Daily Scripture

First Sunday of Advent

Scripture:

Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Reflection:

For me, a challenge I face as a homilist is the First Sunday of Advent. That’s because the Gospel reading for the beginning of the Advent season is very much like the Gospel reading for the week before for the Feast of Christ the King. Both Gospel readings have Jesus speaking about the end times, and so it can be challenging to say something different about the same sort of words. But the reason we have Jesus speaking about the end times on a day when we begin as a church to get ready for the celebration of Christmas is that the season of Advent is also about reminding us to be vigilant for when Jesus comes again.

Even though in our Gospel reading for Sunday (Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36), Jesus speaks about the end times, He is not so much talking about fear as about anticipation and readiness. Yes, He does say: “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” But He also says: “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” If we are doing what we’ve been called to do, we have nothing to fear when Jesus comes again. We will have been getting ready for His coming our whole lives.

And so Jesus says later on: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

I wonder if that day “will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth” because it means a big change in how we relate to each other, and very often, a big change does seem to “assault” us. And I also wonder whether having the “strength to escape the tribulations” means being able to avoid them. I think that what Jesus is saying is that we pray for the strength not to avoid the tribulations (That would mean resorting to “carousing and drunkenness.”), but to not let “anxiety” about them weigh us down. When we can trust in the power and love of God, we can face and get through the tribulations that occur and get to joy and peace.

I was trying to think of examples of this. One that is basic to human existence is childbirth. You mothers who are reading this can speak much more accurately and eloquently about this than I. Other examples are the advances to justice we have seen, such as women’s suffrage, civil rights, the end of apartheid, etc. I say “advances” because we know there is so much more work to be done.

So how can we practice the vigilance Jesus talks about? We can continue to work for justice and peace. We need not fall in line with the divisions and hatreds and fears which seem to have such a hold on our political and social life. We can witness to something different.

Another way that came to me concerns the Eucharist. As I was reflecting on this, I thought of Cardinal Mahoney’s pastoral letter on the Eucharist: “Gather Faithfully Together.” In that letter, Cardinal Mahoney wrote about “The Entrance to the Assembly”: “In houses and apartments all through the neighborhood, the true entrance procession of this Mass has been in full swing, sometimes calm, sometimes hectic. Sunday clothes are being put on…Some households make a conscious effort to keep the morning quiet…”

“When we think about preparing for liturgy, we usually think of the ministers…But the liturgy is the work of the whole assembly…Many have prepared themselves to come together today and participate fully in this Eucharist.”

“So this is the entrance procession, coming from all directions, made up of all ages, several races, a variety of economic circumstances and political outlooks – and speaking at least three first languages! But they are all in a great procession, the Church assembling in the house of the Church.”

The Church comes in procession to encounter Christ in a special way at Mass. As Cardinal Mahoney describes it, a lot of preparation has been made. Is not Advent like that? Preparing ourselves to encounter Jesus when He comes again? To encounter Him as the baby in the manger? Perhaps a way to practice vigilance is to pay attention to how we get ready for Mass.

May we get ready to welcome Jesus this Advent.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan. 

Scripture:

Revelation 22:1-7
Luke 21:34-36

Reflection:

Part of the beauty and power of the Bible comes from its vivid language and symbols.  That is the case for the readings assigned for today, the final day of the “ordinary” liturgical season as we stand on the brink of Advent.

The first reading is from the Book of Revelation (22:1-7), a biblical book that is full of vivid imagery and sometimes mystifying symbols.  The entire book is cast as a vision experienced by John the Seer who is in exile on the Island of Patmos and writes to Christian communities in western Asia Minor (present day Turkey) to challenge and encourage them in a time of severe persecution by the Roman Empire.

In the reading for today, the author is in an encouraging mode—portraying for his fellow Christians a future of vitality and beauty that God has in store for them. The author borrows a famous metaphor from chapter 47 of the prophet Ezekiel (also noted for his wild imagery!) who has a dream about water flowing out of the Jerusalem temple and running down into the parched lands of the Judean wilderness, creating a river of life with fruit trees on its banks and fish in its waters, ultimately causing the desert to bloom.  The author of Revelation creates a similar vision—now the “river of life-giving water” flows from the very “throne of God and of the Lamb (a term Revelation uses for Jesus).  As in Ezekiel’s dream sequence, fruit trees grow, and their leaves provide medicine.  A brand-new world springs up—where there is no more night and “the Lord God shall give them light.”

The message is clear: despite the trials and sufferings of the present, God will not abandon his people and life will triumph over death.  That same message is picked up in the Responsorial Psalm 95 which uses the pervasive biblical metaphor of the shepherd and the sheep to encourage us, “Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us.  For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.”

The gospel selection from Luke (21:34-36) cites the words of Jesus to his disciples where another memorable metaphor is used.  As the time of his own passion draws near, Jesus warns his disciples “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of life.”  “Drowsy hearts”—what an interesting image.  Later in this same passage, Jesus urges his disciples “to stay awake”—to be “vigilant” and not to be caught off guard.

We can become “drowsy” or fail to be truly alive and alert either because we allow superficial things to consume our time and attention–in Jesus’ words, “carousing and drunkenness.”  Maybe most of us are more likely to be immersed in our phones or entertainment or buying sprees.  The other cause for drowsiness Jesus cites is “anxiety”—letting fear take over our hearts and dampen our spirit.

Taken together, the readings for today ask us to sink deeper into our life of faith—to rediscover a sense of God’s intense and tender love for us—to remember that God will be with us no matter what.  Thereby we can put aside fear and live with a sense of hope and freedom.  This is timely invitation as the season of Advent begins.

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:

Romans 10:9-18
Matthew 4:18-22

Reflection:

St. Paul reminds us:  “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”  We could add, “How especially beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news of the Passion of Christ.”

 To preach the Passion begins with remembering Calvary: Jesus’ agony, heartache, pain and death endured out of love.  We remember, and love Jesus in return.

Then, to preach the Passion is to name the sufferings of Christ as experienced by people today, and to offer compassion.

To preach the Passion is to name the union with Christ that comes through baptism, and help people realize their pain is his pain.  He suffers not in vain.

To preach the Passion is to encourage the followers of Christ to give comfort to the sorrowing, bring hope to the discouraged, and to be a community for the lonely.

To preach the Passion is to help transform people from inflicting suffering to relieving distress, from doing injustice to working for peace.

To preach the Passion is to proclaim the cross of Christ as a symbol of victory, and the foundation for lasting joy. 

To preach the Passion means dying to self in order to welcome all people into our hearts.

How beautiful are your feet?

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:

Revelation 18:1- 2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9
Luke 21:20-28

Reflection:

 “… another angel coming from heaven, having great authority, and
                       the earth became illumined by his splendor”    ~Rev 18:2

During the course of the week the readings have become more intense with the apocalyptic messages in both readings for today. We are just two days away from the beginning of Advent. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone. People are already thinking of Christmas and the Church reminds us of the time when the total transformation of the earth into the fullness of the Kingdom of God is coming.

As I read and reflected on the readings for today I sensed energy and movement of a force that is greater than what any human could create. A force that is a creative force that brings about something new, something full of light, such as the angel that is so full of “splendor” that the being from heaven “illuminates” the earth from its very presence. Human ways are removed and replaced by the “authority”, “might”, and “greatness” of Heaven/The Lamb. That when all has changed the wedding feast of the Lamb may begin. The coming together of the Church, the People of God with Jesus Christ. Both readings emphasis is on the glory that comes with the coming of the Kingdom of God, the wedding feast of the Lamb. That it is about light and glory, salvation and redemption. Yes, other things will pass away or lose their value because they are not of the Kingdom of God and the coming of this Kingdom is about transformation not destruction.

The challenge for us is how are we preparing for the wedding feast of the Lamb? We have had a year to transform and as the end of the liturgical year draws to a close and a new one is about to begin we take time to clean out our inner temple to prepare for the great wedding feast. May the new liturgical year bring many blessings and graces to you and your family.

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

Scripture:

Revelation 15:1-4
Luke 21:12-19

Reflection:

In our scriptures today from Revelation and Luke we find words of hope that are the result of a life that has as its focus, faith and perseverance.

From the Book of Revelation we read:

‘remain faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.’

And from the Gospel of Luke:

‘you will be hated by all because of my name,
But not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.’

To be a follower of Jesus Christ calls us to endure many trials and tribulations.  It brings us immeasurable joy and happiness as well.  The good days are times of celebration and rejoicing in God’s love and forgiveness.  The not-so-good days/times are often bereft of comfort and happiness.

To be a follower of Jesus Christ calls us to take a stand against injustice, to work to change laws that keep our brothers and sisters in bondage.  We cannot sit by and watch as people of a different color, faith, belief or walk of life are ridiculed and beaten down.

We live in times where violence, bullying, back-biting and meanness have become the norm!

To be a follower of Jesus Christ calls us to be present at the voting booth and the city council meeting, the pastoral council gathering and the march for gun control and civil rights for all God’s people!  We must take the gospel message to the streets in our neighborhoods, schools, churches and at gatherings of family and friends!

We are reminded of the greatness of God as we pray the responsorial psalm today; ‘Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!’ May our thoughts, words and actions reflect the greatness of God this day and the days to come!

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

Scripture:

Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5
Luke 21:1-4

Reflection:

The Psalm refrain today echoes the plea of so many of our brothers and sisters today.
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

We can imagine for ourselves and for people across the globe crying out, pleading, “We long to see your face, O God!” Hear the cry of parents losing children in seemingly random attacks in bars, schools, concerts, places of worship, the workplace or a Walmart, only to hear that nothing can be done to help stop it.

Hear the cries of those forced to abandon their homes and homelands because of war and unfettered violence, only for those cries to fall on deaf ears as they search for safety.

Hear the anguish in the voices of those who tell their stories of abuse in the church and the workplace, only to be told they are not credible and ought to remain silent.

I often think about the blind beggar Bartimaeus sitting by the side of the road. He hears that Jesus is passing by and calls out to him. Only there are others who tell him to be silent. But he cries out all the louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” His voice will not be silenced. Nor shall the voices today that cry out for mercy. Jesus does hear the cry of the poor.

We cannot allow our own voices to join the chorus of other voices telling those who are suffering that they should be silent. We cannot turn a deaf ear to those calling out for justice. We cannot ignore the pain of those who have been wronged. They long to see the face of God. That face of mercy is our face, our hands, and our words that will reveal God’s love to those most in need.

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:

Daniel 7:13-14
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33b-37

Reflection:

Feast of Christ the King

Today’s feast faces us with 2 problems: one apparent, the other real. Apparently stems from our American reaction to kings: We don’t like them!  The word “king” conjures up images of the tyrant or the despot, of too much power in one person’s hands… Herod slaughtering babies — Henry VIII or George III — denotes might, dominion, violence.

Jesus tells Pilate he’s not the kind of king Pilate imagines. Pilate’s world, like many civil leaders’ today, is a world of competition, fear, force. Little wonder Pilate is intimidated by Jesus. Jesus had no need to cling to status (remember Philippians 2 where the hymn tells us Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a slave, accepting even death?). He knew who he was, and he knew that his only purpose in this world was to testify to the truth (another thing with which many civil leaders struggle!).

Forgoing force is such an overwhelming, crushing decision. In the Gethsemane scene in Luke, Peter, in a preemptive strike, cuts off the ear of the servant of the High Priest. Jesus says simply, “No more of this.” Remember earlier:

“Princes of this world use power to dominate, lord it over others… it cannot be that way with you… Want to be follower? Serve. Wash feet. Forgive. Love enemies.”

“No more of this” and he heals the man, restoring his ear. Jesus has spent his entire ministry giving people ears to hear, so he is not about to start taking them off now. The symbolic import is that the beginning of violence is the end of dialogue. That is why Peter’s sword severs the ear. Combatants can no longer hear one another.

Finally, the problem is how I relate to truth. Jesus is Lord, but is Jesus MY Lord? My king? Who commands my love? Rules my heart? Can I say, with full integrity, that no person, no thing, takes precedence over Jesus in my life? What motivates me? Possesses me? Thrills me? …from dawn to dusk? What makes me get up in the morning? What makes me tick? Who or what rules my heart? Something does, or someone does. Or, dreadful thought, perhaps nothing does.

Fr. Jack Conley, C.P. is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.