Daily Scripture

Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker

Scripture:

Genesis 1:26b-2:3
Matthew 13:54-58

Reflection:

Where did he get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?

Jesus’ neighbors were puzzled and upset that this man from their town, who grew up there, spoke with such authority and wisdom in their synagogue. To them, he was just a carpenter’s son, not a student at some rabbinical school.

Joseph the carpenter took his responsibility seriously, along with Mary, to raise Jesus. Joseph never speaks in the Gospels, but we learn so much from his actions. When God needed him, when Mary needed him, when the young Jesus needed him, Joseph was present. He was the family’s guardian, protector and provider.

Back then, sons usually followed in their father’s trade, so Joseph would become Jesus’ teacher, too. We assume Jesus learned a trade because in the same synagogue scene in Mark’s Gospel (6:3), the Nazarenes call Jesus the carpenter. Joseph taught Jesus wood working and stone masonry, and they likely traveled the region together for work.

St. Joseph the Worker teaches us the same lessons he taught the young Jesus. Work is dignified and an intrinsic good. No matter the trade or role, the worker must always be respected and valued. Through the development of our talents and abilities we strengthen our families and communities. When we work, we share in God’s creativity of bring God’s kingdom here on earth.

Today, on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and the day dedicated to workers, let us pray for all workers, so that no one might be without work and all might be paid a just wage. May they benefit from the dignity of work and the beauty of rest.   –Pope Francis

Mike Owens is coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Scripture:

Acts 5:17-26
John 3:16-21

Reflection:

A gentile came up to the great rabbi Hillel and challenged him: “Teach me the Torah while I stand on one foot.”  Hillel responded: “That which you hate, do not do to others.  That is the entire Torah.  The rest is simply explanation.  Go and learn it.”  Hillel was paraphrasing the command to love one’s neighbor.

The evangelist John is Hillel for us today with one of the most recognizable verses in the New Testament is here before us:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)

This is the whole gospel in a nutshell.

So popular and familiar is it that this passage, or its verse number, John 3:16, is emblazoned on T-shirts and sweatshirts.  It is printed on coffee mugs, bookmarks, bumper stickers, even on the bottoms of In-‘N-Out milkshake containers.  During football games and baseball games, someone, usually wearing a wild multi-colored wig, is waving a placard for all to see.  And it reads: John 3:16.

But, despite all this biblical zeal, there lurks a problem.  The passage has been clipped from its contextual moorings.  Consequently, its real meaning and impact have been lost, gone adrift in a sea of sentimentality.

The passage is indeed about God’s love for us, for the whole world.  God loves us so much that he gave us his son.  No argument there.

The issue lies with the word “gave.”  John, the evangelist is using poetic word play here. That is, he’s using a word that has both a literal and a deeper symbolic meaning.

In the Greek, the word “gave” is didomi.   It can mean quite literally “to give,” as in God “gave” us the gift of his son.  But the word also has another, deeper meaning.  It also means to surrender, to deliver up, hand over, as in Jesus was handed over, surrendered to the Romans for crucifixion.

The passage now reveals a richer meaning.  Yes, God loved us so much that he gave us his greatest gift, his son.   But it means more.  It means that God so loved the world that he surrendered his greatest gift, his son, to humanity’s evil of crucifixion.  This love is not abstract or mawkishly sentimental.  This costly love would cost everything, even death on a cross.  This is the whole of the Gospel while standing on one foot.  It is now for us to go and learn it.

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

Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor of the Church

Scripture:

Acts 4:32-37
John 3:7b-15

Reflection: 

The soul is in God and God is in the soul. God is closer to us than water is to a fish. – Saint Catherine of Siena

Today, the Church celebrates the feast day of one of the four women who are Doctors of the Church, Catherine of Siena. She was a third-order Dominican whose famous work was The Dialogue. She worked for the unity of the Church and was loyal to the pope. Her influence on Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome from Avignon, France was Divine intervention only because she listened to God with deep love and was open to the Holy Spirit. 

The Chosen is a popular online series about Jesus’ life, Passion, death, and Resurrection. In the second season, Nicodemus, a visiting Pharisee, meets Jesus on a rooftop after hearing of His miracles. During their conversation, Jesus invites Nicodemus to follow Him. Nicodemus struggles with the decision due to his family and position in the Sanhedrin. Although he ultimately does not join Jesus, he leaves a bag of gold for Him. The scene ends with a saddened Nicodemus, aware of the opportunity he missed.

The scene described prompts us to consider how earthly matters can hinder our spiritual pursuits. Although the depiction from The Chosen is the interpretation of its writer and producer, it is plausible that a similar event could have transpired. Many individuals over the past 2,000 years have likely faced a comparable dilemma when deciding whether to embrace the Gospel message or persist in their current path. The invitation to follow God is continually present; He never abandons us. It is we who choose to turn away and decline the invitation, which can leave a profound impact because God’s presence resides within us.

The first reading highlights the influence of Christ’s message as demonstrated by the actions of His followers who sold their properties or houses and donated the proceeds to the Apostles. They shared all possessions and were united in “one heart and mind”. The community placed their trust in the Word and in the Apostles. This collective trust ensured that everyone’s needs were met. The Apostles recognized that God was present with them and within them. I wonder what ever happened to Nicodemus? God knows.

Linda Schork is a theology teacher at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Acts 4:32-37
John 3:7b-15

Reflection:

            As they prayed. The place where they were gathered
            shook, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and
            continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

During these post-resurrection days, the scriptures are filled with accounts of the apostles taking the call to discipleship seriously.  Even though they were sad because Jesus was no longer with them in the flesh, they ministered with hope and determination.  Empowered by the Holy Spirit they boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus as he taught them to do!

How are we as disciples of Jesus Christ living out our call to preach the resurrected Jesus during this Easter season 2025?!  What are some ways we are called to proclaim the RISEN CHRIST in our midst to our friends, neighbors, family, community and world at large?!  Some ideas may include;

Gather with folks to break open the Easter scriptures.  The Acts of the Apostles can give us hope and promise for a church reborn.  Take time to share how these scriptures are impacting your faith life.  Take time to listen as others recount their stories as well.

During the past several months, I have been blessed to journey with our OCIA/RCIA candidates and catechumens on their journey to the Easter sacraments.  I would encourage anyone to get involved in this process.  It is a holy experience and so uplifting to walk this journey of faith with those persons who are eager to learn more about the Risen Christ.  When you serve as a team member or sponsor, your faith can grow by leaps and bounds!  Together, you become an even greater gift to our global faith community!

I woke up this morning to learn of the passing of our dear Pope Francis! His tenure as our faithful leader has been a beacon of hope. He will be sorely missed and remembered for his faithfulness to gospel values and courage to work for justice for all who have been labeled ‘different’.  We can proclaim the Risen Christ when we take the time to emulate a trusted mentor, teacher, pastor, friend or world leader such as Pope Francis.  Pope Francis calls us to spread the message of Easter to all our sisters and brothers in need.

During this Easter season, may we focus on our call to be Resurrection people by the way we announce the good news, JESUS CHRIST HAS RISEN!

Easter Peace and Blessings!

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

Scripture:

Acts 5:12-16
Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
John 20:19-31

Reflection:

For the first few Sundays of Easter, our Gospel readings are accounts of the appearances of the Risen Jesus to His disciples. We don’t usually associate these appearances with healing, as we do the miraculous cures we read about during Jesus’ ministry before His Passion and death. but I am more and more beginning to realize that these appearances of the Risen Jesus are healing experiences.

The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter is the encounter between the Risen Jesus and the apostle Thomas (John 20:19-31). Where is the healing in this encounter? I see Thomas healed of grief, of disillusionment and of despair. For some time, I have seen Thomas’ adamant refusal to take the other apostles’ word that Jesus was risen, not as a weakness of faith, but as a defense from being hurt again. I can imagine Thomas vowing to himself that he would never let himself believe in anything or anyone again, lest he be hurt as he was when he saw Jesus die on the Cross.

When Thomas finally sees that Jesus is indeed risen, he is healed of despair and doubt and grief. When does this occur? When Thomas touches Jesus’ wounds. When we are hurting from grief or despair; when we are wondering whether God really loves us or not, or even if there is a God, we can do as Thomas was invited to do – touch Jesus’ wounds. We can contemplate the Cross and reflect on all that Jesus endured for our salvation, and be healed. We can let the Risen Jesus enter our hearts and touch our wounds and be healed.

For me, the encounter between Jesus and Thomas also has something to say about the healing needed in our world. I think one of the most prevalent doubts in our world is doubting the humanity of the “other.’ We human beings can justify violence and slavery and all sorts of oppression and injustice, as well as indifference, by convincing ourselves that “they” are somehow less than human, or at least, less than us.

How could we be healed of that? I think it might be healed if we were willing to “touch” the wounds of others. By that I mean, being willing to hear people’s stories; being willing to hear about the wounds inflicted by prejudice and hate and fear (by our prejudice and hate and fear?). Perhaps we could also see their wounds, just as we might see our own, as connected to the wounds of Jesus. And maybe, just maybe, we could recognize their humanity, and we could let the love of God in Jesus Christ lift us all up.

If we would be willing to take on such a task of love, filled with the hope of Easter, we might let ourselves be open to respond to God’s call, and be willing to help bring healing and love, just as we read about the apostles in our first reading (Acts 5:12-16). We might find ourselves willing to work for justice, even justice for the “other,” and seek to make peace.

If we celebrate this Sunday as Divine Mercy Sunday, may we not only reflect on the mercy God has shown us in Jesus Christ, but be willing to be instruments of God’s mercy for others.

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

Scripture:

Acts 4:13-21
Mark 16:9-15

Reflection:

How easily we judge by appearances according to our own set expectations! The Sanhedrin wouldn’t believe Peter and John’s testimony or the miracles they performed because they knew them as “simple, uneducated” men. Earlier in the scriptures, when God sent Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king, Jesse didn’t initially even present David, because surely God chose one of the seven older brothers rather than a young sheepherder. Later, Jesus’ apostles and companions refused to believe either Mary Magdelene, who saw Jesus after he rose, or the two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus, as those witnesses didn’t sufficiently fit their criteria for reliability. When Jesus finally appeared to the disciples, dispelling their doubt, he rebukes them for their refusal.  

Knowing what I know on this side of the story, it’s easy for me to rebuke all of these people, too, and convince myself I would have believed if I’d been there. After all, I’ve been taught that God has a habit of speaking in unexpected ways and through unsuspecting sources. But would I? How often do I discount a message because I don’t accept the messenger? How often do I shut out other voices because I believe I know more or they don’t know enough?

In our current milieu, entire classes of people are labeled as ignorant, evil, misguided, or just wrong, rendering us incapable of hearing genuine wisdom from a member of that group. Young adults in our Church constantly experience their perspective being discounted or unheard in favor of the “seasoned veterans” who, of course, are smarter and wiser. Women often perceive that, just as in biblical times, their words carry less weight than a man’s. Surely, too, people living in poverty have little to teach those who’ve achieved success. We see it everywhere we look. Are we so blind?

So I must ask: In my life, who do I discount or shut out? Can I hear wisdom and answers from God when they are given by someone of another faith tradition? Am I open to insight from a member of another culture or race? What about when the messenger is half my age? I need to remember the scriptural message: “Not as humans see does God see, because humans see the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.”

Gracious God, open my eyes that I may see your face in every person. Open my ears that I may hear your voice from unexpected mouths. Open my mind that I may perceive the movement of your Spirit. Open my heart that I may give and receive love from those I consider most unlovable. Lead me and all of us to more readily hear your Word in our world. Amen.

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:

Acts 4:1-12
John 21:1-14

Reflection:

The gospel stories during these days of Easter are like a tutorial. They help us deepen our understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry. The Risen Lord tutors the apostles. He helps them move through the dark days, the disappointment, the confusion. Everything they need know about Jesus they have within themselves. They just require his help in piecing it all together. And as they deepen their understanding, they know—and hopefully we also—what they must do.

Today’s story of Peter jumping out of the boat to join Jesus is not the first time we’ve seen Peter do something like this. In other gospel accounts, Jesus beckons Peter to come to him…across the water. Today we see Peter jumping into the water to swim to Jesus who waits for him on the lakeshore. In both these stories, Peter knows he needs to get to Jesus. But that means leaving the boat. That boat, remember, represents what he knows best – fishing. It is his comfort zone. But Peter knows what he needs to do. And it means leaving the boat.

Whether it is on the lakeshore or on the road to Emmaus or in the Upper Room, the apostles and disciples spend time with the Risen Jesus. And in spending time with him, their path forward becomes clearer. In these days following Easter, we are invited to find time with the Lord. Let’s sit quietly with him and let him help us see our way forward. We’ll know what we need to do in that quiet moment, even if it means jumping out of our boats and leaving behind what is familiar and safe.

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:

Acts 3:11-26
Luke 24: 35-48

Reflection:

The Easter Octave:  “Peace Be With You…”

In almost all his Resurrection appearances, Jesus greets his disciples with “peace.”  He seems eager to dispel any fear in their hearts…and when you think about it, without faith we humans have reason to fear.  Illness, injustice, economic uncertainty, loneliness, violence, hunger, etc.:  realities all too common in today’s world, just as they were in the time of Jesus.

The risen Jesus shows us that we have no reason to fear either the present or the future.  In His life, death, and resurrection, He triumphed over sin and death.  In his life-long ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing, Jesus revealed that He has fulfilled the promises God made throughout Old Testament times.  Such was the point St. Peter wanted to make in his sermon to the crowd in Solomon’s Portico that is our first reading today.  We in the 21^st Century can thus be confident that both we and our world are in the loving hands of God…there’s no reason to fear…have faith!

Jesus’ words “Peace be with you” to His early disciples are not an empty, casual greeting.  They express the great gift of God’s “shalom” which can dissipate all fear from our lives and embolden us to witness in word and deed God’s unconditional love for our needy world.  Are we women and men of Jesus’ peace?  Do we radiate that Christ-centered peace in the 1,001 details of modern life…at times with our lips, often with our lives? 

As 21^st Century Easter People, “alleluia” is our song; Jesus’ gift of peace adds a richness to that song which invites the world to sing along.  As the words to an old soft drink advertisement stated:  Let’s teach the world to sing…

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.