Daily Scripture

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

Scripture:

Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
John 20:1-9 or Luke 24:1-12

Reflection:

Why Do You Seek the Living One Among the Dead?

Happy Easter! Jesus is risen, just as He said! Can we believe it? Can we believe in the truth of Easter? I do not ask this question lightly, because it was a question for some of the apostles before they saw the Risen Jesus themselves. In the Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil (Luke 24:1-12), after the women see the tomb empty, and report to the apostles what the two angels told them about the Resurrection of Jesus, the apostles thought that “their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them.”

Another reason I do not ask the question lightly is because of what is going on in our world. When the women see the angels, the angels say, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.”

That opening question by the angels is a challenge to us. If we really believe in the truth of Easter; if we really believe in the vindication of Jesus’ sacrifice made out of love, why do we seek life in the things that bring death? What am I talking about? When people do violence in the name of Jesus, do they think that somehow that violence will bring them life because it punishes “them?” In the same way, do we hold on to resentments, thinking that hatred or vengeance will bring us life?

Do we hold on to the “dead” desires of control and domination, believing that power and wealth bring us true life? When we hold on to these dead ideas, we are dismissing the truth of Easter, which shows us that the power of God is shown in love and sacrifice and giving of oneself.

Why would we look for life in the death-dealing motives of hate or fear or greed? Or would we give in to despair, and think we can only survive if we are indifferent to the needs of others?

Or could we, possibly, put our trust in the love of God? Could we live in the hope of the Resurrection, and seek to do our part in building up the kingdom? Yes, Easter, to a lot of people, is nonsense, but that doesn’t make it less real. But we cannot share the hope of Easter if we keep looking for life in things which bring death.

Don’t turn your back on the reality of Easter! May we no longer look for life in the things that bring death! Trust in the love of God in Jesus Christ! Even when the crosses are heavy and seem unbearable, try to remember that God can lift you up now as He has done for you before!

Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

Scripture:

Genesis 1:1-2:2
Genesis 22:1-18
Exodus 14:15-15:1
Isaiah 54:5-14
Isaiah 55:1-11
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
Romans 6:3-11
Luke 24:1-12

Reflection:

“Then God said”

As we celebrate Holy Saturday, it is a day of silence, deep reflection, and trust in the midst of uncertainty. Christians are called to hold on to hope even when it seems the bleakest. This day, situated between the sorrow of the crucifixion and the joy of the resurrection, mirrors the experience of the disciples, who were filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty.

Uncertainty—it’s not too hard for anyone to imagine what was racing through the disciples’ minds as this day was unfolding. They had walked with Jesus in the flesh, listened to His promises, and witnessed His miracles, yet on this day, they were unsure of what was next.

As Passionists, we lift high the Cross certain of Christ’s triumphant victory hidden even in suffering. In the stillness of Holy Saturday, we ponder the mystery of death and resurrection. We recall God’s power, evident from the beginning of creation, which breaks through doubt and fear.

This day resonates with our own humanity, relating to their experience. We often ask, “What do I do now?” or “What’s going to happen?” Yet, this doesn’t separate us from God—it draws us closer. It is only through trials that we come to know a deeper trust in God. Trust lies at the heart of today.

There’s a powerful reminder in a song by Lauren Daigle, “Trust in You”, which speaks to trusting God even when the plan doesn’t make sense or when we don’t understand. She sings, “Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings There’s not a day ahead You have not seen So in all things be my life and breath I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less…… I will trust in you”.

This brings me to the words “[t]hen God said” at the beginning of the Easter Vigil Scripture, revealing the magnificent power of God who speaks and brings things into being. We hear of this power of God manifesting itself from the very beginning. It is through the very word of God that crushes the uncertainty and doubt of death.

Like the apostles, we too at times are left with uncertainty surrounding the thoughts and hearts of each of us, but it is on this day that we come to know and understand the faithfulness in waiting – that each of us is called to a deeper trust, preparing our hearts for the joy of resurrection. May your hearts be drawn to a deeper relationship with Christ as we continue through this triduum, trusting in every spoken word from God.

Lori Kananen, LMC, is the lay Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42

Reflection:

Here at our beautiful St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center we are privileged to have an amazing and bigger than life portrayal of Jesus Christ Crucified.  This powerful image is placed directly above the tabernacle and captures the immediate attention of all who enter our Chapel.

What makes this particular crucifix so compelling, in fact, is that it is inspired by the Limpias Crucifix, located in the 16th century Church of St. Peter in Santander, Spain, not far from the popular alleged apparitions of the Blessed Mother in Garabandal.  Even more unique is that, in this crucifix, the eyes of our Savior are open, no wound in the side, indicating that Jesus is in the final moments of pouring out his life for us all.

Why is this so special, not only to our worldwide Passionist family, but for all Christian men and women everywhere?  This crucifix brings to life two very important dimensions of what we so devotedly refer to as the “memoria passionis,” or the “memory of the Passion.”  In our prayer, as well as in our ministry, we Passionists, by a special fourth vow, promise to remember every single day both the historical moment when Jesus was crucified on Calvary, and, with just as much energy and zeal, we choose to be very mindful all those who are the crucified ones in our world, in our cities, and on our streets.

And who are the crucified of today?  How can we not think of all those innocent men, women, children, and infants in the Ukraine whose lives are being eradicated as if they are nothing more than mere rubble!  We are ever mindful of the thousands of people all around the world who are discriminated against because of race, color, religious beliefs, and gender.  In our own land we cannot overlook the shocking number of men and women, young and old, who are increasingly joining the ranks of living and deceased casualties of the often-overlooked opioid crisis.  And I am also inclined, in a personal way, to think of women and children who are abused in dysfunctional, loveless homes, as well as those who are alone in their final hours of life with no one to comfort them.

On this Good Friday, dear friends, as we meditate in deeply heartfelt ways on the sacred Passion of Jesus Christ, let’s not forget to also think of those who are also crucified with him in our world today.  May the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of Saint Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Holy Thursday

Scripture:

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

Reflection:

Jesus was perfect, absolute, wholehearted and undefiled love for us from beginning to end. And he still is. This is what these three holiest days of the Church Year reveal. Together, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil testify that without a doubt, Jesus is love for us.

On the last night of his life, a night on which he would be betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the other disciples, Jesus did what he always did—he chose to love. On the eve of the day when his body would be bruised, bloodied, and broken unto death, Jesus gave his body to us so that death could never rob us of life.

In the reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul recalls the words Jesus uttered at the Last Supper, words we hear at every Eucharist: “This is my body that is for you.” In every Eucharist, Jesus keeps giving himself to us that we might live, giving himself so that we who are forever being wounded, diminished, and impaired by our own and others’ sinfulness, will not be denied the life and love God has always wanted for us. In every Eucharist, Jesus, who was handed over by each of us in our sinfulness to be put to death, gives himself back to us so that we might live.

The gospel for today recounts the unforgettable scene where Jesus, who knows what lies ahead for him, rather than collapsing in fear or drowning in sorrow, washes the feet of his disciples, including the feet of Judas who will soon betray him and Peter who will deny ever knowing him, an act that witnesses that then, just as now, no one is left outside the infinitely expanding circle of God’s love, a God who serves, who bows down before us, and whose love stops at nothing so that we might live.

Jesus tells the disciples, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Why? Because when we give of ourselves so that others might live, we participate in and further the very love that saves us, the love that stops at nothing so that we might live. If anyone ever asks you what it means to be a Christian, start here.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection:

Triduum begins tomorrow evening.  Today is the culmination of our Lenten journey as we stand at the threshold between what has been this Lenten experience and what is about to come in the next four days.  I look back at the liturgical readings for this season and am reminded of the gospel texts informing us, the reader, of numerous people who were against Jesus.   It is one thing to have someone on the outside against you.  Today, the net surrounding Jesus tightens even more.  Things get tough, for now someone in Jesus’ inner circle plots to betray him.

Have you ever been betrayed?  Think of the pain of that betrayal and prayerfully share it with the Lord as you read today’s Gospel and the actions and attitude of Judas.  As you pray through it, is the wound still tender?  Where are you in the process of forgiveness?   Betrayal paralyzes you.  It feels like a knife has pierced you through the heart and most painful it is from someone you confided, cared about, entrusted part of who you are.  When your enemy is outside your circle, its common to keep your defenses up.    However, when it comes from inside your circle, your defenses are down and the knife cuts deeper.  And what does Jesus do?  He doesn’t condemn him, nor does he exclude him from the celebration at the table.

In some ways Judas’ actions make sense.  In Judas’ eyes, Jesus hasn’t restored Israel to it’s glory days. He hasn’t fulfilled any of his responsibilities as Messiah.  He hasn’t reclaimed the temple. What has Jesus done?  To Judas, Jesus’ actions fall short.  Judas hears Jesus talking a good talk but there is not the action that Judas would like to see.  Remember, Judas was a Zealot.    Zealots were men of action.  They had no problem murdering Roman Centurions or anyone who kept them from living the way they believed God was asking them to live.   They saw their purpose to cleanse Israel of this blight.   In Judas’ eyes, Jesus wasn’t doing that.  He hears Jesus talking about his kingdom and his new world order but it is not transpiring his way.    Where is the action Jesus?  Judas wasn’t against the good things Jesus did.  But in Judas’ eyes, Jesus didn’t fulfill the task of Messiah.  He fell short.  Therefore Judas decided he isn’t really the Anointed One whom Israel had been awaiting, and Judas sells him out.   

It is not much different than our world today.  As divided as we are, so much of our division is about differences in expectations.  What we expect our leaders to be, politicians to be, our family to be and even our church to be….. And when it doesn’t fill our expectations what do we do?   Are we really that much different than Judas?  It is easy stay on board when everything is going well and it is easy to sell out when things begin to seem like they are falling apart.  This week is most challenging.  Holy Week asks us, how do you stay the course when things are falling apart and you think Jesus is the answer?  And in the midst of this call to be disciples of integrity, we watch him succumb to the forces in the universe who seemingly gang up against him. Here is the hero of the Gospels being led to the cross.   If anything, this week is a story about expectations and how do we respond when it seems like something has come unwired in the cosmic universe? 

Judas saw the gift that was before him in the person of Jesus.  Sadly he chose to monetize the gift, an act he later deeply regretted.  

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province. He resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Isaiah 49:1-6
John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reflection:

You gotta love Peter! What you see is what you get with this man.

We are in the throes of Holy Week. We begin the week with “Hosana,” move to “Crucify him,” and finally end with “Alleluia.” We rightfully follow the journey of Jesus through this week, but let’s not forget those who accompanied him through these confounding events. So, back to Simon Peter.

The scene is the Last Supper in the upper room, the cenacle. It is an intense scene with the Beloved Disciple resting his head on Jesus, Judas’ betrayal, and then this exchange in today’s gospel.

My children, I will be with you only a little while longer…

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?”

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.”

Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

Simon Peter is so brave to declare his unwavering commitment to God, as we all hope we would. But I cannot help but look around and see time and again the ways in which we waffle, just as Peter will do. We choose to lay down our lives for our job, our political party, our country, our friends. There is nothing wrong with making a commitment to any of these. The problem begins when they displace our commitment to live the gospel by caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger, forgiving our enemies, judging not, and loving one another. We’re likely to get that stare from Jesus that says, “Really? You’ll lay down your life for me and the message of love I preach?”

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

The gospel story feels like Act II of a riveting play. The formerly dead Lazarus is very much alive, dining with Jesus and his family. His sister Mary lovingly anoints Jesus’ feet. Even Judas is present, complaining about the cost of the oil. He missed its deeper meaning.

For three years, Jesus connected with everyone, rich and poor alike. He challenged powerful, hypocritical religious leaders and found real joy hanging with humble fishermen.

The crucifixion was a brutal reality, so his choosing expensive oils for burial had to surprise a few people. On those same lines, Joseph of Arimathea, a devoted follower, later offered his own costly tomb. In our time, especially now that inexpensive cremation has become so common, the gift of a family burial plot would still be huge.

My family has a few hundred square yards of lawn in a southwestern Pennsylvania cemetery. About 80 years ago, a non-family member was given a single plot. The tombstone reads, “To Henry Smith, Daniel McQuain’s Best Friend.” Henry must have been quite a guy.

I find comfort in Mass readings, like today’s, that reflect our earthly reality. Utopia doesn’t exist; wealth and poverty are constant companions. Good and evil, cruelty and kindness are always near. But we can clearly see that choosing Jesus’ way offers strength and joy through life’s struggles. Though our time on earth is finite, we know how to build strength for confronting suffering well on earth and legitimately hope for a smile on our faces when we get to knock at heaven’s gate.

Jack Dermody is President of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a Passionist alumni organization dedicated to assist those who live in poverty; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the Passionist Alumni Association’s newsletter.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49

Reflection:

On this Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, the Gospel of Saint Luke proclaimed. Several elements unique to Luke demonstrate his distinctive style of presenting Jesus as Messiah—God’s anointed. Jesus is the one who has come to bring glad tidings, proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed (4:16-21) frames the narrative throughout the Gospel.

Jesus’ role as teacher and prophet is highlighted by adding a farewell discourse to the Passover meal—instructing his apostles on what to expect when he is no longer with them. One might say that this Gospel sheds the apostles in a kinder light. For example, following Peter’s declaration never to abandon him, Jesus responds with, “You will deny three times that you know me” (Lk 22:34), not an outright declaration of denial of Jesus (Mk 14:30).

He doesn’t need his disciples to keep him company or pray with him on the Mount of Olives, he suggests they pray for themselves, addressing them only once as they slept. Although Luke is keen to portray Jesus’ very real anxiety as he “sweats drops as if blood” (v.44) in coming to accept his impending betrayal and suffering. Absent from the other synoptics Luke has Jesus make eye contact with Peter following Peter’s denial of him. There seems to be no sense of condemnation in the exchange.

Jesus forgives his executioners from the cross even as they mock him, but to the criminal who responded in faith, he promised a place in paradise. Absent from the cross is any frantic cry of desolation like “My God, why have you forsaken me” (Mk 15:35-37; Matt27:46-49). Jesus’ last words are “Into your hands, I commend my spirit” (Ps 30:6). While this Psalm portrays equally the rejection of the righteous one by enemies, it offers a quiet confidence in God’s saving power ending with, “have courage and let your hearts take strength, all you who hope in the Lord” (Ps 30:25).

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah and the second reading from Philippians blend beautifully with Luke’s Passion narrative. Commonly known as the third servant song, Isaiah details the Lord’s commissioning in preparing the prophet to “speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” (50:4). This was Jesus’ prophetic message—his training—his mission. However, Jesus was no ordinary prophet, he was the Son of God. The early Christians struggled to find words to express this incredible distinction. Reflecting the desire to create a fitting language, the text in Philippians is believed to be an old hymn sung at liturgies in praise of Jesus Christ.

In Luke’s passion narrative, Jesus’ actions are the primary focus. The reader’s attention is not as distracted by betrayals, denials, or political-religious manipulations. While Luke doesn’t deny the presence of those elements, Jesus’ actions are elevated in such a way that the rest fades into the background. Luke’s Jesus died as he lived. He accomplished what he came to fulfill.

May we enter into Holy Week filled with gratitude for the unspeakable gift of Jesus our Savior, finding hope and strength for our times. May peace reign in our hearts. Amen.

Jean Bowler is a member of the Ministry Team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.