Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Acts 3:1-10
Luke 24:13-35

Reflection:

In scriptural texts, when we read of the ‘days’ of the week my mind goes to the creation narrative. It may never have been the intention of the author (or of the Spirit that inspired the composers of the gospels), to see the resurrection as a new first day of ‘creation’, and the insights gained along the way to Emmaus as a new ray of light into the world, but at least it resonates with me.

In our story today – for me the loveliest of the attempts to explain or describe the experience of resurrection – we see not a movement from a dark void to light, but a movement from uncertainty, disappointment, and loss to new hope. It is akin to a light shining and illuminating the way forward for the two disciples.

The experience of Clopas and his companion, is ours too. They discover Christ amid their relationship and in its ordinary, mundane moments just as many couples and partners do. They sense him when their sharing is open and intimate as do many when they dare to reveal true feelings and become vulnerable to each other. They discover Christ in listening to the Word and being open to its message as we do in quiet moments and when the Word is broken open for us in homily or instruction. They discover his presence when they are invitational and hospitable an invite Jesus ‘in’, just as each stranger can be a face of Jesus for us too. However, all this does not come to fruition and insight, clarity, and empowerment till they share Eucharist – and they recognise him in the breaking of the bread.

So like them let us always be ready ‘to set out at once’ and bring the good news of the resurrection to our brothers and sisters.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.

Scripture:

Acts 2:36-41
John 20:11-18

Reflection:

Most of Jesus’ other disciples had run away, but not Mary Magdalene. She stayed with Him throughout his torture and gruesome death. So, she knew where he was buried. And, as she cared for His needs while he was alive, she was now concerned that He had a decent burial now that He was dead.

So, when she and some other disciples found the tomb empty on Sunday morning, she was distraught. The indignity and trauma of Good Friday continued for Mary, as she feared someone had disturbed the tomb and moved the body.

In today’s Gospel reading, we find Mary weeping at the empty tomb. And then she sees Someone in the Garden near the tomb. And we hear a tender conversation. Mary tells the gardener that, if he can tell her where the body is, she will move it back to where it belongs. But it is not the gardener; it is Jesus, whom she recognizes when he says her name “Mary”. And of course she embraces Him in ecstatic relief. And He says to her:

“Stop holding on to me,
for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’”
Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.

Ever the disciple, Mary quickly reorients herself, and does what Jesus asks. As she grieves sharing Earthly life with Jesus as His friend and follower, she is transitioning to carrying His Spirit into the world. And she becomes the first witness to the resurrection!

In today’s first reading from Acts of the Apostles, we hear from another disciple of Jesus, Peter, who is also witnessing to the resurrection. And the people who heard him were deeply touched. Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, says the people who heard Peter were “cut to the heart.” And so, they asked Peter and the other apostles: “What are we to do, my brothers?”

In response, Peter tells them to “repent”, to turn their lives around.  Peter wants them to take on the mind and the mission of Jesus, to have a spiritual conversion.

In this Easter season, “what are we to do?” How do we witness to the resurrection in our life situations? How do we, who love Jesus, live out His mission? What does that look like?

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Scripture:

Acts 2:14, 22-23
Matthew 28:8-15

Reflection:

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Some people are talking about the potential impact of the rise in prices and what the market is doing to their retirement savings. Are you and your family worried? Today’s scripture readings may be helpful. The gospel describes the women’s initial encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. Jesus tells them “Do not be afraid” go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is used 365 times in the bible. This is interpreted as God reminding us not to be afraid.

Jesus tells the women to go to Galilee. Galilee is the place where the disciples originated, lived, worked, and formed their identity. It is their hometown that the resurrected Jesus manifested himself to them. When and where do you experience the divine presence of Jesus? “Galilee” can be your home, your family, your workplace, your sacred space for silence and prayer. Galilee, where the resurrected Jesus chose to manifest himself, is with us to comfort us, assist us and to calm our fears and worries.

The women not only experienced fear but joy. Joy is a sign of the divine presence in our midst. To what degree are we joyful? How often do we allow ourselves to experience true joy within our family life, our work, our church gatherings? Lord, allow joy to overcome my fear, and help me to trust that your divine presence is with us always.

Carl Middleton is a theologian/ethicist and a member of the Passionist Family.

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

Scripture:

Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
John 20:1-9 or Luke 24:1-12

Reflection:

Why Do You Seek the Living One Among the Dead?

Happy Easter! Jesus is risen, just as He said! Can we believe it? Can we believe in the truth of Easter? I do not ask this question lightly, because it was a question for some of the apostles before they saw the Risen Jesus themselves. In the Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil (Luke 24:1-12), after the women see the tomb empty, and report to the apostles what the two angels told them about the Resurrection of Jesus, the apostles thought that “their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them.”

Another reason I do not ask the question lightly is because of what is going on in our world. When the women see the angels, the angels say, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.”

That opening question by the angels is a challenge to us. If we really believe in the truth of Easter; if we really believe in the vindication of Jesus’ sacrifice made out of love, why do we seek life in the things that bring death? What am I talking about? When people do violence in the name of Jesus, do they think that somehow that violence will bring them life because it punishes “them?” In the same way, do we hold on to resentments, thinking that hatred or vengeance will bring us life?

Do we hold on to the “dead” desires of control and domination, believing that power and wealth bring us true life? When we hold on to these dead ideas, we are dismissing the truth of Easter, which shows us that the power of God is shown in love and sacrifice and giving of oneself.

Why would we look for life in the death-dealing motives of hate or fear or greed? Or would we give in to despair, and think we can only survive if we are indifferent to the needs of others?

Or could we, possibly, put our trust in the love of God? Could we live in the hope of the Resurrection, and seek to do our part in building up the kingdom? Yes, Easter, to a lot of people, is nonsense, but that doesn’t make it less real. But we cannot share the hope of Easter if we keep looking for life in things which bring death.

Don’t turn your back on the reality of Easter! May we no longer look for life in the things that bring death! Trust in the love of God in Jesus Christ! Even when the crosses are heavy and seem unbearable, try to remember that God can lift you up now as He has done for you before!

Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!

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

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

Scripture:

Genesis 1:1-2:2
Genesis 22:1-18
Exodus 14:15-15:1
Isaiah 54:5-14
Isaiah 55:1-11
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
Romans 6:3-11
Luke 24:1-12

Reflection:

“Then God said”

As we celebrate Holy Saturday, it is a day of silence, deep reflection, and trust in the midst of uncertainty. Christians are called to hold on to hope even when it seems the bleakest. This day, situated between the sorrow of the crucifixion and the joy of the resurrection, mirrors the experience of the disciples, who were filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty.

Uncertainty—it’s not too hard for anyone to imagine what was racing through the disciples’ minds as this day was unfolding. They had walked with Jesus in the flesh, listened to His promises, and witnessed His miracles, yet on this day, they were unsure of what was next.

As Passionists, we lift high the Cross certain of Christ’s triumphant victory hidden even in suffering. In the stillness of Holy Saturday, we ponder the mystery of death and resurrection. We recall God’s power, evident from the beginning of creation, which breaks through doubt and fear.

This day resonates with our own humanity, relating to their experience. We often ask, “What do I do now?” or “What’s going to happen?” Yet, this doesn’t separate us from God—it draws us closer. It is only through trials that we come to know a deeper trust in God. Trust lies at the heart of today.

There’s a powerful reminder in a song by Lauren Daigle, “Trust in You”, which speaks to trusting God even when the plan doesn’t make sense or when we don’t understand. She sings, “Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings There’s not a day ahead You have not seen So in all things be my life and breath I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less…… I will trust in you”.

This brings me to the words “[t]hen God said” at the beginning of the Easter Vigil Scripture, revealing the magnificent power of God who speaks and brings things into being. We hear of this power of God manifesting itself from the very beginning. It is through the very word of God that crushes the uncertainty and doubt of death.

Like the apostles, we too at times are left with uncertainty surrounding the thoughts and hearts of each of us, but it is on this day that we come to know and understand the faithfulness in waiting – that each of us is called to a deeper trust, preparing our hearts for the joy of resurrection. May your hearts be drawn to a deeper relationship with Christ as we continue through this triduum, trusting in every spoken word from God.

Lori Kananen, LMC, is the lay Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42

Reflection:

Here at our beautiful St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center we are privileged to have an amazing and bigger than life portrayal of Jesus Christ Crucified.  This powerful image is placed directly above the tabernacle and captures the immediate attention of all who enter our Chapel.

What makes this particular crucifix so compelling, in fact, is that it is inspired by the Limpias Crucifix, located in the 16th century Church of St. Peter in Santander, Spain, not far from the popular alleged apparitions of the Blessed Mother in Garabandal.  Even more unique is that, in this crucifix, the eyes of our Savior are open, no wound in the side, indicating that Jesus is in the final moments of pouring out his life for us all.

Why is this so special, not only to our worldwide Passionist family, but for all Christian men and women everywhere?  This crucifix brings to life two very important dimensions of what we so devotedly refer to as the “memoria passionis,” or the “memory of the Passion.”  In our prayer, as well as in our ministry, we Passionists, by a special fourth vow, promise to remember every single day both the historical moment when Jesus was crucified on Calvary, and, with just as much energy and zeal, we choose to be very mindful all those who are the crucified ones in our world, in our cities, and on our streets.

And who are the crucified of today?  How can we not think of all those innocent men, women, children, and infants in the Ukraine whose lives are being eradicated as if they are nothing more than mere rubble!  We are ever mindful of the thousands of people all around the world who are discriminated against because of race, color, religious beliefs, and gender.  In our own land we cannot overlook the shocking number of men and women, young and old, who are increasingly joining the ranks of living and deceased casualties of the often-overlooked opioid crisis.  And I am also inclined, in a personal way, to think of women and children who are abused in dysfunctional, loveless homes, as well as those who are alone in their final hours of life with no one to comfort them.

On this Good Friday, dear friends, as we meditate in deeply heartfelt ways on the sacred Passion of Jesus Christ, let’s not forget to also think of those who are also crucified with him in our world today.  May the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of Saint Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Holy Thursday

Scripture:

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

Reflection:

Jesus was perfect, absolute, wholehearted and undefiled love for us from beginning to end. And he still is. This is what these three holiest days of the Church Year reveal. Together, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil testify that without a doubt, Jesus is love for us.

On the last night of his life, a night on which he would be betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the other disciples, Jesus did what he always did—he chose to love. On the eve of the day when his body would be bruised, bloodied, and broken unto death, Jesus gave his body to us so that death could never rob us of life.

In the reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul recalls the words Jesus uttered at the Last Supper, words we hear at every Eucharist: “This is my body that is for you.” In every Eucharist, Jesus keeps giving himself to us that we might live, giving himself so that we who are forever being wounded, diminished, and impaired by our own and others’ sinfulness, will not be denied the life and love God has always wanted for us. In every Eucharist, Jesus, who was handed over by each of us in our sinfulness to be put to death, gives himself back to us so that we might live.

The gospel for today recounts the unforgettable scene where Jesus, who knows what lies ahead for him, rather than collapsing in fear or drowning in sorrow, washes the feet of his disciples, including the feet of Judas who will soon betray him and Peter who will deny ever knowing him, an act that witnesses that then, just as now, no one is left outside the infinitely expanding circle of God’s love, a God who serves, who bows down before us, and whose love stops at nothing so that we might live.

Jesus tells the disciples, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Why? Because when we give of ourselves so that others might live, we participate in and further the very love that saves us, the love that stops at nothing so that we might live. If anyone ever asks you what it means to be a Christian, start here.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection:

Triduum begins tomorrow evening.  Today is the culmination of our Lenten journey as we stand at the threshold between what has been this Lenten experience and what is about to come in the next four days.  I look back at the liturgical readings for this season and am reminded of the gospel texts informing us, the reader, of numerous people who were against Jesus.   It is one thing to have someone on the outside against you.  Today, the net surrounding Jesus tightens even more.  Things get tough, for now someone in Jesus’ inner circle plots to betray him.

Have you ever been betrayed?  Think of the pain of that betrayal and prayerfully share it with the Lord as you read today’s Gospel and the actions and attitude of Judas.  As you pray through it, is the wound still tender?  Where are you in the process of forgiveness?   Betrayal paralyzes you.  It feels like a knife has pierced you through the heart and most painful it is from someone you confided, cared about, entrusted part of who you are.  When your enemy is outside your circle, its common to keep your defenses up.    However, when it comes from inside your circle, your defenses are down and the knife cuts deeper.  And what does Jesus do?  He doesn’t condemn him, nor does he exclude him from the celebration at the table.

In some ways Judas’ actions make sense.  In Judas’ eyes, Jesus hasn’t restored Israel to it’s glory days. He hasn’t fulfilled any of his responsibilities as Messiah.  He hasn’t reclaimed the temple. What has Jesus done?  To Judas, Jesus’ actions fall short.  Judas hears Jesus talking a good talk but there is not the action that Judas would like to see.  Remember, Judas was a Zealot.    Zealots were men of action.  They had no problem murdering Roman Centurions or anyone who kept them from living the way they believed God was asking them to live.   They saw their purpose to cleanse Israel of this blight.   In Judas’ eyes, Jesus wasn’t doing that.  He hears Jesus talking about his kingdom and his new world order but it is not transpiring his way.    Where is the action Jesus?  Judas wasn’t against the good things Jesus did.  But in Judas’ eyes, Jesus didn’t fulfill the task of Messiah.  He fell short.  Therefore Judas decided he isn’t really the Anointed One whom Israel had been awaiting, and Judas sells him out.   

It is not much different than our world today.  As divided as we are, so much of our division is about differences in expectations.  What we expect our leaders to be, politicians to be, our family to be and even our church to be….. And when it doesn’t fill our expectations what do we do?   Are we really that much different than Judas?  It is easy stay on board when everything is going well and it is easy to sell out when things begin to seem like they are falling apart.  This week is most challenging.  Holy Week asks us, how do you stay the course when things are falling apart and you think Jesus is the answer?  And in the midst of this call to be disciples of integrity, we watch him succumb to the forces in the universe who seemingly gang up against him. Here is the hero of the Gospels being led to the cross.   If anything, this week is a story about expectations and how do we respond when it seems like something has come unwired in the cosmic universe? 

Judas saw the gift that was before him in the person of Jesus.  Sadly he chose to monetize the gift, an act he later deeply regretted.  

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province. He resides in Chicago, Illinois.