Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Titus 3:1-7
Luke 17:11-19

Reflection:

We continue today with the gospel of St. Luke in the section referred to as Jesus’ “Journey to Jerusalem.” This is an important narrative, featuring several stories found only in Luke, today’s gospel is one example.  The Cleansing of the Ten Lepers is a familiar tale, and reading these verses, I find that my tendency to elevate and praise the one who returned glorifying God and to think of the other nine as ungrateful has often been my default reaction.

Taking a closer look at the text, “And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned . . . (V.15), might suggest that the others had yet to realize their healing. How can we be sure that they may not have come back? We do know that the one who returned was a Samaritan—a foreigner. A motif of Luke’s gospel is that faith and salvation are not limited to the Jewish people but are universal and available to all.

Regardless of the circumstances, we are presented with a story that honors the virtue of gratitude. Realizing that he is healed, the Samaritan moves directly to glorify the healing God—in Jesus. Actions that bring about his salvation, as Jesus states, “. . . your faith has saved you.” V.19b.

Over the years, I have wondered how anyone could not return to say thank you for being healed of such a horrendous disease. I can fool myself into thinking that in the same circumstances, I would come back glorifying God in a loud voice! Amen, and so would you—right! We would shout it from the rooftops to imagine the liberation, the freedom to be back with our loved ones and walk the roads confidently, no longer having to yell “unclean” ever again! Fortunately, I won’t be put to that test.

Thanks to medicine, healing from leprosy is no longer necessary as in ancient times. Yet, seen or unseen, we all have some type of leprosy that needs God’s healing touch. Certainly, modern-day leprosy can take many forms. Those things in life that take us in the wrong direction and away from where we truly desire to go are very defeating. Being quick to judge can be one of mine—one among many.  That seems to be our human condition, yet one we can continue to work on in our day-to-day living as we become more aware.  

In St. Paul’s letter to Titus from our first reading, he suggests a pastoral approach to dealing with our various leprosies. Titus is to remind his community to “be open to every good enterprise” remembering “to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness towards everyone.” (Vs.1-2) However, Paul is careful to point out that “we ourselves were once that foolish. . . deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures.” (v.3)

For Paul, the difference is God’s merciful and generous love in Jesus, our savior, who freely offers unmerited grace and the opportunity to inherit eternal life—regardless of our leprosies.

Therefore, let us be patient with ourselves and each other as we journey in faith, reflecting on how God has blessed us. Let gratitude be our aim in this season of Thanksgiving and every season. 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:

Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Luke 17:7-10

Reflection:

Legacy: “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.” 

A question that is asked periodically in our family is “What sort of legacy will you leave at the end of your life?”  It is obvious that each of us will leave a legacy by the way we have lived our lives.  That is inevitable.  Each of us has also received a legacy from our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and so forth, by the way they lived their own lives.  The legacies that we have received have helped form us into who we are today.  Legacies do not predestine us.  They help to guide and form us….for both the good and the bad.  We have a choice to determine how we will pattern our own lives based on the legacies that we have received in addition to those being transmitted throughout our lives from others we interact with.

Today’s readings remind me of this provocative question.  St. Paul’s Letter to Titus instructs the reader to be consistent with sound doctrine, temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and endurance, reverent in behavior, not slanderous or addictive, etc.  We are instructed to be chaste and models of good deeds in every respect.  We are encouraged to guide the younger generations, and, in fact, everyone around us, to also be models of good deeds.  Would that not be a wonderful legacy to leave behind?  St. Paul has obviously succinctly captured the legacy question in his letter.    

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus focuses on the same question in his discussion of the attitude of a servant.  Here he teaches us to be obedient and humble servants in everything that we do.  He uses the analogy of servants who do their duty without expecting thanks or merit. “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.”

Both of today’s readings remind us of the responsibility that we have to set good examples for everyone that we interact with.  This includes spouses, children, neighbors, fellow workers, extended family, etc.  In fact, in the context of our Catholic faith, are we not “servants” to everyone we encounter?  Jesus gives us the perfect example. 

Do we periodically pause to consider the type of influence we are having?  I find myself sometimes wondering whether one or another particular individual even realizes that I am in the room.  However, to assume anyone around me is oblivious to my attitudes or my behavior is fraught with danger.  We know that people are continuously observing and judging/learning from us by the things we say and do. 

The famed poet, John Donne, wrote a poem entitled “Meditation XVII” in which he penned the famous phrase “No man is an island”. The poem explores the theme of interconnectedness and the shared experiences of humanity.  It compares each person to a piece of a continent, emphasizing that the absence of even one person diminishes the entire human race….therefore indeed, no man is an island.  

So, I ponder what kind of legacy I will leave.  I pray that it will be one, as Jesus proposed, of an obedient and humble servant.

Bill Berger has had a lifelong relationship with the Passionist Family.  Bill and his wife, Linda, are currently leaders of the Community of Passionist Partners (CPPs) in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

Titus 1:1-9
Luke 17:1-6

Reflection:

From Millstone to Mulberry Tree

Today’s gospel begins with a millstone and ends with a mulberry tree. It begins with the sea and ends with the sea. It begins with scandal and ends with seed. Luke’s gospel message, in other words, takes us across the broad expanse from sin to salvation in six brief passages.

With the parable earlier in the gospel of the rich man who ignored the starving Lazarus at the gate, Jesus exposes how one’s behavior, one’s sin, can lead others to neglect the poor. The word sin in the original Greek is skandalon, meaning a moral stumbling block.

And woe to the one who makes the “little ones,” stumble, that is the weak in faith, or those new to the faith. It is better that a millstone be hung on their neck and cast into the sea.

But if such a one who has offended us or harmed us seeks forgiveness, then we are to forgive that person — even if they offend us seven times a day, which is another way of saying over and over and over! We are likewise to forgive them over and over and over.

This is the challenge of Jesus to his disciples then, and us today. Are we capable of apparently such heroic forgiveness, especially with difficult people? The disciples didn’t think so. That’s why they begged Jesus for an increase in their faith in order to meet the steep challenge.

Jesus, however, calms them down. Even if all they have is faith the size of a microscopic mustard seed, he says, they can meet the challenge, they can forgive over and over. With such faith, they can tell the mulberry bush with roots deeply embedded in the ground, be uprooted and planted in the sea! That may sound like an impossible feat, but faith can do the seemingly impossible.

The faith we need, Jesus is tells us, has more to do with the kind of faith we have, rather than how much faith we have. A small amount of great faith can accomplish great things; can even forgive the hateful offenses others have inflicted on us.

Our small faith in so great a loving and forgiving God can accomplish great things.

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:

The story of the Widow’s Mite has often generated guilt within me. She gave everything she had, as did the widow who made food for Elijah even though she and her son were starving to death. Sometimes I worry that I give God my “leftovers,” i.e. making sure my own needs are met before donating to worthy causes and making sure I have time to do all that I want/need to do before setting aside time for prayer. These readings challenge me to ask whether I’m doing enough. The perfectionist in me says that I’m not. I’m not good enough or spiritual enough to please God. I always fall short because I’m not giving everything I have.  

At the same time, just as God honors the little that the widow had to give, maybe God does honor the time I set aside specifically for prayer every day and delights in knowing I also strive to make my entire life and my every breath a prayer. Maybe God honors the fact that I could certainly treat myself or go on a trip with the money I donate to organizations I believe in, but I willingly give up those niceties and extras for a greater cause. Maybe God doesn’t require that I sacrifice who I am or literally give until I am starving.

But am I just trying to make myself feel better? That’s possible; it’s a human tendency to do so. At the same time, I know Jesus often holds up the ideal, challenging us to think, discern, and often change our behavior to be more in line with it. I also know we have a God of love who knows us better than we know ourselves, who is not quick to judge and condemn but covers us with mercy and grace. Finally, I know that my life is a journey of growth and awareness.

Perhaps instead of feeling guilty, which is only counter-productive and self-negating, I need to spend time in prayer this week to evaluate once again whether I can do more in at least one arena of my life. Particularly as we approach Advent, can I spend additional time in prayer, go on a weekend retreat, increase my financial giving, or do more volunteer and pro bono work? How can I get closer to the ideal of the scriptures, not out of guilt but out of gratitude for all that God has given me?

Will you join me? Where are you feeling that tug of guilt in your life? Can you work to instead respond to the overwhelming graciousness and love of God by seeing where you can do just a little bit (or a lot) more? Let’s work together to give of our time, talent, money, and energy as fully as we reasonably can, perhaps denying ourselves some extras or even some measure of basics in order to lift up those who need our help.

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/.

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

What Does Sea World and a Group of Frenzied First Grades Have in Common?

We celebrate the Dedication of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and mother church of all churches. Its history is significant as the residence of the popes from the fourth century until the Avignon Papacy. But like the temple in chapter 37 of Ezekiel, what is most precious and at its heart are the life giving waters overflowing the boundaries of its baptismal font, and finding their way into the fonts of all churches, making them holy, life giving oasis. The words on the font in St. John Lateran extend to all fonts, “there is no barrier between those who are reborn and made one by the one font, the one Spirit and the one Faith…”

The early Church, we could say, ‘baptized’ Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd. They said simply, ‘here is what baptism is’. The Psalm tells us that we meet Jesus at baptism in waters of refreshment. The Holy Spirit covers us like abundantly poured, perfumed oil. We are then led on life’s journey through the valleys and pastures and hills, and one day, not alone, we go through the shadowed valley of death. At journeys end the Shepherd, who is Jesus, awaits us with arms open to embrace and welcome, then leads us to the banquet table in the Father’s house.

We could see todays feast as a ticket to Sea World and a chance to sit ringside and get slapped by a wave of water. Baptism is exciting, although some do want to sit farther back. The best response to the waters of baptism I have ever experienced were the first graders going wild during the sprinkling rite at Easter season, yelling, ‘me, me’ and trying to get wet, reaching out to feel the water being thrown at them.

This year our Sea World ticket gets an upgrade. The new edition of The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has just been released. The name is changed, The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (‘OCIA’). A slight change in name but a opportunity for the Christian community to be reminded of the gift and importance of baptism, a mystery of grace setting us on our way as followers of Christ in our world.

Here is a processional of praying using our baptisms and entering its meaning, a fun prayer to do with children. Begin at the church’s font where in the waters of refreshment you met the Good Shepherd. Gifted with the Holy Spirit you were commissioned there to be another Christ, to love as Christ loves. If there is an ambry in the church with the oils of the catechumens and chrism include that in your procession. Walk through the church ending at the altar. The journey through the church can take many different paths, but chose one each time you pray, maybe touch sacred spots like where you were married, where you usually sit, the place of hearing the Word, a place of special meaning….or you might want to have a saint whose image is in the church walk with you…let the church be the world with its variety of people and landscapes… End at the altar. Remember the altar is also the symbol of Christ. At funerals we will be placed closest to the altar/to Christ who is there with arms spread to welcome us to the Banquet Table of heaven. Baptism tells us we have a seat reserved at the banquet table. Ultimately the journey of life giving baptism ends where our processional prayer ends, at the banquet table that nourishes that eternal life.

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

Scripture:

Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 16:1-8

Reflection:

How do you act in a crisis?

Many of us are experiencing crises these days. It may be your loved one sick or dying from Covid-19 or another illness. Perhaps the family business is struggling, or you’ve lost your job. The cries for racial justice in our communities in response to the killings of our Black brothers and sisters at the hands of police are unrelenting. And as we witness the devastating wildfires and high number of calamitous hurricanes that reveal the widening environmental destruction on our planet, many are shaken to the core.

Today’s Gospel selection, at first reading, is confounding. Why would a steward, dismissed for mismanagement be praised for cutting debt owed to his rich master? Makes no sense.

But a closer analysis may help us realize Jesus is teaching his disciples their God-given capacity to manage a crisis.

According to some scholars, the steward forgave the debtors a portion of the debt that was the commission the steward received for collecting the debt. This was a clever act which kept him in good stead with the debtors and the rich man.

Jesus says we, his disciples, have all the gifts of the Holy Spirit we need to manage life’s crises. But our disposition must be an openness to the grace and wisdom available to us.

A wise Ursuline sister once said, “Don’t get ahead of grace.” If we stew and become anxious about a pending crisis, a predicted disaster, an illness or death yet to happen, we are trying to get ahead of grace. The Gospel today assures us will have the grace we need to manage crises when they come. Not before.

 No doubt that is why throughout Scripture God tells us “Be not afraid!”

 As the steward, a “child of this world,” was prudent in protecting his social connections, so we, “the children of light” will have what we need to deal with anything life throws our way, no matter how tragic.

Reflecting on the power of God to provide what we need when we need it gives us an inner peace, serenity, composure in every situation.

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

Scripture:

Philippians 3:3-8a
Luke 15:1-10

Reflection:

This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.  -Luke 15:2

I like to get up around sunrise. I am close to the Western Lake Michigan shore and the colors are often spell-binding. Then there are the birds. Like little children they come chirping on the power lines just outside my dining room window, calling for the crumbs I share daily with them. The sparrows and the starlings are like little children, eating away and totally in “the flow”. Also, to the chagrin of some of my neighbors, there are the pigeons who have no trouble landing on the power lines and perching on my windowsill as well to feast on these crumbs. Occasionally one of the pigeons will look me straight in the eye as if to say: “Thanks!” or “What are you doing there?” or “Do you have any more?” I’m not sure. I’m trying to learn their language.

I first heard of pigeons in my college years. One of my coworkers on an after-school job complained that the pigeons had messed up the booth she had worked in and caused her lots of trouble. “Pigeons are dirty birds, they cause disease!” so I’m told. Signs in some of the lawns of the larger buildings around my home, post cute little warnings: “Don’t feed the pigeons!”

My prayer often is a reminder of Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me!” Today’s Gospel selection suggests that Jesus loved and respected everyone, so much so that he welcomed sinners into his friendship and even shared meals with them. God, thank you for all the gifts you give me today and help me be like your son, Jesus. Help me learn from him and welcome everyone, even the “dirty” pigeons, into my life.

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

Scripture:

Philippians 2:12-18
Luke 14:25-33

Reflection:

My anthropology teacher in college, Dr. Warren Roth, was skilled at expanding my narrow ways of thinking. In one class, instead of profiling the culture of a tribe in tropical Africa or New Guinea, he helped us outline the characteristics of our American culture.

What still stands out from that discussion is how different we Americans value time, effort, and material well-being compared to many other cultures around the globe. From an early age, a majority of Americans are taught to not waste time, to work hard to achieve “success,” and to savor possessions (including our financial portfolios), and comforts.

A well-respected American is one who assumes time is money and who works overtime to make a business/practice/you-name-the-work productive and lucrative. The same American is expected to balance this effort with marriage, family, social life, civic engagement, and a compartmentalized time called vacation.

Dining with a tour group recently, I sat next to a woman who had spent her life developing respect and wealth in the real estate profession. As she enjoyed her meal, she raised a glass of wine in self-satisfaction and said, “I deserve this!” Perhaps she felt she had attained what most Americans assume is happiness.

The challenging readings today can afford us an opportunity to expand our narrow assumptions about daily living. What do we value? Where do we invest time? What gets us out of bed in the morning?

In the Gospel, Jesus is telling us to go for the best in life. More money? A car with more bells and whistles? A bigger home in a gated community? A more exotic vacation? The latest tech gadget?

No, Jesus is telling us that if we are too attached to these things, we’re missing the best life has to offer- to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

This invitation to discipleship requires accepting one’s own cross and getting on the same path as the prophetic Messiah. In the words of scripture scholar Luke Timothy Johnson, “. . . the call of God issued by the prophet must relativize all other claims on life.”

There could not be a more challenging way to live in our American culture. In prayerful reflection on today’s readings, we may be inspired to reevaluate the routines and direction of our lives in fresh ways. Where do I invest time, money, energy, and my passions?

Do I value time alone with Jesus, listening to him, enjoying his company? Do I see Jesus in my family members, my co-workers, my next door neighbors, the beggar at the street corner? Do I speak up against words of hate aimed at immigrants, refugees, prisoners, the poor? Do I voice opposition when a racist, homophobic, sexist, or xenophobic slur is spouted in conversations?

Do I let policymakers know the immorality of capital punishment, possessing nuclear weapons, homelessness, and the destruction of our common home, Mother Earth?

We are called, not to look after our own interests, but to respond whole heartedly to the call from Jesus, the Christ. As Johnson says, “. . .(excuses) reveal an entanglement in one’s own possessions and relationships that closes one . . . to the prophetic imperative.”

In his message to the Philippians, St Paul tells us, “Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

This is a way to live that surely expands our narrow concepts of success. It is an expansion I am sure my anthropology teacher would approve.

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