Daily Scripture

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Matthew 25:14-30

Reflection:

The gospel reading for today is Jesus’ parable of the talents from Matthew.  Like so many of Jesus’ parables the story has a certain enigmatic quality.  We are all familiar with the basic story.  An apparently wealthy man goes on a journey and, before he leaves, he calls in his servants and entrusts them with his possessions, giving one five “talents,” another two, and a third, one–“to each,” the narrator observes, “according to his ability.”

We know what happens next. The servants with five and two talents each, risks investing them, earning money for their master.  The servant entrusted with only one talent, plays it safe and goes and buries it, “out of fear” that he might fail his “demanding” master.  When the master does return, he praises the servants who used his money profitably while condemning the poor servant who had buried his portion and gained nothing.  He has his portion taken away and given to the one who had the most.  The parable concludes with a paradoxical saying: “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

What are we to make of this strange story?  The reference to “talents” in the parable has inclined modern audiences to think of the fact that each of us are given certain “talents” or abilities and should use them well.  So the point of the parable becomes Jesus’ encouragement to be aware of our own God-given abilities and to develop them.

This is a reasonable interpretation.  Yet the term “talent” used in the story refers to a very large sum of money, not human ability.  It is hard to calculate the worth of a “talent” in today’s monetary terms.  The first century Jewish historian Josephus noted that the amount of an entire year’s taxes levied by King Herod the Great was “10,000 talents”—so we are talking big money here.  The “talents” given to these servants in the story may have been equivalent to millions of dollars.

What if the “talents” spoken of by Jesus do not represent particular human gifts or abilities but something even more fundamental and more valuable—the capacity to love given to each of us by God.  More than once in the Gospels, Jesus refer to the paradox that those who seek to live fully have to risk giving their life away.  Those who are truly great must be the servant of all.  Those who seek to follow Jesus, have to sell everything and give to the poor.  To purchase the pearl of great price or the treasure hidden in the field, you must risk everything.  In Mark’s Gospel Jesus speaks in a similar way: “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you” (Mark 4:24).

This parable, then, may speak of a very basic truth of utmost importance both for our own human development and for our lives as Christians.  We will be measured by our striving to reach beyond our own needs and hesitations in order to love and serve others.  Those who live turned in on themselves and who are concerned only about their own needs eventually lose everything.  As the parable observes, this call to love as Jesus loves is offered to all of us, “each according to his or her ability.”

 

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 Corinthians 1:17-25
Matthew 25:1-13

Reflection:

…but we proclaim Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.

“Things aren’t always what they seem.”

How many times have you heard that? It’s an interesting thing to think that what we see may not really be what’s there… that those things we experience could actually not be what we think they are.

And I suppose it’s completely true. There sure is a lot of falseness in our society these days. I wonder, though, if it’s really that new of a problem? I would guess that it isn’t… that, certainly, there has been the pull to cover up the imperfections of who we are, what we’ve done, or what’s been done to us. To augment our bodies, conceal our blemishes, or suppress our mistakes and “sweep the dust under the rug.”

I know I’m not alone when I say I have scars – some outer, some inner – that could stand to be covered up… removed. Perhaps even erase the moment that they came to be permanently etched on my body – or on my heart.

But I can’t. There’s no way to push rewind and have a “do-over” on yesterday. And you know what? I wouldn’t really want to.

Kintsugi or Kintsukuori is a Japanese approach to repairing pottery which has broken. The words mean “golden joinery” and “golden repair.” The craftsman takes the shattered vessel and fills the cracks with adhesive, and finishes by filling the scars with gold. When we set out to repair something, the result we seek is to camouflage the damage. Kintsugi, though, highlights and makes beautiful the very defects that we would usually seek to hide. The damaged vessel ends up more beautiful because it had been broken. Thanks to its brokenness, it now has been born into a stunning newness.

In today’s reading, St. Paul tells the Church in Corinth that “…we preach Christ crucified.”  I’ve been told by friends from other Christian denominations that they “… aren’t crucifixion people. That’s death. We’re a resurrection people!” You know what?  I am too.  But there could have been no resurrection without first Jesus dying.  It’s the broken Body of Christ and the scars Jesus carries for eternity that are the marks of the most amazing act of love in the history of creation. Why would I ever want to erase that stark, incredible reality?

It’s like that for us, now, you know. We all have those wounds… the scars we carry from injuries, ancient and fresh. Do we hide them or try to ignore them? Do we view ourselves as useless as a broken dish? Light does shine through cracks. Seeds do sprout after a forest fire. We can turn to the Crucified One and see the scars – our scars.  Like a Kintsugi master, Jesus took those wounds, once shameful, and made them beautiful. And he can do that for us, if we’ll just let him. Sure… we won’t be the same as if we were brand-spankin’ new, but we will be forever changed – for the better.

So, what would it take to make our wounds beautiful? Maybe purest gold in the hands of a master craftsman?

I think that Master is waiting for us…

Dear God, who brings all death into life,
thank you for the gift of things not always being what they seem. Grant us the grace to see our wounds as you see them,
for in your hands, our scars can shine anew. 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.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Matthew 24:42-51

Reflection:

A young man approached an elderly guru and asked him to share the secret of a happy life.  The guru responded, “Pay attention.”

“Okay,” said the young man, “I’m paying attention.  Now tell me your answer.  What’s the secret of  a happy life?”
“Pay attention,” the guru repeated.
“Hey, I’m hanging on to your every word.” The young man said.  “Speak.”
Once more the guru stated, “Pay attention.”  Eventually the young man got the message.

In today’s gospel Jesus tells his disciples and us to “Stay awake!”  Usually we assume that this is a warning to be prepared for death.  We do not know just when we will be called to give an accounting of our life.   But we can also take Jesus’ words as a call to “Pay attention all day everyday.”  Stay awake and notice the many ways the Son of Man comes to us in ordinary life.

Jesus comes to us in Word and Sacrament.  He also comes to us disguised as poor, lonely and needy.  He often speaks to us through the gifts and talents he bestows upon us. He wants us to hear his voice in our hopes and our dreams.  He reveals himself in nature.  He discloses himself through beautiful art, music and poetry.  He even makes himself known through our faults and failures.

Speaking to his priests, one archbishop defined “contemplation.”  He said it was “watching the Holy Spirit at work among your people.”  We need to stay awake.  In our crazy world, there is still a lot of goodness, truth and beauty all around.  If we pay attention, we will find God (as St. Paul did) in people who are “richly endowed with every gift of speech and knowledge.”  Then like St. Paul we will continually give thanks to our God for all the gifts he has bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus.

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

The Passion of Saint John the Baptist

Scripture:

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
Mark 6:17-29

Reflection:

Today we reflect on the Beheading of John the Baptist.  Beheading, a violent form of execution in any age, in the opinion of Herod’s wife was a sure method for silencing the voice of John the Baptist.  John the Baptist spoke truth Herodias did not want to hear.  As I reflect on today’s readings, I wonder how often I don’t want to hear the truth spoken in the Gospel message.

Do I really want to hear the truth spoken regarding peace and the message of non-violence?  Am I comfortable when I hear Jesus speak about riches and their relationship to my participation in the Kingdom of God?  When I truly understand the point regarding forgiveness of those who trespass against me do I cover my ears?  When Jesus says I must “take up the cross and follow Him” do I qualify his statement by trying to define my own cross on my own terms?  When Paul preaches Christ living in me and all creation do I think twice about my share of creation and what I do with my own “footprint” on this earth?

Whatever we say about Herodias and her leap to beheading John the Baptist, I think we have to admit that she was quite sincere and honest about her motive.  I’m not sure I can always say the same about myself.  When I am confronted with the truth of the Gospel, I think I sometimes participate in a “selective beheading”.  I choose which parts of the message to ignore, water down or simply re-frame on my own terms.

Herod traded the truth for a dance by Herodias’ daughter.  Am I trading the truth for convenience, comfort or the avoidance of sacrifice?  Like it or not, we probably all have a little of Herodias’ approach inside our hearts.

Today, I pray that God will give me at least some of the courage and strength of John the Baptist.  I also pray that I will be less selective and will truly begin to listen to the truth in the life and teachings of Jesus.

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17
Matthew 23:23-26

Reflection:

Our Church is once again plunged into despair and anger with the recent report of abuse and cover-up on the part of our church leaders coming out of Pennsylvania.  As we search to understand the meaning of these terrible deeds, we are filled with angst and empathy for the victims and maybe not so much for the perpetrators!  Even though we know and believe God is a loving and merciful God, many find it hard or impossible to cast a merciful or loving eye on those responsible for these hideous deeds.

Indeed our Church is in trouble!  Where do we go from here?  How can we be instruments of peace?  Is it wrong to demand justice for those involved?

As we work through these feelings of hurt, betrayal and anger where do we find hope?  As ministers called to lead and serve the People of God it is important to be as transparent, honest and loving to our people as possible.  I do not have the words to explain this upheaval.  I can listen with an open, loving heart to those in pain and uncertainty.  I can pray for a compassionate heart and forgiving spirit while acknowledging my own feelings of sadness and righteous anger.  The presence of evil in the world and especially in our church is overwhelming at times.

At the same time I find comfort in the blessing to the people of Thessalonica as found in our first reading of today.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
Who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
And good hope through his grace,
Encourage your hearts and strengthen them
In every good deed and word.

It is good to remember that our God who loves us and calls us to be members of this church gives us the hope and grace and support to carry on the mission of Christ.

Here in our parish as we move into the Fall season we become busy once again with school activities, parish programs, sacramental celebrations and all the hundreds of things we are about in ministry in this Church we call home.  The Holy Spirit is alive and well in our parish as we welcome smiling children back to school, excited couples preparing for marriage, eager RCIA inquirers anxious to begin a journey to the Easter sacraments.  Our refugee ministry has been planning and is ready to welcome our third refugee family at the end of this month.  The parish community shares wholeheartedly in this effort to give shelter to the homeless and food to the hungry as we say hello to this family of seven from the Congo.

Today we also celebrate the Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.  Augustine’s early life was marked by dissolute living and upheaval.  His conversion experience which led to his baptism and subsequent service and giftedness to the Church is something we are grateful for.  We are reminded that even in the midst of the current darkness we are experiencing as Church, the grace of the spirit will lead us to a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

May we find comfort and hope in the love God has for each of us as faithful followers of Christ our brother and friend.

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

Scripture:

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18
Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32
John 6:60-69

Reflection:

The questions of “Where are we to go?” and “What do we seek?” are front and center in both of today’s readings from the Book of Joshua and the Gospel of John.

First Joshua. He addressed the people: “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling.” But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods. For it was the Lord, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery.”

Then in John, after the disciples hear some tough preaching, Jesus says to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?”

After the recent release of the report from Pennsylvania on the decades of clerical abuse of minors, which follows on the same systemic crisis inflicting the entire church in Chile and Australia and so many other places, do we blame anyone who asks, “Where are we to go?” With all the political hyperbole that saturates the airwaves, do we blame anyone who asks, “Who are we to believe?”

There have many been periods of darkness and despair in times past. We too often misplace our hopes and dreams in institutions, rituals, leaders, ideologies or any other golden calves. And they invariably disappoint us, if not worse. So, where do we go?

The choice to follow Jesus is ours to make. We can leave. But, as Peter says, “Where else are we to go?” We could hear that as a snarky remark or we can hear it as a realization that it is only Jesus who will not disappoint, bully, manipulate, abuse or shame us. If we are hurt, disappointed and angry, let’s go to Him in quiet prayer and let Christ hold us and assure us that He is our savior…not any other person or institution or ideology or political party.

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:

Ezekiel 43:1-7ab
Matthew 23:1-12

Reflection:

Everyone is welcomed, loved, forgiven

It has been a grim week in the world of religion and politics — for both the Catholic Church and Washington, the headlines have been devastating; we’re shaken to our core, as we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of countless victims. The grand jury report in Pennsylvania, combined with the felony convictions in New York and Virginia, paint a picture of dishonesty, corruption, the denial of truth.

It is difficult to imagine a greater contrast in God’s Word, as the words “humility” or “servant leadership” best summarize today’s readings. In the first reading, the prophet speaks for our God, thundering, “Here I will dwell among the children of Israel forever”!  In Ezekiel’s vision, he saw the glory of God enter the temple. [“The temple was filled with the glory of the Lord.” 43:5]

Jesus connects the dots for us; in admonishing the scribes and Pharisees (for “…placing heavy burdens on others and not lifting a finger to help them… all their works are performed to be seen), he addresses church and politics today, too, as when ministers or government officials use office for personal gain, to enhance and glorify self, or to protect a system, rather than caring for the vulnerable and marginalized.

Today might be a time to ponder the words of some of our contemporary prophets, along with Ezekiel and Jesus:

“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security,” or“Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, forgiven.” Pope Francis
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis

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

Scripture:

Revelation: 21:9b-14
John 1:45-51

Reflection:

No Deceit

“Behold, an Israelite in truth (ä-lā’-thā-ä) in whom there is no deceit” (dolos)!

In my fishing days I took special attention to baiting my hook. I impaled the poor little worm in such a way to make him irresistible by wiggling. I did this not because I was doing the fish a favor but because I wanted a nice Trout dinner!

When Jesus complemented Nathaniel for being without “deceit” He was saying that he did not bait people. The Greek word in NT is “dolos” which means a lure, or a snare. Nathaniel was “what you see is what you get”. We seem to be living in a world of fake news. Fake news almost always is aimed at the destruction of a person. Jesus showed no likening for lying! “When he (Devil) lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”Jh 8:44

Truth should be handled like dynamite.  I am afraid we are too quick to remain silent with “deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word^”. Mk 4:19  There is a power in the truth of Christ that far exceeds the mendacity of the secular world.  The Book of Proverbs speaks strongly about sincerity. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal faithfully are His delight”. Prov 12:22

It is a beautiful experience to encounter a person “without deceit”. A follower of Christ must always be truthful because Jesus is the truth!  In today’s Gospel Jesus calls Nathaniel “true”. The word in original Greek text is ä-lā’-thā-ä. It means to un-hide. The reality of the fact is not hidden! Truth is the opposite of deceit. So long ago and Jesus still continues to say today ” for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”  John 18:37

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