Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Acts 13: 26-33
John 14: 1-6

Reflection:

Jump in the Car! Let’s go! Trust me!

Faith requires us to go where we do not see the immediate result or end sometimes. Have you ever jumped in the car with someone just because you wanted to go? You had no idea where they were going but you had faith that you were going to be alright. That is what it is like following Jesus. When we were children, we did this very often with our parents. We knew they were going to take care of us. Jesus is like that parent to us now. He wants us to jump in the car and trust Him that everything is going to be alright. But we must admit sometimes we are like Thomas the apostle. He is always the one who questions Jesus and wants him to show him the way. I can read his mind right about now. He is probably saying, “You are always talking in rhymes and riddles, just tell us where you are going and how we can get there. Just show me.” But Jesus just tells him,” I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” This answer just leaves Thomas speechless and we don’t here from him again in the passage.

Jesus also tells us in John’s Gospel that, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, that where I am you also may be.” So what is this place like that we are suppose to go when we follow Jesus? We know that it is His Father’s house. We know that there are many dwelling places. We know that Jesus is going to prepare a place for us there. We know that He is going to come back and take us to Himself, so that where He is we also may be. This place must be Heaven. When we get in the car with our parents we don’t ask all of these questions like Thomas does. We just get in and trust our parents to take care of us. We let them take us to wherever they want to take us. That is what God wants us to do. Trust in him. Have faith in him. Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Amen.

Deacon Peter Smith serves at St. Mary’s/Holy Family Parish in Alabama, is a religion teacher at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham, and a member of our Passionist Family.

Scripture:

Acts 13:13-25
John 13:16-20

Reflection:

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master
nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.” (JN 13:12-14)

On a walk the other day, I waved to one of the baristas who had been serving me my morning coffee before COVID-19. She waved back and yelled from across the street that they would be reopening this coming Monday (that was this past Monday). I smiled and yelled back, “I can’t wait—see you then”

This “sheltering in place” has opened my eyes to how much I like being served, and how I’ve been taking for granted the people who serve me, especially the cooks and the wait staff in restaurants and coffee houses. Even a simple thing like brewing a pot coffee that I have now put back into my morning routine teaches me how dependent I am upon my neighbor. My old routine of ordering my coffee on my smart phone, precisely the way I’ve become accustomed to having it and then heading out for my morning walk and just at the right time arriving at the coffee house to smile at the baristas, say hello and thanks, and ah yes, savor this heavenly nectar from god as I proceed on my way.

I would need to do hours of research if I wanted to know all the people who have contributed to this simple cup of coffee, starting with the farmer in a far off country who first planted the seed into our loving Mother Earth, tended to its growth, and harvested it. All this leading to adding to my delight every weekday morning.

Luckily today I am served by many servants I don’t see nor have an opportunity to say “Thank you!” to, like the plumbers, roofers, truck drivers, and yes, the nurses and doctors serving on the front lines trying to keep me and all of us safe from the COVID-19 that has us all sheltering in place today.

God, I thank you for the many servants you’ve graced my life with and pray that you will open my eyes today to any opportunity I receive to serve you by freely sharing my gifts and talents to each person I encounter you in, especially the most needy and marginalized in our world today.

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

Scripture:

Acts 12:24-13:5a
John 12:44-50

Reflection:

Much of our energy is devoted to being accepted, gaining praise, fitting in. This is never more self-evident as when young teens interact. Being a social outcast at that stage of development can be devastating, resulting in depression, antisocial actions and even suicide.

As we grow into confident adults, the desire for approval, a residue from adolescence, helps us adapt to the adult world, guiding the trades or schools we select, whom to date and befriend and where to live.

Playing on the urge to fit in, advertisers promote products and services to calm our fears of being criticized or shunned. Dye your gray hair. Buy a car endorsed by Matthew McConoughey. Kill the dandelions in your manicured lawn. Drink the beer that everyone tells you is superb. Enroll your child in the day care the mothers at the country club say is top notch.

The verses in John’s Gospel that precede today’s selection set the context for Jesus to cry out at the Jews who valued “fitting in.” Verse 44 of Chapter 12 reads, “…many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved human glory rather than the Glory of God.”

In response, Jesus immediately “cried out” with the hard truth of doing the will of his Father, not measuring up to human expectations. Doing the Father’s will brings light into a dark world. It leads to eternal life.

It also guarantees suffering. Jesus followed the will of his Father in directly challenging the standard-setters of his day…the Jewish establishment and the Roman empire. Both had been built and were sustained on the backs of the most vulnerable…the poor, the outcasts (lepers, blind, lame). Both represented sin in the world.

In responding to his Father’s will…experienced in moments of deep prayer…Jesus concluded his had no choice but to go to the real and symbolic center of sin (Jerusalem) and condemn the establishment.

This confrontation led to the Passion. This, and this only, led to the Resurrection, to new life.

What does the Father want from each of us? Pope Francis consistently reminds us our world is teetering on self-destruction. A worldwide pandemic has unmasked our vulnerability as a species. Our military might has failed to protect us from COVID-19. Our earth-destroying pollutions promise to kill more than COVID-!9. Poverty in the midst of plenty promises the same outcomes.

Jesus tells us he did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. Only his message of love for one another and all creation leads to the fullness of life.

Will we follow him to our Jerusalems? If we do, he tells us he will never abandon us and will give us what we need to live fully.

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

Scripture:

Acts 11:19-26
John 10:22-30

Reflection:

Information. News. Stories. There’s a lot being said about how we hear what’s going on nowadays. Similarly, in our two readings today we find people wanting to know “what’s the buzz?” as Andrew Lloyd Webber put it in Jesus Christ Superstar.

In the first reading from Acts the Church in Jerusalem hears of the Gospel being preached to the Greeks (read: non-Jews) and their coming to believe. This was hard for them to understand. Many of the disciples of Jesus had yet to come to the understanding that this message was for the whole world. And so they sent Barabas to see what was going on. It’s interesting that it says Barabas, “arrived and saw the grace of God.” Seeing the grace of God requires approaching a situation with an open, non-judgmental heart. As Jesus Himself said, “Let those who have the eyes to see, see!” Often in the bustle of day-to-day life, especially when we are under stress, it’s hard to “have the eyes to see.” We don’t like to hear news that conflicts with our preconceived ideas of what is going on. Jesus encourages us to approach every situation in life with an open heart and open eyes and truly discern what God is showing us.

In the second reading we again find people looking for the truth. But they want it said to them in a particular way. They resist understanding or discerning unless they receive the news in a fashion that fits with their preconceived ideas of what it means to be the Christ. Jesus responds by telling them to look around. He asked them they need to believe the evidence of their own eyes. The works of the Father are evident all around them and yet, they want it said “plainly.”

How often do I miss God speaking to me because I want to hear it “plainly?“ Like those questioning Jesus in today’s reading, I often want God to speak to me on my own terms. However, as the scripture says, God‘s ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts.

My prayer today is that I have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. May I be open to God‘s word and truth in the way He chooses to speak to me.

In addition to being an independent teacher (now online!), Talib Huff works and volunteers at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California. You can contact him at [email protected]. 

Scripture:

Acts 11:1-18
John 10:11-18

Reflection:

A Shepherd’s Care:  Life’s Journey in 2020

Today our Easter celebration continues, and the Gospel selection continues yesterday’s Gospel selection from John 10, sharing Jesus’ loving message:  He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for us; He knows us and we know Him; He seeks to unite us all.  In all of life He offers us the gift of His Love…the Good Shepherd.

For many of us in 21^st century United States, our image of “sheep” and “shepherding” relies simply on textbook knowledge or the occasional ride through the countryside.  We may have (and dutifully care for!) various types of household pets, yet we lack the full understanding that Jesus imparts in His image of shepherding, protecting and caring for a flock of sheep in the everyday world of times past.

Jesus the Good Shepherd speaks to us today.  As our world experiences the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Risen Jesus speaks to us today as He did to the men and women of long ago:  “I care!”  “I love you!”  Wracked by the illness, death, fear and uncertainty so evident today, we meet the Risen Jesus who as a gentle shepherd reaches out to us with His hands of love that are marked by the nails of crucifixion; Jesus the Good Shepherd walks with us on the road of life, His feet marred by the nails of crucifixion; Jesus the Good Shepherd looks us in our eyes and lovingly sees into the depths of our hearts.  Jesus knows us well, what it is to suffer; we are not alone as we deal with life today!

As people of faith, we are invited to deeper trust, to a renewed realization that we are not alone, that both security and goodness are shared with us in ordinary and extraordinary ways, that healing and life and growth and love are real…in Jesus!  Jesus knows us well … and loves us dearly!  Amen!  Alleluia!

(And we continue our prayer and support for an increase in priestly and religious vocations…those whose vocation, in a distinct way, continues Jesus’ love as the Good Shepherd.)

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the Vocation Director for Holy Cross Province. He lives at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Acts 2:14a, 36-41
1 Peter 2:20b-25
John 10:1-10

Reflection:

As we continue through the Easter season, our Gospel readings are no longer accounts of the Risen Jesus appearing to His disciples. Most of our Gospel readings will be from the Gospel of John, and in the reading for this Sunday (John 10:1-10), Jesus uses the image of both a shepherd and the gate for the sheep. At the end of our reading, Jesus says “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

There are questions that come up for me as I reflect on these words. One question is: “Is the ‘abundant’ life Jesus talking about life here on earth as well as eternal life?” For me, the answer is “Yes!” It is possible for us to have abundant life in this life. The next question, then, is: “In the light of what’s going on now, how can this be? There is so much suffering and pain in our world. How can suffering be a part of abundant life?”

And this is what led me to really reflect on what does it mean to “have life and have it more abundantly.” I think what Jesus means by “abundant life” is different from what worldly wisdom would think it means. I think worldly wisdom would see abundant life as having everything one would want, with no worries or cares or anxieties or suffering.

I think for Jesus, and for us as believers, abundant life is something different. Jesus tells us that the basic commandment is to love – to love God and to love our neighbor. When we choose to love outside of ourselves, we will experience suffering. We hear this in our second reading from 1 Peter (2:20b – 25): “Beloved: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.” If love is the basic element of how we are to live as disciples of Christ, it is the basic element of abundant life, and so I would say that abundant life involves suffering “for doing what is good.”

Let me be even more outrageous. I believe that if we have life in Christ, we will indeed have no worries or cares or anxieties, not because we have everything we want, or that all of our problems magically disappear, but because we know, because of Easter, that our problems do not have the last word! And knowing that there is no greater gift than the love God has for us in Jesus Christ, we find that life is not about grabbing everything we want, but in giving as well as receiving.

Let me try to express this in a different way. If we buy into the worldly definition of “abundant life,” then what do we say about Jesus’ life? According to worldly wisdom, Jesus’ life was not “abundant.” He was not rich. He was misunderstood. He had enemies. He suffered physically and emotionally, and even spiritually. And He was executed. But from the perspective of faith, Jesus trusted in what He was sent to do. He had life more abundantly on earth, and gave of Himself, so that we could have it, too. In the language of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, abundant life is life relieved “from the bondage of self.” Jesus was totally free!

One more thing. I know that a lot of people are suffering, and it doesn’t necessarily have to do with doing good or not. Does this reflection have anything to do with them? For me, it calls us to do what many are doing now: reaching out to others in various ways, trying to alleviate their suffering in any way they can, from the people on the front lines to others keeping the lines of contact open.

This pandemic has taught us many things. I think it has revealed the best of us and also where inequality exists. My personal hope is that when the worst of this passes, and even when we may have effective treatment and an effective vaccine, that we engage in some soul-searching as to what kind of a society and what kind of a world are we called to be in living a truly “abundant” life.

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

Scripture:

Acts 9:31-42
John 6:60-69

Reflection:

‘This is hard, who can accept it?’

We listen to a refrain that illustrates one of the many moments that Jesus and his disciples faced or met opposition or, more precisely, in this case, a moment of discouragement.

To see followers, turn away and to see that one’s words and teachings are being rejected before our very eyes is a painful experience.

Teachers, guides, even parents at times all face such moments in life. Wisdom, truth, challenging words or even at times plain common sense can be rejected by the listener – often without good reason, but nevertheless rejected definitively!

At times all we can hope is that the other will turn away from their view and at least consider if not embrace the good advice or truth being put before them

Two moments in today’s account might help us in our reflection on the Word and give us encouragement and hope.

Firstly, let us notice the freedom that Jesus extends to others.

Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”

We bask in such freedom. Our belonging to Jesus, our walking with him is not something to be coerced or forced. He extends an invitation to us at each moment of life and we are free to make our response.

Secondly, we can be inspired by the faith of Peter in this instance.

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Pete’s famous words are both a testimony to the truth that is Jesus and a powerful witness and encouragement to us. Peter’s words show us that not only does Jesus have the secret of life, but that it is possible to follow him despite cost or challenge.

In today’s gospel text we see clearly that our following of Jesus can give strength and courage to others to do the same.  That is, our personal affirmation of faith and our witness to that same faith in Jesus can be a beacon for others and give silent witness to many.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia. 

Scripture:

Acts 9:1-20
John 6:52-59

Reflection:

The first reading for today is the famous account of Paul’s conversion in the Acts of the Apostles.  Paul was introduced earlier in Luke’s account as the young man who watched over the cloaks of the mob that stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr.  Luke soberly notes, “And Saul approved of their killing him.”  But now we see a dramatic turnabout.  The intensely zealous Paul who was persecuting the followers of Jesus is on his way to Damascus, “breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,” and intent on bringing back to Jerusalem in chains “any men or women who belonged to the Way” (the first name given to the community of Jesus’ followers, according to Acts).

But as Paul nears Damascus, he encounters the Crucified and Risen Christ and his life is changed forever.  The persecutor of Christians becomes the ardent missionary to the Gentiles.  As the Lord instructs Ananias who will minister to Paul in his blindness, “…this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel.”

Biblical interpreters have noted the difference between the dramatic story of Paul’s conversion described in Acts and that of Paul’s own reflections on his first encounter with the Risen Christ in his Letter to the Galatians.  Some Jewish Christians had challenged Paul’s mission in Galatia and questioned his conviction that God has reached out to the Gentiles without requiring that they first become Jewish converts, and, therefore, needing first to adhere to the practices of the Mosaic law such as Sabbath observance, circumcision, and a kosher diet.  Faced with this opposition, Paul affirms his own credentials as one appointed as an apostle by the Risen Christ.  Paul describes this inaugural experience not in the dramatic terms of the story in Acts but rather as a “call” or “vocation” from God—one that was designated for him in God’s providence even before he was born: “But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles.. (Galatians 1:15).

Looking back on his experience, Paul realizes that his vocation as apostle to the Gentiles was his God-given destiny.  Several times in his letters Paul expresses his deep regret that in his misguided zeal he had persecuted “the church of God,” but he remained secure in his vocation, aware of Christ’s love for him despite his failings.

We will be hearing a lot of selections from the Acts of the Apostles during this Easter Season leading up to Pentecost.  The whole second half of Acts focuses on the dynamic missionary journeys of Paul, as he brings the gospel to Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Macedonia and Achaia (present-day Greece) and beyond.  He indeed was God’s “chosen vessel” set apart to bring the message of God’s intense love and mercy to the world.

The beauty here is not only Paul’s matchless contribution to the spread of the gospel, but the fact that God works with those who are flawed and very human.  We live in a unique moment in history—a threat to our lives that both tests our own faith and, and at the same time, offers opportunities for us to proclaim its message of hope to a troubled and frightened world.  The example of Paul can be our inspiration.

Fr. Donald Senior, C.P. is President Emeritus and Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union.  He lives at the Passionist residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.