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Scripture:

Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 14:15-24

Reflection:

“It’s too good to be true.” That is what we think when we are informed that we have received a free gift from a telephone call, a letter in the mail or an invitation on the internet. “Nothing is free in this life,” we tell ourselves. This is normally a smart and safe reaction. The Gospel reading today, though, reminds us that there can be an offer that is too good to be true and is also trustworthy.

Jesus asks us to see our gracious God as the banquet host. God has fixed a great banquet and invited many to the party. After sending out invitations and getting all the arrangements made, the host then sends a second invitation to remind all those who have been invited.

What a gracious God we have. God constantly calls us to come be with him, having prepared everything for us to enjoy. God gives us an invitation “too good to be true.”

Jesus describes people who refused the invitation to the banquet because they were too busy with possessions, profession or people. The excuses we hear are rather dim-witted. Would any one buy land or animals without first inspecting what he desired to purchase? The third man blames his future wife for setting the date of their marriage. All had plenty advanced notice of the banquet, but none wanted to attend and thought up dismal excuses.

Each of us is invited to a banquet, to spend time with God. Sometimes possessions keep us from attending the banquet. We have something in the house to fix, the new car to clean or the lawn to mow. It seems there’s always something else that demands our time and attention. Sometimes our work keeps us too busy. We want that overtime and so we can’t make it to church. We work all day and we’re tired so we just want to sit in front of the TV and not be disturbed. Sometimes people keep us from time with God. We get too busy with friends, going places doing things, and God just sort of ends up being neglected. We have good intentions and plan to spend time with God, but we never quite get to actually taking some quality time with God.

If I am too busy for God, I am too busy! I set my priorities! I find time to do that which I believe is important. Would my life be different if I set a priority in my life to accept the invitation to spend some time with God, to strengthen my relationship with Jesus, to listen to the gentle whispers of the Spirit? “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”

 

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

Scripture:

Galatians 5:1-6
Luke 11:37-41

Reflection:

Can you imagine being invited to someone’s home for an evening meal and then find yourself being criticized for the way you eat your food by the very host who welcomed you?  It might very well make you wonder why you were invited in the first place!

Our Gospel passage today presents a very interesting moment in the life and public ministry of Jesus.  Luke tells us that after Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.  As the Gospel reading yesterday portrayed for us, Jesus had just spoken to a large crowd of people and surely some of those in the crowd were Pharisees.  They heard him say that, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”  If I was told that I was part of an evil generation how would that make me feel?  I am not so sure I would want to invite Jesus to my home for a meal unless I had some ulterior motive.  Yet, Jesus accepted the invitation, never wanting to miss an opportunity to set those so terribly bound by mere observance of the law free.  But his host missed the chance of a lifetime and could only fall back on criticizing Jesus because he did not observe the ritual of washing before the meal itself.  He missed the freeing love of Jesus who was there with him at table.  What a great loss!

Paul tells us in our first reading from Galatians that only faith working through love is what matters and that for freedom Christ set us free.  Today’s scripture readings are a wonderful reminder that we, like the Pharisee, can invite the Lord into our home, to welcome him as we gather around our table for a meal.  But the freedom he brings will only be ours if we are willing to welcome him in trusting faith and selfless love, something our Pharisee friend could not do.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan.  

Scripture:

Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17
Luke 10: 17-24

Reflection:

I remember when I was young, my mother used to write my name on just about everything. She would put my name on school supplies, clothing items, and sometimes toys. My name even appeared on the refrigerator door with a photo.  Is your name written on things that you own? Even today I have my name written on various items: passport, driver’s license, legal documents, business cards and even on my office door. Sometimes we might want to put our name on a laptop or cell phone or maybe even on the inside cover of a special book.  This is helpful because when the item is lost or misplaced, you might get the item returned. Your name on a particular item says that article belongs to you.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells the disciples, “…rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”  First, though, Jesus gives a prohibition, a warning. “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you.” Jesus had sent the disciples out to announce the Kingdom of God. They returned from their short missionary journey all excited because the evil spirits were subject to their commands. Jesus calls off his disciples from rejoicing even in that which is legitimate and a good reason for rejoicing as any-namely, success against the powers of darkness. He calls them to fix their joy upon a good infinitely to be preferred to that-their name written in heaven. Jesus was fearful of spiritual pride and a false sense of security in his disciples.

When I am successful, it is easy to think that it’s all because of me–my skills, my knowledge, my determination, my power. I become the center and fail to acknowledge all that lies behind my success: encouragement of friends or education or opportunities others don’t have. Maybe even luck plays a role. And behind it all is God’s graciousness. The other point is that when we have a false sense of security, we are easily crushed and lose heart when the tide goes against us. To fortify us against these two outcomes, Jesus reminds the disciples that their victories are temporary. Having their names written in heaven is permanent.

My name on a piece of clothing says that item belongs to me. Having my name written in heaven means I belong to God. God does not forget me when dark clouds surround me, when the good I desire to do fails miserably or when there is no reason to rejoice. God knows my name, loves me and watches over me every day of my life. My name is written in heaven. Now that is a fact in which we can rejoice.

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness for Holy Cross Province and resides in Chicago.

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8
Luke 9:43b-45

Reflection:

Jesus has just come down the mountain after the Transfiguration experience.  He encounters a man whose son is afflicted with epilepsy, which the disciples were not able to heal.  Jesus heals the young man.  Then Jesus makes His second passion prediction.  In this prediction, Jesus mentions being “handed over.” This is a reference to Judas’ betrayal.  The more Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples the quieter they become. They are beginning to realize the implications of Jesus’ mission and their discipleship.  Only after the resurrection will the disciples understand the total implications of His death on the cross.

Some say the purpose of the Transfiguration was to give Jesus the courage He needed to face his sufferings and passion.  Others say the Transfiguration was for the sake of the disciples to follow Jesus into His sufferings and death.  Slowly the disciples will realize that discipleship means giving up one’s own ambitions and taking on the demands of faithfulness to Jesus and the demands of the Reign of God.

There are times in our own life when life is bleak and we need hope to continue.  In Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, the daughter, Frances has just given birth to her baby.  She asks her mother why bring children into a world filled with poverty and pain.  The mother responds: “Things will get better.  In Austria, everyone worked twenty-four hours a day for a landowner.  At the end of the day, you still owned nothing.  In America, one works twelve hours a day.  You get a check for your family. You can hope to own your own home.  First, you must nail a star bank in the darkest corner of a closet.  When you shop, select a defective head of lettuce, or a bunch of carrots.  Ask the manager for a discount.  Put that saving in the star bank.  When it is cold, instead of turning up the heat, wrap a shawl around your shoulder, and you will save on the cost of electricity/coal.  Put that saving into the star bank.  Eventually, you will have enough to own your own home.  When you own your own home ‘you are nobility.'”  John Hassler, in his book, North of Hope, which is set in Minnesota, a character is very despondent and says: “Hope doesn’t come this far north!” “Christina, hope has no limitation.”  The Transfiguration gives all Christians the power to be the presence of hope wherever God places us.

Fr. Ken O’Malley, C.P., is a member of the Passionist Community at Sacred Heart Monastery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Jeremiah 28:1-17
Matthew 14:22-36

Reflection:

“Take courage, it is I…do not be afraid.”

Jesus and the disciples had been ministering to the crowds, and it was now time to “move on”.  The disciples were to precede Jesus by boat to the other side of the sea while Jesus dismissed the crowds and spent some brief moments in prayer.  During their late-night journey by boat on the sea, the disciples were tossed about by the wind and waves – and their own experience of Jesus’ challenging ministry. Coming across the water, Jesus approaches them and their all-too-human leader, Peter; they think they’re seeing a ghost…  Jesus reassures them:  “take courage, it is I…do not be afraid”.  Their fears were calmed and they journeyed with Jesus as he ministered healing and teaching.  The result:  Jesus met the disciples’ fears, strengthened their faith – and Jesus’ mission continued!

Jesus speaks to our hearts today, inviting us to not be afraid as we courageously offer our lives in service of the Gospel message of love and reconciliation.  We may be tossed about by the winds and waves of contemporary life (e.g. violence, indifference, laziness, selfishness, etc.) and yet God continues to inspire us in the faith-filled lives of our spiritual leaders and fellow companions on the journey.  Let us prayerfully support one another.

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the Vocation Director for Holy Cross Province. He lives at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Jeremiah 26:1-9
Matthew 13:54-58

Reflection:

Happy Friday in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time!

The Gospel today (Matthew 13:54-58) tells of Jesus in his own hometown.  The people said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?  Is this not the son of a carpenter?”  And they took offense at him.  Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”  And so Jesus did not work mighty deeds there.

Where does a prophet have honor?  Where is a prophet heard?  Not among kin or in familiar surroundings; not among those who lack faith.   God comes to us in the most unlikely forms and talks to us from the most absurd sources.  Or perhaps is it just us who believe that the forms and sources God uses are unlikely and absurd?

The paradox we live and know is that to have faith, we must be familiar with Jesus. But the very stumbling block for the people in the Gospel is the necessary stepping-stone to hear Jesus’ word and accept him.  It’s tough to live our faith in today’s society… Just think about the last time someone came to you and said “I’d like to take a few moments to talk to you about Jesus.” The fact is that if we take seriously our own commitment to live Gospel values, there will be times when we will be faced with misunderstanding, rejection, and ridicule.

All over the Bible, we see how God’s prophets faced rejection and resistance.  And think about your own experiences – Spiritual or Secular – Have you and/or your ideas ever been rejected when you tried to change something for the better?  How do you handle that rejection?  And if we try, I’d wager we all can recall theologians, saints, scientists, doctors, or others who were rejected for their ideas. But what about today? Who are our modern prophets of today?  They are met with rejection and hostility at every turn!

Do we dismiss the innocent yet authentic viewpoint of a young child?  Or the experiential wisdom of the aging parent?  What about the homeless, the gay, the black, the rich, the disabled, the convict?  God made all of these people.  Jesus, Godself, spent most of his time with tax collectors and sinners.  Any one of these people, and more, can offer us the most intimate encounter with the Great & Holy One, and yet, more often than not, we deny the graces and contact with God, just because we judge the messenger “unworthy.”

God works with even these people, as “unworthy” as they might seem.  And yes — God works with even us.  We are called, you and I, to “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” No matter how hard or uncomfortable, we’re the Body of Christ in the world today.

Is it a challenge to “be the only bible some people will ever read?”  YES!

Is it worth it?  Well, I hear the retirement is out of this world.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of trusting us with your Word.  Please help us to never grow weary of sharing your love with all those we meet… especially ourselves. And please grant us the grace to recognize you, and accept you, no matter the vessel you use to reach us.  Amen.

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.

Scripture:

Micah 6:1-4, 6-8
Matthew 12:38-42

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is asked for a sign, ostensibly to demonstrate that He is who He says He is. But Jesus replies, “An evil and unfaithful generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Then Jesus offers a parallel between Jonah in the belly of the whale and He in “the heart of the earth.”

There may have been times in our lives when we asked for a sign, especially at times when we were trying to discern God’s will. Does that mean we are an “evil and unfaithful generation?” I don’t think so, but you can almost hear the frustration in Jesus’ voice as He tries to point out that He is the sign they are looking for.

If there are times when we’re not sure of what direction God wants us to go, I can’t see that it is wrong to ask for a sign. But if we are at a time in our lives when we wonder whether God loves us or not, all we need do is look at the Cross! We can read the Scriptures. We can observe the beauty of creation. We can look at our lives, and as it says so famously in “Footprints,” we can see when Jesus was carrying us through our most difficult trials. These are the signs that God has already given us to show us His love! And there are probably so many small signs every day that come to us, whether it is an encouraging word, a hand on the shoulder, or even just a smile.

Some of the Pharisees just refused to believe in Jesus, and it wouldn’t have mattered what sign Jesus gave them. But for us who believe, may we have the grace to see and hear the signs, big and small, that God sends our way.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Scripture:

Isaiah 55:10-11
Romans 8:18-23
Matthew 13:1-23

Reflection:

My hope is that each person reading this is able to be more intensely conscious of God’s fertile Word always present with you and for you.

What is God saying to us through Jesus’ parable of the sower, who is sowing with abandoned, his seed? His seed is His love, His friendship, His wisdom, His getting us through tough situations, His intense interest in our lives, our marriages, our vocations (after all, He called us) are all available through His Word. The same Word that created the stars, the planets, our own lives, always available! “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Is. 55:11)

To highlight the utter value of the Word that is “sown,” listen to this story which comes from the late, Fr. Joseph Donders:

“A young man had a misunderstanding with his girlfriend – a very serious misunderstanding.

 He was upset about it, because it spoiled their relationship entirely, and he like her very much.

He tried to talk to her, but that did not work. He tried to phone her, but when he heard her voice, he did not know what to say, and he had to hang up. He tried to write a letter but when he finished, he tore his letter up because he thought it sounded silly.

Then he remembered that she liked roses, dark, red roses. He bought her a rose -only one, because roses were very expensive that time of the year. The man in the flower shop put some ferns with the rose and wrapped it in nice thin, green paper with a simple bow. The young man knew that this would work.

The young man went to her home and put the rose down in front of her door at the time he knew she would come home. He then hid around the corner, behind some bushes.

Then she came, as lovely as ever. His heart was throbbing, and he was in a sweat. She opened her purse and took out her key.

She opened the door and stepped inside, without having noticed his beautiful, expensive rose at all!”

What a disappointment, what a tragedy, what a letdown, what a missed opportunity!  But we do not know what became of the young man. If he has an instinct to believe that God does not abandon anyone, then he will accept this reality, as painful as it is. Knowing that it is in the terms of the parables and this story that God, that Jesus, that Matthew, wants to speak to our hearts, to get our attention. Think of the unseen, unheard, unfelt, untouched signs that you wanted to give to someone else that somehow got lost, missed, never noticed.

God gives us signs day after day, night after night, trying to get our attention. Like when someone asks you, “can we talk for a minute, just a minute, please?” Or, “Dad, I made a huge mistake and I need to tell you about it.” Or, “honey, you know we have not had the time just to talk about what matters to us.” Or, when someone in the family says, “Hey, I have this great idea for us to do.” Or, when a feeling comes over you, and you just want to be grateful to God, or to someone who never hears anything from you. Do you know what I am talking about?

Yes, we live as those who have eyes and see not; as those who have ears and hear not; not only as far as God is concerned, but even as far as the people around us are concerned.

Is not God trying to speak to us through others? Is not that what God tried to do through Jesus when he often “went out of the house and sat down by the sea?” Where are you and when God calls you to be in the presence of others, with Christ’s presence?

You and I recognize Him when we listen, look, see, pause and observe, and, yes, point His presence out for one another through our acts of kindness, patience, perseverance. Let go of your fear, God is behind it all.

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P., is a member of the Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan.