Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Philemon 7-20
Luke 17:7-20-25

Reflection:

“But first the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.” These words from the 17^th Chapter of Luke explain the beauty of being a Christian, the beauty of following this King, Jesus Christ.

It may seem a little callous to call the suffering of the Son of Man as beautiful, but consider the fact that our King is willing to do so. He is willing to suffer for his subjects. What other King is like this? We can find beauty in the fact that Jesus is willing so suffer for us and all we have to do is say, “yes I believe!” Yes, I believe and I am willing to carry whatever cross my king offers me. We can make this commitment because he will never ask us, to do anything that He is not willing to do or has not already done himself, this is beautiful! Our king, fully human and fully divine, is like us in every way but sin and in his humility his suffering is real. Though he is innocent and without sin, it pains him greatly to see us wallowing in the darkness of sin, his remedy is an offer, an offer for us to pick up our cross and follow him. When we accept we are giving him permission to absorb our sins so that we can find his kingdom and live in it today. How beautiful is that!

“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” Jesus is void of sin, but he loves us so much that he is willing to absorb our sins, to purify us so that we can join him in his kingdom. So perhaps we should live our lives as if we are already part of his kingdom, as if it is already among us and share this beauty with those around us.

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

Scripture:

Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Luke 17:7-10

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel reading feels a bit hard to understand at first glance—at least to me. I asked myself exactly what it has to say to us in the context of this past week. As I sit and ponder these Scriptures, I see our San Gabriel Mountains through a light haze of smoke from the fires about 40+ miles to our west. The change in direction of the wind makes breathing outside difficult. We wait in hopes of a directional shift later this afternoon. Throughout the state of California this week, people have lost homes and now we hear about lives lost. Sadly, in addition, more lives were lost because of senseless violence in Thousand Oaks; while the national scene seems to grow more polarized each day.

The three verses from St. Luke which we hear proclaimed are situated between the apostles request of the Lord to “Increase our faith” (17:5) and the “cleansing of the 10 Lepers” (17:11-19).  In both cases, faith is the central theme with praise and gratitude added in the latter story.

Jesus continues to make his way to Jerusalem as he invites the apostles to reflect on the expectations of a servant in that society. St. Paul touches on this idea of expectations of the wider Christian community in his letter to Titus. The norms of the Mediterranean world were clearly understood, adhering to the Code of Conduct was expected, and failing to do so would bring dishonor to your community. There was no rugged individualism in this world. Yet, to live as a Christian made your actions especially significant as it spoke to your values and your obligation to your faith community as well as your commitment to living out the Gospel in every aspect of your life. Jesus’ mention of “unprofitable servants,” who have fulfilled their obligation certainly gets my attention. Does he challenge us to go beyond what is required? There is no cause for celebration when we are only doing what is expected—no patting ourselves on the back with a “well done.” Especially when it is only by God’s grace that we can do anything at all.

It’s humbling to be reminded that we can do nothing without God’s grace at work in our lives. Even when we work on nurturing that grace and doing all the “right things” it is still only by God’s blessing.

Does our obligation to be his servant stretch us beyond what we think we are capable of in our daily lives? What does our idea of being his servant mean to me—or to you? It must be more than obligation! Our call to serve must rise out of our desire to bring God’s love and mercy into the world in concrete ways. How does this scripture speak to me today in the context of my life? In the context of yours? For, it is NOT about us and our obligations at all. It is only by grace that we are touched—infused, with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit and bless our world today.

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:

Titus 1:1-9
Luke 17:1-6

Reflection:

In his letter to Titus, Paul lists a sobering set of qualifications for a bishop or church leader: blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain, hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled, holding fast to the true message as taught, and able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents. Of course, Paul also says a presbyter is supposed to have children who are believers and who are not rebellious. Really? Maybe that’s why the Church instituted a celibate priesthood, because if a man had kids, he could hardly ever qualify!

In all seriousness, though, Paul’s extensive and demanding list of requirements takes particular import as we continue to grapple with the sexual abuse crisis, and as we examine more closely how priests, bishops, and members of the Church hierarchy exercise their power.  Pope Francis has issued strong challenges, and it seems the leadership of the Church has a long way to go and much reform to undertake before we reach the ideals Paul set forth.

Yet I don’t believe this list should apply only to priests, bishops, and church leaders. As with all of scripture, we need to examine the logs in our own eyes before looking for the specks (or logs) in the eyes of others. So what about us in the pews? Would people outside the Church recognize this list as an accurate depiction of a Catholic congregation? In our parishes, are we humble, hospitable, just, holy, and self-controlled? Are we living models of Christian discipleship?

Ultimately, of course, the parish will not reflect those values until the people within the parish do. So each of us must take a hard look at ourselves. In that light, I began down the list and compared my own behavior. I am not a drunkard, as I rarely have more than a glass of wine at any one time. But I reluctantly must admit that at least at times I have fallen down in each of the other areas, especially the one about being irritable! We all fall short of the ideal. We all have a long way to go and much reform to undertake before our parishes, liturgies, ministries, and lives individually and collectively reflect Christ.

Since change has to start with each one of us, for this month I resolve to post Paul’s list on my bathroom mirror. Each morning when I arise, I will remind myself of who I want to be, how I want to treat people, and what God is calling me to become. When I get ready for bed, I will read the list again and reflect on how I did that day and where I could do better. It won’t change the Church in a day. But it will change me, and allow God to better use me as an instrument of healing, faith, and love. If we all do that, we will change the Church. Do you have any space on your mirror?

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:

1 Kings 17:10-16
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

Reflection:

What a powerful study in contrast Mark’s gospel passage offers us.  But let’s be clear about something right away.  Jesus does not praise the economic poverty of a widow.  He laments the privilege and affluence that can easily corrupt us.

First, there are some scribes – and by implication, Sadducees, the priestly royalty who control the Temple in Jerusalem.  They are the learned, the scholars of Torah among the majority who were illiterate and poor.  This elite minority relished the public honors that accompanied their positions.  In the marketplace, they expected people to rise respectfully when they approached.  In the synagogue, they sat in seats of honor on the dais facing the congregation — seeing, but more importantly, being seen.  A public piety designed to elicit public adulation.

These are temptations for every age.  Who does not like red carpet treatment? Who does not enjoy wearing finely tailored clothes, civilian or clerical?  Who does not enjoy being addressed by honorific title?  All these can be innocent or corrosive, depending on how they affect our relationships.

Not all scribes were guilty.  Jesus had just finished a conversation with a scribe whom he pronounced to be not far from the kingdom (Mk12:34).  And Jesus repeatedly taught his disciples, who argued about their place of honor in the kingdom: “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mk 9:35).  He taught, “For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).

Then, the gospel rather abruptly spotlights someone invisible to all, except to Jesus.  This is the widow, who is unlike the wealthy who made large and ostentatious donations to the Temple.  She donated but two pennies, all she had to give.  Again, let’s be clear.  Jesus praises her, not for what may seem like economic martyrdom, but for her absolute trust in God.  Even as Jesus praised the widow, he was lamenting and condemning a religious system that took the last two coins of a poor woman for the upkeep of an extravagant Temple and those who controlled it.

In this gospel, Mark – through Jesus – forcefully reminds us – to pay attention to the widow, who symbolizes all the poor and marginalized, not the wealthy and powerful and publicly pious.  The widow is a member of what Scripture calls in the Hebrew, the anawim.  They are the poor of God – the weak, devalued, outcast, and totally dependent on God.  This widow calls to mind the strains of Psalm 34: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.  Blessed be the Lord!”  And the only way God will hear the cry of the poor is through us – through our ears, our eyes, our compassion, our actions.

This otherwise invisible widow enriches us by her example – and her two pennies.

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

Scripture:

Philippians 4:10-19
Luke 16:9-15

Reflection:

I see a continuous stream of articles decrying the fact that so few Americans have money saved for retirement. The current economic and political climate makes this more serious, as many are concerned (and quite reasonably so) that Social Security and Medicare are going to be cut or eliminated in the near future and the situation will become exponentially worse. As I continue to rack up birthdays, I speculate on whether or when I could retire myself. It’s a question of money, and money is a thorny issue all the way around.

All of scripture, including the Gospels and the life of Jesus in particular, highlight our duty and responsibility to share what we have, taking great care to tend to the poor, marginalized, and ill among us. If we all did that, the retirement issue would not be so problematic. But I do not see it being lived out in our current laws, politics, and social media discourse. Although a tiny portion of elders are independently wealthy, there are huge populations barely getting by, who are forced to decide between paying for medicine vs. paying for food, or who live (and often die) on the margins of society. Instead of increasing social aid,  giving needy people assistance that allows them to improve their condition, providing medicines and healthcare that isn’t dependent on one’s wealth, and enacting equitable tax structures, decisions seem to be aimed at protecting the wealth of the wealthiest and making every decision based on what is best for “business”.

How are those of us in the middle supposed to react? If we have more than just the bare minimum to survive, should we save more, or share more? Is there a difference between an unhealthy love of money (which Jesus warned so strongly against) and a healthy desire to have enough to ensure one isn’t a burden on family or society? Is it morally wrong to save money for oneself in a world in which so many others have little to nothing? Indeed, how much is “enough” and who gets to decide? Can I (and should I) avoid judging those who clearly hold a disproportionately high percentage of the world’s wealth, but who fight to keep it for themselves while disparaging and cutting off those who work endless hours just trying to provide the basics of life?

I wrestle on a personal and societal level, and there are no easy answers. I know that on the societal level I need to raise my voice and to vote to see less emphasis on unfettered protections for whatever is “good for business” and whatever allows the ultra-wealthy to get wealthier yet. I want laws and tax structures that increase aid, allow for expenditures on infrastructure, build strong and ethical police and first responder services, and provide for quality education for every child regardless of economic status or location. I will continue to work for these things, even as I see them being increasingly gutted in order to line the pockets of the already-rich and powerful.

The personal level is more difficult. I have saved over the years for my retirement, and as I navigate my 60’s I am saving as much more as I reasonably can. My heart breaks when I see the economic disparity in our country and I pray I am not contributing to it. I am challenged when I face the reality that my savings could be considered an unjust or selfish accumulation of wealth, that even though my accumulation seems tiny by comparison, it makes me part of the “haves” that I rail against. I want to believe that I will be OK as I age, that as Paul says, I can rely on my faith to see me through anything, and that I will find a way to manage. But honestly I am scared. I also believe that if no one ever saved for retirement or to provide for themselves, it would make the situation worse overall and create even greater disparity. Am I doing the right thing? I don’t know.

So for me, for now, I have decided to continue giving time, money, and talent to those in need. I refuse to close a blind eye to the desperate circumstances of too many people’s lives and will do what I can to bring greater justice and equity, and to enact policies that aid and protect the most vulnerable. At the same time, though, I am taking steps to hopefully prevent sinking into desperate circumstances myself. I don’t want to be a burden to my family or to society. Even so, my prayers and struggle are not over. I imagine I will wrestle with these questions my entire life, and my decisions may change in the future.

What about you? What are you doing with your money, both now and into the future? How does it fit into your faith perspective and Jesus’ example? I believe each one of us has to wrestle with our own circumstances, and make the best decisions we can to follow the Gospel. I ask your prayers in this struggle, and I promise to likewise pray for you.

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:

Philippians 3:3-8a
Luke 15:1-10

Reflection:

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house,
searching carefully until she finds it?”

What would you do if money you were saving for your own wedding went astray?

While we cannot know for certain that the coin the woman had lost was one destined to be part of her wedding dowry, and in fact we do not know what the coins were to be used for, but that they were part of a wedding dowry is one suggestion. Whatever the reason, in the context of life in Palestine in the day of Jesus, ten such coins did represent something of great value (each probably worth a day’s labour), so to lose one was a real loss. Further, houses of the day while small were usually windowless and consequently dark, thus a sweeping search, even in daytime, necessitated using candles and small oil lamps which of course only generated limited light. To search diligently and for a long period would have been certainly stressful and difficult.

All of this enables us to understand a little more deeply the significance of the central image of the parable – that of searching. It is this symbol which most illustrates the deeper dynamic Jesus wants to illustrate. The truth to be conveyed is that the Father is the one who likewise searches diligently and constantly for us (especially when we are ‘lost’).

The ‘searching’ dynamic is further illustrated by the other parable – that of the shepherd who leaves all behind whilst he goes to search for the one sheep who is lost.

And let us not overlook the other wonderful image revealed within both parables – the rejoicing and celebration that accompanies the finding of the one that was lost. In the words of Jesus there is great ‘rejoicing in heaven’ when any one of us is repentant and is lead home or returns home, to God.

God will never abandon us and God will be always be prompting us to return to the way of life and love. God’s active searching for us will never cease. It may take the form of the voice of a friend or indeed stranger, encouraging us to try again or to turn back from a destructive path. God’s searching for us may take the form of a loved one offering us his or her hand to support or guide us. God’s searching for us may take the form of an inner voice – that of the Spirit within – prompting us to choose life over whatever holds us down or prevents us from loving at any particular moment.

This is our inheritance, our rich treasure – nothing can surpass this gift.

With Paul we too can cry “More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”

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