Daily Scripture

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

Scripture:

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
John 15:9-17

Reflection:

How often do we feel undervalued? How does being on the
B-Team typically make us feel about ourselves? And when we’re finally chosen for the A-Team, how much of that negative experience might we carry with us?

Consider the intense pressure Saint Matthias faced when he was elected to replace the traitor Judas as the twelfth apostle. The significance of the number twelve, resonating with the Twelve Tribes of Israel, underscored the weight of Matthias’ role in maintaining the apostolic circle’s integrity.

To top it off, Saint Matthias gets the weakest New Testament coverage. We learn he had been with Jesus from John the Baptist to the Ascencion. He was even in the room at Pentacost to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Beyond that, we learn he was martyred, likely beheaded with an axe, as an axe is what he holds in portraits of him throughout history.

Here’s the deal. Matthias had to be one of those special disciples. He probably didn’t talk a lot, but he was always there. Passing out loaves in fishes? Of course he was. Pulling in the fish nets? Of course he was. Defending all the apostles when they were hassled by unbelievers? He sure was.

He might have been super humble and did not need credit. And it’s a good bet he may have been one of the happier disciples, and a happier apostle.

It’s also a good bet he did not allow himself to wallow in the guilt of living in the shadow of Judas, to get lost in low self-esteem or negative stigma.

The odds are that we can aspire to bolster our own position in the world by doing what Matthias probably did: Let’s validate our own skills and abilities. Let’s change the narrative about negative Christian reputations. Let’s improve our performance in all things. Let’s enjoy a sense of accomplishment. On our own team, let’s build new relationships, learn new strategies, and contribute positively to a more Gospel-inspired team dynamic.

Nobody chose Saint Matthias as a patron saint for minor leaguers but, hey, why not? We’ve all been there.

Jack Dermody is the editor of the CrossRoads bulletin for the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission for Holy Cross Province. He lives in Glendale, Arizona. 

Scripture:

Acts 19:1-8
John 16:29-33

Reflection:

The first thing that strikes me about our reading from the Acts of the Apostles is the mention of John the Baptist for the second time in as many chapters (18:25; 19:3). Perhaps John’s reach into the Mediterranean world was more extensive than was realized. From scripture, we know that his death took place early in Jesus’ ministry, and we are now somewhere in the early 50s A.D., his message in “preparing the way” still bears fruit.

In the text, Paul exhibits care and tenderness in his conversation with the disciples in Ephesus. Might he have noticed in the previous chapter how Priscilla and Aquila quietly instructed Apollos in the faith (18:26). Later, Paul would write the following passage in his letter to the Romans, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (8:24). It is fair to say that he recognized the work of the Spirit in these disciples and desired to encourage them in their faith. Trust in the Spirit of God was at the heart of Paul’s theology. A good lesson for those in ministry is to treat our people at work with love, wisdom, encouragement, and tenderness. However, he deals a little differently with those in the synagogue as he boldly debates using persuasive arguments (v.8), and we get the sense of his forceful character once again.

In our gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about this dynamic of confident trust in the Holy Spirit to guide them when he “returns to the Father.” Interestingly, his disciples now realize that he is from God. However, we know that while they understand who Jesus is, they don’t fully comprehend everything. Yet Jesus knows this and attempts to reassure them not to worry when confusion arrives. He reminded them where they would find their peace. In him!

And so it happened that following his crucifixion, they were all scattered. I wonder how long it took for them to remember Jesus’ tender words. So, too, with us, perhaps when life gets out of control, do we trust that Jesus is with us? Like the disciples, I can feel that with Jesus, I can get through anything. However, that is not always my reality when some unanticipated event invites me to live up to those beliefs and promises. It often feels more like a journey—a long journey—to trust.

Note his words in the final verse, “In the world you WILL have trouble” (16:33). He doesn’t say may or might; this is a declarative statement that reaches out to us these days. Because life WILL bring trouble otherwise, how would we learn the practice of staying close to Jesus? In these times, we don’t act out of our emotions; we act from our will—we make a choice.

Jesus, I trust in you.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.

The Ascension of the Lord

Scripture:

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23 or 4:1-13
Mark 16:15-20

Reflection:

Today, the feast of the Solemnity of the Ascension is celebrated in most dioceses in the United States.  The Ascension was traditionally celebrated on the 40^th day after the feast of the Resurrection, always a Thursday, followed 10 days later by the celebration of the feast of Pentecost, always on a Sunday.  Following the Second Vatican Council, the church allowed the Solemnity of the Ascension to be moved to the following Sunday, if approved by the local Bishop, to give the feast a more prominent position in the liturgical calendar between the feast of the Resurrection and the feast of Pentecost. 

Consider for a moment, the momentous occurrences of the 52 days between the occasion of the Last Supper (the institution of the Eucharist) on the feast of Passover, followed by Christ’s passion, death, resurrection and Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.  We, the faithful have reflected on Christ’s life, from the infancy narrative in St. Luke’s gospel, through his baptism, his first miracle at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, countless more miracles and teachings, the Transfiguration, and the final journey to Jerusalem.  Laid out in beautiful scriptural passages before us are 33 years of one man’s life, that we have followed and studied and prayed over.   

Suddenly, these long and arduous years are capped off by a series of rapid miraculous and mysterious events in just 52 days that can only be compared to the eruption of a super-volcano, the results of which would impact humanity forever.       

We, as Catholics, have been taught to meditatively observe the 25(+/-) days of Advent leading up to Christmas and the 40 days of lent leading up to the Triduum.  But how much time do we spend focusing on the mysterious and miraculous events of the 52 days from the Last Supper through Pentecost, including today’s Solemnity of the Ascension?  These days seem to move so swiftly that it is difficult to immerse ourselves in the significance of each one of them individually.  However, don’t these events make up the heart of our salvation narrative?

“He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.  While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem…”   “But in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”    

Jesus said to his disciples; “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.  So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.” 

Welcome home my Son.  Thank you Father……it is finished.

Bill Berger has had a lifelong relationship with the Passionist Family. He and his wife, Linda, are currently leaders of the Community of Passionist Partners (CPPs) in Houston.

Scripture:

Acts 18:23-28
John 16:23b-28

Reflection:

“Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.”  

That verse sounds as if God has given us a blank check to ask anything of him.  We know, however, that prayer is not a matter of snapping our fingers, dictating our will to God, and presto, getting whatever we want.

The verse that clarifies and breaks open the Good News in today’s gospel is this: “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may complete (16:24).”  The word “joy” is chara in Greek, stemming from charis, which means grace.  In other words, joy is produced by God’s grace, God’s gift.  Joy is as strong as steel and as tender as the heart.  God’s joy is durable in good times and in bad.

I recall, during my student days as a Passionist seminarian, the words of a wonderful priest, Father Randal Joyce, C.P., at Mass on a Sunday morning: “Joy is the unmistakable, infallible sign of the presence of God.”  I have never forgotten those words from this holy man of prayer.

Real prayer then is prayer that completes our joy.  It is prayer that leads unmistakably to communion with God.  Prayer is a humble and heartfelt attitude of dependency on God who loves us and wants only the good for us.  True prayer begins in conforming our will to the will of God.  And in that moment, Jesus promises us, our joy will be complete, full, and perfect.

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

Scripture:

Acts 18:9-18
John 16:20-23

Reflection:

I remember what labor was like for me – long and intense. Despite what it says in the Gospel, once my son was born, I didn’t immediately forget the pain; it was too real. Over time, I thought of it less and less though, and I knew my child was worth the price.

Then when my young husband died, I was plunged into the incredible pain of another type of labor. It took a very long time and much work for the pain and grief to lessen, my heart to heal, and new life to emerge. Yet when people ask whether I would’ve married John if I knew he’d die that soon, I always reply, “Absolutely! I struggled through a depth of pain I didn’t know was possible, but John was worth the price, and I am a better person because of his life, his love, and even his death.”

In John’s Gospel, Jesus acknowledges the anguish his disciples will experience when he was crucified, and then the repeat of their anguish when his physical presence disappeared from the earth. Yet, just as the hard labor of his death culminated in resurrection, their pain would eventually turn to joy that no one can take away. Just as with his crucifixion, the price would be worth it.

Jesus taught that nothing of this world is permanent. Loss and deep pain are absolutely inevitable and are so often a necessary labor for our growth into deeper life. Yet we blindly run from pain. We avoid learning about, facing, or accepting illness, death, broken heart, disability, and more. Instead, we convince ourselves that we “own” the things and people we love or can command their continued existence. Sooner or later, though, we lose what we held so dear and are thrown into the labor pains of grief.

Perhaps one key is to recognize impermanence rather than denying it, and to truly appreciate the wealth of gifts – people and things – we’ve been given in our lives right now, knowing they can disappear in an instant. Then let’s also commit to a prayer practice that places us and all we have into the hands of God, who is the only permanence and the only true source of healing and joy. Because of Jesus, we know that no matter what we go through, God will companion us in our labor and bring us to resurrection and new life.

What “labor pains” are you enduring now, or are you likely to experience? What circumstances in your life would break your heart and shake your foundations to the core? When it does, can you work through the pain of your personal crucifixion hand-in-hand with Jesus, until new life can emerge? It’s not an easy task! But it’s worth the price.  

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:

Acts 18:1-8
John 16:16-20

Reflection:

The Church of Jesus with Signs Following!

The daily readings for this week speak of Church building: the home of Lydia, a prosperous dealer in woven and dyed cloth becomes the house church of Philippi. We can see her at the loom weaving a new Church into creation. Paul speaks eloquently in Athens, but with no tangible results. He goes then to Corinth where working with Aquila and Priscilla over time, a solid community is established before he moves on.

In the diocese where I live we celebrate the Ascension today, most will celebrate Sunday. The celebration today fits well today with the theme of Church building, the work and response to the Spirit’s invitation, and being witnesses to the ends of the earth.

A mother due to give birth later this summer reflects about the natural world as an orderly liturgical procession for a feast day, a day like the Ascension. ‘Crocus acolytes lead the forsythia choir, followed by the shrubbery deacons, azalea to lilac, attending the fay and jolly magnolia, cloaked in the finest vestments, spun with white and gold thread’.

She goes beyond seeing the colorful display of life in nature adding that she was born into a sacramental world of initiation, healing, and vocation. In the quiet times of life there is always something to celebrate, the ordinary is packed with feast days. Nature is partnered with the cycle of the sacraments, and together help us to see ourselves with such hope, with dignity and beauty. This expectant mother ends by saying that next spring she will see the spring differently, along side her child, another witness to the Resurrection.

Augustine as poet speaks of the gifts that are ours in Jesus, ‘The one who made us has become one of us; the Ruler of the stars nursed at a mother’s breast. Yes, he became one of us – Bread hungered, Drink thirsty…’ At the heart of the Church is the Eucharist, Jesus present with us; the Way, the Truth and the Life, Healer. Each of these gifts are given through suffering, something not foreign to nature, even beautiful nature. When Adam slept Eve was given life. Bone of my Bone, he said. On the Cross the New Adam gave birth from his wounded side to the New Eve, the Church, His Body.

The Ascension shows us the Risen Lord enthroned in glory, now watching over us. We are to be witnesses to the ends of the earth and the Holy Spirit is with us, our companion and guide. We are laden with the surprises and gifts that Jesus gives us to bring life into the world. We do this often with suffering, which ought not surprise us, that is what Jesus endured, what a mother giving birth endures. It is our price that we pay so stand with others as witnesses of the Resurrection.

Pushed from the nest by the loving, nurturing Spirit to soar like the eagle, may the indescribable wonder/thunder of the Ascension shake us to a witness that comes from our oneness with Jesus, our desire for the Father.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Acts 17:15, 22-18:1
John 16:12-15

Reflection:

Today’s reading from Acts is so vividly recounted that it is easy to picture ourselves there, listening to the apostle Paul as he proclaims the core of the Christian message in first-century Athens. Paul focuses on three truths, and as he speaks, we are invited to imagine what would change if we took these truths to heart and allowed them to transform our lives.

“For the God who made the world and ‘all that is in it’…” Paul reminds us that everything that exists is a gift of God’s love, an expression of God’s goodness and wonderful creativity. Nothing exists, no person, no species, and nothing of the natural world, that did not come from God. All things receive their being and life from God not just once but continually, which is why apart from God nothing can live.

“They were to seek God…though he is not really far from any one of us.” The God who absolutely transcends us is also astonishingly close at hand, continuously in reach, in those with whom we live, in strangers passing by, in the face of a delighted child or the person grieving a loss, in moments of joyful celebration as well as moments of silence. Every moment of every day God is near, surrounding us, upholding us, accepting and accompanying us. Even if we tried, we couldn’t get away from God because wherever we would go, God would already be there waiting for us.

“’In him we live and move and have our being’….” All things are in God and God is in all things. What a difference it would make if we acquired the moral and spiritual vision by which we saw God in every human being, in every creature, and the whole created world. We would love our neighbors eagerly and joyfully. We would treat every creature with respect and would never stop giving thanks for the gift of God’s creation. Peace, justice, and love would abound.

It almost sounds like heaven.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Acts 16:22-34
John 16:5-11

Reflection:

But Paul shouted out in a loud voice,
“Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.”
He asked for a light and rushed in and,
trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas.
Then he brought them out and said,
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”   -Acts 16:28-30

“Forgive Everybody, Everything” (2022) is the title of Fr. Greg Boyle’s latest book. Fr. Greg is a Jesuit, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles and on May 3 of this year received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award. I wonder if that means I must forgive the window company that made and installed the windows in my condo? My bedroom window has needed more attention than I have ever given to any window, and it is still broken. Most windows, get my attention twice a year and that is about it. This one, I had to replace the upper window a couple of years ago—it’s a double hung window. Then, last Fall while trying to wash it, I broke the outer pane of the double-glazed pane. I figured it was too late to have it replaced, so I jerry-rigged it with insulation stuffed wherever possible and we survived the winter. Now, it’s time to deal with it, get it off my mind, and to normalize my relationship with that no-good, window company that made it.

Having read Boyle’s book as well as meeting him last summer at a talk he gave in nearby Oak Park, Illinois, I decided to forgive the company and the window. I called the company, sought their guidance on how best to handle this rogue window. They sent a man out who in no time repaired the movement of the window, took the measurements, and promised to deliver a replacement in a week. He also, took the measurements of another window whose seal had broken and will give a quote to replace that. All this goes to say, I have forgiven myself for my own stubbornness, the window company and now with a little bit of luck, with these actions, the window and the company will no longer live rent free in my mind.

God, thank you for Paul’s sharing of his experiences with life and the sometimes very vexing, as well as not so vexing situations, life presents. Help me follow Fr. Boyle’s and Silas’ and Paul’s great example of forgiving and getting on with the day’s activities.

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