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Scripture:

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Thessalonians 1:1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21

Reflection:

The Gospel reading for today is written by a professional who understood perfectly what was going on, Matthew the tax collector! The differences between the Pharisees and the Herodians of the day were far more antagonistic and volatile than the conflicts between our political parties of recent times. Their positions were intensified by the occupation by Rome. The Pharisees were religious conservatives who wanted to preserve the status quo in religious customs and values. The Herodians were committed to another status quo that had come into existence through the Roman treaties with King Herod and his father before him. One rigidly protected what they had inherited by ritual and prayer. The other fiercely guarded what they had purchased by involvement in the Empire.

Both the Pharisees and the Herodians were afraid of Jesus because He stood as the Compassion of God for the people of Israel as well as the many foreigners with whom He had contact during His lifetime and public ministry. On this day neither of them wanted Jesus to survive unless He was willing to play by their rules and somehow justify the
convenience of their lifestyles.. It was unbearable that His teaching called everyone to task in one way or another. Pay the Roman Tax and be hated by the Zealots. Refuse to pay the Tax and be ultimately destroyed by the Power of Rome. He was surrounded by people who were willing to sacrifice Jesus rather than make any sacrifices themselves!

Most of us today would agree that both "taxes" are necessary. The "Temple Tax" of yesteryear or "Tithe" of today help the churches continue to be a focal point for the community of faith in their prayer and in their ministry. The current civil taxes help provide the services necessary to support the needs and protect the lives of our people especially in difficult times. Jesus stands in the middle and calls both to be sure and remain focused on their real purpose "to bring the Compassion of God to the people". Don’t we find in scripture the equivalent of "We repay God by doing what we can for the most challenged of the brethren (the people of God)!

 

Fr. John Patrick, Day, C.P. is pastor of Holy Martyrs of Japan Parish, Sullivan, Missouri.

 

Scripture:

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Philippians 4:12-14,19-20
Matthew 22:1-14

Reflection:

Jesus never explicitly says what the kingdom of heaven is. Instead he says it is like such and such. In this parable, the kingdom is likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. A generous invitation to the nuptial festivities is extend to some, then to all. But the ending of the parable is rather disconcerting. What a temperamental king, expelling a guest who disregarded the dress code! For not wearing a wedding garment, the unwitting fellow is tossed out into the night. How do we make sense of this bewildering snit? It leaves us with a harsh and cruel image of the king.

A wedding is an occasion when opposites are united – when a man and a woman become one. We live in a world of dualities, often describing ourselves and others with comparative opposites: success/failure, attractive/ugly, strong/weak, useful/useless, important/insignificant. Within ourselves we erect boundaries between what we like (creating a persona) and what we do not approve (material which becomes our shadow). The persona is fashioned as we attempt to deny the existence of certain tendencies within ourselves such as anger, erotic impulses, hostility, certain desires, aggression, and so forth. Simply because we deny these tendencies does not mean they go away. Instead, the banished features retreat into the shadow and from there they frequently emerge to torment and tease us. The result is a life of alienation, fragmentation and conflict. A world of opposites is a world fraught with conflicts. As we try to eradicate more and more unwanted dimensions of ourselves, a battle of opposites rages within.

We are inclined to imagine that life will be heavenly wherever all the positives hold sway; for hell is where we believe all the negatives have been deposited. By likening the kingdom of God to a nuptial gathering, Jesus underscores the unitive feature of Spirit’s reign. Heaven is not a state of all positives and no negatives. God’s Kingdom is not a state where rejected features are unwelcome, but where they are transcended and united. It is a marriage achieved by overcoming the illusion of separateness.

Christian mystics often make use of the marriage metaphor to describe the spiritual life. The invitation goes out to the separate ego-self: "Come to the wedding of the son." But egos tend to become ensnared in the pompous self-importance of their persona, too busy to respond. Those who are convinced of their self-sufficiency do not enter the kingdom because they remain caught in the agenda of their own little world.

When the invitation is put forward to the "bad and good alike," we are assured this is not a merit badge system where the perfect are preferred. However, we notice that the snobbish egocentric personas never come near the nuptials, while the wounded and discarded parts of ourselves that have been banished to live "on the streets" accept the invitation. They are eager to participate in the wedding; they prefer unity in place of the battle of opposites.

A decisive moment occurs when one guest appears without a wedding robe, only to be tossed out into the frosty darkness. To make sense of this ceremonial eviction we need to realize that the groom within the parable, obviously, is Christ. But where is the bride? Surprise – the guests were invited to the wedding because the intention was for each them to marry the bridegroom. That is why a wedding gown was expected. The judgment goes harsh on the person who participates in the festivities without any intention of being, like unto a bride, united to Christ.

Eventually, we find ourselves abiding in darkness if we remain with the illusion that opposites can and should be isolated. A hopeful future lies not in separating the opposites and making "positive" progress. Rather, the kingdom of heaven is experienced whenever we unify the opposites within. Then we will become peaceful people who can harmonize the opposites of the world.

This is exquisitely affirmed in the Eucharistic Prayer for Mass of Reconciliation II: "In the midst of conflict and division, we know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace. Your Spirit changes our hearts: enemies begin to speak to one another, those who were estranged join hands in friendship, and nations seek the way of peace together."

 

Fr. Joe Mitchell, CP is the director of the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville, KY.  

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.

Scripture:

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1
Luke 11:29-32

Reflection:

On my mom’s first visit to Immaculate Conception rectory, Fr. Eric said to her: "How does it feel to have a son who is a slave of the church?"  The question startled her, and she really didn’t reply.  It has caused me to reflect over the years on the nature of our life in Christ, on ministry and the reality of our freedom in Christ.

St. Paul knew how terrible human slavery could be in his time.  As a Roman citizen, he knew how widespread it was….a slave was property, pure and simple.  Many slaveowners worked their slaves to death.  Others treated them more humanely and even allowed them to buy their freedom.  As terrible as slavery was, Paul knew that slavery to sin was even worse.  So he says in our reading today: "For freedom, Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery."  These words are echoed in his advice to Philemon, the owner of the slave Onesimus, who had run away.  Paul wrote:" I know you ahve been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back for ever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother (Philemon 1:15-16).

Slavery still exists in our day….people trapped in subhuman working and living situations.  The slavery of sin still exists for many, through addiction to drugs or alcohol, the sins of social injustice and racism.  The church’s mission continues the work of Jesus is breaking the bonds of slavery of all kinds.  The church’s ministers in a special way share in the exhileration of people set free.  As all Christians, they model themselves on Jesus, who though divine, "emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave."

An old folk song has the refrain: "It’s a long, long way to freedom."  In Christ, we have the gift of freedom.  Let us rejoice in it and share this gift with others!

 

Fr. Bob Bovenzi lives in Chicago. 

 

Scripture:

Galatians 3:7-14
Luke 11:15-26

Reflection:

 In Jesus’ day, the factions of the religious elite pitted themselves against each other.  They so emphasized the letter of the law that they lost sight of the spirit and faith behind it.  They judged others harshly and negatively, even accusing Jesus of cooperating with the devil.  They resented any perceived loss of power or status, clinging to their own positions at all costs.  By so living, they lost sight of the ultimate goal – the Kingdom of God. 

I see too much of the same in our public sphere these days.  Character accusations and half-truths fly from both political parties.   Integrity, wisdom, truth, and the issues themselves take a back seat as the demons invade.  Labels are applied with ruthless abandon, and each side accuses the other of operating by Beelzubul.  There appears to be no common ground as battles are waged for power, prestige, and control.  We divide our own house at a time when our survival is at stake.

Sadly, I can do little to stop this madness on the national stage.  I can, however, try to reverse it in my own life.  I can live with integrity and promote it in others.  Against the rush of negativity, I can uphold the good and attempt to keep my faith and God-given intelligence at the core of my politics.

Therefore, I hereby resolve to:

Refuse to participate in bashing any politician of any political party.

Ignore the ads and learn the true facts about each person’s background and positions.

Have respectful discussions about the differences between policies, trying to find points on which we can agree while allowing room for thoughtful disagreement.

Pray for everyone who will cast a vote, that their choice may be governed by sound thinking instead of hysteria or hype.

Pray every day for our political leaders, both those presently in office and those who will be elected in November.

Pray for myself, that I resist the temptation to unfairly characterize or harshly judge.

Pray for our country, that we not remain a house divided, but that the spirit of faith and wisdom will bring us together for the good of all God’s people.

Amen.

               

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

Scripture:

Galatians 5:18-25
Luke 11:42-46

Reflection:

St. Theresa of Avila was a great mystic of the sixteenth century and reformer of the Carmelite Nuns. The reading from Romans defines her life. Theresa led the reform of Carmel against strong internal opposition. She had to be a woman of hope "for it is in hope that we are saved." She pressed on toward the future goal trusting that God would bring it about. Though she did not see it, she "waited with endurance."  We are asked to have that same spirit of trust and perseverance as we face challenges and difficulties.

Theresa wrote three classics on prayer and the spiritual life: her Autobiogaphy, The Way of Perfection, and The Interior Castle. They have been sure guides for many people. Romans 8:26-27 is Paul’s great teaching on prayer. Paul tells us that because of our human weakness we do not know what to pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays the correct prayer for us. In any situation we simply do not know what is best for us. The perfect prayer is simply, "Father into thy hands I commend my spirit. Not my will, but Thine be done."

Finally for a mystic and any person of prayer the passage from John’s gospel is very appropriate. Every Christian is vitally connected to Jesus. He is the vine and we are the branches. He invites us to "Remain in me, as I remain in you."  Let us make Him the center of our lives so that, like Theresa, we fulfill the prayer of Jesus to "bear much fruit and become my disciple".

 

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

Scripture:

Galatians 3:1-5
Luke 11:5-13

Reflection:

The baby had a stuffy nose, the kind of yucky, mucous congestion so common in infants.  The mother heard the whimpering and fussing begin, again, and turned over to look at the clock: 3:45. The fourth time in what had become a night of non- sleep.  But the baby was miserable and needed comforting.  As much as the mother loved her warm bed and pillow, she loved the baby even more and got up, again, to soothe, rock and comfort the helpless infant.  It had become a reflexive response beyond conscious thought.  The baby is in need and I will respond.

Love is not mentioned in this reading from Luke.  A neighbor knocks on the door of his friend asking for bread for an unexpected visitor.  He is told to go away – the door is locked and the family is trying to sleep.  Seemingly, the boundary of friendship is the night and a locked door. But the neighbor trusts his friend despite his irritation and annoyance and persists with knocking.  He ultimately receives what he needs.  There was a fundamental belief in the goodness of the other.

Eventually we all grow up and there comes a time when we realize that Mom can’t always make things better; that we don’t always get what we ask, no matter how altruistic the request may be; that friends sometimes come up short.  And then we hear Jesus saying "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened for you".  And we know that at a literal level this is not always true.

We also know that our own responses to those who seek us out can be limited and that we can pretend not to hear the knocking at our own door.  It is possible to just turn over and try to go back to sleep thinking that the baby will eventually cry herself to sleep.

But it is the promise of "how much more" God will give out of limitless love for us that is the response to our prayers. It is the deepening relationship that comes with the asking and seeking and knocking and desiring the ultimate union with God that brings us the comfort and wholeness that is our primal longing.  And it is the promised gift of the Holy Spirit that enables us to be for others what we ask for ourselves.

 

Cathy Anthony is on the staff of St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center, Detroit, Michigan. 

 

Scripture:

Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14
Luke 11:1-4

Reflection:

During this Jubilee year of St. Paul the Apostle, his letter to the Galatians gives us insight into Paul’s character. Paul was a courageous man who lived without compromise. In the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 24 we see Paul held by the governor Felix in Caesarea Maritima. Paul was held there for some two long years. Felix was waiting for a bribe, but Paul would have none of it. He would rather suffer the horrors of a prison cell than compromise his values. In fact, when he spoke to the hedonistic governor, he spoke of "self-control," something Felix needed, but the last topic that would have led to Paul’s freedom. Paul’s character shines again in today’s reading when he confronted the pillar and rock of the Church, Peter. Ever the champion of our freedom in Christ, he confronted Peter about his hypocrisy. Paul’s courage impelled him to speak nothing but the truth to political leaders as well as popes. Where did Paul get this audacity?

"Teach us to pray," we hear the disciples ask Jesus in the Gospel. I have been studying the prayers of Paul the apostle in his many epistles for some talks I am presently giving. I call Paul’s prayers "wisdom" prayers. Rather than praying for release from suffering, he prays to grow in character from his trials. He never asks to be delivered, but rather to be rooted in God’s love. Yes, we need to be "taught" how to pray "according to God’s will." It is the Spirit who helps us in our weakness.

Paul’s courage, character and non-compromising virtues were developed. Through prayer he saw God at work for good in all situations. We too can have the courage to be forthright, courageous and self-controlled as we discover who God is and ultimately who we can be through prayer.

 

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/