Daily Scripture

Scripture:

2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18
Mark 12:13-17

Reflection:

One of the defining features of the life that Jesus led was that he was constantly surrounded by both faith and unbelief which often revealed itself as either support or opposition.

We see this powerfully once again in today’s reading from Mark’s gospel.

Here the pharisees and Herodians have joined forces to plot against Jesus.

There is something revealing in the mere fact that these two parties would even join forces! While both pursuing the goal of a restored Israel their deeper intention and interpretation of this same go was very different. They would not normally have reason to join forces and so the fact that they do is some indication to us of the depth of opposition and resistance the message of Jesus caused them to act out of.  While many found the vision and life-giving message of Jesus liberating, other feared it and opposed Jesus for daring to share such thoughts.

Thus, fear drives them to be allies and they put aside differences and antipathy to devise a trap.

On the surface the question might seem clear if not political. The tax denoted in the text was a specific tax, instituted in A.D. 6 and one which had evoked very strong reactions and even riots. The tax was controversial and so the question is a ‘loaded’ one.

There are numerous interpretations about Jesus’ answer – “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”  My favourite is that since they are already carrying Roman money on their person, then they admit by this very act that they see themselves as partly living under the Roman realm and so should live by the tax rules that are set by the Romans and to whom they have acquiesced by their own actions!

But, for today and for our spiritual life, I think it is of importance to notice that Jesus does not carry these coins, nor does he elevate the power of the oppressor up or over that of God.  In the vision of Jesus, and the true answer to the question asked of him, it is to God that the peoples’ true allegiance lies and even if oppressed or occupied the people are free to give to God what is deeper within – the allegiance of their hearts.

I think it is an important answer and one that can be the measure of our own stance in life. No matter what our circumstances (and certainly no matter what our economic status is) we are first and foremost precious in God’s eyes and this is our true wealth. God asks of us no tax, but rather that we give our hearts and wills to God’s vision for our world, for our neighbours and for the everlasting life that is promised to us in Jesus life, death and resurrection.

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

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Scripture:

Genesis 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14
John 19:25-34

Reflection:

Today the church celebrates one of the most beautiful honors ascribed to Mary— “Mother of the Church.”  This title goes back at least to St. Ambrose in the fourth century and it has been cited many times by various popes and councils over the years.  In 2018, Pope Francis made it a universal feast of the Church’s liturgical calendar, to be celebrated the Monday after Pentecost.

The Scripture readings for this feast day explain the meaning of this title for Mary.  There are, in fact, alternate first readings, one from Genesis that recalls Eve and names her “the mother of all the living.”  The other choice is from the Acts of the Apostles and recalls the Pentecost event we just celebrated but focuses on the fact that among the disciples present for this great event was “Mary, the mother of Jesus.”  Finally, the gospel selection is from John’s account of the last action of Jesus on the cross where he entrusts his mother to the care of the Beloved Disciple and, in turn, declares to this disciple “whom Jesus loved” that Mary was now his mother.

All these readings are richly symbolic and affirm powerful things about Mary within Catholic tradition.  Commentators have long suggested that Mary is like a “new Eve” because she has brought Jesus into the world.  Her giving birth to Christ has earned her another astounding title, that of “theotokos,” a Greek word literally meaning, “God bearer” or “Mother of God.”  This title was affirmed of Mary at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD and is the most fundamental and profound title given to her.  This is a reflection of the Church’s faith in the incarnation—the basic conviction of Christian faith that in Jesus, the divine became truly human—giving humanity and all the created world incredible new life and dignity.

In this way, Mary, through whom the divine entered our world, is truly a “new Eve”—the “mother of all the living.”  And as that ultimate mother she is present at key life-giving moments marked by our faith: the total act of love for us expressed in Jesus’ laying down his life for us on the cross, and the dynamic burst of new life brought by the Spirit at Pentecost that would create a world-wide community of faith

This feast not only honors Mary for her unique and beautiful role as “Mother of all the living” and Mother of the Church”—it also celebrates our dignity as daughters and sons of God.  All these festivals from Christmas to Good Friday to Easter to Ascension to Pentecost remind us of God’s tender and astounding mercy toward us.

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.

Pentecost Sunday

Scripture:

Acts 2:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23

Reflection:

Happy Pentecost!

One of my favorite paintings is by an artist called Glenda Dietrich.  She’s named it, calling it,  “Pentecost Dance.”

(here’s a link to her page and the painting)

http://www.glendadietrich.com/brighter-pentecost-dance-web/

I’ve always wondered what the miracle at Pentecost must have been like for the people who were actually there to experience it.  I have to admit to some disappointment when the proclamation of the amazing events of Pentecost does little to convey the kind of wonder, awe, excitement, and astounding confusion which certainly must have accompanied such an incredible event.  In this painting, the artist depicts the people illuminated and dancing, celebrating.

I’d sure like to know what that miracle feels like.

I wonder if, really, they really understood what was happening and began to dance around?  For many of them, I suspect the changes may have felt sudden and even unwanted… a new language, reaching out to the unknown and unwelcome members of foreign communities… essentially turning their lives upside-down.  Wow, that must have been incredibly mystifying and difficult to process – to come to terms with changes so immediate, so unexpected yet absolute, and so profoundly unclear.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll admit to being hurt; being changed, surprised at something or someone.  A car accident – broken bone – problems in marriage – the death of a parent, sister or brother, your child – the diagnosis of a disease which will never go away, and may probably kill you.

So many things shake up our journey… so many things become enormous earthquakes which destroy the road ahead of us.  Let me tell you, friends, I *hate* detours.

Maybe it’s that tragedy which breeds the change needed to uncover the very miracle we long for.  Maybe we already *do* know what that miracle feels like…

Dear God who works in uncountable ways,
thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit with us.
Please, grant us the grace to see Your transformative miracles in everything,
no matter what it is. Amen.

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.

Scripture:

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
John 21:20-25

Reflection:

In the gospel of Matthew we hear Peter exclaim, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).  This was a statement of faith by Peter, spoken from his head.  But this faith didn’t stand up.  On the night of Jesus’s arrest, Peter denied him three times.

After the resurrection, Jesus confronted Peter on the seashore and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” (Cf. John 21: 15-25), and three times Peter responded with a strong, “Yes”!  This was a statement of faith by Peter, spoken from his heart.

Then in today’s gospel Jesus tells Peter, “You follow me.”  And Peter did.  He served the Lord faithfully, even unto martyrdom.  The rest of Peter’s life was a statement of faith, spoken from his will.

Yes, full faith involves the total person, the head, heart and will.  Faith is not an accent to a dogma.  It is a relationship with the person of Christ.  It is a commitment of our whole human being to God,

At Sunday Mass we all recite together the Creed, affirming what we believe with our heads.  At Communion time, we say, “Yes,” to receiving Jesus, affirming our love for him.  Then at the Dismissal Rite we are told to go forth to love and serve the Lord.  We say, “Yes,” committing ourselves to put our wills to work.  We choose to act and help bring about the Kingdom of God more fully upon this earth.

Professing our faith with our minds, hearts and wills involves our total person, and brings about a sense of wholeness. We know who we are and to whom we belong.

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.   http://www.alanphillipcp.com/

Scripture:

Acts 25:13-21
John 21:15-19

Reflection:

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
Jesus said to Peter, Feed my sheep.” -John 21:17

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St Paul VI, Pope. Since I was a child I have been fascinated by the Papacy. A many years ago I had read three or four books on Pope John XXIII. Then a few years ago I was curious about the background of the Second Vatican Council and read about Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII. From my readings, I have come to realize the importance of the papacy in world history. Up until now, I had not considered reading about Saint Paul VI. From the short research, I have done for this reflection it has inspired me to read at least one book this summer about Paul VI.

The Gospel reading for today as well as for the Memorial both have Jesus giving Peter the message about the leadership of the Church. The Memorial Gospel is from Matthew where Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Christ and Jesus then gives Peter the “keys to the Kingdom of Heaven” showing that Peter has authority on earth and that as his vicar, extends to Heaven. In the daily Gospel Jesus asks Peter three times to feed the flock. Commentaries that I have read say that this is to redeem Peter from the three times he denied Jesus. Yes, and along with that an instruction as to how to lead the Church.

The Popes throughout history have helped to give spiritual guidance to the People of God as the events of the time dictate. Pope Paul VI was no different. June 21, 1963, he found himself leading the Church at the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. He would spend the next 15 years focusing on World peace, social justice, World hunger, illiteracy, brotherhood under God and international cooperation. Themes that even speak to us today. We see John Paull II as a great world traveler but Paul VI was the first to visit India and the United States. He was the first to make an extended 10-day journey that included several countries in Africa. He wrote several important Papal Encyclicals such as Ecclesiam Suam (His Church) on concern for workers and the poor; Humanae Vita which addressed birth control; and Popularum Progressio (Progress of the People’s) on social justice; and many others. He looked to what was happening in the world and spoke to that just as any other pope has done. It is not until Pope Francis that I have become most interested in reading papal encyclicals. Pope Francis’ writings are very easy to read and use as a reflection. Their words are written for us to reflect upon and learn more deeply about our faith, our Church. How is Pope Francis feeding the flock these days? What words does he have for us that might comfort and console as we move through this pandemic? On the Vatican website, you can find his daily and Sunday homilies. They are there to feed us. Pull a seat up to the table and enjoy the feast.

May you and your families stay safe and healthy during this time.

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

Scripture:

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
John 17:20-26

Reflection:

It seems Paul had the same problems with the Sadducees in his day as we have today in this pandemic.  Sometimes it seems we are surrounded by those who are in agreement and those in disagreement with how things should be handled and who and what we should do concerning the current state of affairs in these times.  There are many voices vying to be recognized and heard!  Everyone believes their ideas and point of view is the correct way to proceed!

It is the same way with our relationship with God.  Oftentimes we spend a lot of energy on telling God what to do and just how to do it!  Jesus assured Paul that he would be there for him, to have courage and continue to do the work he was being called to do.  Paul stated his belief and hope in the resurrection and boldly stood his ground with the Sadducees in spite of the danger to himself.  The gospel message reminds us of the unfailing love God has for all of us even when we mess up and forget who’s in charge!

As we approach the great feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, it is good to once again renew our commitment as disciples of Jesus to answer the clarion call to preach the good news of the gospel.  We are resurrection people, anointed by the Holy Spirit to give witness to God’s word and to do so with courage and hope that we are not alone in this task.  There is no better way of life than to live as children of God, to share this message of hope and courage especially in these uncertain and fearful days of the pandemic.  There is only ONE VOICE that we must listen to and that belongs to the ONE who created us and watches over us as only a loving Mother and Father can do!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHURCH!!!! ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!

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

Scripture:

Acts 20:17-27
John 17:1-11a

Reflection:

How often do we listen to and trust that voice that speaks to our very core? We recognize the voice as true. Somehow, we know it to be the voice of the Spirit – maybe even looking around to see if anyone else heard it. We want to believe but we don’t know what it might mean.

I’ve heard many stories from friends about “voices” they hear and know to be true. One friend told me about the time he was delayed in getting ready to go to Mass. Giving up and settling into a quiet evening, he “heard” that voice telling him to trust and get himself to Mass. There, sitting next to him in the pew turned out to be the love of his life.

Do I understand this? No. Do I trust it? Yes, or at least I try. Has there been a time in your life when you heard deep within your heart that voice and knew it to be truly of God?

In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells the community he must move on from Ephesus: “Compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there, I do not know.” Paul trusts that God is working through him. He just needs to keep listening, trusting and responding to the Spirit.

This is what “discernment” means in our life of faith: listening. Of course, there are many voices out there vying for our attention. And we have all certainly listened to the wrong voice on occasion. But I imagine all of us can recall a moment of extreme clarity. We just knew something to be true, like my friend: “Trust me, go to Mass.” Or St. Paul knowing he must go to Jerusalem even though he did not know what awaited him there. Even Jesus, trusting in his relationship with his Father, knew he had to go to Jerusalem.

When I was a young Jesuit, the provincial said to me, “We’d like to send you away, like to the missions.” “How far away?” I asked. “Very far, like the Philippines,” he replied. And I said without a moment of reservation, “Yes.” I knew it to be right, and it was. Sometimes the Spirit speaks with great clarity and we need to go with it.

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.