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Scripture:

Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Luke 17:7-10,

Reflection:

I have revulsion to hospitals.  It’s the smell, the wheelchairs, the nurses’ green outfits, the medicines and moans.  Even the flowers and balloons in the gift shop seem sickly and artificially happy.  I know, of course, that hospitals are places where the sick are made healthy, where new life takes place, where hope abides.  Nevertheless, I dread hospitals.

Perhaps that is why my wife recommended that I take a year off from retreat ministry and join her in hospital ministry.  Anxious though I felt, I agreed.  I contacted a fellow deacon, a chaplain at a local hospital.  He agreed to let us follow along in his daily routine.  Throughout the year, we prayed with the very old who knew they were dying.  We heard to the cries of the very young who didn’t understand pain and simply wanted to go home.  We heard the loudspeaker calling out emergency in room 23a.  We gave communion to those who needed nourishment beyond that of hospital food.  As much as we may have blessed the sick, they blessed us by their patience and hope and courage.

By the year’s end, however, I admit I felt relieved.  My year of hospital ministry was over.  I must admit, too, that I felt virtuous and rather proud of myself.

Today’s gospel is almost rude in its bluntness for those, like myself, who may harbor heroic self-opinions.  Jesus’ words are cold water splashed in my face.  Snap out of it.  I was doing only that which I was expected to do: to serve others – without regard to whether I disliked it or enjoyed it, whether I found enrichment or not.  I ministered to the hospital sick because that’s where I was needed.  Period.

We all are called to serve one another, even when we don’t feel like it.  It’s never a matter of feeling.  It’s a matter of calling.

And after we have done what is commanded of us, our evening prayer should be one of humble gratitude:  “We are unprofitable servants.  We have done what we were obliged to do.”

Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:
Ephesians 5:21-33 or 5:2a, 25-32
Luke 13:18-21

Reflection:
A mustard seed is just a little thing.  But it can grow into a large shrub where the birds of the air build their nests.   A thought is a small thing, like a mustard seed.  But a small thought can lead to something very big.

The ancient Egyptians had a thought, “Ah, a pyramid.”  And today we can still gaze upon these amazing wonders of the world.  The ancient Chinese had a thought, “Ah, a wall.”  And the Great Wall of China became a wonder that is still standing today.  Michelangelo had a thought, “Ah, a likeness of David!” And out of a block of marble came a magnificent and much admired statue.”  These all began with a thought.

With the Department of Defense and the military-industrial complex we have thousands of people thinking about and planning for war.  How about establishing a Department of Peace where people think about and make plans for peace?

In one of the United Nations organization’s constitution we read, “Since wars begin in the minds of people, it is in the minds of people that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”

Thoughts are little things, but they have power.  Thoughts lead to action.  Thoughts place before our eyes a goal.  Thoughts focus our attention.  Thoughts mobilize our energy.  And then our bodies and emotions go to work.

Norman V. Peale said, “Change your thoughts and you can change the world.”  To pray “Thy kingdom come” is to ask the Lord to direct our thoughts to justice, peace and love.  Then our actions will follow so that on earth “His will is done.”

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.   http://www.alanphillipcp.com/

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:1-10
Luke 11:47-54

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel we see a stern and courageous Jesus who, in modern terms, is “speaking truth to power.” In our daily lives, it’s hard enough to confront family, friends or political leaders when the truth has become cloudy, much less take a stand that could put our life in jeopardy!

Luke’s Chapter 11 begins with the Pharisees and Scholars of Law “amazed” that Jesus does not follow the prescribed ritual of washing before the meal.  “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil.” Jesus speaks very piercing words, especially to powerful leaders of the Jewish community, but He speaks them from a place of righteous anger. Jesus goes on to hold the Scholars of the Law accountable for their public expressions of respect in building monuments to the prophets even while they will secretly plot to take away their very lives. That is the fate that awaits Jesus, the contemporary prophet in their midst.

Hypocrisy has no place in the world of Jesus.  Outward but empty expressions of piety are without worth, and even worse are the attempts by those who should know better to distract people and bar them from genuinely seeking the truth.

In our nation and world today, there are untruths, stories and claims buzzing around us like flies. The truth seems so elusive. Perhaps in our families we are coping with addictions or destructive behaviors that seem to threaten our very sanity.  How do we hold on and go forward from a place of authenticity? How do we not “buy-in” to the pretenses that seem so prevalent?

Our inner truth, our “true north,” comes from God through Jesus and is enlivened by the Holy Spirit.  And it is from that divine compass that we find our own strength to remain honest with ourselves and others, and to speak truth to power wherever in our life that is needed.

 

Nancy Nickel is the former Director of Communications for Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Galatians 3:22-29
Luke 11:27-28

Reflection:

A group of enthusiastic retreatants shouted “Amen!” one weekend when asked if they believe in the Communion of Saints.  They were affirming and celebrating an ancient truth – Yes, we, the Church Militant, are part of the Communion of Saints.

But later during Mass, the priest challenged them with another question: “Are you willing to put God before anything else in your life – before family, before material things, before your own needs?”  No shouts of Amen.  Just uncomfortable mumbling.

The woman in the crowd shouted her own enthusiastic Amen: “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that fed you.”  She was affirming and celebrating a truth – Yes, Mary was indeed privileged to be the mother of Jesus.

But Jesus responded to the crowd with what sounded almost like a denial of his mother: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

This was no repudiation.  On the contrary, Jesus proclaimed to the crowd – and to those tongue-tied retreatants – that there is a higher truth.  We are closest to God when we hear the word of God and obey it.

It’s not enough to be counted among the Communion of Saints.  Not enough to talk about the gospel.  Not even enough to claim blood relationship with Jesus. We cannot merely hear the radical words of Jesus. We must change our life to do the will of God.  And no one has heard and obeyed the word of God better than the Blessed Mother.  Jesus gave his mother the highest possible praise.

What about us?  Do we merely listen to Jesus’ words or do we really follow him by giving him our whole life?   The Blessed Mother and the saints glorify God in heaven, not for what they said, but for what they did.  They obeyed the will of God.

Jesus challenges us to do the same.  Can we shout “Amen” to that?

Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Scripture:

Galatians 1:13-24
Luke 10:38-42

Reflection:

As the month of October unfolds and the lives of many religious founders are shared with us, today’s special scripture selections for the Feast of St. Francis help us celebrate the Franciscan “roots” of our Passionist family, and our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross.

In writing to the Galatians, Paul the Apostle could truly “boast” in Jesus Crucified and look to the Cross of Jesus as the means of salvation. Saint Francis of Assisi heard that call of Jesus in the 12^th Century, gave himself wholeheartedly to Jesus and began an exemplary life of praise and sacrifice; some six centuries later, St. Paul of the Cross was called to build upon that blessed foundation.

To “boast” of Jesus Crucified; to praise God in all aspects of creation; to “rest” in the Lord and “learn” what it means to really love God and neighbor:  Jesus offers a transformation of life through joyful love, poverty, humility, and simplicity.  How needed that transformation in our 21^st century!

The Scriptures came alive for Francis of Assisi.  His carefree youth was radically changed by the call of Jesus, and thus he renounced his personal possessions and changed his life to one of evangelical poverty and preaching.  Francis was truly charismatic, compassionate, and in love with all God’s creation; others were attracted to his style of living.  Francis was blessed to compile a “rule of life” and establish a number of religious communities of both men and women.  In the short 44 years of his life, he sparked a spiritual renewal that continues to thrive even today.

Today, in reflection:  how do I respect God’s presence in people, nature, created things?  How are simplicity and humility part of my life?  How am helping build up the Church?

Francis invites us to join him today in “boasting in Jesus Crucified”, and praising God in our simplicity and respect for all manifestations of God’s Life.  O Brother Sun and Sister Moon, Brother Francis, Paul Daneo:  let us rejoice in the Lord, and as Passionists boast of the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is a member of the Passionist community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

Reflection:

What is being asked of us is not to have more knowledge of our catechism, but to have a much deeper and stronger trust and confidence that our God is near us, even when God seems so far away. That doesn’t mean our faith will eradicate hardships and difficulties. Being a faithful disciple of Christ is never going to be a tea party. God has promised his love but never promised us a life free of suffering. Let us not forget: “He did not spare his own Son.” In the darkness we ask only what Paul the Apostle asked:  “Stir into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”

The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by speaking about a servant doing his duty. I believe what Jesus is saying is reflected in the words of Edgar Guest as found in “Doing the Gospel.”

I would rather see a sermon than to hear one any day…
I’d rather one should walk with me…than merely tell the way…

The best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds…
For to see good put to action…is what everybody needs…

I soon can learn to do it…if you will let me see it done…
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue, too fast may run…

And the lecture you deliver maybe e very wise and true…
But I’d rather get my lessons…by observing what you do…

For I might misunderstand you…and the high advice you give…
But there’s no misunderstanding…how you act and how you live.

“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.'”

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness. He resides in Chicago.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Scripture:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
John 1:47-51

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.  Once again I find myself reflecting on angels, as I have since I opened the pages of the New Baltimore Catechism in the 1950’s.  Question #19 went straight to the heart of the matter.  “What are angels? Angels are created spirits without bodies.” Question #22 went further with a “job description.” “How do the good angels help us?  The good angels help us by praying for us, by acting as messengers from God to us, and by serving as our guardian angels.” So much for my understanding of angels in the 1950’s.

In the 1960’s (circa 1968), the “Dutch Catechism” gave me more to think about concerning angels. “Everything said about them (angels) in the Bible proclaims the marvelous truth: that God is concerned for us in a thousand ways. The names of the angels tell us this.  Gabriel means “strength of God”; Raphael, “God’s healing”; Michael, “Who is like God.”  This understanding is the one I hold today; God is concerned for me in ways I’ll never understand.  God just plain loves me without limits!

I like this understanding.  It is so good to know how deeply and uniquely God loves me. If I could fully explain angels, then my understanding of the ways God can love me would have the limits of my own mind. I prefer to feel the warmth of God’s love on this cool, fall day in Louisville, in unexpected, unknown and fully unlimited ways.

I’m getting too old to develop scholarly reflections on the Archangels!  But, God willing, I’ll never be too old to experience God’s immense and mysterious love for myself and each one of us.  May the angels always be with us and may they walk happily with us into the arms of God.  Amen.

 

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

Scripture: 

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Luke  9:7-9

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus first asks His disciples what the people think of Him; who were they saying he was. The disciples give their answers, and then Jesus asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter, who so ften gets it wrong, gets it right. He says to Jesus, “The Messiah of God.” And after Jesus warns them not to tell this to anyone, He then says, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

In acknowledging Peter’s confession of Him as the Messiah, Jesus then tells them how He will be the Messiah: neither by military conquest nor by getting rid of corrupt leaders, but by sacrifice, even to the point of death, followed by resurrection.

For me, the Gospel readings for the last few days have highlighted the difference between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of the Gospel, and we see this once again in today’s reading. That, I think, is one of the reasons Jesus doesn’t want the apostles to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. The people were expecting a different kind of Messiah, and even the apostles had trouble understanding what was going to occur, so perhaps Jesus didn’t want to get the people’s hopes up for something that wasn’t going to happen.

Understanding Jesus’ death on the Cross as an act of redemption helps us understand that God does not promise to remove all our difficulties, but instead, God promises us that He will get us through to the other side. Jesus did not only predict His Passion and Death, but also His Resurrection!

Can we live in hope, and thereby tell the world who we say Jesus is?

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan.