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Scripture:

Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a
Matthew 10:24-33

Reflection:

The other morning, a smiling young lady carrying a clipboard, knocked at my door.  She was collecting signatures for a petition to overturn Prop. 8.  This is the controversial California proposition that passed in November 2008, changing the state constitution to recognize only marriage between a man and a woman as valid.  It also eliminated same sex couples’ right to marry.

Before the young lady could continue, I stopped her politely to say we are a Catholic household and our view on marriage between a man and a woman is firm and non-negotiable.   The young lady appeared visibly surprised.  She walked away, wishing me a good day.

Most of my business and political colleagues oppose Prop. 8.  Like the young lady, they too are surprised at my position.  I can see it in their faces:  they think me intolerant and bigoted.

It isn’t easy being Catholic these days; certainly not when it pertains to an issue as volatile as same-sex marriage.  Indeed, there has been pressure to silence supporters of "traditional marriage" by exacting a price for their vocal stand:  loss of job, boycotting of businesses, vandalism to homes.  Consequently, many choose to remain silent.  I hoisted my colors before that young lady.  Knowing how precincts and politics work, I believe our home address has been marked in bright red.

Jesus said to his Apostles:
"No disciple is above his teacher,
no slave above his master.
It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,
for the slave that he become like his master.
If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,
how much more those of his household!"

Those words of Jesus hit home with stunning reality.  If he was ridiculed for his teaching, why should I, lowly disciple, think that I will be spared?  If the master of the house was called "Beelzbul," how much more those of his household?

I’m not sure I’ll proclaim my views from the housetop anytime soon.  But neither will I deny them when asked what we Catholics are called to believe.

 

Deacon Manuel Valencia ([email protected]) is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

 

Scripture:

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a
Matthew 10:1-7

 

 

 

Reflection:

A common thread running through today’s readings is that of betrayal. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers who sold him into slavery. Though harshness is highlighted today, forgiveness and mercy will eventually prevail. In the Gospel, we are given a list of the twelve chosen. We ominously hear that Judas "betrayed" Jesus.

Recently Bernard Madoff received his sentence for betraying many people out of millions of dollars. South Carolina governor Mark Sanford betrayed his wife with his affair. I frequently receive emails from people whose marriages are rocked with infidelity, from people who are hurt by others, and from those who have been abused in various ways. These people are bewildered and wonder what to do. As we live and relate with others, we will inevitably be betrayed, abused, and rejected by someone. It is especially hard when the rejection or hurt comes from those who are serving the church. When I was a seminarian, I was rejected by a number of students and it almost broke my heart.

One of the books I read on my retreat in June was the bestseller The Shack by William Paul Young. Without giving away the storyline, one of the powerful truths this book presents is the healing forgiveness brings. Jesus tells the apostles to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." There is strength in God that empowers us to forgive. The kingdom of heaven is present when, no matter the pain or injustice, a person chooses to forgive. In addition, God’s kingdom is operative and shown by what happens to the person who forgives. Rather than becoming obsessed and bitter, they gradually let go and move forward. In Joseph’s case he became governor of Egypt and was vindicated in the presence of his family. I have experienced God’s promotion in my own life as I try to take the high road. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. I pray you will know its healing and vindication in your life.  

 

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 12 books and creator of the TV program Live with Passion! airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/

 

Scripture:

Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30
Matthew 10:16-23

 

 

 

Reflection:

Jesus sent us as sheep into the midst of wolves, but he didn’t specify that sometimes those wolves are not predators outside our borders.  Sometimes they are in our very midst – people we trust, people with whom we live or work, or members of our own faith community.  

A friend of mine became disillusioned working in a parish.  He contends that in the business world, everyone acknowledges ulterior motives like status, money, and self-promotion beneath most interactions.  In a parish, everyone claims selfless service of God.  Yet he witnessed backstabbing and power grabs that were far more vicious and damaging than those you find in a corporate office.  As he told his story to others, he found that his parish was not unusual.

Perhaps we should expect as much, based on the story of Joseph’s brothers, and knowing that Jesus himself was betrayed by one of his closest associates.  Unfortunately, we are a very human church, filled with the same dysfunctions, self-righteousness, and weaknesses as the world in which we live.  Yet it always comes as a shock.  We expect more of our church, our parishes, and ourselves.  We know we are called to something better, to greater integrity, more tolerance, increased patience, and transparent justice. 

So how good a model am I?  When I disagree with the pastor, do I have the courage to speak with him face-to-face rather than write anonymous letters or talk behind his back?  How often do I hold grudges against members of my family or my faith community rather than engage in the difficult process of forgiveness?  By what means do I justify saying negative things about another that I would not repeat to that person’s face?  When have I tried to "cover" for myself, telling white lies, deflecting criticism, or engaging in small acts of deception in order to appear blameless despite my complicity?  When have I harshly judged another without taking time to understand their position and find common ground?   In what ways have I convinced myself that I am surely a sheep, despite the wolfish fangs that sometimes show?

It is sometimes discouraging to read the news about our church.  I also sometimes get discouraged by my own behavior and all the ways I do not yet reflect the face of Christ to the world.  My prayer is that all of us may continue forward on the path of discipleship, knowing we will encounter wolves from within and without, including deep in our own hearts, yet trusting that the Spirit of the living God is with us and will ultimately have the final word.

 

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s  website at http://www.amyflorian.com/.

 

Scripture:

Genesis 32:23-33
Matthew 9:32-38

Reflection:

Apostles Then and Now

The reading from Matthew’s Gospel passes from the initial teaching and merciful miracles of Jesus, the Anointed One, to his instructions to his 12 closest collaborators, the Apostles.  Jesus shares his deep feelings: "His heart was moved with pity, the crowds were lying prostrate from exhaustion… he said to his disciples, ‘the harvest is good but the laborers are scarce.  Beg the harvest master to send laborers to gather his harvest.’"

Jesus senses that the coming of God’s Kingdom demands many collaborators.  He turns to the 12, the "apostles", his personal ambassadors.  He will send them to heal and to announce

"The Kingdom of God is here." In Luke’s account we can read of Jesus exulting in the Spirit and over their success–Satan falling from heaven."

In a wonderful way the Bishops at the Vatican II Council instructed us that the Lord Jesus is doing the same thing in this, our 21st century!  "Lay peoples’ right and duty to be apostles derives from their union with Christ, they are assigned by Christ himself to the apostolate and given  special gifts"   The abilities and powers given at Corinth and Ephesus are seen once more at Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.  "The Hand of God is not shortened."

The fruitfulness of every apostolate, whether of the Pope or a lay person depends on a living union with Christ.  This is cultivated by reverent use of the Sacraments, but also by their doing their ordinary work as parents and citizens trying to improve the political and social conditions of modern life.  As circumstances permit, direct sharing of the faith becomes possible.  In accord with their ability and training, lay people can and should fulfill his ministry.  The shortage of priests across the world is surely cause for the continued concern of Jesus today!  Beg the harvest master to send laborers to gather his harvest."

The Council reflected that in the course of history the use of temporal things has been tarnished by serious defects.  Lay people ought themselves to take on as their distinctive task in this renewal of the temporal order.

With the passage of time world culture has expanded, the laity are in the forefront of the work of bringing all things under the Headship of Christ.  More Christians are called in more ways to be the laborers in today’s harvest.

 

Fr. Fred Sucher, C.P. is retired and lives in the Passionist community in Chicago.  For many years he taught philosophy to Passionist seminarians.  

Scripture:

Ezekiel 2:2-5
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6a

Reflection:

I remember as a little boy being fascinated with magicians.  There was always something about a great magic show which left me feeling mystified.    It was a feeling of amazement and wonder, mixed with confusion and incompleteness.  For I saw with my own eyes as the woman was cut in pieces and then reassembled.  How could this be?  And my eyes couldn’t deceive me could they?   Years later, after the television serial told us all the secrets behind each of the tricks, the simple trickery robbed me of my amazement and wonder.  Did I become more cynical?

This is the letdown which occurs in the gospel today.  For if we know all the secrets then how can we embrace the mystery?  If we know Jesus as a little boy then how could we ever accept him as a prophet?  What would happen if your child or grandchild, or even a niece or nephew started acting like a prophet or prophetess?  It is likely you would find them an embarrassment to your family.  Isn’t it likely that it would diminish their message?  "Where did he get all this"?  They asked.  Why is it so frequently the more we know about Jesus the more we rationalize our faith and suddenly we lose out on the mystery and the ability of our faith to stir us into a mighty flame?

Ezekiel and Paul in the first and second readings write about finding themselves empowered to be sent out, to bear witness, and to proclaim. Their flames have been stirred up and they are alive and on fire.   This prophetic task is something which is within them that is fueled by their experience and justified by the paradoxical power of Christ.  This is why Paul boasts.  For the both of them it is not a mystery to be explained but a mystery which is to be lived and shared.  And somehow in the sharing of this mystery the spirit of Christ is even more powerful and more prominent.  Then the ultimate paradox becomes truth:  I receive only because of my ability to give.  I can forgive because I’ve been forgiven.  And I am alive because of the deaths from which I have been resurrected.

Where do you find yourself minimizing the mystery of Christ?  Are your own fears smothering the flames of Christ’s love?

 

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is on the staff at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29
Matthew 9:14-17

Reflection:

God Has a Plan:  Life, Freedom!

There’s a special "twist" today in both readings:  in the Genesis reading, Jacob takes advantage of his father’s blindness to deceive his father Isaac and get the special blessing promised Esau, and in the Gospel Jesus challenges the disciples of John the Baptist who felt a bit jealous of Jesus’ disciples.

Jacob and Rebekah lied to Isaac in their deceptive practices, yet God took that evil act and turned it to His own good purposes: it was God’s will that the Messiah would be born from the descendants of Jacob.  "God writes straight with crooked lines".

Jesus’ disciples broke the pattern set up by the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist; they did not fast, but rather "feasted" with Jesus as people do in wedding parties, or on the 4^th of July — with lots of fun-filled vitality!  Jesus came to fulfill the Law, to set people free from their sinfulness by his living message of unconditional Love.  God has a Plan!

This July 4^th the United States celebrates Independence Day, a very important national holiday.  We have the usual festivities of parades, speeches, fireworks, family gatherings and food — and yet this year things are tempered by the economic woes of the past year, the continued presence of war and conflict in our world, the growing environmental challenges faced by ourselves (and the global community), etc.!  We are indeed blessed, and we are invited to see that God does have a plan for us — perhaps a bit different than we have expected.  God-given wisdom, patience and deep faith will open up for us a nation that is truly free, truly life-affirming, truly generous in sharing its riches and encouraging the growth of the human family worldwide.  

Today God shares a special "twist" for our lives: in His loving Plan, Jesus has come to set us free and share God’s Life with us.  May our lives be fireworks displays announcing the goodness and love of God.

 

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Genesis 22:1b-19
Matthew 9:1-8

Reflection:

Today’s first reading is taken from Genesis, and is the famous scene is which God seemingly will require Abraham to sacrifice his first-born (and only) son Isaac.  The passage is one of the perplexing and confusing ones that raises all kinds of questions about who the God of the Bible really is!  Would God really do that??

Bible scholars tell us that the passage, which ends with God staying Abraham’s hand from sacrificing Isaac, is intended as a commentary aimed at the social practices of the time.  Many of the people of Abraham’s time did sacrifice their children to their God’s.  Abraham’s experience with God is intended to draw a contrast between the God of Israel and the gods of the nations.  The God of Israel is one who gives life, not takes life; this God is one committed to human flourishing, not human destruction.  The God of the Bible is a giver not a taker  — of life, and of all good.  This God is discovered and experienced not in violence, but in gratitude, in peace, in respect for all that exists.

For Christians, the Old Testament passage rings echoes of the famous line from St. John’s Gospel:  God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son! (Jn. 3:16)  As Abraham came to know the generosity of God, who is a giver of good, through the gifts of faith, of children and of land, so Christians discover the deep and eternal generosity of God through the gift of Jesus who has come to the world from the very heart and mystery of the God who is love itself.

 

Fr. Jim Thoman, C.P. is the director of St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

 

Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:19-22
John 20:24-29

Reflection:

What do I do when nothing seems to fit right in life? My "self" wants to complain, blame and get angry. Those "waves" of emotions and behaviors may have passed through Thomas; it is not recorded that way. But real doubt did fill him; that His beloved Jesus had, indeed, had been raised from the dead. Was part of it just feeling "left out?" He "was not with them when Jesus came." And, even though he heard that they "had seen the Lord", were not they still behind doors that were shut? What kind of credibility is that? Nevertheless, his loyalty in the most troubling of times enabled him to be truthful enough to say to his peers that his faith was weak and he needed proof.

Jesus wants us to speak our truth even about the stuff that doesn’t go right or doesn’t fit. He is the builder. In Him "the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." And then there was the surrender, accepting the reality in which he was privileged to be. He was "in touch" with the suffering love that would not fail him. He was in a reality, surrounded by "what doesn’t fit", that which is neither right nor just. But that is where the gifts of loyalty and surrender fit.

There is a famous statue of Thomas depicted as the carpenter, pensive, pondering, holding a carpenter’s square. He was part of that building of the kingdom on earth that would send him to India. Perhaps feeling a bit of the "stranger and alien," wondering how he would fit. Not to worry. His relationship with Jesus would be the grace and power built on those natural gifts entrusted to him that would send him to India, to build up the Body of Christ.

We are called to that same mission. That is why we are faced with the realities of the unfit. We have the "cornerstone" upon whom to build that dwelling place for God.

 

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