Daily Scripture

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Scripture:

Proverbs 8:22-31
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15

Reflection:

The Sunday following Pentecost is set aside in the church’s liturgical year to invite us to reflect on the essential tenet of our faith in God: The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity.  It is, as the Catechism states, “the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself.”

We will never be able to grasp the reality of the Trinity – one God, three persons of Father, Son and Holy Spirit – until we experience the fullness of God’s love in our eternal life.  This has not stopped us, though, from trying to get our heads around this idea of the Trinity.  Church history is filled with attempts to tie down its meaning, all of them coming up short and many of them earning heresy status.

If we have failed to tie down the mystery of the Trinity through theological concepts, we moved to analogy and art.  Just a few examples include the equilateral triangle; three intersecting circles; circle within a triangle; St. Patrick’s shamrock; and the famous icon by Andrei Rublev depicting three identical persons around one altar.  Again, each comes up short.

But this should not surprise us. Imagine trying to perfectly represent love.  Imagine being asked to define in words or a picture a relationship that grips us at the very core of our life.  The love of a parent for a child, the bond of husband and wife, or the friendship with the one who knows us best are beyond words, beyond art, beyond poetry, beautiful as they might be.  They always come up short.

These profound relationships are what this Feast of the Holy Trinity celebrates.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the most real and profound relationship that exists.  The gospels tell the story of the Son of God sent by the Father to reveal the depth of God’s love for us, and how, through the Spirit, we are sent – in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – to love as we have been loved.

We enter the mystery of this Trinitarian relationship just as we do in any other relationship. We begin with a personal relationship, by coming to know the other and allowing the other to know us.  We begin by spending time with Jesus and opening ourselves up to him.  When this happens, all our other relationships begin to reflect – even if imperfectly – the perfect relationship of love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It all begins with the mystery of falling in love, and allowing ourselves to be loved in return.

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.

Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle

Scripture:

Acts 11:21b-26; 12:1-3
Matthew 5:33-37

Reflection:

Have you ever heard the term second fiddle? This idiom originated from the early days of orchestras. An orchestra has a first violinist, or first chair, who plays the melody and is regarded as the lead violinist. Then there is the second violin who leads the larger group of second violins who play a supporting role to the lead violinist.

In popular usage, playing second fiddle is not a flattering term. It means playing a supporting or minor role in relation to someone else: As in not good enough to take the lead.

I remember reading a story about Leonard Bernstein, the late, legendary conductor of the New York Philharmonic, giving an insightful answer during an interview. He was asked: “Mr. Bernstein, what is the most difficult instrument to play?” Without skipping a beat, he replied: “Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm . . . now that’s a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony.”

Such profound wisdom. By Leonard Bernstein’s definition, Barnabas must be the patron saint of second fiddles. Let me tell you why. Throughout the Acts of the Apostles, Paul is the major evangelist proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. His name always comes before that of Barnabas. Paul plays principal violin to Barnabas’ second fiddle. Barnabas stands in the shadow of the great Apostle Paul. Do you know what the name Barnabas means? The son of encouragement. And encouragement means to give heart, to make strong. 

We hear this in the first reading: “The news about them, that is the people who want to be followers of Jesus, reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all. He rejoiced and encouraged them all.”

Barnabas played second violin with gusto and humility.  As second fiddle, Barnabas gave his community beautiful harmony. Let’s be honest, though. For most of us, and I stand at the head of the line, it’s challenging to play Second Fiddle! Why? Because it takes humility. And humility is the bedrock foundation of faith.

There will be times when God calls us to take a position as first violin, to take the lead. But there will be many more times when God will say to us: I am moving you from first chair.  I need you to join the larger group. I already have enough Pauls. I need more Barnabases. I need you to give encouragement to your friend, to your community.  I need you to strengthen others, and who will strengthen you.  Joyful, selfless humility lets us know there is honor in playing second fiddle along side the patron saint of second fiddles.

Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16
Matthew 5:27-32

Reflection:

I was running late and driving to an appointment in traffic. I got impatient with other drivers, and in the privacy of my car I called one of them a jerk and another an idiot. I didn’t start a road rage incident or even yell out of my window, but my words were certainly unkind.

After I returned home, I sat down and read today’s scriptures. Ouch! My behavior didn’t violate a commandment per se, but Jesus doesn’t want us to be content merely obeying the rules. We are to go above and beyond them as he did. Not only don’t kill anyone – that’s pretty easy to follow even when I’m upset with other drivers – but don’t even act out of anger and don’t demean anyone. That’s tough! Likewise, it’s easier to recognize someone else’s wrongs than to admit and rectify my own, yet Jesus commands us to constantly examine our behavior and reconcile with anyone we’ve hurt, not even approaching the altar unless we’ve done so.

I felt convicted and remorseful. Of course, I couldn’t directly reconcile with the unknown drivers I’d insulted. I did, however, drop to my knees and apologize for what I had done, asking God to forgive me and help me do better. I realize that my words and actions, even those done in private, can send God’s loving energy into the world or they can be conduits of anger, ridicule, superiority, and exclusion.

So this week I resolve to not just watch my tongue, but watch my mind and heart. I ask for the grace to be kind, patient, and loving regardless of the behaviors and words of those around me. I know I may fail as often as I succeed (especially in Chicago traffic or around people who annoy me!) but I know God is with me on the path, guiding my steps and giving me strength.

What situations or people are “trigger points” for you? When are you tempted to violate the deeper meaning of the commandments by giving in to frustration, anger, or ridicule? Perhaps we can all become more aware, so together we may witness more fully to the reign of God on this earth.

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

Scripture:

1 Kings 18:41-46
Matthew 5:20-26

Reflection:

Limitless Boundaries – Our Journey Into Ordinary Time

Did you know that when we are lost, we walk in circles? Imagine being in the middle of a great forest. We have walked a few hours from our camp, disoriented we begin to search.…and around and around we would go. This has been validated in my experience not once but twice, in Central Park in NY, (of all places!).

We find ourselves in the jungle of ordinary time. The Risen One has left this earth sending his shaky companions back to the city to await being clothed in power. With Pentecost, like their Jewish brothers and sisters who return to the fields to begin the next harvest, the disciples filled with the Holy Spirit, leave the upper room to begin a new harvest also. Jesus had told them it was ready and abundant. Their preaching on the temple steps reveal thousands who have been waiting for this Spirit. Having finished our Pentecost celebration, we join them to add new pages to the Acts.

Beginning our reading of Matthew’s gospel this week we hear the Good News of Jesus, the Messiah, whose first teaching is on the Kingdom of God. We ask, ‘where is the Kingdom of God in the midst of grief, poverty, the insanity of war and guns turned upon children, insecurity and suffering’? Christ’s love gives a victory that overcomes sin and death. We do not walk in circles full of fear, but are blessed because signs of the Kingdom give us have hope. That victory even replaces fear with joy.

When the first reading at Mass is from the Old Testament it will be about the prophets.

As we return to ordinary time we meet first the most powerful of them all, Elijah. He stood victorious over four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. Elijah’s victory shows the people that the God of Israel is the one, true God. Elijah is on the run as the evil Queen, Jezebel wants him dead. Today he summons the King, Ahab, too see the power of God   as he calls down the heavy rain that ends a long drought that had plagued Samaria. When Ahab reaches his home he announces to Queen Jezebel that Elijah is in the neighborhood. She sends the army to find and kill him. What follows tomorrow is one of the most beautiful stories of the Old Testament. Elijah has never known failure before. Now, for the first time he is lost and going in circles. He wants to give up. But God will not abandon his prophet. He tells him, ‘it is a work day, go back to work’.

Now that Pentecost is over we have to go back to work, the harvest is ready. We might feel like Adam and Eve as a painting portrays them being ushered out of the garden by an angel. Eve, closes her eyes tightly and leans against Adam who has his hand over his eyes. They are blind as they leave the garden. When they open their eyes what do they see? A jungle, something like a neighbor’s untidy backyard, something simply unappealing and uninviting? There are no paths, they are lost. Ordinary time does not offer a specific prayer for mass each morning, only one is given for each Sunday. The prayer this tenth week of our ordinary time is wonderful when we feel lost. We don’t have to walk in circles. ‘Words do not measure the boundaries of your love for us reborn in Jesus. We trust you will take us beyond the limits this world imposes so we may be free to love.’

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

1 Kings 18:20-39
Matthew 5:17-19

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel continues the Sermon on the Mount theme from St. Matthew and is found immediately following the “salt of the earth” verses. Jesus reminds his audience of his purpose, he is the fulfillment of the law; not even the smallest part of a letter will pass until all has been accomplished. The last two verses seem to contain a tension on how to follow the commandments; especially for leaders in the community. I wonder if that was the struggle for Matthew’s community being made up largely of Jewish Christians? Where to from here? How do we find our way in this changing landscape of what we understood to be the law? No doubt there might have been some concerns about choosing the right way. Matthew has Jesus speak to those fears, I believe, by grounding them in the assurance that the law still counts but continues with the nuance in the verses following today’s text—”you have heard it said, but I say to you.”

It seems to me that we have a deep desire for safety and security. We don’t like change. In fact, might we treat it as a god? I know I often do. We can do our prophetic dances—like in the first reading—in denial of reality or set our sights on attaining things that are illusions, even harming ourselves along the way. Worse still, we might become the least if we lead others astray. Yet, Matthew 25:40 tells us exactly how we approach the least “as long as you did this to the least of mine, you did it to me.” We love them, we visit them, we clothe them, we feed them. We offer them the mercy of God and like Elijah the prophet, we must trust in the power of God to act through us.

One of the things I believe this text suggests is that Jesus came to show us how to live out the commandments; to make an adjustment to our lens to reflect mercy and to meet people where they are—to love them where we encounter them. Additionally, we become the greatest by living out those commandments; it’s very much a circular movement. Fundamentally, it’s about choosing the narrow road, by following the commandments we are walking towards the light and away from all that can harm us—spiritually and physically. So, let’s remember that Good News when we go astray worshiping false gods as we all do.

Creation is ongoing, the landscape of our lives must constantly be renewed, remade and restored by our encounters. Our lives must inform us, we must pay attention to the movements of God. That burning core at our center which bursts through—like molten lava—and changes everything. In accepting the least, we become the greatest. The paradox of our faith. In gratitude on this feast of St. Anthony de Padua, who was a noted preacher, a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi and a Doctor of the Church for being one of the greatest.

As the Psalm (16:11) says,

“You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” Amen.

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

1 Kings 17:7-16
Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection:

She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives,
I have nothing baked;
there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug.  -1 Kings 17:12

The other day I went down to the local farmer’s market to pick up my order of 48 pounds of wheat berries. It costs $20 to park, near the market and $16 to have the berries delivered. Being the cheap old chap that I am, I decided to pick up the wheat using my shopping cart and the bus. Pulling my cart behind me through the market, I finally found my farmer’s stand. I introduced myself to the young lady (maybe in her 30’s and told her I was there to pick up my order. She looked quizzically at me and said ok and asked if I would like her brother (much bigger and stronger than either of us) to carry the wheat to my car. I explained that I didn’t have a car and wanted to put the bag in my cart. She got her brother to maneuver the sack into my cart and off I went to catch the bus. Boarding the bus and getting the berries home is a whole another story for another time.

Like Elijah and the widow of Zarephath of Sidon, I find my world challenging today. Having grown up White in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s in the richest country in the world, the US (if you use the Gross Domestic Product – GDP as your criteria) along with living on the shores of 20% of the world’s fresh water (EPA), I don’t identify with the widow’s nor Elijah’s trials. Twenty-first century issues like climate change; affordable and fair housing; immigration; health care; education; racial, gender, sexual, age discrimination, do concern me to some extent or another and like the widow and Elijah, today, I’ll try to do the next right thing.

God, help me heed Jesus’s challenge in today’s scriptural selection: “…your light must shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Mt 5:16) I often don’t feel up to even turning on my little light. Today God, I will flip the switch, join my community and leave the rest up to You.

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

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Scripture:

Acts 1:12-14
John 19:25-34

Reflection:

In St. John the Evangelist Co-Cathedral in Rochester, Minnesota, there is a side chapel where an original life-size sculpture of an elderly Mary is depicted sitting patiently with her palms open on her lap. Around the sculpture are glass photos, framed in wood and accented by small, clear votive candles, of portions of Michelangelo’s Pieta.

I work in a visit to this quiet, sacred space each time I go for medical care at the Mayo Clinic across the street.

Staring at the serene Madonna, portrayed in her later years, I sense the reality of a woman of God who has endured unimaginable suffering, witnessing her son’s choice to face down the powers of evil, only to seem defeated.

As a mother I imagine her inner debates, wondering if there wasn’t some way for her boy to by-pass the crucifixion, to compromise with evil and to live a long, peaceful life getting married and having grandchildren for her.

Why not just let things be, return to Nazareth to tend to her in her old age and let her be close to him and his family.

Did he really have to make such a public spectacle of himself? Did it really have to come to this?

The tragic result of his decision was the limp, dead body of her 33 year-old baby boy crushing her lap and her heart.  

I thank the people who designed this chapel to be so accessible to the world- renown clinic where tens of thousands come each year seeking healing from every human disease imaginable. I am sure many patients, their families and loved ones pray here as they face the unknown in fear and trembling.

I sit and stare at the serene, patient mother with a full, wrinkled face of an old woman, her hands open to her fate, her son’s fate and our fates, I realized she experienced all the worry and distress we all feel in moments of crises. And I bet, in her overwhelming grief, Mary must have doubted just as we do. But this sculpture depicts no doubt, only acceptance. The pictures of the Pieta around her showno doubt, only grief.

At the crucifixion she did not know what would come next. But she must have, at her core, had enough trust in God to know that whatever the future might hold, she would be cared for.

In time, she was not disappointed. With the forthcoming resurrection and Pentecost, her son was glorified and the church was born, a church she is mothering. Her time of patient endurance and acceptance was the necessary foundation period prior to her becoming the first and preeminent of all humans to fully be united to God, body and soul.

This is the woman we all model. This is the woman we call the Mother of our church. She was taken down to life’s most painful pits. She endured. She kept the faith. She walked through the shadows of the most cruel death possible.

During these difficult days of war, disease, environmental destruction, gun violence, racism, divisions, lies and calumny, we can all become confused, angry, vindictive and destructive.

It is time to plea with our mother for the Spirit’s wisdom to discern when and how to respond to evil in our world. And to ask the Spirit, who guided her in her darkest moments, to give us the patience and serenity she witnessed for us.

Jim Wayne is a board member of the Passionist Solidarity Network (PSN), and author of The Unfinished Man. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Feast of Pentecost 2022

Scripture:

Acts 2:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17
John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Reflection:

In the Church calendar, today’s Solemnity ranks up there with Christmas and Easter.  So significant is this day that we are actually given a variety of options for readings and liturgical prayers on today’s Solemnity.

Did you know the instruction for this feast day originates in the books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy?  The people of Israel were to gather for a festive celebration 50  (Pente) days after the feast of the unleavened bread?  The book of Exodus speaks of this as an agrarian harvest Festival (Ex 34:22).  Wheat, bread, and fruits were brought before the Lord as an act of thanksgiving.    The book of Deuteronomy instructs that for this festive day, “you will make merry in the presence of the Lord” (Dt 16:11).    Moreover, it goes on to state that no one should be excluded, not sons nor daughters, slaves, aliens, or widows.  Think about how radical that statement is in light of today’s divisions.   And think about on the day of Pentecost the power of the Spirit is poured out upon everyone, regardless of religion, race, education, gender, sexual orientation, age, or economic status…. As Paul says, God shows no partiality.  So why do we? The origins of this feast day are about a time of intense celebration for what the Lord has given. 

As we jump to the New Testament God chooses this prescribed feast day as the significant day for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  It says to us that in a unique way, God honors calendar days. And it is important to God that we celebrate these distinctive days

50 days ago Passover was about revealing a new covenant that was established through the death of Jesus.  So what happens after that covenant is established? Do we have any responsibility?  

The answer of course is yes… Paul will say we are no longer slaves to the law or to the rules that bind us all together.  The Spirit poured out upon us gives us all freedom, not to do what we want, but to work hard at rooting our lives in the gospel.  So going back to the origins of this agrarian feast, if we are working on our roots and the soil in which we are rooted we will notice our fruits are different.   The challenge is not to judge another person’s fruit or the quantity/quality of their fruit, but to focus our energies on plunging our roots into the deep rich soil of the good news we call Gospel.

 In doing so it is the only way the plant and the tree are healthy.  How can a plant be healthy if its roots are poor or it exists in polluted soil? 

With all the work we have been doing through this visioning process as Passionists here in Holy Cross Province, we continue to rediscover this exact truth with our Passionist Charism.  We realize we are at our best when we are Charism-centered.  Growth, unity, collaboration, meaning, and hope are all fruits which we can build on our own but naturally grow and ripen when we take more time to sink our roots into our Passionist Charism. 

Wishing you a joyous festival day in the ancient tradition of making merry before the Lord. 

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.