Daily Scripture

Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Scripture:

Job 1:6-22
Luke 9:46-50

Reflection:

Today the Church celebrates a beloved saint, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower.”  Her life and fame are full of ironies.  She lived in the provincial town of Lisieux in the Normandy region of France and except for participating in a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome and other sites in Italy, never left her hometown.  She became a cloistered Carmelite sister at the age of 15, joining her two older sisters in the same local convent.  She died of tuberculosis in 1897 at the age of twenty-four.

Yet for someone whose life seemed destined for obscurity she became one of the most popular saints in the history of the Catholic Church.  Pope Pius X called her the “greatest saint of the modern era.”  She was canonized in 1921 by Pope Pius XI, only twenty-eight years and her popularity spread through the church like wildfire and remains strong—her shrine in Lisieux is the most popular pilgrimage site in France after Lourdes itself.  Although she spent her brief adult life in a cloistered convent, she is the patron of missionaries.  And although her education was home-bound and rudimentary, she has been declared a “Doctor” of the Church.

Thérèse gripped the imagination of the Church precisely because of the paradox of her life.  She espoused what she called “the little way”—placing her entire life in the arms of God, filled with a tender love for Jesus—she dedicated every conscious act of her life as an act of love and devotion to the One who loved her.   She was thoroughly human and thoroughly committed to the gospel. No gesture, no act of enduring annoyance from her fellow sisters, no smile or bearing of suffering—was too little or insignificant to become an act of love.  She was a young woman, living a sheltered life, and having limited experiences, yet possessing a magnificent spirit that reached out to the entire world and incorporated its hopes and concerns in her daily prayer.

In his powerful encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’ (“On Care for Our Common Home”), Pope Francis recognizes the overwhelming ethical and issues posed by human responsibility for the ravages that are now effecting our earth.  He urges people of good will, no matter what their religious convictions may be, to join with believers in addressing these problems.  Some people such as competent scientists and political leaders can have a substantial impact.  Others of us may despair of knowing how we can respond.  Here Pope Francis turns explicitly to the spirituality of the saint we honor today.  “St. Thérèse of Lisieux invites us to practice the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship.  An integral ecology is also made up of simply daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness.”

The Pope goes on to say that the mission of the church, through such small gestures, is to build a “civilization of love”—a beautiful phrase that I think Saint Thérèse would eagerly embrace.

Saint Thérèse, pray for us and for our world.

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:

Numbers 11:25-29
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Reflection:

Today’s gospel sounds like a lecture in radical surgery.  “If you hand causes you to sin, cut it off.”  “If your eye causers you to sin, pluck it out.”  Jesus was exaggerating a bit to make a point.  But what was the point?

We can learn a lesson from Olympic athletes. If athletes want to win the gold, they have to be focused.  They can’t let anything distract them.  They have to be disciplined, eat right, sleep right, practice, stay in shape, study techniques, and sacrifice other interests — in other words, lop off anything that gets in the way of going for the gold.

The Lord is telling us today to get focused.  We are not to let anything deter us from seeking the kingdom.  We are not to let anything keep us from loyalty to him.  We are not to let anything lead us into sin.

Is gossip your problem?  Remove it.
Has greed got control of you?  Lop it off.
Does laziness have the best of you?  Get rid of it.
Does prejudice get in your way?  Eliminate it.
Is pornography on your screen?  Delete it.
Is unforgiveness in your heart?  Kick it out.

In the book titled, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the author cites this principal: “Begin with the end in mind.”  For Jesus the end was always his Father’s will.  Jesus was focused.  All his energy was directed to saying and doing what he Father wanted. For Christians it is the same.  We pray, “Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done.”  We are focused.

Part of the peace that surpasses understanding is knowing where we are going and how to get there.  With Jesus we say,“Behold, I have come to do your will, Oh God” (Hebrews 19:7).

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.   http://www.alanphillipcp.com/

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels

Scripture:  

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
or Revelation 12:7-12
John 1:47-51

Reflection:

Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. ~Daniel 7:10

Depictions of angels can be found in most specialty shops, catalogs and art stores in the forms of small, medium and large statues, pictures, on prayer cards, garden art and numerous other objects. They can be found in stain glass windows and statuary of the great cathedrals of Europe and around the world. We grow up knowing the guardian angel prayer and hope we haven’t frightened ours off by the time we have “grown up”. In the Catholic faith there are the nine choir of angels beginning with the lowest to highest ranking; Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim and Seraphim. In the Church we celebrate the archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael who are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Michael’s name means, “Who is like God?” We have a prayer calling on St. Michael for protection. This archangel is best known for his battle with evil, as in the Book of Revelation. Gabriel is known as the messenger angel who announced to Mary that she was going to bear God’s Son. Gabriel’s name means, “God is My Strength” and is known as the Archangel of Wisdom, Revelation, Prophecy, and Visions. Raphael’s name means, “Healing Power of God”. We find this Archangel in the book of Tobit. He was sent in an answer to Tobit’s prayers and the prayers of his daughter. In this book of the Old Testament, Raphael is companion, guide, and heals Tobit of his blindness.

In today’s Gospel reading from John, Nathanael has come to see if what Philip said of Jesus is true. He discovers that Jesus knows exactly who he is and so he proclaims that Jesus is the “Son of God”. Jesus’ response is a reflection of Jacob’s ladder with, “you will see the heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man”. He also seems to be foretelling what will transpire at his Resurrection.

Angels are spiritual beings who assist God with those tasks on earth and in heaven. In the readings today we read that, “Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.”(Dn 7:9 – 10) What a sight that must be! All of those spiritual beings tending to God and doing what God commands. As I picture it in my mind’s eye it seems as if Heaven is a very busy place. During the Triduum I have pondered what the angels were doing as Christ went through his Passion, death and Resurrection. I can imagine Michael standing ready with an army of angels, waiting for God’s command. Gabriel watching with great sadness and Raphael wanting to heal broken hearts. And then great joy with Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension. And most likely they too understood the plan that God had in mind and tended to Christ on the day of Resurrection and the Ascension.

Today is a good day to reflect on these Archangels. Read and reflect on your favorite Archangel story and see where God leads you.

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

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Luke 9:18-22

Reflection:

In our first reading today from Ecclesiastes we hear:

‘There is an appointed time for everything,
And a time for every thing under the heavens.’

We live in a fast-paced society where life just keeps getting busier and busier and there never seems enough time for everything one wants to do or accomplish!  We know in our heads that there will never be enough time because if we had more time we would just fill it up and want more and more……it’s like being on an out of control roller coaster!!

As parish ministers we invite people to take advantage of ways to nurture their faith and focus on God’s time and God’s plan for them.  We offer scripture study, prayer days/nights, daily and weekend liturgies, formation opportunities, etc. Many set aside time for some of these activities and events.  Others will never slow down, stop the clock, smell the flowers, rest in the Lord because they just ‘don’t have the time’ they say!

It’s been my experience over the years that life can be as busy as we allow it to be!  Yes, we have to prioritize and really work at setting time aside as Jesus does in today’s gospel to pray in solitude.  My new mantra has become ‘take time to BE’; smell the flowers, sit around the campfire, plan a ‘mental health’ day or vacation with friends and family.  Now, there are times I do this very well and other times I fail miserably!  I can tell you though, that the ‘BE’ times are becoming more frequent and help me cope with the busy times with renewed energy and purpose.

Today as I reflect on all the ‘times’ found in Ecclesiastes it seems good to just sit with the timeless message it has to offer and savor the gift of solitude and peace it brings.  May the gift of time continue to enrich our bodies, mind and spirit so as to lead us in becoming the person God calls us to BE.

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

Scripture:

Proverbs 30:5-9
Luke 9:1-6

Reflection:

Two years of living among the urban poor in the slums on the outskirts of Manila changed me in ways that still today impact my life, even after nearly 30 years. This squatter community called, ironically, Commonwealth, grew up near one of the major garbage dumps of the city that provided a meager living for those able to scavenge through the refuse. Young children would run to meet the trucks as they turned, jumping up onto the heaping trash to get first dibs.

While this image of absolute poverty is seared into my mind’s eye and heart, the more powerful image I carry is of a community focused on their life’s mission. The lack of running water, sanitation and dependable electricity necessarily focused people on securing the essentials of food and shelter. And they focused on one another because, well, upon whom or what else could they depend? They needed one another.

The abundance and conveniences that I came home to at first jarred me. It even offended me. The extreme sense of community that I experienced among the poorest of the poor was in stark contrast to what I saw as self-sufficiency of my home country. “Who needs others when I can take of myself,” I asked.

When Jesus summoned the Twelve Apostles and sent them out to minister in his name, he said to them, “Take nothing for the journey…. Whatever house you enter, stay there….” Jesus is telling them, you will find what you need out there in the towns and among the people you will meet. Enter into their lives, share in what they have to give to you. You don’t need a second tunic or a walking stick or food or money. These are the things that might make the Apostles feel self-sufficient. Rather, go and find and build community. Isn’t that what he means by the Kingdom of God, to draw all into communion with God?

I do not romanticize poverty, not after what I experienced in the Philippines or what I see in the tough neighborhoods of Chicago. What I do see is how the “things” of our lives can insulate us, separating us from others and inhibiting the building of community. The Kingdom of God begins in the building of community, in knowing we need one another.

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:

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Luke 8:19-21

Reflection:

“Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue,
is chasing a bubble over a deadly snare.”  Proverbs 21

Not long ago Oblate of Mary Immaculate Fr. Ron Rolheiser penned a provocative — even searing — article entitled, “Playing Loose with the Truth.” The author states,­­ “Scripture tells us that Satan is the Prince of Lies and Jesus makes it clear that, among all sins, failure to acknowledge the truth is far and away the most dangerous. We see this motif particularly in the text that warns us that we can commit a sin that’s unforgiveable because it’s a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.”

 Today’s first reading from the Book of Proverbs also addresses the issue of truth telling. We are admonished to be careful about what we are doing just now, putting a false spin on something because it is awkward or uncomfortable to accept as true. The danger is that if we continue doing this we may eventually come to believe our own lie. That will be unforgiveable, Rolheiser says, given that we will no longer want to be forgiven, because we will see truth as a lie and a lie as the truth. The sin cannot be forgiven — not because God doesn’t want to forgive it — but because we no longer want to be forgiven.

Perhaps that’s why Jesus gives new definitions to who is my neighbor (Samaritans?) or family (today’s Gospel), always pushing the polls of the tent to be more inclusive: “Who are my mother and brothers? …those who hear the word of God and carry it out.” Today might be a good time to stretch beyond my tribe, my team, my party… and seek truth.

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

Scripture:

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Luke 8:19-21

Reflection:

Eucharist at Calvary

“Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Last week I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I received the great privilege of saying Mass on the Rock of Calvary! It was on the the site of the 11th station where Jesus was traditionally nailed to the Cross.

This wonderful place is the most valuable piece of land in the whole Cosmos! Here took place the greatest miracle of miracles of God’s love for the world! At this place the Creator of all gave His only Son to suffer and die for us and as one of us in His human nature!

Not only was this an awesome historical place but the wonder of this event is present in real eternal time in the Eucharist! What we devotedly honor in the past is being made present.

“This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Lk 22:19. Recognize in this bread what hung on the Cross, and in this chalice what flowed from His side.   ~St. Augustine

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
James 3:16-4:3
Mark 9:30-37

Reflection:

In our second reading for today from the letter of St. James I hear frustration when he writes: “Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” I find myself looking at the political conflicts in our country and wanting to knock heads together! (Not the non-violent response I should take).

For James, conflicts within the community come because people want what they don’t have, and they let their envy and greed get the best of them. For me, it isn’t much of a stretch to extrapolate this to groups of people and to nations in the way they relate to each other.

In fact, we see this played out in our Gospel reading from Mark. Soon after Jesus has predicted His Passion again, the apostles argue about which of them is the greatest. Jesus uses the opportunity to teach them about discipleship and the kingdom: “if anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” He then takes a child, and putting His arms around the child, says to them: “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

When I think about Jesus presenting a child to the apostles to help them understand whom they should serve, I think about what makes the abuse scandal in the Church so maddening and disheartening to people. The well-being of children is also at the heart of the immigration debate, the gun violence debate, the conflict about education and the debate about abortion. It is even at the heart about the debates we have about the environment as we look to what kind of a world we are going to leave our children and our grandchildren.

My hope for the Church is that the real changes that are necessary to be made, which would require a change in the “corporate culture,” so to speak, will be made.

But as far as the political debates are concerned, perhaps we could consider what kind of world are we leaving our children. In many ways, these debates can often devolve into contests to show who is the greatest, and the objects of our concern can actually be lost. Is the lesson we want to give our children that the only thing that matters is if you win against the other person? And it doesn’t really matter how?

In that letter of St. James, he writes: “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”

Is it more important to cultivate peace or to prove that I or we are the greatest? By peace I do not mean, following Pope Paul VI and Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others, the mere absence of conflict, but the true peace that comes from justice. I believe Jesus would advocate cultivating peace. And I think working for justice and peace is a much better lesson we can give to our children as we strive to take care of them and show them the way.

There must be a way for people of good will to come together, forego trying to show they are the greatest, and work for justice that leads to peace and a better world for our children. May we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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