Daily Scripture

Scripture:

1 John 2:22-28
John 1:19-28

Reflection:

At our deepest levels most people are searching for belonging, meaning and authenticity.

These three words, at least for me, go a long way towards summing up the human journey in life (and especially the journey into self). Of course we who are Christian add our own interpretation to the understanding of these three words, but I do believe that even at a basic, secular level they stand as valid.

People seek to belong. We know this search in the deepest recesses of our hearts. Human beings are meant for each other, we are social and relational in our very nature and we experience an innate drive to seek out companionship and partnership as we journey through life. Love drives us in this direction – we thrill to be the centre of someone else’s loving attention, and in turn we seek to go out of ourselves and to give ourselves to another or to give ourselves in loving service to others.

People seek meaning in their lives. We want to know and understand what is happening to us and how we are affecting others. Again this is deep within us, we are the one part of creation that is always searching for answers. From childhood on we ask ‘why?’-perhaps, verbally and repetitiously in our younger years, and within our thoughts and quieter recesses as we get older. But we still ask! Suffering especially disturbs us and we seek to know ‘why this happened’ and so in times of travail this question above all others, haunts us. And in the best of times we still want to feel deep within that we are ‘making a difference’ through our lives.

People seek authenticity. We want to be true to ourselves and others and we have a deep desire to be genuine. We live at times without reflecting on this reality, yet we know its centrality in our lives more painfully in those times when it is absent – we don’t want others to be ‘two-faced’ nor do we want to be like that ourselves; rather we want to be consistent in our approach to people and we want to align ourselves with values that are true and deep. We gravitate too towards people who we find authentic.

John the Baptist focuses us on these same three dynamics in today’s reading. He responds to his somewhat suspicious and reprimanding enquirers that his ministry is not a self-oriented one, but rather one that reflects the fact that in relationship to Jesus (his cousin); he has found his ‘centre’. John answers one of life’s most puzzling and consistent questions – ‘Who are you?’ – with a clear sense of himself and of the place where he ‘stands. He has found a strong sense of belonging, of meaning and a way of being authentic in his following of Jesus.

‘Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you’, says John the Evangelist in today’s first reading. John the Baptist had died before these words were ever written, but it is evident that they already had resonated within him anyway.

Thus John’s steadfastness is an attitude and a direction we could well imitate and adopt as our own as this New Year unfolds before us.

Let us stay on the path that we walk with Jesus in life and continue to make our relationship with him our place of belonging – our ‘centre’. His is the ‘way’ that gives meaning to life and gives us hope in all life’s struggles. His mission in this world is one that brings life to all and opens for us a means to live authentic lives.

Put another way, Jesus is for us the Way, the Truth and the Life.  In him we can find a way to belong, a way to find meaning and a way to live an authentic life.

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

Scripture:

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

Reflection:

Several celebrations crowd in on this day.  It is New Year’s Day 2019.  It is the octave of Christmas.  It is the beautiful feast celebrating Mary as the Mother of God.  (It is also my birthday but I am not sure this fact ranks with these other markers!).

The celebration of Mary as the “Mother of God” is an ancient tribute to the virgin of Nazareth.  Even though this feast day was established on this day in modern times , the title itself goes back to one of the earliest Councils of the Church at Ephesus in 431 AD that declared as an article of Christian doctrine that Mary is the theotokos, literally, the “God bearer.”  At issue was the question whether or not Jesus was truly human.  His divinity was not in question but there were Christians who could not believe that Jesus was also truly human.  Declaring that Mary was truly the mother of Jesus and the “theotokos” affirmed what is the central core of Christian faith, the mystery of the Incarnation – “the Eternal Word of God becomes flesh.”

The Church has been celebrating this astounding assertion of faith all during these days of the Christmas season.  And on the Octave of Christmas, we affirm it again.  But there is a wider backdrop to all of this, namely the fact that all is grace, all is gift.  Neither Mary in all her beauty and goodness, or Joseph, the faithful and obedient hero of the infancy story, nor anyone before or since, earned the gift of God’s unconditional love for us that is manifested so incredibly in the reality of Christmas.  God becomes one with us to save us through God’s unconditional love.

I came across a remarkable reflection on “grace” or “unconditional gift” in what might be considered an unexpected source—a column by a political writer in the New York Times for December 23, entitled, “The Uncommon Power of Grace.”  Most of the time, the author, Peter Wehner, comments on our political scene from a rather conservative point of view.  But he also occasionally reflects on the deeper meaning of our life and times from the vantage point of his devout Evangelical faith.

That is the case here.  Quoting the famed spiritual writer, C. S. Lewis, Wehner affirms that the notion of unconditional grace is unique to Christian faith, a belief that goes against every instinct of humanity which is programmed to cause and effect, to earning what we receive, to exchange and barter.  The affirmation of Christian faith is that God’s love is unconditional and unmerited.  As Wehner notes, “There’s a radical equality at the core of grace.  None of us are deserving of God’s grace, so it’s not dependent on social status, wealth or intelligence.  There is equality between kings and peasants, the prominent and the unheralded, rule followers and rule breakers.”

The column goes on to conclude that those who are touched by grace and aware of living completely as a gift of God, are prone to be gracious themselves.  People who love us “despite our messy lives, stay connected to us through our struggles, always holding out the hope of redemption.”

The astounding and “uncommon power” of grace is what we celebrate in the feast of Christmas and what, today, we celebrate in lifting up the figure of Mary, the “God-bearer.”  In her very being, in her own body, the mother of Jesus proclaims that God’s love, God’s grace, is unconditional and eternal.

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:

1 John 2:18-21
John 1:1-18

Reflection:

Do you remember Christmas?  I know… seems so very long ago.  Even more shocking, do you remember Advent?   So much has happened since we first heard the cry of the Prophet, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

And now, here we stand on the cliff of the end of 2018.  The New Year is viewed by most as the impetus to take an eraser to their past and resolve to be better people: to repair broken relationships, to restore themselves emotionally, to refresh themselves spiritually, to rebuild themselves physically… an opportunity to just get it right.

Let me tell you about something interesting I notice pretty often. Actually, I hear it at just about every single funeral at which I minister or attend. If I were a betting man, I’d bet you’ve also heard it. Shoot… you’ve probably said it. I have.

 “Tell people you love them while they can still hear it.”

It’s a universal thing when people grieve, I think, that they want to help others not make the same mistakes they made and so offer suggestions like that one. Well meaning, and I think it’s beautiful, and absolutely we must do it. We must. And then I get sidetracked and time passes and I don’t do it at all.  You too?  We’re human, I guess, but God continues to give us opportunities to try again… to get it right.

In meditating on this thought, I was struck with the realization that we just came from such a time.  We Catholics should have been yelling “Happy New Year” on the First Sunday of Advent.  No, I’m not crazy (no comments!!!) … with Advent starting just 5 short weeks ago, we began a new Liturgical Year (Cycle C), with the call to “Prepare, ye, the way.”

Prepare.  Did we prepare?  Are you like me in the feeling of regret over all I didn’t get to in Advent… in 2018?

If you’re at all like me, you were probably more concerned about the preparations for Christmas. Gifts, cards, decorations, food, parties, planning… Advent calls us to get ready, that’s for sure. But not gifts or food or parties.  I’m wondering now if my spirit was ready for Christmas.  I wonder if I made the room in the inn of my heart for Jesus to be born.

Emmanuel.  God, with us. As it says in today’s Gospel, “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.”

I think I may have missed the Advent opportunity to sweep out the junk from my life so to make room for a new Bethlehem in my heart. Maybe you also feel the same sense of “whoops” that I do.

But there is good news – 2019 starts tomorrow.  We have the chance to create our resolutions anew with a focus on what’s really important. And that’s not all – God gifts us with endless opportunities to come home.  To get it right.  To throw ourselves on the inexhaustible love and mercy of our creator.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation, the daily Eucharist, Lent, Advent… every single breath… all points in time to put a step in a better direction.

To “testify to the true light” by the way we live our lives.

So, friends, what’s your first step?

Dear God of New Year’s, thank you for the gift of fresh beginnings. Grant us the grace of a broom with which we can sweep away all that keeps us from recognizing and welcoming you into our hearts and lives. And please, help us all never break our resolution to be closer to you. 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 Retreat Center.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Scripture:

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:41-52

Reflection:

In the Catholic Church we have this beautiful sacrament called Reconciliation.  People come to a priest to confess what they have done wrong.  I have a suggestion.  Why not have something like an eighth sacrament where a person comes and tells the priest all the things they have done right.

Conscience tells us two things — what’s right and what’s wrong.  If we confess the times we have done something wrong, why not confess, acknowledge, the times we have done something right.  I am sure there are many times when we have followed St Paul’s advice today and showed “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.”  And if we are doing all this, why not acknowledge it in some way?  Give ourselves praise.  “Hey, self, you did a lot of good today.  Keep up the good work.”

What comes after praising ourselves?  For people of faith, gratitude follows.  We know the truth of what St. Paul said to the Corinthians, “What have you that you have not received” (1 Corinthians 4:7).  In acknowledging our good deeds, we acknowledge the author of all good.

When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, Elizabeth detected Mary’s good qualities.  And Elizabeth praised Mary. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42).  What was Mary’s response?  Gratitude.  “My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit gives thanks to God my savior.” (Luke 1:46)  Mary had many talents, abilities, and great depth of soul.  And she knew where it all came from.  So she gave thanks.   We can give ourselves praise, as long as we thank God for it all.  “He who is mighty has done great things to me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:49).

St. Paul tells us today, “Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns and inspired songs” (Colossians  3:16).  That’s what Mary did. Come on, let’s follow her.

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:

1 John 2:-11
Luke 2:22-35

Reflection:

 “. . . for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.”  ~1 John 2:8

In 1935 the play Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot, was published. The play focuses on the story of the death of Thomas Becket who was the childhood friend of Henry II of England. When Henry II ascended the throne he appointed Thomas as the Primate of England or Chancellor. Today that would be the Prime Minister. Everything was going along fine when Henry II decided that the Church had more power than he did and so wanted an inside man to help him with gaining control. Becket pleads with him not to appoint him Archbishop of Canterbury, which today is the highest ordained position in the Church of England, the Queen is considered the head of the Church of England. And all of that history is another story. Becket is already a deacon in the Church and so he is ordained a priest and the next day elevated to Archbishop. Over the course of several months Becket is changed by his position. He helps the poor and serves as a faithful shepherd of the people. Henry II and Becket disagree several times on matters of the Church and State. One night, in a drunken fury, Henry II makes a comment about being rid of the bothersome Archbishop. Four loyal knights interpret this as a command to assassinate Becket and so in the middle of the night they ride off to Canterbury Cathedral and murder him as he is saying a private mass.

The First Letter of John gives us the message of walking in the way of Christ through the commandments. The two commandments that Christ gave to his Apostles and us; To love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The message goes on to speak about what it means to walk in the light and what it means to walk in the darkness. Two leaders of England made choices. One walked in the darkness of wanting more power and the other followed the path of Light and was changed by that Light. Even in the time of Jesus there were people who thought that they were following God through the commandments and the multitude of prescribed laws. But instead became blinded by them and were unable to see the true Light when it appeared as promised.

Christmas is a reminder for us that the Light has come into the world and that we can choose to walk in the Light or to choose the path of darkness. Simeon, a man waiting in the Temple for the Messiah is blessed by God to be able to see the true Light before he died. He spent his life waiting patiently for that moment. What a great joy that must have been for him! The words of Simeon, from today’s Gospel offer us food for thought:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.”

We don’t need to wait. The Light of the World has come, Emmanuel.

May the coming New Year bring you peace and joy!

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

Feast of the Holy Innocents

Scripture:

1 John 1:5-2:2
Matthew 2:13-18

Reflection:

From the Collect for the Holy Innocents Episcopal.

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod.  Receive, we pray, in to the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

During this Christmas season the memories of innocent children celebrating on Christmas morning, wide-eyed and gleeful as each present is unwrapped, each cookie is eaten and each story is told is a picture of love and goodness!  Alas!  The holy innocents whose lives were cut short by the order of a demonic ruler were never to know the happiness of such joyful days.

A newborn baby, holy and innocent is a reminder of God’s love for all of humanity.  This is what we celebrate with the great feast of the incarnation on Christmas Day.  One wonders what happens to that innocence we all enjoyed as young children.  We live in a world that seems to be totally void of innocence and compassion and mercy.  The Herod’s of the world still spread the message of greed, corruption and control.

How can we regain some of that innocence of childhood?  The Collect prayer above gives us a prescription to follow as we pray;

Receive, we pray, in to the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by
Your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule
Of justice, love and peace.

We don’t have to look far to find the innocent victims.  The homeless who sleep under our viaducts, the crippled woman who tearfully accepted the food basket we delivered to her simple but rundown flat last weekend, the teachers in our commonwealth who have to fight constantly to save their hard-earned pensions.  The evil tyrants consumed with greed and power and selfish ambitions continue to rule the less fortunate without any mercy or compassion.

May justice love and peace become our focus during this Christmastide and into the new year.

May we continue to frustrate the tyrant and raise up the innocent at every opportunity that comes our way!  Blessings upon all in the New Year!  Peace!

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

Feast of St. Stephen

Scripture:

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Matthew 10:17-22

Reflection:

Today is the feast of St. Stephen the Martyr, whose death by stoning is gruesomely retold in the first reading from Acts of the Apostles. This story stands in stark contrast to the readings from yesterday’s liturgies where we hear of angels singing “Gloria” and shepherds making their way to the manger where they find the Christ Child.

Yesterday we were receiving into our broken world Jesus, God made flesh; today we see people from many places rejecting Stephen for “working great wonders and signs among the people.” This juxtaposition is raw. It is a bit of a downer. But it’s the reality if we make a place for Jesus to be born in our hearts.

When the people heard Stephen, who is described as being full of grace and power, they gnashed their teeth and covered their ears. They wanted no part of what he was saying. They were to have none of it, so they ran him out of town and stoned him.

If we are honest with ourselves, there is much we don’t want to hear, either. We don’t want to hear over and again the stories of those abused by priests or how bishops covered it up. We don’t want to see Christ in the faces of immigrants longing for a better life. We avoid looking at families reeling from the scourge of opioids. It would be so much nicer just to hang out at the manger for a while.

But Jesus came into our world to take upon himself all that is broken and sinful and shameful in our lives. His Passion contains all our own passions. So rather than gnash our teeth or cover our ears, let’s take all that weighs us down and go back to the manger and place it there. That is why He has come, born of Mary, Savior of the world.

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.