wpengine

Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle

Scripture:

Romans 10:9-18
Matthew 4:18-22

Reflection:

The Lord Jesus said to Andrew, "Come!"  And Andrew came.  Peter and the other twelve soon heard the same call and they too came.  They came with their gifts and successes.  They came with the faults and failures. They came to listen to Jesus and to watch him in action.  They came to learn about him and grow in his friendship.  They came to experience his wisdom and patience.  They came to see his compassion and power.

And they came as a group so they could support one another and cheer each other on.  Yes, for three years they were disciples in training.  Then they saw Jesus suffer and die.  And together they cried.

After his resurrection these disciples experienced Jesus’ forgiveness.  They were nourished in the breaking of the bread.  They began to understand his love.  And together they rejoiced.

Then Jesus told them, "Go!  Now you are ready.  Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel.  Go feed my lambs.  Go feed my sheep.  And when the going gets tough, remember that I love you."

 "The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows." (Sacrosanctum Consilium #10)

Each Sunday we are called to "Come" to the summit, come to Mass.  Come with our gifts and successes.  Come with our faults and failures.  Come to listen to the Lord and watch him is action.  Come to learn about Jesus and grow in his friendship.  Come to experience his wisdom and patience.  Come to experience his compassion and power.

And come as a Christian community to support one another and cheer each other on.  Come to cry together and to rejoice together.  Come to be transformed by remembering and taking part in his death and resurrection.  Come and be nourished by his body and blood.

At the end of Mass Jesus says to us, "Go!  Go forth from the fount.  Go feed my lambs.  Go feed my sheep.  Be my presence in the world.  Bring about my kingdom more fully in your time and your place.  And when the going gets tough, remember that I love you.

     "Come.  Do this in memory of me.  Go."

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:

Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28
Luke 21:12-19

Reflection:

Hated by all because of my name…

A psychologist I know recently spoke of the majority of his patients, saying, "Most really don’t want to be healed, they just want me to take away the pain."  By that he meant that most of us don’t want to invest in the hard work of human growth or spiritual development… so, instead, we choose to over-indulge in a variety of self-satisfying ways.

Our temptation is to condemn Belshazzar for irreverence, desecration, or blasphemy. By profaning the sacred vessels that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken from the Jerusalem temple, Belshazzar reveals how more broadly despicable he had become. And then he expects religion to enable him to feel better, asking Daniel to interpret his inner voice.

Today’s readings remind me of how often lately I’m embroiled in the discussion about spirituality and religion; you know, the folks who assert, "I’m very spiritual, I’m just not religious." I don’t think organized religion is the problem. The problem is that most of us don’t want to hear about the requirement (not a suggestion or an option!) to love one another – as God loves us. That’s religion. That’s the stuff of washing other’s smelly feet, embracing the leprous, loving enemies, forgiving others seventy-time-seven, and so on.

Yes, the end of the liturgical year upon us, and Jesus tells us we’ll be hated by many, but not a hair of our heads will be harmed. The readings around the destruction of the Temple are not about the cessation of this planet, however, or the end of THE world. Rather, we are hearing about the end of MY world, MY ego, MY narrow mind.  And that’s the Good News, the Gospel! And that’s when, as St. Paul says, "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20)

 

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.

Scripture:

Daniel 7:2-14
Luke 21:29-33

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus plainly directs us to open our eyes, look around and see the signs of the Kingdom of God.  "Look around you, open your eyes and see the buds of the fig tree bursting with life; then you will know the Kingdom of God is near."  Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell you where the nearest fig tree is in relation to my own backyard!

However, as I sit here in a hospital waiting room while my wife undergoes a routine test, I can see the signs of the Kingdom!  I see and hear numerous acts of kindness and community. 

I overhear a woman saying "I hate to have you go through all of this, is there anything I can do?"  I hear a lengthy conversation among three women admiring a piece of knitting. They warmly congratulate the knitter and share stories of their common creative efforts.  I hear a woman bonding with a man regarding the "signs of the political times" saying "we’ve seen this before, do you ever get that feeling?"  Then some stories are shared regarding the oncoming winter rigors of shoveling snow.  In all these conversations the distance between our chairs and each other in the waiting room diminishes, decreasing with each moment of laughter, caring and community.

Each person is separate but we are all joined together.  The beautiful diversity confirms our unity in the Kingdom of God.  The moments are joined into a celebration characterized by mindfulness, intentionality and compassion.  Then the summary moment in time arrives; a woman jumps out of her chair, moving toward a man coming from the testing area with a smile, a hug, and a sweet greeting; "There he is!"  In one instance we can all see the love between them. The love is real, palpable and a moving sign of the Kingdom of God.

And I am reminded, "Look around you Terry, open your eyes and see the Kingdom of God!"  Today I pray we all have many such moments.

 

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

Thanksgiving Day (USA)

Scripture:

Sirach 50:22-24
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Luke 17:11-19

Reflection:

As we gather as a nation and a church today to give thanks for the bounty we enjoy, it is good to pause and reflect on all the ways God has blessed us.  The scriptures on this Thanksgiving Day are filled with proclamations of praise and thanks to our God whose goodness knows no bounds.  In the book of Sirach, we read, ‘And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth.’  This day will be filled with family and friends coming together to share laughter and stories, good food and a beverage or two.  For many we will be even luckier to be with folks we haven’t seen maybe since last Thanksgiving.  It is a time for all of us to count our blessings and say thank you.

In the Gospel of Luke we hear the familiar story of the ten lepers who were cured, but only one returned to give thanks.  How often are we like those other nine who did not take the time to return and say thank you.  We live in a fast-paced world whose focus is consumer driven and keeps everyone on the go.  When was the last time you stopped and thanked that person who cleans the locker room you use frequently at the YMCA or the teen worker who packs your order at the fast food restaurant?  I am reminded of a priest celebrant who regularly gives thanks in the intercessions for all those people who serve as support staff and labor tirelessly behind the scenes so that we can enjoy the comforts we do. His actions give me pause to reflect on how important it is to have an ATTITTUDE OF GRATITUDE in our families, parishes and communities.

May we resolve today after feasting to adopt a habit of gratitude as Paul says in 1Thessalonians, ‘in all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.  Let us celebrate every day as a "thanksgiving’ day.

 

Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:
Daniel 2:31-45
Luke 21:5-11

Reflection:
Advent comes quickly upon the heels of Thanksgiving this calendar year.  The juxtaposition of these two experiences brings to mind this simple prayer:

For all that has been, thanks.
For all that will be, yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld, the United Nations Secretary-General from 1953 to 1961, was also a theologian, poet, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961.  He penned this prayer in his journal shortly before his death.  It captures a tender moment of reconciling the past with the future, of all that has been with all that will be.  Really, it is a moment of peacefully reconciling the known with the unknown.

Gathered with family and friends, at least in spirit, on Thanksgiving Day, we look back to appreciate what really matters.  We look back to remember the labor and love of generations before who have brought us to this time and place, and we are grateful.

Then quickly on Sunday we begin the Advent journey.  We move from the known to the unknown.  Oh, we know the Advent story…at least the Bible story.  But that’s just the beginning.  The Advent story for us is an unfolding story not yet fully known.  It begins with Mary’s "yes."  But the story unfolds with our "yes" that we hopefully pray each day.  No roadmap or signed contract.  We say "yes" to the unknown, "yes" for all that will be.

Perhaps you can find a moment to reflect this week on this oft-quoted poem by English poet Minnie Louise Haskins: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!"

On Thanksgiving Day pray, "For all that has been, thanks."  And on each day of Advent pray, "For all that will be, yes."

 

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and is the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20
Luke 21:1-4

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus’ attention is drawn to a poor widow putting in two small coins into the temple treasury. He points her out to His disciples: "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

Even though this reading offers a wonderful opportunity for a pastor like myself to talk about tithing, what the widow does and what Jesus says about it lead us to a deeper understanding of what it means to give and what it means to be a disciple. We are called, not only to give from what we have, whether that is a lot or a little, we are called to give of ourselves.

Giving of ourselves is indeed giving from our poverty! We are limited imperfect beings. We make mistakes and sometimes even sin. But in spite of limitations, God calls us to do what we can in order to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and help build up the kingdom.

When we give of ourselves, we will not be diminished. We will not lose anything of ourselves. Instead, we will find real peace and real joy! We will receive the peace that comes from knowing we are doing what God wants us to do.

The poor widow trusted in God, and gave from what she had. We, too, can trust in the God who loves us so much, and give of ourselves to others, so that the Good News of Jesus Christ continues to be proclaimed to a world that still needs to hear it!

 

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P. is on staff at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan. 

Feast of Christ the King

Scripture:

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Colossians 1:12-20
Luke 23:35-43

Reflection:

And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Luke 23:42

Someone once said that the short prayers in Scripture are among the best ones!  In today’s Gospel we have a striking example of this from a very unlikely person.   We call this questionable man the "good thief". 

 Luke does not call him either good or a thief, but a Kakourgos in Greek or evil kakos and ergon worker, a malefactor.   It is the word for a habitual evil-doer and not just someone who made one big mistake.   Who would believe that such a one would utter one of the most beautiful and meaningful prayers of Scripture!  The enemies deliberately picked the scum of the criminal world to be executed with Jesus to utterly destroy His Name.

"Jesus, remember me!"  What a wonderful prayer from such a miserable man who was utterly despised by society.  Let’s take a moment to take a closer look at this prayer.   First of all, the criminal addresses Jesus by name.  It is curious in the Gospels that only about 5 times is the name Jesus is used by people petitioning Him. It is always by people who are in pain.  The Blind (Luke 18:38), the lepers (Luke 17:13), and possessed (Mark 5:7) are those who address Him by Jesus.   It speaks of a special intimacy of two men suffering  the same extreme pain and disrespect. Gandhi said: "it is by my cross that I can climb into the heart of humanity".   When Jesus asks us to suffer we enter into a special intimacy with Him.  So we begin our prayer with Jesus, partners in his suffering.

Next He asks Jesus to remember him.  How honored we are when we are remembered with love.   The root word in the Greek New Testament for remember is a derivative of meno which means dwell or remain.   When the criminal asks Jesus to remember him, he is asking to be put into the mind and heart of Jesus.  Can we possibly live in a better place than the Heart of Christ.    It is hard to get better than that in prayer.

We might image that our converted malefactor just said this prayer once.  The text clearly uses the imperfect tense which means: he kept on saying over and over, Jesus remember me.   What a great prayer for us partners in the sufferings of Christ to say!

 

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Memorial of St. Cecilia

Scripture:
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
Luke 19:45-48

Reflection:
"Now that our enemies have been crushed, let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it. . .  it was reconsecrated with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals." 1 Maccabees 4:36; 54

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr. She is the patron saint of musicians and according to Wikipedia, "has become a symbol of the conviction that good music is an integral part of liturgy."

As a music group leader at our parish, I whole-heartedly agree that good music is key to making our worship more meaningful. Music touches us in a way that nothing else can. I love that at many Catholic churches we have different kinds of music at different masses. I think that’s one of the strengths of our church as some people are moved by one kind of music, and some by music with a different flavor. Even different instruments create different moods and all can be used effectively to help people draw near to God and experience His presence.

God can also use the lyrics of the songs to minister to us. Recently I was heartsick and worried about a situation and that day at mass as I poured out my heart to God, every song touched me in some way. One song especially spoke to me: "Here I am standing right beside you. Here I am do not be afraid." Wow, each time we sang that refrain, I knew more and more that God was with me, that He was in control , that I could trust Him and didn’t need to be afraid.

On Saturday nights, we invite people to come to church fifteen minutes before mass for praise and worship music. These songs focus on the attributes of God and help us center ourselves and open our hearts to God’s presence with us. I believe singing these songs prepares us to engage more fully in mass. I also take the liberty of lowering the key of many songs, to make them more accessible to the congregation. I’ve been told many, many times that people are very happy to have the music in a key that allows them to sing along.

So today let’s celebrate the gift of music and say thank you to our music ministers in all of our churches. We appreciate all you do to help us worship more fully and enter more deeply into the amazing prayer that is our mass. God bless you! We also praise God for the community of saints who have gone before us and are now cheering us on to the finish line. St. Cecilia pray for us!

 

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].