Daily Scripture

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the beginning of Advent. Christmas is only four weeks away, and holiday preparations are in full swing. During this busy time, we are asked to spiritually pause and enter a season of waiting. That is an interesting dilemma for us. The Jewish people waited centuries for the coming of the Messiah, while we struggle to wait a few weeks to celebrate the birth of Christ!

My favorite hymn for this season of preparation is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!” Each verse reflects one of the beautiful Old Testament prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. The first verse ties closely with today’s readings.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Jeremiah reminds the Israelites that God will not forget the promise to send a Messiah. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to grow even more in love for one another in preparation for the second coming of Jesus. Luke encourages us to be vigilant and pray for strength when we stand before the Son of Man.

And ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here

The Jewish people are suffering through their exile in Babylon, devastated that Yahweh has seemingly abandoned them. Jeremiah, in a more upbeat tone than we usually hear from him, offers hope to the Israelites—God’s promises will be fulfilled.

Until the Son of God appear!

We anticipate the appearance of the Son of God during this Advent season. Jeremiah speaks of the historical event of the Messiah. Paul and Luke encourage their listeners to be prepared for the end of time. There is a third coming, which is neither historical nor future. This is the importance of Advent for us today. We prepare for the spiritual coming of Christ into our daily lives.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you O Israel!

Mike Owens is the coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Jesus has invited Peter and Andrew to be fishers of men. When have you felt a calling, an invitation of the Spirit? Maybe you felt called to a ministry at your church that you never, in your wildest dreams, expected to ever be a member, or even a leader. A calling for us today is a bit different from the calling of Jesus’ first four disciples – Peter, Andrew, James and John. These men left everything to follow Him. They trusted him, they felt his presence, they knew somehow that this was someone they needed to walk with. They returned to their families and their livelihoods, where they would continue to follow Jesus throughout their daily lives.

Do we continue to follow the call? There is a saying that is probably overused, but makes a lot of sense – he doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. How many times in ministry have we said, “oh, I can’t do that ministry because I’m not worthy”? We are all worthy, if we have that love of Jesus in our hearts, and we love him so much that we will serve him wherever he calls us! Can we trust him implicitly throughout our day to day activities, remembering that he is always with us?

Don’t let any earthly fear or attachment prevent you from answering the call! In your work, at home, at play – Jesus wants you, and he wants to be with you – he wants us all, to share in his works, and all we have to do is let go and trust his guidance. Don’t be a periodic searcher for Jesus in your life, bring him close to you always, and acknowledge and accept those gifts that he so generously wants us to have! God bless you!

Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Spring, Texas.

Scripture:

Revelation 20:14; 11–21: 2
Luke 21: 29 – 33

Reflection:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.  -Luke 21:33

Tomorrow at sundown we begin a new liturgical year with the beginning of our celebration of the season of Advent. There always needs to be an end before there is a beginning, and the readings today are about the passing away of Heaven and Earth. We have many names for this: the end of time, the apocalypse and the Second Coming of Christ. From time to time, we may see a person standing on a street corner with a sign, “The End Is Near”. Even though we ponder on the message of the sign, we don’t know when or how. We read in the New Testament that there will be signs. The reading from Revelation speaks of “the sea giving up its dead” along with Death (evil) and Hades, the place of the dead. We are also told that all “the dead will be judged according to their deeds”. Those who fail the judgment of God end up in a pool or lake of fire, which symbolizes a second death or the final destruction of death. The last section of this passage then speaks of “a new heaven and a new earth.” These are places joined in a new beginning where death does not exist. The victory over evil has been won and evil has been wiped out of existence. All that is left is a “new Jerusalem”, the holy City of God. In another commentary that I read; it was more of a restoration of a transformed, this-worldly reality. All had been restored to the state it was at the beginning of time when God first created it. Imagine all living things restored to their most perfect and holy state. That is something that is a challenge to wrap one’s mind around and yet that is why we pray, worship, and believe in the living God. We know that all things are possible with God, who alone knows when this restoration will occur. We must not sit around, waiting for it to happen. As we go about our day we must continue to pray, worship and do good works to build the Kingdom of God in the people that we work with and our families.

Advent is a time for us to begin again, working to become the person that God created us to be. Yes, the end will come for all of us; however, today, we have an opportunity to rekindle our efforts to reflect the love, peace, and mercy of our God.

On a side note, the Book of Revelation is one of the most difficult books of the Sacred Scriptures to understand or comprehend. It is meant to be understood figuratively and not literally. However, the imagery contained in these passages can open us up to a deeper understanding of all the Scriptures.

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.

Thanksgiving Day (USA)

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

In preparing this reflection I spent time in prayer with the scriptures of the day, looked at the history surrounding Thanksgiving Day celebrations past and present, and reflected on all that has and is happening in our nation in these post-election times.  Wow!  I’m not sure where to begin.  One thing is for sure , we are a blessed people!

The scriptures speak of God’s goodness and mercy, peace, compassion, patience and understanding for all God’s people no matter the circumstances.  In Sirach we are reminded of God’s deep love for us even before we were born.  St Paul tells us once again of God’s faithfulness in spite of our unfaithfulness!  In the Gospel we hear the familiar story of the ten lepers who were made clean with only one who returned to give thanks, and he was a Samaritan! Jesus asked the challenging question, “were not all 10 made clean, why is there only one who came back to give thanks?”  How often do we forget to say thanks for the bounty we enjoy?!

We will gather this day with family and friends to share food and fellowship, hopefully giving a prayerful and humble thanks to our generous God as well.  This day is also a challenging and sad time for many people of other cultures, especially our Native American sisters and brothers.  To native Americans, thanksgiving is a day of mourning and protest since it commemorates the arrival of settlers in North America and the centuries of oppression and genocide that followed.  Our Native Americans remind us that giving thanks was a Native American tradition for generations before the European settlers arrived and long before President Roosevelt declared it a national holiday in 1942.  Today, many Native people celebrate this long tradition of gratitude while others observe a day of mourning.

In the days following the election of new leadership in our country, ongoing strife in in our cities and towns, wars in too many parts of the world, it is difficult at times to remember we are a blessed people.  At the same time it is important for all believers to remember to put our faith and trust in a loving and benevolent Creator God!  We have been created in God’s image and that image is good.  May this day of thanks be celebrated each day of our lives.  Let us strive to see the good in all people especially those who don’t share our beliefs, thoughts or life decision.  May we continue to give praise and thanks for all the blessings we have been given.

Be Blessed, Be Thankful. Amen.

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

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

In our Gospel reading for today, as Jesus is speaking to the people about the end times, He also tells His disciples to expect being persecuted because of their faith in Him. And He says, “It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself will give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute…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.”

Jesus tells His disciples that some of them will be even put to death, so I don’t think Jesus is promising them some kind of physical invincibility. What He does promise them is that no matter what happens to them, that they will not lose the promise of eternal life.

And in that hope of eternal life, they can persevere in following Him. In the U.S. we are not persecuted as the early Christians were. But we face many difficulties and challenges in living out our faith. But even in the midst of all sorts of trials and tribulations, going on in our lives and in the world, we too can persevere in following Him. We can persevere in loving God and loving our neighbor, caring for the “least” of our brothers and sisters, and working for justice. And perhaps doing this is the “wisdom” our “adversaries” are “powerless to resist or refute.”

The world needs our perseverance in living out the faith, hope, and love we have in Jesus Christ.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Scripture:

Revelation 14:14-19
Luke 21:5-11

Reflection:

We have often heard the saying, “Humans plan, and God laughs.” We like being in control. We like thinking we’re in control. We’re not good with being out of control.

In today’s Gospel from the Evangelist Luke, we can imagine Jesus smirking as the crowd eyes the beautifully adorned Temple, proudly marveling at what humans have created. He says, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Later this week we will gather in prayer and feasting to celebrate Thanksgiving. When growing up, the Pilgrims’ Story was, as I recall, a tale of amazing endurance and faith, and less about overeating. I had the sense that the plans of these early settlers did not go as expected. They were probably quite surprised they had lived to tell the tale and celebrate the largess of God’s bounty.

While maybe not as dramatic as the Pilgrims’ Story, our stories might be told similarly. We probably all can look back on our lives with some humility, maybe even surprise. I know that when I reflect back to my early 20s and what I thought my life would look like when I was in my late 40s (I’m way beyond that now!), it is rather humorous. Yes, I was planning and God was laughing. But I could not be more grateful, even if surprised and certainly humbled.

Rather than hold stubbornly to our plans, faith means being attentive to the Spirit. We need to be people of discernment. We need to be open to how God engages us and draws us forward. As the Prophet Jeremiah assures us: “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans of fullness and not of harm, plans to have you hope and a future” (Jer 29:11). Can we trust in this promise?

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:

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

Reflection:

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

I’ll never forget a young family I met when I was a pastor. The wife/mom was a beautiful, Irish woman, radiant, red hair, beautiful green eyes. The husband and father, a handsome German guy, blond haired & blue eyed. Even as a high school student, he told me once that he already dreamed of having a family — and five children. And he also had chosen names: Frederick, Gretchen, Carl, Birgit. They did have four kids, but their names were Sean, Colleen, Patrick, Shannon!

One day when the mom was preparing supper, she heard the nine-year-old say to his little brother. “Say it again and I’ll give you my good ear.” The very next morning they were visiting the ENT specialist. The boy was diagnosed with a brain tumor… and the care they received was excellent. The tumor was benign.

I was in the hospital room when the siblings finally got to see their brother. Shortly after surgery, his head was shaved, he had a black eye and bandaged; he must have looked scary… as his little sister spontaneously burst into tears. Then, probably it was the culmination of all the raw emotion — fear & worry, gratitude & relief — well, it triggered chain reaction… Mom sobbing, then Dad broke down. But as minister, I held strong!

Back in the parking garage, however, sitting in my car, I lost it… yes, a complete meltdown. All I could think of was that Taizé chant, Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.
Where charity and love prevail, there is God.

Some cultures remove their shoes in God-presence, or take off hats or put on veils; sometimes all we can do is sob.

In today’s Gospel we again hear the consoling Jesus, the compassionate one who seeks to encourage. Jesus is not so much praising the widow but criticizing the religious culture that would expect such a donation.

In these final days of the liturgical year, maybe we aren’t expected to identify or imitate the extravagant descriptions of those worshipping the Lamb. After all, “unblemished” or “no deceit was found on their lips” (Revelation 14) sounds remote. Even the destitute but generous widow seems surely beyond my reach!  But the challenge is to trust that the Lord will transform our darkness to light, our anxiety to hope. We’re ready for Advent! Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Fr. Jack Conley, CP, is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.

Solemnity of Christ the King

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Christ the King

“You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John18:37f What a remarkable statement of Jesus!  The whole reason of the incarnation was to witness to the truth!

In response to the pronouncement of Jesus Pilate asks one of the most important questions of our life: “what is truth?”   The word in the inspired text of the Gospel is the Greek word for truth which is alētheia  from two words.  “Lanthano” which means to  be hid (3x), be ignorant of (2x), unawares (1x)    And with “a” which is a negative ie not unaware or not hid.  In plain English it is “reality” or existential.  The OT Hebrew word for truth is “emeth”  It is used absolutely to denote a reality which is to be regarded as “amen” “firm,” and therefore “solid,” “valid,” or “binding.” It thus signifies what is “true.” Our prayers are usually ended with “Amen” ie reality and a faithful God! 

The truth of Jesus is He is God plunging into our world with a human face and heart having a love for us that is completely beyond our wildest dreams!  Jesus tells us: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.” Jn 15:9 These are some of the most amazing words ever said!  The God creating and energizing the estimated trillions of Galaxies is deeply in love with flawed humanity to the point that He sent His Son to die and save us “while we were yet sinners”  This is the great hidden truth that so very many seem to be oblivious. 

This is the reason we call Christ our King!  The word King is not very impressive to Americans because of our history.  But Jesus said “You say correctly that I am a king.^”  He is our wonderful leader who takes with His pierced hand and holds us as we follow Him! 

Dear Jesus don’t go before me I might not be able to follow You. Don’t go behind me I might lead you astray with my desires. Please walk beside me holding my hand, as an amazing friend!

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