Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Wisdom 9:13-18
Philemon 9-10,12-17
Luke 14:25-33

Reflection:

The Cost of Discipleship

Quite a picture in today’s Gospel:  Jesus is travelling with “great” crowds; He stops and tells them that, to follow Him you must “hate” your family and even your own life!  Strong words!  Discipleship is a great calling, but…hatred of family?  carrying your own cross?  Challenging words to those who wanted to join His team and help spread His “Good News” –both then, and now.

Jesus continues his discourse and invites his followers to consider the “cost” of discipleship.  He compares the decision to follow Him to building a tower (most likely for winemaking) or going to battle.  In both examples Jesus highlights that a person would be foolish to embark upon a major project without research, planning, sufficient resources, etc.

Today’s Gospel encourages us to consider our own discipleship, rooted in our Baptism.  No doubt we’ve been blessed thus far in many ways – and we’ve faced challenging times in living our faith in this 21^st Century world of pandemics, violence, injustice, etc.  Jesus directly challenges us to look deep in our hearts and check on our resources and personal resolve:  Is Jesus 1^st and foremost in our lives?  Do people or things of any size or shape get in the way?  Are we open to the energy involved in growth and change to follow Jesus?

“Hard”?  Yes!!  “Impossible”?  No!!  As noted in the reading from the Book of Wisdom, God provides the grace, the Spirit, to help us.  And like Paul in his letter to Philemon, we have the support of one another in daily living as credible disciples of Jesus — be we imprisoned or sick or elderly or experiencing any limitations. 

We are today invited to be grateful for the gift of our faith, nurtured in each of us by our family, friends and spiritual leaders…  Likewise, to be grateful for our 21^st Century call to discipleship within the vocation we’ve received from God.  We’re encouraged to continue growing as disciples, accepting the opportunities and challenges that are part of life – helping each of us be not just “one of the crowd,” but truly unique, faith-filled and loving disciples.  God’s blessings upon us all as we credibly share our faith and our gifts with our needy sisters and brothers world-wide.

Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.  

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 4:6b-15
Luke 6:1-5

Reflection:

Paul warns his readers, and us, ‘not to be inflated with pride’. This specific warning might well be expanded into a broader warning not to be so taken by our opinion and perspective that we become blind to the larger truth.

That would seem to be an application of todays’ gospel text. The disciples are picking food to eat, a simple task, but one, if viewed through a narrow, literal interpretation of the Law was seen as ‘law breaking’. While some Pharisees see the actions of the disciples in this light, Jesus points out to them not just a parallel case that is not condemned, but opens their mind to a larger picture, to richer interpretations and newer possibilities.

Perhaps a parallel might help us. Early astronomers saw the solar system with the technology available to them (means we might now describe as primitive) and it led them to speculate accordingly. Today telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope show us that what is beyond us is vaster than we have ever believed, and in fact promises to be even more mysterious.

Likewise, if one attempts to see life and fidelity to God by means of limited theories and dull imagination, then we will miss the vastness and opulence of Jesus vision. We are invited to see life, love, our future and God through the eyes and vision of Jesus.

Today Jesus makes a simple concluding statement to the Pharisees – ‘The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath’, but it places him and his vision of God above all else. The limits of the imagination and interpretation of the Pharisees is shaken by a new revelation, one which has the potential to reorder what had been accepted doctrine and to reorient their thinking and interpretation (if they choose to be open).

We may not all experience a call to be reformers (like St Gregory whose feast we celebrate today), but we are called to listen to the deep wisdom of Jesus and to the legacy of freedom he has revealed to us.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Luke 5:33-39

Reflection:

When we interact with loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the media, we swim around in the sea of our own culture. We absorb the prevailing norms, values, and traditions of the culture in which we live. Like fish, we take the cultural sea for granted, and we feel comfortable fitting in with the expectations of those we love, those we live with, and those with whom we work. Today’s Scripture readings warn us about getting too comfortable in our lives; we are asked to be ready to transcend our expectations of self, others, and our culture for the sake of the Gospel.

The first reading for today is part of a letter from St. Paul to the newly formed Christian community in Corinth. The community there had some practices and traditions that were not in keeping with a Christian lifestyle, and Paul challenges them to go against their own culture (and sometimes people they love) for the sake of a life in Christ. To encourage them, he shares his own attitude:

“It does not concern me in the least
that I be judged by you or any human tribunal;
I do not even pass judgment on myself;
I am not conscious of anything against me,
but I do not thereby stand acquitted;
the one who judges me is the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 4:3-4

The founder of the Passionists, St. Paul of the Cross, also saw his relationship with God and being in harmony with God’s will as the center of his life:

“Believe me, I live like an exile with no set place to live. My place and my repose is the most gentle will of my God. If God wants me here, I stay here. But if He wants me elsewhere, I will do His most holy will. As far as I can see, God wants me here for now, may He be blessed.~ St. Paul of the Cross

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is questioned because his disciples do not follow traditional Jewish practices of fasting and prayer. He responds with two parables in which he tells us: to follow Him is to be ready to give up the familiar and the conventional for the new and lifegiving. 

When and where am I counter-cultural for the sake of my relationship with Jesus and my living of Gospel values?

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Luke 4:38-44

Reflection:

Happy Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time!

I’ve struggled with a phenomenon lately.  A force of nature, really… Something that vexes even the most prolific of writers and composers and creatives from time to time.  The reason these reflections have been so late recently…

Writer’s Block.

You might think that I’m never at a loss for words (no comments from the peanut gallery, please).  But lately, I’ve felt completely depleted.  Like a car out of gas, a dead battery, or an empty, withered balloon.  I’m just too pooped to pop!  If you know me at all you’ll know it’s true that there are many reasons I’ve gotten to this point.  I could easily go in to them, and at length, but they don’t really matter as much as the fact that it’s where I am now – and where do I go from here?

I would love to ask God to give me a Gas-Station for my heart.

wait…  why don’t I?

Today’s Gospel (Luke 4:38-44) picks just as Jesus had started his public ministry.  It was so fresh and new that Peter wasn’t even called Peter yet!  Jesus cures Simon’s (Peter’s) mother-in-law, after which she immediately got up and served them.  This was a catalyst because when the people heard about it, they brought all their sick and afflicted to him for healing.  Laying his hands on each of them, he cured them all.  After working all night long, he tried to retreat to a deserted place so he could pray and rest… but they followed him.  The crowds went looking for him.  He said, “To the other towns also must I go…for this purpose I have been sent.”  Jesus was sent to go to all people.

The people there had never seen nor heard of such amazing things being done, and they were just awestruck!  And what a contrast from the people in his hometown who couldn’t believe what was coming out of the mouth of the Carpenter’s Son, and so took him up to a mountain “so that they could throw him down headlong.”  (see Luke 4:16-30)

And now they’re in full view of a new image of God:  one who lives among them, in reach and findable.  He’s completely inclusive, fully healing, totally understanding, and ridiculously accessible… all we have to do is ask!

Jesus went to a deserted place so that he might find time to be alone with God.  Do we do the same?  When was the last time you created a moment of quiet so that God might come to meet with you? 

We need our moments of stillness to reflect and pray – to anchor ourselves and to allow God to fill us with his great love –  so much love that we are an overflowing cup, spilling out love on all the friends who are suffering…  And in this way, we can bring them to Jesus — and bring Jesus to them.

Today, in a moment of desperate frustration with myself, I put everything down, shut everything off, sat alone, and reserved time to call out to God for a meeting… and there he was, whispering, “I am here, beloved.  Let me fill you up.”

So I challenge you to give it a shot.  Feeling tired and used up?  Take a moment and put your devices away.  Find your Spazio Sacro (sacred space), and meet the God who loves you there… and let your heart free to soar.

Loving God,
please allow me to come to you,
for I am tired and burdened from my labor. 
Give me rest (Matthew 11:28). 
Lead me by the still waters,
and let me lie down in green pastures.
Refresh my weary soul. 
Fill my cup to overflowing, (Psalm 23) 
so that, like Peter’s mother-in-law,
I can rise from my affliction and have all I need
to share your great love with everyone I meet. Amen.

Peace and love to you all today, and forever.

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:

1 Corinthians 2:10b-16
Luke 4:31-37

Reflection:

I often wonder how we would react if Jesus was physically with us today and called out unclean spirits in front of us. Some have been fortunate to see his miracles in their lives. And we, if we allow it, we can see a vast amount of miracles in our everyday life. Today, more than ever, we need to trust in the power of Jesus throughout our day and in all circumstances. 

Jesus spoke with great power and authority. Who truly speaks with Godly authority for us today? My pastor, for one, is an excellent example of a Godly man who understands the power of Christ in this world, and who understands the power of the evil one as well. Without these strong role models in our lives, we can find it very easy to allow our thoughts to be driven into dark places, away from the love and mercy of Christ.

We must ask Jesus for the grace to understand the multitude of parables and teachings that we read about today. Our bibles need to be dog-eared and worn from the constant, daily use of them in our homes. We must recognize that Jesus is our salvation, from his life, death and resurrection – his very Passion should drive us to a life of holiness and grace. 

Divine Mercy prayers focus on the phrase, “Jesus, I trust in you”. We should, unwaveringly, keep him as our focus and our mainstay. God bless you all.

Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Spring, Texas. 

Scripture:

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
Luke 14:1, 7-14

Reflection:

Our readings today challenge us to be more humble and less demanding of others.  As much as we would like it to be at times, it’s not all about us!  I don’t exactly know the reasons behind this, but over the past few months, there have been multiple events and issues that have led me to feel very humbled and grateful at the same time.  Our sisters and brothers in eastern Kentucky have suffered and continue to suffer from the effects of the devastating flooding.  They have lost home and family, job and a sense of security.  Yet, in the midst of the heartbreak they continue to give thanks for the blessings they have.  When I saw a picture of a small barefoot child walking down a mud-covered road that had once been a busy county road, I felt humbled and embarrassed for the times I complain that work crews slow my travel down just doing their job to provide safe roads to travel along.  It will be a long time before the roads in eastern Kentucky will offer safe passage for so many!

I walked with another friend who was suffering with depression and PTSD!  He was unable to take care of his family for several days as he tried desperately to crawl back from that black hole that held him captive!  As I prayed for him and helped his family cope with the rough days, I reflected on how whiney I can be when I’m having what I consider a ‘bad’ day!  Wow! A humbling experience!  We are such a blessed people!

I had the privilege recently to visit a friend who lost his foot to diabetes after many years of suffering and pain.  He has a prosthesis and is getting more mobile each day and looks and feels better than he has in years.  Through all of this transition and health woes, he continues to pastor a small country parish that is fighting to stay alive. I believe his faith in action helps give his people hope to keep on keeping on!  One night he shared with us the specifics of his amputation and recovery and his daily routine he follows just to get ready to meet each new day. Another humbling experience!  I find myself complaining a lot less about any minor aches and pains I may be experiencing!

Every day as I drive around the streets of Louisville, I observe so many homeless and hungry people at our intersections and highways.  I know some will say they probably aren’t really homeless or hungry, that they are scamming or whatever.  That may be true, I don’t know or care about that.  But what humbles me is the tenacity and courage it takes one to put themselves out there in the first place day after day! I am humbled to tears oftentimes as I lay in bed each night thinking of these folks and wonder what has brought them to this point in their life!?

In the book of Sirach, we read: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.  Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.”

God Is Good All the Time!  And all the Time, God Is Good!  May we continue to find favor with the Lord as we allow the poor and downtrodden, the sick and alienated children of God to show us how to live a life of true humility!  Amen!  

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

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Matthew 25:1-13

Reflection:

The reading from Matthew 25:14-30 has always stumped me – until today. If you think of this reading as a parable, try to envision the talent differently – in those days a heavy metal, usually gold or silver. So, if you have one gold bar as one talent, that’s pretty heavy! Now think of those distributions as the weight of holiness from God himself – are they to be kept, planted in the ground for safe keeping? Or are they to be shared, as a loving gift to others to draw people closer to God? These gifts from God are meant to be shared, not hoarded and placed in safekeeping within ourselves. The sharing of the spirit of God will only grow when you actually share it, not hold it within yourself. 

Read the gospel reading from today again and imagine that those talents are the spiritual gifts from God. If we hold on to those gifts, they will vanish, and that is not what our God wants from us. Be Christ to others, share your gifts, and be that light in the darkness for someone else. 

I always laughed at the saying, “You can’t take it with you.” And, in the light of Christ, this couldn’t be more true when we are discussing the gifts he gave to us, and what we should do with them.

God bless you all.

Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Spring, Texas.