demonstrates that he, as Son of God, has the power to forgive sins and to cure infirmities. When those who come to Jesus broken and downcast and Jesus forgives and heals them, we see the public nature of sin and of forgiveness. Yes, it takes courage to seek forgiveness within a social setting. But ultimately, it takes grace. When we say "yes" to the grace of God to seek forgiveness from Jesus in the social context of the Church, then we are a step closer to truly being with the Jesus of today’s Gospel.

So many of us think that the most authentic forgiveness we can experience is when we approach God in the secret of our aloneness. We forget that the sin we are asking forgiveness for in the solitude of our personal space has already left its mark on society, either because we failed to live up to our responsibility or because of selfishness or because we have hurt and demeaned the human and cosmic relationships that make up our life. Forgiveness reaches its perfection in the social context of our sacraments, which are by nature, social events.

Then, we will be able to echo what we read in the first reading, as God says: "See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"

 

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

Scripture:

James 3:13-18 
Mark 9:14-29

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, we have what I consider one of the most useful prayers ever prayed. Our reading takes place right after Jesus’ Transfiguration. Jesus, along with Peter, James and John come down from the mountain, only to find a large crowd in an argument with some scribes. When Jesus asks about the argument, the father of a boy possessed by a demon comes to Him. As the father explains to Jesus about the inability of the disciples to drive out the demon, and what the demon does to the boy, he says to Him, "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus then replies, vehemently, I think, "If you can! Everything is possible to one who has faith." And then the father exclaims, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"

For me, the father’s exclamation expresses the feelings of many faithful people who are often confronted with situations that are very difficult or hurtful. Sometimes the hurt or difficulty causes us to question our faith. But if we look at our lives, we can see that our experiences remind us that our faith in God is not displaced. And so we turn to God and say, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"

This simple plea from a distraught father also expresses the kind of wisdom about which is spoken in our first reading from Sirach. To say "I do believe" shows wisdom in that we realize there is a God. To say "Help my unbelief" shows wisdom in acknowledging that we are dependent on God, even to have faith.

And so, when circumstances may bring us to the point of doubt, we need not be afraid of our doubt, but instead we can turn to the God who loves us, and say, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"

 

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P. is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, Fairfield, Alabama.

 

Scripture:

James 2:14-24, 26
Mark 8:34-9:1

 

 

 

Reflection:

"If you cannot spend much time in prayer, no matter: to act well is always to pray well. Be attentive to your duties, and at the same time be attentive to God by frequently purifying your heart in the immense ocean of divine love." St. Paul of the Cross

This quote from the founder of the Passionists sums up the readings for today nicely. To act well is to pray well. It is a wonderful moment when we can schedule time out of our day to sit in silence and pray. However more often then not, there are days when we may find that we do not have the time to stop and carve out a silent moment to speak with God.

If the statement "God is all around us" is true, finding a moment to devote to Him should be simple as saying a morning offering before we get out of bed in the morning. Realize his presence in nature, in the faces of the people that we meet, and the works that we do. Praise him not only when blessed moments happen, but also offer up those moments when we feel our cross weighing down. Making ourselves aware of His presence helps us to live out the first reading from today: living our faith through our works.

Therefore, it is not about being able to give Him ten minutes of silent prayer a day, but about making ourselves aware of His constant presence in our lives. Keeping that line of communication open will allow our hearts to be open to His will. If every work that we do is for His greater glory, our daily tasks become not just empty gestures but acts of faith.  As taking from today’s first reading, "For just as a body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead". Our faith coming to a physical fruition is necessary for our spiritual journey.

By then offering our lives and work as a sacrifice to God, we not only show our love for Him and others but also take ownership in our salvation history. We recognize that we are part of His promise and are his hands here on earth.  We take up our cross, as we are called to into today’s Gospel reading, and follow him.

God is always communicating to us, although we are not always aware, we are constantly immersed in the ocean of God’s love.

 

Kim Valdez, is on the Pastoral Staff at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

1 James 3:1-10
Mark 9:2-13

Reflection:

"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this need not be so. "
1 James 3:10

 

Several months ago while I was still in Houston I had a simple, touching example of a blessing from a little four year old child.  Her family had gathered with others for a farewell party for me.  I sat with her family.  I noticed that she had a little plate filled with cookies.  I looked at her and reached out my hand, asking, "Could I have one of those cookies?"  She looked at me, then at her cookies.  There was a long pause.  Then she picked up a cookie and handed it to me.  "Here."  I responded of course with a "thank you!"  Sharing one’s goodies by a little four year old is a big step forward in realizing that she could make me happy by giving me one of her cookies.  She could see the look on my face and hear the tone in my voice.  She was free to say either yes or no.  But here was a step forward for her in realizing that cookies not only make her happy but others.

Toward the end of the party people were leaving.  I noticed that there were many cookies left.  I asked her Mom if she would like to take some cookies home.  A big smile said, "yes."  I got a paper plate and asked her little daughter if she would like to take some cookies home.  She understood that question right away!  I reached out my hand and asked her to follow me.  We had a great time circling the cookie table.  Mission of kindness accomplished for both of us.

Blessings are so helpful for each and all of us.  Busyness, preoccupation, failing to see the person standing in front of us shrinks a beautiful moment of blessing.  Blessings are a wonderful moment to realize that none of us have gotten to this point in our lives without many, many blessings.  Have you heard the word "here" recently as you have been offered a cookie recently?! 

 

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

Scripture:

James 2:1-9
Mark 8:27-33

Reflection:

A few years ago I attended a panel discussion at one of the very well known and attended Catholic churches in Chicago.  The congregation is, generally speaking, pretty financially healthy. I can’t remember the exact topic of the discussion although I think it was on an issue of social justice. I can remember, however, what happened at the gathering.

As we were seated with our light refreshments waiting for the panel to begin, a woman who was dressed rather oddly and in fairly worn clothes came and sat down at the next table. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and, while she wasn’t "well put together," it looked as though she had tried. As she began to converse, however, her comments made only intermittent sense. The reality began to dawn that she was probably homeless and certainly not mentally sound.

I could feel the energy shift, both within myself and around me. Several people’s body language began to change. I found myself feeling anxious – could she be violent? Would she be disruptive? I hoped she would simply leave. Those thoughts and feelings became mingled with guilt as I saw myself responding, before anything else (including compassion), out of fear. And the irony was thick. Here we were preparing to hear commentary on the plight of the disadvantaged and I could see that several of us wanted to jump out of our skins because the disadvantaged were so close. 

Today’s first reading and the Gospel do not mince words and we shouldn’t either. Being a Christian means to constantly ask oneself to let go of the societal barriers, stratifications and judgments that separate us externally so that we can love one another.  We shouldn’t put ourselves in harm’s way out of foolish romanticism. But we needn’t fear being close to "the other." We are called to love bravely.

It is my opinion that every time a wall of judgment goes up, it is our duty as Christians to ask ourselves why that wall exists, and if there is a way to take it down, brick by brick if need be. Whether the wall goes up in terms of wealth, race, sexual orientation, faith, politics, ethnicity or any of the other myriad reasons that radically divide us, we are urged by the Gospel to instead stand shoulder to shoulder before God and stop segregating those who are, simply put, not exactly like us. We are specifically called to reach out to the poor.

Loving bravely doesn’t mean there aren’t dangers. It cost Jesus his life and, frail human that I am, I hope to God I never have to put my physical life on the line for my beliefs. But we segregate out of hate and judgment at our spiritual peril, dying a bit inside every day if we lead with anger, fear and exclusivity. I think the only way through the cross of spiritual diminishment is to embrace Christ fully and be willing to love, knowing that God will give us the courage we need to let go of old fears and patterns of discrimination.

 

Nancy Nickel is director of communications at the Passionist Development Office in Chicago, Illinois.

Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

The Prayer of Our Lord Jesus Christ
in the Garden

Scripture:

Hebrews 5:1-9
Luke 22:39-46

 

Reflection:

Today is Mardi gras, Fat Tuesday, especially in New Orleans.   It is the last chance to enjoy oneself completely, especially with food and drink.   After all, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of a long, relentless Lent.  One must gird oneself for this ordeal, much like hibernating animals fatten themselves up on the verge of a cold, lean winter season, so as to survive off the body fat that has been accumulated during the good times leading up to winter.

That’s one way of doing it.   But there’s another way, presented in today’s  reflection, which is part of what is called "the Passionist Proper", that is, a special spiritual program calendared in for the Passionists on special days throughout the year, one of which is today: THE PRAYER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE GARDEN.   The Passionists enjoy their own "proper" liturgy (both Eucharist and liturgy of the hours), which departs from that celebrated in the rest of the church today.  Hence, the special bible readings, from Hebrews and Luke.

In place of the hibernation approach to the beginning of the Lenten testing season (as Jesus remarks to His disciples in today’s gospel: "Pray that you may not be put to the TEST"), the Word of God recommends prayer, one of the traditional Lenten practices urged on us by the Church throughout her tradition, starting with Jesus’ remark, just cited.   Despite the difficulties many of us have with prayer, such as distractions and sleepiness, (versions of our own hibernation approach), prayer is recommended to us today in both scripture readings: "In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to God…" (Heb 5.7), and, in addition to the citation above, we hear: "In his anguish he prayed with all the greater intensity…"  (Lk 22.44).  We note that prayer rises to prominence before the trial or the test commences.

Is this not true for most of us?  We pray most intensely when difficulties beset us.  That is the way it should be, given the example of Jesus.  And Lent is one of those difficult times when we pray about some issues affecting us, that we have been postponing.   And certainly one of our favorite prayers clearly emerges on the lips of Jesus praying in Gethsemane: "…not my will but yours be done."   We can pray no better than this.  And we notice what likely happens to us frequently when we pray: it fails "to work".  Certainly in Jesus’ case, the angel who appeared so as to strengthen Him didn’t remove the test ahead of Him.  But there was a benefit: "…he learned obedience from what he suffered."  And so with us.  No prayer goes unanswered.  So let us begin Lent with prayer on our lips and in our heart "that you may not be subjected to the trial" (Lk 22.46).

 

Fr. Sebastian MacDonald, C.P. is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. 

 

Scripture:

James 1:19-27
Mark 8:22-26

Reflection:

This section of the letter of James reminds me of the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Scriptures.  Moderation and self restraint should be the hallmarks of the true disciple. Be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." Be eager to listen to the word and welcome it into your heart for it is able to save your soul. Here we have the encouragement to do daily "lectio divina". But being very practical James reminds the disciple the he must be "a doer of the word and not a hearer only". Then James gets specific as to what he thinks is absolutely necessary for a true disciple: he requires him to "bridle his tongue" and care for "orphans and widows in their affliction". I think that is a big order.

Mark presents us with a healing miracle. Friends bring a blind man to Jesus and beg for a cure. Jesus doesn’t act immediately but takes the blind man’s hand and leads him away from the crowded village. He anoints the blind man’s eye with saliva and asks the question: "Do you see anything?" The man says he cannot see distinctly and so Jesus lays his hands on "the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly". It is interesting that the other gospel writers do not recount this incident. Maybe they were embarrassed that Jesus didn’t accomplish the miracle on the first try. But just maybe we are dealing here with the growing faith of the blind man. Maybe that should be our prayer today: "Lord, may I see more clearly what you are inviting me to do when you touch me with your Spirit."

 

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