Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Hebrews 1:12-2:4
Matthew 17:14-20

Reflection:   

Today’s gospel is a story about faithlessness and faith.  But it begins way back in the Book of Deuteronomy.  There, a dying Moses tells the Israelites in his farewell discourse: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers – it is to him you shall listen…” (Deut 18:15-19).  In his gospel, Matthew takes those words to cast Jesus as that prophet, the new Moses who has come to deliver his people.

Chapter 17 in his gospel opens with the transfiguration of Jesus on a high mountain, where he took with him Peter, James and John.  There, from a cloud that covered the mountain, they heard a voice that thundered: “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.  Listen to him” (Mt 17:1-8).  That scene echoes the episode of Moses at Mount Sinai where he took three of his close associates with him up that high mountain (Ex 24:9), covered by God’s glory in a cloud, and who spoke to Moses (Ex. 24:16).

Today’s gospel reading in chapter 17 continues the Sinai parallels.  Jesus comes down the mountain and immediately runs into a demon-possessed boy, a distraught father and a bunch of hapless disciples’ helpless to heal the boy.  Jesus responds to this situation with the words: “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you?  How long will I endure you?” (Mt 17:17).  This, of course, recalls Moses coming down Mount Sinai to find the people worshipping the golden calf.  Moses rebuked the Israelites as a “perverse and crooked generation” (Deut 32:5).

Just as the Israelites showed little faith in the God who delivered them from Egyptian slavery, so too, the disciples showed little faith in God, even though Jesus early had given them authority over “unclean spirits” (Mt 10:1).

“To move mountains” is proverbial expression Jesus then uses to challenge his muddled, befuddled, and confused disciples – and us.  It is easier, more pleasant to experience a mountain-top faith than to return to our broken and doubt-ridden world and to exercise that faith.  Too often, that obstacle in our lives, which looks like the size of a high mountain, is just too much to overcome.  And so, we seize on our familiar and secure golden calves to somehow fix the problem.  That will never do.  That is the quick solution of a faithless generation, and it never works, never heals.

But, faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, Jesus tells us.  The insurmountable can be accomplished by the infinitesimal.  Faith – even a small and fragile faith – has the power to unleash God’s healing grace in our lives.  That is what Jesus tells us.  And when we doubt his words, we are to listen to that thunderous cloud-covered, mountain-top voice: “Listen to him.”

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

Scripture:

Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7
Matthew 17:14-20

Reflection:

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:24-25)

I felt the hairs on the back of my neck begin to rise as I stiffened and began to plan my rebuttal. A Black retired educator and friend had just pointed out to me and some others attending the same meeting, that we came from “privileged” backgrounds and we needed to own that.

Luckily, I uncharacteristically kept quiet, listened and reflected on what my colleague was saying. After some further explanation on his part and discussion among those attending (all White, but him) I realized that he was right. I did come from a privileged background, and it was not one I did anything to earn. Maybe that’s what the theologians mean by grace. I further began to realize then, that privilege continues today. Some may see this privilege as merited or even more absurdly, earned, but I believe, put in its proper perspective, it is simply gift. The cross I am blessed with is the cross of ignorance that I must die on if I really want to live.

Despite a lifetime of formal and informal education, I still have much to learn. Most importantly, after the above incident as well as the intervening happenings of “Me too” “Black Lives Matter” and “LGBTQ” stories I’ve been privileged to hear, I am trying to recognize that everyone who comes into my life today, deserves those same advantages afforded me.

God, I pray for the grace to let go of my narrow views of what life is all about, and to open myself up to the wonders and beauty of your creation which every day is totally new and glorious. I desire your life.

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

Feast of the Transfiguration

Scripture:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
2 Peter 1:16-19
Matthew 17”1-9

Reflection:

On this day 75 years ago, the relationship between the earth and humans changed forever. Men and women have lived on our planet about 200,000 years. During these 8,000 generations, with the exceptions of the last three, the forces of nature had directed and determined our relationship to our world.

With the dropping of two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed between 129,000 and 226,000 of our brothers and sisters, most of whom were civilians, everything was irrevocably altered. We showed our full physical power to destroy, permanently, ourselves.

Today eight nations are stockpiling nearly 14,000 nuclear warheads, enough to obliterate multiple earths. Congress just passed funds to “modernize” our nuclear arsenal and treaties with Russia to curb the arsenal are being discarded.

How ironic that on this feast, celebrating the mystical experience of Peter, James and John with Jesus on a mountain when in deep prayer, that the very first destructive weapon was unleashed.

The Transfiguration recognizes the dignity of humans in our relationship with God and the unique role of Christ in this relationship. It was the turning point in Jesus’ life, setting him on the path to Jerusalem where he was to confront the deadly powers of evil. We are called to unity, to love for one another, to build a just world, to confront the powers of evil…all in imitation of Christ.

This is the reason Pope Francis decried, in 2017, not just the use of nuclear weapons, but even the possession of nuclear weapons. “The threat of their use as well as their very possession is to be firmly condemned,” the pope stated.

God is a God of life, not death. As God’s sons and daughters we are to be God’s presence on earth, fostering life.

Relying on nuclear weapons for security is blasphemy. The pope stated the existence of nuclear weapons creates a false sense of security that holds hostage international relations and stifles peaceful coexistence. Our security is found in God alone, not is warheads.

Do I really believe this? Is it reflected in my life everyday as I consider which candidate to support, what policies I endorse?

Starting in my home, workplace and marketplaces, am I life promoting? A Peacemaker? Merciful?

Taking time to reflect on the dramatic feast of the Transfiguration is more than remembering an event in the lives of the three apostles and Jesus. It is a time to reflect on our God-created dignity and the amazing love of our Creator for each of us. It is an occasion for my own mystical experience of God Almighty.

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

Scripture:

Jeremiah 31:1-7
Matthew 15:21-28

Reflection:

How do you determine if a person is trustworthy? Can you actually perceive another person’s determination? How long do you have to know somebody before you realize they are truly loyal?  Great friendships are built on honesty respect, acceptance, trust, sincerity, generosity, and probably 25 other important and key ingredients.  Why is this any different than our relationship with the Lord?   Another very important component is the element of time. Great relationships are also built over a long period of time.  This also is no different than our relationship with the Lord.

The beginnings of relationships don’t always have that luxury of time. Take for instance hiring someone for a job.  Finding that top-notched applicant not only requires a knowledge of the skill set, but a greater challenge is getting a handle on the intangibles mentioned above, namely the character of the person.  Both parties have little time to size up these intangibles.  Do you think it was any different in Jesus’ day?  As time goes on, more and more people would be telling stories about this man Jesus. Then, putting yourself in the story, what happens to you on the day he comes to your village? How much time would it take you to build trust in this person having only heard about him, though you have never met him?

I think about this in terms of some of the stories we’ve recently listened to from Matthew’s Gospel.  Specifically, today is that familiar story of the Canaanite woman. Like the others we have heard, this is a story of faith.  It is finding the determination within oneself to push the envelope.  This determination comes from within her. It is motivated with a voice which says, you Jesus, can do something about my daughter!  She is driven. Did you notice how this nameless woman pursues Jesus?  It’s not that their paths crossed haphazardly. She seeks him out.  Why? Because her daughter is tormented by a demon.   Secondly, she doesn’t allow religion to get in her way nor their differences in gender or culture.  These differences are not going to be an impediment.  She pursues Jesus because she knows he is a man of authority.  He has authority over unclean spirits.  Her daughter is tormented by a demon.  She calls upon the authority of Jesus to do something about her situation.

The media today easily focuses on how polarized and divided we are as a society and a human race.  We are divided politically, religiously, economically, educationally, let’s add to that categories of gender, race, language, location, age, music, and the list goes on.  Frequently, we use these categories to set ourselves apart from others, to put others down, or to justify ourselves.  There certainly were categories in Jesus’ day.  But human need and desperation has a way of breaking down the heavy stones of these categories, opening the doors to compassion.  Isn’t that what the Canaanite woman teaches us today?

As a Passionist, I’m always enlightened when I see suffering being redeemed.  And sometimes it’s in the form of this specific gospel story. An experience of human suffering forces one to let go of one’s stubbornness which leaves them persistently locked in their categories.  And finally free of that, one is capable of coming authentically to Jesus.

It seems to me we can learn a lot from this non-Jewish woman.  How do we approach Jesus out  of our need and not out of our agendas?   Moreover, if we want to build a lasting relationship with the Lord, it will never work if we are banging our personal gavels. The end result is a much tighter relationship with the Lord and a more authentic faith.  Putting down my agendas and my gavel means the only thing I have as I stand authentically before God are all those important and key ingredients for building relationship.  Behold, my true love of the LORD is authentic and I discover in new ways how God  cherishes life and delights in a level of spiritual maturity.

We see elements of this longevity even in today’s feast day.  As the church celebrates the dedication of St. Mary Major. It is the oldest church in the West dedicated to the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It dates back to the fifth century. Roughly 1300 years later a dejected and disappointed young man would stand before the painting of Mary (which some attribute to having been painted by St. Luke) and pour his heart out.  He would make a vow there before the icon to trust God’s inspiration by promoting the memory of the passion of Jesus and to work to gather companions for this purpose. His name, —St. Paul of the Cross.

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.

Memorial of St. John Vianney

Scripture:

Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22
Matthew 14:22-36

Reflection:

Discipleship, Hope, and Healing
…St. John Marie Vianney…

Today the Church calls us to a deeper sense of discipleship as we meet the serious challenges of today’s health and social pandemics.  The prophet Jeremiah, Jesus, and St. John Vianney team up to bolster our sense of discipleship.

The Scripture readings are dramatic.  Jeremiah is sent to witness hope to the people of Israel who had betrayed their faith and now faced serious military opposition; God reminds them “…you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”  We see Jesus preaching to multitudes in today’s selection from Matthew’s Gospel; He sends His disciples to the next ministry location as He pauses for prayer; while they boated there a fierce storm repeatedly rocked their boat – they were afraid!  Jesus comes towards them walking on the stormy waters; Peter tries to walk towards Jesus, but his lack of faith causes him to sink…and Jesus to snatch him from the water!  The result:  the disciples’ faith was strengthened, and Jesus continues to teach and heal.

We are called to a deeper faith.  We are to witness God’s healing love by our lives – in all our humanness.  Such was the case with the 19^th Century saint we celebrate today:  St. John Vianney.  A simple parish priest, he served God’s people in Ars, France.  Flowing from his intense spiritual life based on prayer and mortification, John Vianney regularly spent long hours sharing God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation…ministering to thousands of penitents who at times travelled great distances to share a few moments celebrating God’s mercy, forgiveness and love  in the Sacrament.  God used John Vianney to prophetically witness to the transforming power of God’s love for people who need healing and hope.  In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI named him patron of priests and parish clergy worldwide…yes!

We are called to discipleship in a world in need of healing and hope on many levels.  We may not have the personal gifts of Jeremiah or John Vianney – yet as women and men of faith we are invited to make the most of our strengths and weaknesses.  A listening ear, a gentle smile (even from behind our facemasks!), a kind thought, a simple prayer, an encouraging word or deed of affirmation or forgiveness:  there is no limit to the hope and healing God can share through you and I.  May we and our world experience divine hope, healing, and love!

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

Scripture:

Jeremiah 28:1-17
Matthew 14:22-36

Reflection:

“Take courage, it is I…do not be afraid.”

Jesus and the disciples had been ministering to the crowds, and it was now time to “move on”.  The disciples were to precede Jesus by boat to the other side of the sea while Jesus dismissed the crowds and spent some brief moments in prayer.  During their late-night journey by boat on the sea, the disciples were tossed about by the wind and waves – and their own experience of Jesus’ challenging ministry. Coming across the water, Jesus approaches them and their all-too-human leader, Peter; they think they’re seeing a ghost…  Jesus reassures them:  “take courage, it is I…do not be afraid”.  Their fears were calmed and they journeyed with Jesus as he ministered healing and teaching.  The result:  Jesus met the disciples’ fears, strengthened their faith – and Jesus’ mission continued!

Jesus speaks to our hearts today, inviting us to not be afraid as we courageously offer our lives in service of the Gospel message of love and reconciliation.  We may be tossed about by the winds and waves of contemporary life (e.g. violence, indifference, laziness, selfishness, etc.) and yet God continues to inspire us in the faith-filled lives of our spiritual leaders and fellow companions on the journey.  Let us prayerfully support one another.

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 55:1-3
Romans 8:35, 37-39
Matthew 14:13-21

Reflection:

During World War I, Isidore De Loor was a Passionist brother who had very simple duties and served as the doorkeeper of our Monastery in Kortrijk – some 15 kms from the front lines in nearby Ypres, Belgium. Thousands of people passed by the Passionist Monastery going to and from ‘the front’, some ill or wounded, some being evacuated, many civilians looking to go to field hospitals to visit the sick or seek a loved one who was lost or wounded.

Isidore tended to them. Feeding them, giving them time, shelter, and a kind receptive heart. Isidore himself had cancer and was to die from that illness only two years into the 4-year war. But his illness did not stop him, and his kindness and compassion shone forth for all to see.

He was a saint in the eyes of the local people; and even some thirty years after the war, when his body was moved from a the town graveyard to a new resting place in our own monastery church in Kortrijk, some 50,000 people came to line the roads and accompany the hearse from the cemetery to the monastery.

Even in the harshest of times, kindness and love are rarely forgotten – even with the advent of many years. I think that memory holds onto kindness because the love that was behind the kind act echoes and remains.

We see this dynamic in today’s gospel text. Jesus turns towards the people because they are needy, he instructs and heals and eventually feeds them – at the very time he had sought solace and solitude having just learned of his cousin John’s death. John has been beheaded by Herod; and the man who Jesus first preached with, who he had known since childhood and presumably had encountered numerous times over the course of his life – had been cruelly taken from him in such a violent, unjust way. Jesus only wants to go to a deserted place and find time to mourn, and yet he puts aside his own needs in order to serve others.

Despite his pain, Jesus’ concern is oriented to others. He sees their needs first and he responds by feeding them. This is courageous. Love itself is courageous. Perhaps that should not surprise us, for as the writer David Whyte reminds us, ‘the origins of the word ‘courage’ is found in old Norman French, Coeur, or heart. Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work, a future’.

Traditionally when studying today’s gospel – the feeding of the crowd – we have focused our attention on the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the feeding of all these people at a time and place where they felt lonely and hungry. But perhaps today, instead of focusing so much on the miracle itself, let us see its source – the generous, loving heart of Jesus revealed to us once again. He loved others even amid his own mourning and bearing the pain of loss.

Isidore followed such an example and lived it himself. Today’s gospel invites us to do likewise – Jesus even suggests this to us in the gospel text  – ‘give them something to eat yourselves’. So let us be about the master’s work, and through our loving sacrifices feed those entrusted to us.

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

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Scripture:

Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
Matthew 14:1-12

Reflection:

Today is the feast of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the 18^th century Founder of the Redemptorists and a great moral theologian.  He is honored as a “doctor” of the church, a title given to the most influential theologians in the church’s history.

The readings today are not selected specifically for this feast but are part of the sequence of readings we happen to encounter in the midst of this summer.  The first readings for many days now have been from the prophets: Amos, Isaiah, Micah, and now Jeremiah; the gospel readings are taken in sequence from the Gospel of Matthew.   Although the convergence is not by design, in fact, both these selections point to a very persistent and challenging motif of the Scriptures—the dangerous role of genuine prophets.

In the reading from Jeremiah, we learn in his own words that people want to kill him for speaking the truth to powerful leaders of Israel: “This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”  The threat does not silence Jeremiah.  He is fortified by the realization that what he says to his people is a message from God, even if the cost of delivering it is the loss of his own life.

Jeremiah is spared this time but not so John the Baptist, who also has the role of prophet many centuries later.  John spoke out against the excesses of Herod Antipas’ court, particularly his incestuous marriage with Herodias. In one of the most vivid stories in the gospels, Herod, a corrupt ruler, is infatuated by the dance of Salome, the daughter of Herodias.  The sotted king, overly lavish and vain in his promise to give her whatever she desires, falls into the malicious trap of Herodias who prompts her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. And thus, the great desert prophet who announced the appearance of Jesus himself gives his life for telling the truth.

In Matthew’s Gospel, the fate of John anticipates the fate of Jesus himself.  Jesus, too, will lose his life for declaring the truth.  Powerful ruling elites and the Roman procurator will conspire to take the life of the Son of God.

We live in a time when telling the truth seems to be under assault in so many corners of our society.  Speaking the truth, especially “speaking truth to power,” as the saying goes, can be dangerous now as it was then.  Most of us will not have a dramatic, public role as a prophet, such as Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself.  But there are times when we, too, must risk speaking the truth—and living the truth—when it may be costly.  Sometimes we must exercise “tough love” when someone we care for is making a serious mistake in their lives.  Sometimes we have to speak up when innocent people are being maligned.  Sometimes we have to shut down, rather than pass on, false and hurtful gossip.  These, too, are prophetic moments that require the courage and integrity of a prophet.

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.