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Scripture:

Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Mark 6:30-34

Reflection:

Is there anything scarier than finding yourself attracted to someone and then getting the sense that they are paying attention to you? Not for me, there isn’t. I remember my first "love" as it were, Claudia. We were in the fourth grade and she was new to our class. She and her family had just moved into the neighborhood about a block from where I lived. The first sense I had that she liked me was when she touched my face with her two hands in the cloakroom. I can still remember that touch today, sixty years later. It wasn’t long before Claudia moved again, this time two doors down from where I lived. Karen, the older sister of my friend who lived between Claudia and me talked me into taking Claudia to the drug store and buying her a coke. I did and life was good!

Eventually Claudia moved yet again, only this time, all the way across the United States to California. Sometime after that I got a letter from her. My older brother got hold of it first and gave it to me only after taunting: "Danny has a girl friend… Danny has a girlfriend!" When I finally did get the letter from him, I tore it up and never read it. I guess I decided to wait a few years to hopefully bolster my social skills before getting so involved in the future.

Love and life are sometimes scary God, especially when I get a sense that You are calling me. Help me realize with the psalmist today, that Your offer of fresh and green pastures, running water, goodness and kindness are mine today because You love me. I know that because of the beautiful people you’ve placed in my life that love me.

 

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago.  

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Scripture:

Hebrews 13: 1-8
Mark 6: 14-29

Reflection:

"Truth," whatever it might be, was not a value that interested King Herod, Herodias or her daughter very much. However, it did matter to John the Baptist, who said that the marriage of Herod and Herodias was not lawful. Because John the Baptist was a popular figure, his opinion carried much weight with the people. Herod was conflicted, spineless and willing to compromise truth in order to stay in power and protect his self-esteem. Deep-seated anger and resentment blinded Herodias from accepting the truth. Salome is committed to pleasing her mother rather than embracing the truth. Herod was a pressure casualty; Herodias was a pressure pusher; and Salome was a pressure pawn.

At different times, in different degrees, and at different stages of our life, we know the experience of King Herod. We can feel like we are in a pressure-cooker…pressures from deadlines, bosses, family, friends and work, pressures in which our Christian faith can put us at odds, and pressures to conform, to be popular and to be accepted. Herod did not do a good job of handling pressure. He closed his eyes to the truth. Herodias, incensed by John the Baptist telling the truth, pushes her ‘husband’ and daughter to act out her self-centered plans. Salome did not stand up for what is right and allowed herself to be a pawn of her mother’s evil designs.

Do you allow yourself to be manipulated by the pressures of other people’s expectations and demands? Are you able, in the midst of that pressure, to think clearly and make the right decisions based on the truth of Jesus Christ? When we are in the pressure cooker, remember Jesus, who suffered and died because he stood for God’s truth. If we fail or deny the truth, remember: what is more true than our sin is God’s forgiveness. What is more true than the pressure is the promise of Jesus, "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Let’s not be pressure victims, pressure pushers or pressure pawns. With John the Baptist, with Saint Paul Miki and companion martyrs, with all God’s people we rejoice in the truth (Jesus Christ), trust in the truth and act in the truth.

 

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province and resides in Chicago.

Scripture:
Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24
Mark 6:7-13

Reflection:
"Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them."

This day’s scripture brings many points for reflection. First, in Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, the thought that we have in Jesus a God that is approachable. Not terrible and vengeful, as Yahweh is sometimes written of, but a mediator, Whose blood has made us perfect, Whose blood "speaks more eloquently than that of Abel."

Next, in the psalm, the thought that we should ponder the mercy of the Lord. That we should carefully hold and think on our God, and His city to which we are invited. His city that stands firm forever against all the forces arrayed against it. 

And in the gospel, the idea that when we are called to do the work of the Lord, whether that is serving in our parish, working in our community, or bringing more attention to our own Christian life, we will be provided with all that we need by God. We have no need to "worry" about our needs (although, we should still care for our feet!).

But beyond all of these, there was one that caught my attention. "Shake the dust off your feet." I began to think of all the times I was sure that I had the answer to someone else’s problems. When I was positive that if they would only listen to me, the world would be a better place, both for them and the rest of us. And how I wanted to rail against them when they didn’t listen. How I wanted to hold them up as examples of what not to do when approached with the truth. How I wanted them to know what a great deal they were missing.

Now, my assumption is that the disciples were the real deal. The gospel reports that they drove out demons and cured the sick. But what were Jesus’ instructions to them as to what to do when they encountered someone that didn’t listen to them? It wasn’t to yell louder. It wasn’t to go get the other disciples and browbeat them into submission. It was to just quietly leave and shake the dust from their shoes. Simply let those who would not listen be. Perhaps the time wasn’t ripe for them to listen. Perhaps they would listen to the next pair of disciples. Perhaps… well, perhaps this just wasn’t these disciples’ work to do.

My prayer today is that I recognize when God is telling me, "this is not your work to do." I pray that I can carry the humility that Jesus taught when He said, "Shake the dust from your sandals and move on."

 

Talib Huff works and volunteers at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California.

 

 

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:4-7,11-15
Mark 6:1-6

Reflection:

 

 

 

Change and Growth

As Church, it’s the "Fourth Week of Ordinary Time", it’s February 2015 – and it’s and post-Super Bowl.  Truly "Ordinary" time, between major civic holidays…and we’re encouraged as Christians to deepen our spiritual lives, to live for the Lord, and grow. 

The people of Jesus’ time were "astonished" when Jesus returned home to Nazareth, teaching with authority in the synagogue.  "Where did this man get all this? … Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary…?"  The people had taken a mental snapshot of Jesus years earlier, and they couldn’t accept that Jesus had changed and grown…now a convincing preacher, a powerful healer, a man of authority.  They lacked faith in him and his growth, so much so they took offense at him.

We can so easily respond the same way to the people in our lives.  People we’ve known for years do indeed change and grow – and sometimes we fail to notice the change, we are blind to the growth that has taken place.  It’s easy to miss the God-given gifts in one another, their new interests – or even the limitations brought on by illness or aging. 

And we can easily become blind to our own challenges of life and aging, to the blessings that God showers upon us.  Sometimes we fear failure, we fear change, we’re a bit lazy, we want to live the way we’ve lived for years.  It’s true:  Change happens; our growth is optional.

In just a few days, these days of Ordinary time will lead us to the great renewal season of Lent.  Jesus comes to his "home" within each of us, invites us to share his life, and grow!  Now is the time to pause for a few moments each day, to gratefully reflect on God’s presence in our lives, to check on our response to God’s presence – and then to open ourselves to the growth that God offers us.  If we open our hearts to Him, Jesus will work wonders in each of us, wonders that he couldn’t seem to do in his hometown of Nazareth.  Truly, out of the ordinary…

Bless the Lord, o my soul!

 

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

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:1-4
Mark 5:21-43

Reflection:

"For the sake of the joy that lay before Him Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2b

I have heard or read this verse many, many times in my life, but today is the first time that the word "shame" jumped out at me. I’m in my 60’s and I’m finally understanding how much shame can affect our lives. We all suffer at different times along the way. I was sexually abused as a young girl and again as a teenager. But I didn’t realize until reading some really good books how much those events have affected me.

I have prayed so many times for God to heal me, and to make me new again, but I still feel sometimes that I’m not good enough and that I’m trying to earn my family’s love and God’s love even though I know intellectually that God’s love is unconditional and that my family loves me! I’m sure my perfectionist tendencies stem from these feelings.

The book I’m reading at present is called Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. She teaches about "shame resilience" and gives steps to take to break the cycle of retreating in shame when something happens that sends us into our self-condemning thoughts. The other two books that have been very helpful are Not Marked by Mary Demuth and The Emotions God Gave You by Art & Laraine Bennett.

"Jesus despised the shame." He endured it and went on to conquer sin and death, opening the way for us to do the same. If you are struggling with shame in your life, there is hope! Jesus knows what we have gone through and He has felt the shame that we feel. We can learn to stop the negative thoughts and tame the shame. Get counseling if you need help but don’t let your past keep you from living life to the fullest today.

 

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently wrote her first book: God Speaks to Ordinary People – Like You and Me. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

 

Memorial of Saint John Bosco

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Mark 4:35-41

 

 

Reflection:

Faith. 

That’s a simple word, but wow is it a difficult definition.  My thesaurus has many synonyms listed for "faith," such as belief, conviction, trust, dependence, confidence, hope, optimism… but one word has me really thunderstruck.

Buoyancy.

Miriam-Webster defines Buoyancy as "the ability of an object to float on water or air" and "the ability of someone to continue to be happy, strong, etc., through difficult times."

I can’t believe I’ve never thought of faith as being something that would help me rise above adversity.  But it’s true!  Through confidence in God, people who hear and respond to His call will be transformed.  The challenge, though, is remaining sure in our belief when tragedy strikes in our lives.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to new life, saying "Let us cross to the other side."  He’s asking us to "leave the crowd" behind and walk with him.  Think of that… we’re not left alone because he wants us to journey with him.  He doesn’t promise an easy road… "A violent squall came up," and in the tumult of the horrible moments we all are faced with, we become terrified.  But in that terror, we pray and call on him for help, and he wakes up and says "Quiet! Be still!" 

With faith, can we float on air?  Can we be truly peaceful in the midst of The Storm?  If you’re like me, you’ll find that nearly impossible!  I believe, oh yes I believe… but it’s so easy to become terrified at the waves crashing over the bow of my boat.  But in that darkest hour, there are times when I hear God say to me "Paul, shhhhh… Be still. I’m here."  And if I quiet myself and trust God’s guidance, I’m gifted with His most amazing peace in my heart.

What is it that God is calling us to today?  What are we being asked to leave behind as we "cross to the other side" with Jesus?  Will we be safe through the journey?  Will we know truly The Peace that the world cannot give?

If we let Jesus lead our walk, you bet your britches we will.

Dear God of The Call, thank you for inviting us to new life with you.  Please grant us the grace to face all our challenges with the profound assurance of your presence, and infect our spirits with your incredible love and peace.

Amen.

 

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, CA, and a member  of the Retreat-Team at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.

 

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:32-39
Mark 4:26-34

Reflection:

When we think of the "Age of Martyrs," our minds generally focus on the early centuries of the Church and the Roman persecutions.  But as a matter of fact our very day is an "Age of Martyrs."  In so many places around the world Christians are being persecuted and even murdered because of their faith.  We are inspired by those modern day martyrs who have so bravely faced death.

In our first reading today the author of Hebrews writes to encourage those under attack, "Do not surrender your confidence; It will have great reward."  He reminds them of how they endured suffering in the past and urges them to "hang in there."

Courage under trial.  Perseverance in suffering.  Determination not to give up.  Will we be strong enough if we face persecution?

We need not go to a foreign land to have our faith challenged.  People where we work, people in the political arena, and even people in our homes may belittle us or make fun of our faith.  They may bully us or insult us when we stand up for moral principles.

As General Douglas MacArthur stated years ago,  "Last, but by no means least, courage of one’s convictions, the courage to see things through. The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. It’s the age-old struggle_ the roar of the crowd on one side and the voice of your conscience on the other."

We find our strength in the example of Jesus who did not "surrender his confidence."  Instead he trusted and said, "Into your hands, Father, I commend my spirit."  His trust was followed by the "great reward."  The resurrection!  May it be so with us.

 

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:

Hebrews 10:1-10
Mark 3:31-35

Reflection:

In the current motion picture, Selma, depicting the civil rights advocacy of the 1960’s in this country, there is a haunting refrain on the lips of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  It is almost like the motif of a powerful symphony of Mahler or Beethoven, and it remains with the listener for a time. Dr. King thunders, "What happens when a man stands up and says, ‘Enough is enough’?"

Perhaps you have noticed, in these early chapters of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is also saturated with conflict. He is accused of healing by the power of Beelzebub, the Pharisees and Herodians plot on how to destroy him, even his family comes to take him home, convinced that he is mad. Moreover, in today’s Gospel, the Master seems to again bump up against the traditions of his time, here stretching the definition of family. He has already extended our understanding of holiness (beyond dietary proscriptions and ritual purifications), he has pushed the boundaries of Sabbath and forgiveness, modeling acceptance and inclusion. After all, what happens when a man stands up and says, "Enough is enough"?

It was in Oslo, way, when Dr. King, the youngest recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize at the time, accepted the award with these words: "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant." In victory or defeat, we are challenged to stand up. Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.

 

Fr. Jack Conley, C.P. is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness.  He is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.