Daily Scripture

Scripture:

1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
Luke 18:35-43

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Albert the Great, a Dominican scholar who also had the distinct privilege of helping to form the mind of another great Dominican, St. Thomas Aquinas.  These two brilliant men surely helped to shape scholastic thought and theological development for centuries, even to our present day.  Philosophical and intellectual clarity offered a means of looking at the mysteries of our faith in a very logical and systematic way.

Yet, interestingly enough, the readings for this particular Monday during the 33^rd Week of Ordinary time, portrays a moment in Jewish history that is far from being characterized as clear and faithful to the religious traditions and beliefs of the Jewish community.  In fact, as we see in our first reading for the day, taken from the First Book of the Maccabees, with poor leadership and heretical thinking, many of the people were abandoning their faith in favor of the Gentiles living among them.

They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing. Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, each abandoning his particular customs.  All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath.

At first glance, we might be amazed at how such a faithful people who suffered so greatly for their faith could be swayed so easily as to capitulate to the demands of a king who was clearly not representing God and God’s sacred covenant with his chosen people.  But then, as we reflect a bit further, perhaps we can see that in our own lifetime and in our own country, we are witnesses of many people who are compromising the truth of their faith for fame, control, and popularity.  We are all only too susceptible to the influences and seduction of our modern world.  We need only think about the reality of “culture wars” in America today to get an idea of how easy it is to be misled, to go astray, all accomplished through the power of misrepresenting the truth and appealing to personal ambitions and even the anger that binds so many together in our struggling society today.

How can we change all of this misdirection and division, all this animosity and separation that is tearing us apart?  It seems to me we have only to go to our Gospel passage for today’s feast this day and meditate long and hard on the words of the blind man who was so privileged to meet Jesus.  With him we have to all cry out humbly and sincerely, “Lord, please, let me see!”  Only the Lord can give us the sight and the vision that will lead us to the truth that can make America great once again!  Only the Lord can guide us to that truth that will set us free.

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

Scripture:

Daniel 12:1-3
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Mark 13:24-32

Reflection:

As we get closer to the end of the Church liturgical year, our readings deal more and more with the end times. We see this language in our first reading from Daniel (12:1-3), and in our Gospel reading from Mark (13:24-32). In our Gospel reading, Jesus says: “In those days after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out his angels and gather his elect…” And later on, He says, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Amid all the frightful imagery and the speculation that goes with it, I am drawn to the words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” What are Jesus’ words? We have them in the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It seems to me that Jesus’ words, and the actions that confirm His words, speak more than anything about God’s love for us and how we are to love God and love our neighbor in return. This will often mean taking up the crosses that come our way, and being willing to give of ourselves for the sake of the Gospel and the good of others.

In these times, as well as all times, we are encouraged to hang on to these words! Hang on to His love for you! His love will not pass away, even though there may be times when you can’t see it or feel it. Know that God is there for you. Believe in what the Cross and the empty tomb say to you! Sin and death do not have the last word! As it says in our second reading from Hebrews: “Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God…”

And if we hang on to Jesus’ words, may we follow Him in our actions. May we show mercy and compassion. May we reach out to those in need. May we care for all of creation. As it says in our reading from Daniel: “…the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” As I re-read this, I guess there are some who see that last line as a license for revenge and vigilantism, but I see it as a call to work for justice for all, leading to peace. I see Jesus’ words as speaking truth, in and out of season, but I do not see a call to violence in His words.

May we take to heart the words of Jesus, and through our following His words, may many be led to justice.

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

Scripture:

Wisdom 7:22b-8:1
Luke 17:20-25

Reflection:

Our Gospel passage for today touches a very familiar chord in all of us it seems to me.  How we all long for the peace and joy of a heaven on earth!  When will we see the peace and happiness the Lord promised us? When is the Kingdom of God going to come?

Jesus had to have a conversation with his own disciples about this, especially as he was being prodded by the haughty, unbelieving Pharisees.  Jesus calmly declares that the coming of the Kingdom is not an event that will be heralded by trumpets and flutes, or miraculous events.  (How we all look for the miraculous in our midst!)  Rather, Jesus is reminding all who would listen that the Kingdom of God, a time of peace and justice, will arrive only after the Messiah, the chosen one, would “suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

In other words, dear friends, the Kingdom of God is something we experience only after we have walked with the Lord sufficiently, even suffered with him.  The rejection that Jesus speaks of is only too clear today.  I doubt many people in our fast-moving society take much time to think about how it is God’s Kingdom that really matters and not our own!  We are so caught up in building fortresses and walls that we scarcely give God’s Kingdom much of a thought.  If we want to dream, then perhaps we should dream about how different the world in which we live today would be if we spent more time trying to build up the Kingdom of God rather than our own!

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

Scripture:

Wisdom 6:1-11
Luke 17:11-19

Reflection:

It says in the Book of Wisdom, and is repeated throughout scripture, that those who have little may be pardoned out of mercy, but “for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.” That’s a discomforting thought, because I have a good job, healthcare, a decent house, a 3-year-old car, plenty of food, abundant water, air conditioning and heat. I have the advantages that accrue to an able-bodied, white, Christian, suburban American. Despite the abundant losses, transitions, and challenges of my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good! How much gratitude is due for the riches I have been given? How often do I fall on my knees in thanks?

Yet in light of the Gospels, I realize gratitude is not enough; it is only the first step. For instance, consider Jesus’ admonition to the rich young man to sell all he has and come follow. Ouch! Reading that and knowing how much I have, I feel convicted, uncomfortable, and guilty.

I don’t think Jesus wants us to feel guilty, though. I believe he wants us to feel responsible. Guilt paralyzes. Responsibility acts. Note that Jesus didn’t tell him to sell everything for the sake of selling it. He told him to sell it and give it to the poor, to serve others. Those of us who have much do not actually “own” it at all. We don’t “deserve” it nor have we “earned” it. It is not “ours” to use just for our own pleasure. We are called to be grateful that we have this tool, these abilities, this health, these advantages, so that we can use them to be instruments of God’s mercy to others. What we do with them determines how we will be judged. God’s scrutiny awaits.

Examples: I have abundant food. How much can I give to food pantries, shelters for abuse victims, a Catholic Worker House, or the homeless people within my own area? I have more clothes than I need. Can I give professional clothing to underemployed people interviewing for a job, and other clothing to places like St. Vincent DePaul or Goodwill? My garage holds things I haven’t used in years; could someone else use them? I have too many books; who else needs them?

Every room of my home contains things I don’t need and could give away. The only question is: Where do I start and when? How long am I going to put it off while others are in need? Scripture is clear. Jesus is calling. Will I walk away sad, or will I get busy and live out the faith that saves me?

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:

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
John 2:13-22

Reflection:

The Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Synod

Today we celebrate the dedication of the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, the cathedral of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome – the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Each of us may have had an experience of feeling we were close to what is holy.  It may have been emotional, perhaps unexplainable. With that memory, we may desire to step back into a church, shrine or place that provided such an awesome experience.

We can add the Basilica of St. John Lateran as one of our potential holy places. We have a welcome there as the Bishop of Rome is our Pope. Mi casa es su casa, we have a foot in the door already! Its baptismal font testifies that it is a holy place. Inscribed with swimming fish, the ancient font witnesses to the many people over so many years who were born in its waters.

But now we have a new bond with the Basilica. Pope Francis has called the parishes of his diocese as well as each of our parishes to ‘gather for a period of mutual listening in order to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to us’. In less than two years the Synod of Bishops will meet with the theme, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”. What we say in our parish will be written alongside what the people in the parishes of Rome record.

We hear of gatherings called synods, also the often-discussed question of the balance between the Synod of Bishops and the Primacy of the Pope. This is different, more radical. Pope Francis is speaking of episcopal collegiality within an entirely synodal church. Francis, who was not at the Vatican Council, is calling us to be taken up by the same spirit that was embraced by the bishops at Vatican II, to face the challenges to the church today with fidelity and creativity. Pope Francis has said that at Jesus’ death God did not leave behind a ‘vacuum’ to be filled by people insisting on taking his place. The church is not to be like a country with ‘armed borders, guilt-mongering customs houses with a spirituality that blasphemes the gratuity of God’s engaging action’. Instead, Jesus sent the HS who enables us to witness in words and deeds to God’s unconditional love and his immense hospitality that knows no bounds or borders. We want to hear and listen to the Spirit who speaks through everyone: those content, angry, questioning and fearful.

In a village, the rich people hired watchmen to protect their property. One evening the rabbi was walking at the edge of someone’s property and ran into one of the watchmen making his rounds. The rabbi asked, “For whom are you walking, young man?” The watchman told the name of the owner, and asked, “And you Rabbi, for whom are you walking?” The word hit the rabbi like an arrow. After a period of silence, the Rabbi answered, ‘At the moment I am not walking for anyone.” The Rabbi asked, “Are you willing to become my servant?” “Of course, with pleasure, but what will you have me do?” The Rabbi answered, “You will have to remind me for whom I am supposed to walk”.

Francis tells us that in our mutual exchanges will be reminded for whom we walk.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Wisdom 1:1-7
Luke 17:1-6

Reflection:

Several years ago, a series of self-help books whose title began, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” hit the best-seller list.  As well-meaning as the author undoubtedly was, there was nevertheless something troubling about that title.  In today’s gospel, Jesus turns that popular title upside-down.  We do have to sweat the small stuff.

Jesus had just warned, instructed, and exhorted his followers about the demands of discipleship.  He warned them about false teaching and those who entice others to sin.  He instructed them about confronting sinners and – more importantly – the need to forgive them.

With such great expectations placed on their shoulders, the disciples promptly implored Jesus to increase their faith.  But, as he often does, Jesus shifts the focus of their request.  Faith is not a matter of quantity, Jesus teaches them, but of its presence.  The presence of faith in their lives is more crucial than its quantity.  Faith, even as tiny as a mustard seed, Jesus assures them, can accomplish much.

For us, as for the first disciples, faith is not a single moment, but an ongoing and essential dimension of our journey.  Within the depths of our souls, in a quiet and mysterious way, God is always doing something new in our lives.  Indeed, great things can emerge from the small stuff of our faith.  Even faith the size of a mustard seed will do.

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

Scripture:

1 Kings 17:10-16
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

Reflection:

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. 
Many rich people put in large sums. 
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
-Mark 12:41-42

I was twenty years old in 1965 and a sophomore at DePaul University in Chicago, when I got a call from my good friend, Fr. Joe Van Leeuwen, C.P. He was just appointed assistant Pastor at the Monastery Church where I grew up and wanted to know if I would teach a religion class there for him and the parish. I told him I didn’t know anything about teaching religion. He said that was all right, he didn’t know anything about running a CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) program, but he had 200 plus high school students coming next Tuesday, and he still needed a couple of teachers. He asked if I’d just take a class of twenty students for the coming year or until he could find someone to replace me.

I met Joe when he was a Passionist seminarian at the monastery connected to the parish in 1957. I was a seventh grader at the parish school and had joined the Bosco Club which was sponsored by the monastery for 7th and 8th graders thinking of becoming a priest. (We started early in those days.) In 1959, I went off to the Passionists’ Prep in Warrenton Missouri, and while there, Joe wrote to me and kept in touch. I doubt that I would have stayed at the Prep if Joe had not written me. All that goes to say, I considered Joe a good friend, and I couldn’t say “No” to Joe. Besides he assured me it was only for the coming year or possibly shorter. I said ok, I’d take the class, but only until he could find someone to take my place.

Twenty years later, Fr. Joe had moved on from his position as assistant pastor at the parish and I was still teaching religion classes at parish. A lot happened in the meantime. After all it was the ‘70’s. Vatican II was just taking root. We had changed the name of our classes from CCD to ICE (Institute of Christian Encounter) where rather than teach doctrine, we tried to create experiences where students and teachers alike would experience the Christian Community. I could and probably should write a book about that.

Anyway, looking back I think I felt like the widow who tells Elijah in today’s selection from First Kings: “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 Kgs 17:12). My simple “Yes” led to a lifelong association and love for the Passionist Community, many friendships, and a career in teaching, and as Jesus suggests in today’s gospel selection, we each give what we can.

Today, I can truly say with the widow: “Now indeed I know that you are a man of God, and it is truly the word of the LORD that you speak.” (1 Kgs 17:24). God help me see You at work in my world today and respond: “Yes!”

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