Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Matthew 10:34-11:1

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel reading from the 10^th Chapter of Matthew can be very challenging to us as mere mortals. Looking through the lens of the world one may ask how can Jesus tell us “I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” “I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against mother, etc.” These are hard teachings, but before we jump to conclusions, let us read between the lines a bit. Jesus is not telling us that we should hate our family members; He is telling us that we will not find peace; we will not find the City of God, unless we put Him first and foremost in our lives, unless He is the peak of our affections. When we orient our lives to his teachings, when we place Him in His rightful place before father or mother, son or daughter, etc. we are aligning our free will with His will, we are aligning our world with His world, we are aligning the city of man with the City of God.

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church who was born around the year 1218, in his work, Journey of the Mind to God, he teaches, “In order for the Passover to be perfect, we must suspend all the operations of the mind and we must transform the peak of our affections, directing them to God alone.” “We must suspend all the operations of the mind”, we do this by putting Jesus Christ before all earthly things including family.

Today Jesus is telling us that He wants to be the “peak of our affections”. He wants us to align our will with His will, He wants us to transform our lives to His life, then we can take care of Father and Mother, son and daughter, because when we receive Him we receive the one who sent Him. Saint Bonaventure says it best, “Christ is both the way and the door, Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant, and the mystery hidden from the ages. A man should turn his full attention to the throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude and open to praise and jubilation.”

In the Sunday Liturgy yesterday, we heard from the Letter to the Colossians, “He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent.” So, let us keep Christ preeminent in our lives, trust in Him, then through this trust, take care of our loved ones, it is the proper alignment for us as Christians.

Deacon James Anderson is the Administrator at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

Reflection:

How much time have I, and we as a people, spent searching, questioning and debating God’s will? Why does it seem so complicated when all we are asked is to allow the life of the Spirit to break into our own planned versions for ourselves? To let love in, to let God in, and act from this place?

I spent the day in deep tears yesterday. Having reflected and prayed with the parable of the Good Samaritan. It opened to my amazement in a rush of fruitful, unforeseeable ways as if the story became a prism of God’s Love and Will and a hub linking in so many images, gospel stories and parables throughout the New Testament.

Just a day later I rose, caught between the inexplicable gifts of grace and miracles and the struggle of making sense in my own fallen world, rising with the thought.’        “It is hard to figure out our rightful space amid God’s creation.”

What trips us up? Not God’s world, or God’s Word, but the worlds we have created and the world we have complicated by materializing, politicizing, marginalizing, characterizing, separating with fear and a sense of self-possessed power. A world full of speed and of movement and gain. A world with multiple moving parts and a sense of purpose beyond the Spirit and all that lays open-in the heart and Word of God.

What is possible when we allow the life of the Spirit to break into our own planned versions for ourselves? When we act on the longing for connection placed in our hearts? During an interview C. S. Lewis’ stepson, Douglas Gresham spoke of his childhood perspective of Lewis’ ability to “accept interruptions every ten minutes if necessary while he was working very hard on a book without the slightest degree of irritation. ” “He was able to believe and to behave, as if he believed, which he did, that our own personal work is nowhere near as important as the interruptions to it. The interruptions are the real substance of God’s job for us.”

How do we access that part of our spirits to bring greater fruit and healing into our lives, into the world, to honor God’s will? There is a moment at St. John Paul II’s funeral where the pages of the book of Gospels that had been placed on his coffin began turning _in the wind. As if to say, “It is all right here.”

Years ago, after being introduced to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy by a religious sister at my mother’s bedside vigil I found the only answer that makes sense is in the ending words ”with great confidence submit ourselves to Your Holy Will which is Love and Mercy itself.” Love and Mercy itself. So intimately shown through the actual words and actions of our Savior and spoken through His parable of the Good Samaritan.

As Moses so beautifully proclaims in the first reading, “For this command I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote to you.” “you only have to carry it out.”

M. Walsh is a retreatant, and in profound gratitude for the gift of the charism and vocations of the Passionist Community. 

Scripture:

Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a
Matthew 10:24-33

Reflection:

Earlier this week, our granddaughter, Cate, came back from a bike ride with her grandpa, in tears.  While on the ride she saw a notice about a lost cat. Being a lover of cats, this caused her great distress. Through her tears, she wondered about the cat being scared to be away from its family and what about the family, wouldn’t they be in great anxiety? This was too much pain for her to imagine in her almost nine-year-old world.  She asked me if I thought God would be present to the situation. I was immediately reminded of today’s Gospel and could assure her that “Not a sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge” (v. 29).  And I think that could be stretched even to a cat. Of course, we don’t know what happened to the lost cat, but it provided me with a wonderful opportunity to assure Cate that God was very definitely present to the situation and every situation.

We said a prayer of thanksgiving for a God who loves us so much that “the very hairs on our head are counted” (v. 30). While this may stretch the context of today’s Gospel where Jesus is preparing the disciples for the coming persecutions as a result of being his followers. It certainly brought consolation to Cate.

Suffering can be experienced on many levels from a lost pet to the death of a loved one to grave illness or simply scuffed knees.  We may not always be going out as sheep among wolves as we read earlier in this narrative. The important thing to remember is that at each level and situation God is there with us. Period. Nothing is too trivial for God to disregard.  Have you ever noticed sparrows at work?  Our Father is such a loving God that he has the hairs on our head counter—he is that intimate with us—that close to us.  And, we are never to forget that.

…..”We are worth more than many sparrows” (v. 31)

In our first reading, we have the death and burial of Jacob and later of Joseph. Before Jacob died, Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery. That act, though evil in intent, saved them all and many more from famine in Egypt. Joseph was able to recognize the good that came from a bad situation and give God thanks. God’s plan for our lives can take many turns and we are often at a loss to understand what is happening. We may even feel God as absent. This is where our faith comes in to play. We remember Jesus words of encouragement whether it’s a lost cat, a scuffed knee or a lost job, regardless.  No matter what is going on in your life, believe that you are worth more than many sparrows and trust.  Believe that we are all worth many sparrows and celebrate his presence in your life.

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:
Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5
Matthew 10:7-10

Reflection:

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are give.” (Mt 10:8)

To understand today’s gospel, we must first place it in context.  Jesus has just authorized his disciples to go on mission just like his.  They were to proclaim that: “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”  They were to look to the needs of the sick, the lepers, and those afflicted by demons.  They were to “raise the dead,” the spiritually dead (Mt 10:7-8).  This was not an easy mission for Matthew’s community.  After all, they were living in the calamitous times after the Roman destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in 70 A.D.  They were scoffed at, criticized, even persecuted for their faith in Jesus the Messiah.  Nevertheless, they were to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, not the Roman kingdom, but the Kingdom of God.  They were to share their faith through their witness, their preaching and healing.

The mission of the early Church is our mission as well.  The times in which we live are, in a real sense, like the times of the first disciples – hostile, and calamitous.  We live in post-modern, moral relativistic times in which God is no longer the center.  Sadly, for all too many, there is no center.  All is relative.  If there is a center, it is the autonomous individual.  In such times, there is little good news to proclaim.  On the contrary, there is open hostility toward anyone who even attempts to proclaim Christ’s message.

But another important similarity is that our faith, like the first Christians, is pure gift which we have received from Christ.  And although our times may not be ideally suited for sharing our faith, that is no excuse for avoiding our mission.  There’s a lot of uncertainty, confusion, and pain in the world.  All the more reason that Christ urgently calls us to share his good news, to bring about healing and shalom to a hurting and angry world.  And Jesus gives us a pointed reminder about our responsibility:  Without cost, we have received the gift of faith, and without cost – read that, despite the cost – we are to share our faith with all.

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

Scripture:

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a
Matthew 10:1-7

Reflection:

There are many in the Church today who feel that sinners should be banned from the Eucharistic table. Similarly, there are many who fight for the exclusion of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. I hear a common thread in the language used by groups, and that common thread is “purity”. They say that we need to keep the Church “pure” by excluding any who don’t keep absolute fidelity to every word of Church teaching. They say that we need to keep our country “pure” by excluding any who don’t fit into the Christian majority that founded the nation.

The biggest problem I have with these positions is that they do not reflect the Gospel or the example set by Jesus. Even the brothers who sold Joseph into slavery were later welcomed back to the table of Egypt’s plenty by that very brother. Even tax collectors, public sinners, and the hated Samaritans were welcomed in Jesus’ ministry and at his table. Even the Gentiles were invited to become equal partners in The Way. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were themselves a family of refugees seeking asylum and fleeing from the very real threat of those who would take the young boy’s life. What if Egypt had denied them entry?

Jesus practiced, lived, and taught inclusivity. This compassion and inclusivity is also emphasized in the documents of the Congregation of the Passion (Constitutions #3), which proclaim that we must stand with the suffering and crucified people of this world who are one with us in our common humanity and divine calling, “…especially those who are poor and neglected… to offer them comfort and to relieve the burden of their sorrow. The power of the Cross…gives us strength to discern and remove the causes of human suffering.” I can’t reconcile Jesus and the Passionist charism with the strident positions I so frequently hear and read in our world. I only know that I cannot adopt those positions in conscience, and along with every Catholic, I have to obey my conscience.

So instead, I choose to humbly recognize my own sinfulness, though it is not often publicly viewable, and come to the table with all the other sinners gathered for Mass. I choose to reach out my hand to those who are different from me, and learn from their culture, faith, stories, and heritage. I choose to work for just admittance of refugees and asylum seekers no matter their nationality. They are all my brothers and sisters in Christ. They are bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. They are the crucified Christ in our midst. They are in need, and I believe Jesus commands me to serve them.

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:

Genesis 32:23-33
Matthew 9:32-38

Reflection:

The Patriarchs – Always Interesting Family Dynamics  

The story of the Patriarchs in Genesis is fascinating. They are challenging, ancient stories told many times over and adjusted to differing situations. In some cases, the repetition of a story reveals an alternative purpose. Other times, we have one story that blends of several stories.

The Jacob stories conclude today. It is important that Jacob leave Canaan and visit his mother’s brother, Laban. Two reasons are woven together in the story. Jacob has stirred up the anger of Esau, and best leave town to let things quiet down. But we hear also that Esau has taken wives from among the Canaanites who do not follow the God of Abraham and Isaac. Rebekah is not happy with her daughter in laws. Her brother Laban will be a good place to send Jacob, and sure enough Jacob falls in love.

On his way Jacob stops at Bethel, a place made holy by Abraham who built and altar there. Using one of the stones for a pillow Jacob sleeps. God is revealed to him in his dream,‘…the land on which you are lying I will give to you and your descendants…. Know I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you.’ Jacob is awakened to God’s mystery, ‘The Lord is in this place and I did not know it!’. He makes a vow. Not a vow of one who stands in wonder before the majesty of God, rather the type of vow that would seem to invite God to stand Jacob on his head and lift him up by his feet and bang his head on the ground – several times. ‘If you remain with me, protect me, feed and clothe me, and I come back safe to my father’s house, you shall me my God.’ Thank you, Jacob. But at least it is an awakening for Jacob.

He has two obstacles to deal with after living in the house of Laban and marrying Leah and Rachel. First is Laban who tries to outwit him. Jacob wins. He leaves quickly without saying good bye only to be pursued by his father in law. God helps Jacob by making it know to Laban that he is not to harm him. The story ends happily with the bonds of family preserved for future generations. One obstacle removed; now onto Esau. Jacob is really afraid. That night preparing for his dreaded encounter with Esau, alone in the camp, a man wrestles with him until dawn. Jacob receives a new name, Israel. His descendants will be Israelites. The place of this wrestling match is named by Jacob as Phanuel, ‘the face of God’. It was there that Jacob saw God face to face, and his life was spared.’ He was dropped the final time on his head! He does what his grandfather Abraham had done before him, he comes into the promised land that he had left many years before.

These patriarchs are unique. The adaptable Abraham; Isaac whom God always helped when things didn’t look promising; and Jacob, who in trying to do it on his own (with his mother’s help) encountered unsurmountable obstacles. But most importantly he had to meet God face to face. Jacob did not have a table conversation as Abraham but a wrestling match. There God’s love convincingly embraced Jacob. Now, with conviction Jacob could say, ‘The God of Israel’.  And we pray, ‘God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob’.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Isaiah 66:10-14c
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Reflection:

Some time ago, I sat in a meeting of vital importance to the attendees, where a young mother nursed her baby. She did this discreetly, but I couldn’t help but notice. Oddly enough, the topic for the meeting was turning our will and life over to the care of God. Many people shared their experiences of doing this, but I couldn’t help but think how that baby presented a live demonstration for me and all of us awake enough to observe what was happening in our midst.

Periodically, maybe daily, I make the mistake of turning on the News. Of course, I discover nothing new, more of the same mayhem, fighting and killing in the world. I understand that the media must present material that grabs our attention. They need to sell their products and pay their news people and oh yes, make a profit for the investors. I often wonder why, though the Good News Isaiah speaks to in today’s reading doesn’t sell, doesn’t get us to watch with awe and wonder:

“For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” (IS 66: 12-13)

Or what about what Luke tells us:

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you.  Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (LK 10: 17-20)

Maybe it’s too good to be true. I don’t believe it is. I believe these things Isaiah and Luke talk to us about today are happening all around us. We just need to turn our cameras on them and like the baby at a mother’s breast take in the nourishment and trust in God, our Mother.

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

Scripture:

Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29
Matthew 9:14-17

Reflection:

The ardent disciples of John the Baptist were confused by the casual ways of the followers of Jesus. Jewish spiritual traditions rested on three legs: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. Why didn’t Jesus insist his followers adhere to the third prescribed practice, formed over centuries, to fast twice a week like every other good Jew?

In his wisdom, Jesus cautions the disciples of his cousin John to think deeper than rules and rituals. In telling the questioners to respect the context of the moment, he is saying “Pay attention first to the workings of the Spirit right here, right now.” What workings? HE is in their midst right now! His presence is cause for celebration, not fasting, right now!

This teaching shows up in our generation in popular books like The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Be Here Now by Ram Dass. Some may think these writers have discovered an amazing new insight into living. Not so.

I wonder if, in our age, the best way to live the 3 legs of the practice of our faith to appreciate God’s presence right now is, ironically, to reconsider fasting. Electronic fasting. Would we all not benefit from an hour, an afternoon, a day with the phone, the computer and TV turned to OFF. Perhaps our minds would be less cluttered, our bodies less tense, our focus on loved ones more intense, and our connection to Christ stronger in the present moment.

To stay close to Christ, to appreciate Christ in ourselves and each other, there must be times, guided by the Spirit, to pull back, be still, listen to and observe God speaking, communicating, guiding and filling us with zeal as followers of the God-Man in our midst. Right now.

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