Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
Matthew 8:28-34

Reflection:

The temple in Jerusalem was considered the most sacred place in the world by the people of Israel.  Jesus himself frequented the temple and called it “my father’s house.”  Luke’s Gospel begins its story of Jesus’ life in the temple with the account of the temple priest Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist.  Later, Mary and Joseph bring their infant son to the temple to be blessed.  And later still, at the time of Jesus’ bar-mitzvah, Luke tells the account of the young boy Jesus staying behind in the temple while his parents unaware leave with the caravan to return to Nazareth.  When they return to search for him anxiously and at last find him, Jesus replies, “Did you not know I must be in my father’s house?”  And in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, the first Christians in Jerusalem go each day to pray in the temple.

All of this is to emphasize how important the temple was both to Jews and Jewish Christians.  While for us in modern times, the sacrifice of animals and birds as an act of worship might seem repugnant, that was not so for ancient Israel.  As an agrarian people, they knew well the value of the animals that provided them with food and clothing and shelter.  The sacrifice of such animals was intended to give back to God the gift first given to them.  The external sacrifice of something precious was to be an expression of their interior attitude of praise and thanksgiving to God and a pledge to be attentive to God’s will.

This sets the scene for the powerful reading from Amos that we hear in today’s first reading.  Amos describes himself as “no prophet but a herdsman and a trimmer of sycamore trees,” but, nevertheless, God called him to bring a blistering message of justice to Israel.  And that is what Amos did.  We get a taste of it in our reading for today: “Hate evil and do good,” Amos bluntly proclaims.  And even more powerfully, in view of Israel’s reverence for the temple and its worship, the prophet proclaims God’s message that those elaborate liturgies and sacrifices are rejected when not coupled with a life of justice.  “I hate, I spurn your feasts, says the Lord, I take no pleasure in your solemnities…Away with your noisy songs!”

Worship must be an expression of one’s heart.  And thus, God exclaims: “If you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water and goodness like an unfailing stream.”  Jesus, too, called for justice and healing (as in the healing of the Gadarene in today’s gospel account from Matthew).  In one of the most dramatic scenes in all four gospels, Jesus disrupts the temple liturgy in calling for repentance and renewal.

I think of all this in the light of the crisis facing our country, not only the threat of the pandemic but also the anguish of coming to grips with racism and a lack of justice for the most vulnerable in our society.  A constant refrain of the Scriptures and a motif at the heart of our Christian faith, is the call to justice, to treating others with respect and care, to being attentive to the poor.  The integrity of our worship, too, depends on the renewal of our hearts.  The words of Amos, the reluctant prophet of Tekoa, are an invitation to us today as well: “Let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream.”

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.

Scripture:

Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Matthew 8:23-27

Reflection:

In today’s gospel, the apostles were in a boat when a storm kicked up on the lake.   They were terrified.  They woke up Jesus and he calmed the storm.  The apostles were at peace.

Actually, Jesus calmed two storms.  There was the outer storm in nature, and the inner storm of fear and anxiety in the apostles.

There is no doubt that we are living in stormy times. One of those storms is the outer storm of brutality against others because of the color of their skin.  Another storm is the inner storm of anxiety of those who fear they will be the next victim.  And there is a third storm, the inner storm that is the raging prejudice in some human hearts.

As for the first storm, we feel helpless. It has been raging since the beginning of time.  It will take a major miracle to put it to rest.  Maybe the Last Judgment.

As for the second storm we can do something.  We can make laws and enforce laws that call for equality and justice.  Some progress has been made here.  This will help calm the storm of anxiety in those who fear for their lives.

As for the third storm, we need to make sure there is no prejudice in our hearts.

Prejudice is the result of ignorance.  Ignorance is dispelled by listening, listening that involves walking a mile in another’s shoes.  Listening leads to understanding.  Understanding leads to compassion.  And compassion leads to peace.

Inner peace comes to us when Christ is the center of our lives.  When our boat starts rocking, let us cling to him, trust him and love him.

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

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Scripture:

Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Matthew 16:13-19

Reflection:

Today we celebrate two great men of the Church, Saints Peter and Paul. Two ordinary men, one a fisherman and the other a Pharisee and a tentmaker. Two ordinary men who recognized that God had called them to be something greater than they thought themselves to be. Two ordinary men who had courage to speak the truth that was spoken to them through Christ. They endured many hardships and trials for their words and actions and yet they kept on believing in the truth that dwelt in their hearts.

How could ordinary men come to do extraordinary things?

“The angel said to Peter, “Put on your belt and your sandals. “ He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” Acts 12:8

Even in prison Saint Peter did not give up hope in Jesus Christ. He listened and followed the angel out of the prison. The angel had to awaken him from his sleep. If Saint Peter was asleep he certainly was not afraid of the trial that was to take place the next day. The passion that he felt in his heart, about who he had spent three years following and all that he had seen Jesus Christ do for others, must have been a source of his hope and courage. He was open to the possibility that Jesus was the Messiah and confirmed it when Jesus asked him “Who do you say that I am?” Mt 16: 15-16.

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2Tim 4:7

Saint Paul was also in prison and did not fear death. He knew that he had completed what Christ had called him to do for the proclamation of the Kingdom. An ordinary man who was passionate about his faith to the point of persecuting the first Christians. Then Jesus caught his attention with a flash of light and a bit of a humbling fall to the ground. A “snap out of it” moment. He would carry the message of Christ to the Gentiles beyond Jerusalem to the end of the world; that time the Roman world. Again, his passion came from the truth that dwelt in his heart and he was not afraid to recognize it and act upon it.

Each of us are called to become something greater than what we think we are. The Covid -19 virus and now protests and riots have stirred much within myself. These present times are certainly calling us to become something greater than what we are today. Finding strength to persevere through these present events can only occur through faith, prayer, hope and trust in Christ. What is Christ calling you to today?

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

Scripture:

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Matthew 10:37-42

Reflection:

Our black brothers and sisters have a favorite statement of praise that you will hear often during their church services, it goes like this;

God is Good!  All the time!

And all the time, God is Good!

This statement of faith is often prayed loudly over and over again and even accompanied by a bit of moving on the part of the faithful!  Once everyone has had a chance to renew their faith commitment in this manner, all settle back and listen to the preacher give his or her message!

God has blessed us with this gift of faith as well.  As faithful members of the body of Christ we come together to listen to God’s Word and be nourished at the Table of the Lord.

We hear how God blessed the Shunammite woman because of her faith and generosity toward the prophet Elisha.  In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded once again that our earthly lives do not end in death, rather we are given new life in Christ and will suffer no more.

To understand more fully the message of the Gospel from Matthew today, it is important to know that the chapter preceding this one was where Jesus was sending out the disciples to do the work he had called and prepared them to do, preach the good news of salvation. This is a pretty daunting mission!  One that we are all being called to yet today!  Isn’t it an amazing gift for God to trust us so much with the good news that we are given the holy task of representing God to others?

In the gospel Jesus reminds us that this call to discipleship challenges us to make his mission paramount in our lives.  Fulfilling the mission of Jesus Christ requires that we detach from those things that keep us from being good news and focus on living the new life we have been given at Baptism.

During the past year through prayer and discernment I made the decision that after 40+ years serving in several parishes in Michigan and Kentucky, it was time to retire. Despite the ongoing pandemic, unrest in churches, communities and the world at large, retirement from active ministry begins in July!

In looking back over these past years of service, I was just about as clueless as were the disciples as they embarked on this new life!  I could not have imagined where these forty plus years would take me and how life changing it would be!  In retrospect, as I look back over the years, I can only say it has been and continues to be a great ride!  Yes, of course, there have been bumps, whirlwinds, ups and downs, but so many more times of exhilaration, faith growth, excitement and celebration!

For every blessing others have received from me over the years, I have been blessed tenfold in return. In listening to the promptings of the spirit so many years ago and still listening to her today, my life has been so enriched by hundreds of God’s people through parish ministry that never stops giving.  There have been many Shunammite women, men and children who have opened their hearts and shared their faith so generously with this pastoral associate over the years.

My faith has been deepened tremendously serving Gods people through sacramental celebrations, RCIA, Faith formation of adults and children, outreach and justice programs to name just a few.  The opportunity to work alongside so many lay ecclesial ministers, pastors and religious in the dioceses and parishes I served gave each of us many opportunities to be gift to one another as well.

Ministry is centered in love.  God’s Love!  I don’t know what retirement is going to look like, but I do believe that the God who called me at Baptism, Jesus, who continues to nourish me at the Table and the Spirit who serves as my guiding light are sure to bring many exciting days ahead!

GOD IS GOOD!  ALL THE TIME. AND ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!

AMEN!

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

Scripture:

Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
Matthew 8:5-17

Reflection:

Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.

During these days of continuing turmoil in our country and remembering those who choose to celebrate the Mass at home through spiritual communion, we find ourselves facing difficult subjects, and some may feel their faith is being tested. As we can see, evil runs rampant. We may find ourselves backing away from social media and the evening news because of the constant reminder of fear and doubt that floods our news feeds.

I believe this is what happens to a society falling short on faith. The evil one wants nothing more than to see people fall away from the faith, and to see society destroyed through fear and rebellion.

Do you find yourself worthy? If Christ himself appeared to you today and said, “all will be well”, would you have the faith to believe that you can be a part of the change as Christ would have you do? And what would He do if his feet were on this earth in the midst of doubt and uncertainty:

When it was evening, they brought him many
who were possessed by demons,
and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick,
to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

To be a part of the solution, continue your prayers and your readings, and don’t allow yourself to be burdened or to feel separated from God – he is here, with us, always.

Patty Masson, from Spring, Texas, supports the Passionists.

Scripture:

2 Kings 25:1-12
Matthew 8:1-4

Reflection:

Chapter 8 of the Gospel of Matthew contains a marvelous array of healing stories that tie to discipleship. Today’s story of the healing of the leper is followed by the cure of the centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law and the two possessed men (referred to as “demoniacs”). Each of these stories ends with references to discipleship. The cured leper is to show himself to the priests; the gentile centurion is described as one of great faith; Peter’s mother-in-law rises from her sick bed to wait on Jesus; and witnesses to the cure of the demoniacs race to town to tell the news.

Interesting, isn’t it? Healing leads to following. It is not hard to see our life today mirrored in this gospel.

I have always been particularly intrigued by the leper’s request that begins with, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” If you wish? What may seem a muted response, Jesus says, “I will do it.” The same story in the Gospel of Mark has Jesus respond more emphatically: “Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

“Of course, I want to,” we can hear Jesus say. Of course, I want you to be made whole. How can Jesus not want to share the fulness of God’s life with those who suffer, who are excluded from society, or seen as outsiders or “different” by those who believe they are the chosen ones.

The healings seem to be a precursor to the more important work of proclaiming the Good News that Matthew shares in Chapter 11 when the disciples ask if Jesus is the One they have been waiting for, that is, the Messiah. Jesus tells them to go tell others what they know: “The blind receive sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”

In this time of economic and social unrest, when so many are sick and dying, when whole communities feel left out or worse, we need to cry out to the Lord. And we will surely hear him say, “Of course I want to heal you.” But we first must know what we truly want and then make our plea to Jesus.

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:

2 Kings 24:8-17
Matthew 7:21-29

Reflection:

What does a strong faith foundation look like?  Is your faith rock solid as a house built on rock, able to endure whatever storms or crisis that might come?  Or is your faith like that of a house built on sand on the seashore unable to withstand the winds and rains of time and purpose?

A few years ago, on a vacation trip to the Outer Banks, NC we experienced sandy shores and crashing waves on the coast and the ever-changing sand dunes!  We built sand castles and collected sea shells along the beach at low tide only to see them disappear as high tide showed her mighty power and strength!  We found more stable structures built to last at Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the Elizabethan ship, Elizabeth I and the wild French mustangs that roam freely along the beach and can trace their lineage over 500 years strong!

There are many examples of strength and weakness all around us as found in nature, leadership on a national and local level, church and community as well as family and friend relationships.  We would like to think that the gift of faith we have all been given is going to be rock solid all of the time no matter what challenge comes our way!  Jesus tells us in the gospel of today that if we only listen to him and stay connected all will be well.  Our faith calls us to be open to the high tide that may wash away our hopes and dreams only to make way for those life-giving God experiences that low tide may wash upon our shores.

Give thanks to a God whose foundation is rock solid and able to endure the winds and rain as well as the sunny days and star-filled nights.  Most of all let us remember God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good!  Amen

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

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Scripture:

Isaiah 49:1-6
Acts 13:22-26
Luke 1:57-66, 80

Reflection:

The Abyss of God’s Mercy

“He shall be called John.” LK 1:60    My mother used to call me my full Christian name, Robert John, when she was upset with me.   If I knew my Hebrew for John when I was a little boy I would be comforted when I heard that name.  The Hebrew name for John is a combination of Jah (God) and hanan (mercy)!  God is merciful.

One of the most frequent prayers in Scripture is “Lord have mercy on me”. In Hebrew it is expressed in one word: “hanani” “Have mercy on me!”  In the Old Testament one of the most known uses is in Psalm 51:1.  “Be merciful to me “hanani”, O God, according to Your lovingkindness (kesed); According to the greatness of Your compassion (raḥămîm) blot out my transgressions.”  What is of special notice this line mentions three important words for mercy! The first word is ḥānan which has the connotation of undeserved graciousness. The second word for mercy is Kesed which has a strong association with faithful love.  The third word used in this line is raḥămîm which means a deep compassionate love like that of a parent.  All these words can be translated into mercy but each has strong nuances. By these three words alone mercy is treated an amazing 568 times in Old Testament!  In the New Testament mercy is treated mainly by four different words 127 times!

We must all live on the edge of God’s mercy.  We must not be afraid to jump into the abyss of His kindness.   There is a great democracy among all of us.   We all exist on the margins of God’s mercy. Paul said it well: “For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Rom 9:15   God’s mercy is our ultimate reality!  This is true not just because we have sinned and need forgiveness, but our very existence is an effect of His mercy.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” EPH 2:4

“Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us.” Misericordiae Vultus  #2  Pope Francis

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.