Daily Scripture

Scripture:

1 Samuel 4:1-11
Mark 1:40-45

Reflection:

Today’s gospel is a story of risks, reversals and joyful disobedience.

In the times of Jesus, lepers were outcasts, condemned to live in isolation, ostracized from family, community, worship, marginalized even from hope.  Levitical law also required them to remain a safe distance from the general population in order avoid spreading their contagious disease.  Some believed that leprosy was God’s punishment for sin.

But the leper in today’s gospel is strikingly bold.  He disobeys Levitical restrictions and comes so close that Jesus can touch him.  “If you choose,” he tells Jesus, “you can make me clean.”  Without hesitation, with compassion, boldly, even recklessly Jesus touched the leper and said: “I do choose.  Be made clean.”  Immediately, the leprosy left him.  He ordered him to tell no one about this miracle, but to present himself to the priest to confirm that he is clean.  The man disobeys.  He does not go immediately to the priest.  He does not remain silent to the miracle.  Instead, he went out and proclaimed it everywhere.

By contrast, Jesus reversed places with the once leprous man.  Jesus, who had traveled freely everywhere, now was forced into isolation to avoid the crowds.  He now was forced to the margins.  In other words, Jesus took the place of the man he made clean.  Love always says and does what is necessary and works out the consequences later.

There is another reversal to consider.  By touching the leper, Jesus should have been contaminated.  However, it is not the leper who is contagious, but Jesus.  The leper does not transmit his disease to Jesus, but Jesus whose contagion of love transformed the leper to wholeness, making him clean, medically, spiritually and socially.  The Franciscan spiritual writer, Richard Rohr, says “pain that is not transformed is transmitted.”  Jesus lovingly touched his isolation and pain, and transformed him.

We are called imitate the leper’s bold faith and Jesus’ loving touch.  Like them, It demands of us that we risk crossing barriers and boundaries of convenience and comfort zone in order to reach out to the other, the one living in pain or loneliness.  Such faith and love begin with the words:  “I do choose.”

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

Scripture:

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
Mark 1:29-39

Reflection:

My brother Jim had his second brain surgery for glioblastoma cancer just before Thanksgiving. Thankfully, the fast-growing tumor was necrotic (dead) tissue caused by the intense chemo and radiation. However, he came out of it with the permanent loss of his left visual field. Because he cannot see the left half of anything he looks at, he will never be able to drive again. Little by little, this disease is taking away abilities and functions that we all take for granted, and that trajectory will continue until there is nothing left. In the meantime, Jim is living as fully as possible, working out in the gym, keeping his perspective, and remaining the incredible person we all know him to be. He gets down sometimes; anyone would. But he digs deep to find the strength and faith he needs to go on with resolve and hope.

In many ways, our world right now has “brain cancer.” The poor are becoming poorer while the wealthy line their pockets. Women increasingly report the sexual harassment and outright abuse they have endured, and rape is an accepted weapon of war. Peace between countries and religions seems more distant than ever. Treasured and sacred public lands are being lost to development and drilling, and environmental regulations are watered down or dismantled. I could go on and on. I’m sure you have a list that, although it may differ from mine, is also a source of dismay or even despair.

In the midst of this, it can seem that the voice of God is being drowned out. Where do we hear the voice of justice? Where do we see the beatitudes and the teachings of Jesus being lived out?  Where is compassion and care for those who struggle? Can we dig deep and find the strength we need to go on with resolve and even hope? Does that exist anymore?

Yet even when all I feel is absence, I believe and know that in the face of my brother’s dire diagnosis, God is calling.  In a world filled with noise, electronics, political upheaval, natural disasters, violence, and all the things that occupy our minds and hearts, God’s persistent voice can still be heard. In this Christmas season, we proclaim the God who is with us. The question is whether I can truly believe it when hope seems dim.

It helps me to remember that God is more determined that we can ever be. God is calling constantly, working to heal, pushing on to spread truth and bring the reign of heaven to this earth. It helps me to remember, too, that sometimes, like Eli, even wise and experienced prophets can fail to recognize God’s voice. Sometimes, it takes the persistence of the “little people” like the boy Samuel to get leaders and spiritual guides to wake up to what is really happening. God is always calling; it’s we who fall asleep.

So just as Jesus needed to retreat from the world and go into the desert, I need even more to take quiet time to pray. I need to sit patiently, surrendering my own perspectives and longings and turning them over to the grace of God.  I need to be persistent and faithful, and listen….listen….listen. God is calling.

Then, I need to answer that call. In this new year, I resolve to be more present to individual people in need – people like my brother who are ill or facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, people who are caught in war or refugee camps, and people who work endless hours trying in vain to make ends meet for their families. I resolve to work harder on issues of justice – to raise my voice in protest and advocacy, to defend those who believe, look, or act differently than me, and to fight for Gospel principles in the face of immense social and political opposition.

God is calling. I will work even harder to say “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”

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 Samuel 9:-20
Mark 1:21-28

 

Reflection:

What We Have Seen, What We Have Heard

With the ending of Christmas season yesterday we set out into the ordinary time, reading the two Books of Samuel and the Gospel of Mark. We will see the anointing of Saul as first King of Israel and his successor, King David. Mark’s Gospel will begin with the first miracle of Jesus, the healing of a man with an unclean spirit.

Someone has imagined that the angel Gabriel was angry when he made Zechariah mute. Yet before Mary, bearing God’s invitation, Gabriel was afraid. He was realizing the mystery that was unfolding before him. He awaited an answer from a young woman creation of God, and upon her answer was bound up an outpouring of love that would be a new creation of God. Gabriel was bigger than Mary. At that moment it didn’t seem so to her. But he was like Trump Tower and she was a small lemonade stand in a back yard. Still he bowed before her so beautifully when she said yes. Now he was mute! When he stood before God he still was speechless. But God knew what he would ask and so told Gabriel to go tell the angels to gather in Bethlehem in nine months, tell all creation to get ready for something that will make them happy and to celebrate in whatever way the things of creation can celebrate, and of course go to all the stars and tell them to come and look down on Bethlehem. One star would even be chose for a special job since the stars had been so good at doing what they were created to do and people could find their way around in the dark because of their precision.

Our human vision is limited in range. At either end of the spectrum is infrared and ultraviolet which spectral imaging can capture but not our vision. Perhaps it is a poor analogy to say that in the lens of the Incarnation such things invisible to normal vision become visible: angels gathering in Bethlehem to see the Holy Family, the increase of charity among people immersed in the celebration of God’s Love incarnate, the gathering of stars and the special one noted by the magi as the one that would lead them to a new born king, or in the animal kingdom, how the great ones show mercy to their prey on Christmas Day and the animals speak at the hour of the birth of the Redeemer.

If the vision of the Incarnation has let us see the unseen, it is this ‘unseen’ that will be at work in the calling of fishermen by Jesus, his showing authority over demons, his going forth from the Jordan to do good and to lead us to the Father. The vision of God’s love will be at work in God’s choice of Saul to be king and in Saul’s weakness, in David’s greatness and praise of God as well as in his failures and penitence. In fact what we have celebrated in the mystery of Redemption we now see in the gritty details of humanity groping along humbly and proudly, confident but not always, sinful and sorrowful. We will meet heroes and heroines, some like ourselves and others whom we would like to imitate.

The Incarnation tells us, ‘He always loved his own in the world and when the time came for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father he showed us the depth of that love’. Let enter deeper into this mystery by going backward to our daily lectionary in which we can see ourselves and our world as the love story once again unfolds among us.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Jamaica, New York.

The Baptism of the Lord

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Mark 1:7-11

Reflection:

Parents and families are so joyful when welcoming a new child into their lives, and one of their proud actions is to introduce the child to their friends, relatives and older generations.

In today’s readings we see Jesus ‘introduced’ to the world by his cousin John, and we also hear God affirming all that Jesus has become and is now to do in the world.

We can also look upon this gospel scene and amplify its significance by listening to the words of the prophet Isaiah (reading 1). In this light, we can see that Jesus is truly God’s servant, and in the words of Isaiah is the one of whom God says is “my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smouldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.”

Those qualities and traits that the prophet mentions are the very ones that Jesus identifies when he opens the scroll in the synagogue and reads from the prophet Isaiah. He sees them as values and dimensions of his own mission from God.

How reassuring is the word given to us today. While we can cry out along with John the Baptist, that we are ‘not worthy’ to untie the straps of Jesus’ sandals, we are at the same time chosen to be his disciples.

We are beloved of God.  We too are precious in the eyes of God. God has taken us by the hand from our very birth, we are formed in God’s image and we are God’s emissary or ‘convent’ with others – God acts in and through us.

We too are to be a light for the nations. We are to bring sight to others perhaps not physically, but we can help others see the truth of life – that it is deeply relational and that love marks out humans as the unique image of God in a world that already teems with signs of God’s beauty and majesty.

We too are to free people from their inner prisons. Not necessarily through acts, but often through our words. Let us never forget the power of our own words – a word can forgive another, a word can encourage or give hope to another – hope that often sustains them for many years beyond our mere efforts.

We are to liberate those who live in darkness. A mere visit can lift someone from a deep sadness or a moment of darkness and lift their spirits and sense of self-worth.

I was a very young priest long when long ago a man stopped at our monastery to talk to a priest. He had travelled for two hours to talk, because as he told me “a Passionist was kind to me 40 years ago”. Unbeknownst to that priest whoever he was, his kindness to a stranger forty years earlier still reverberated within that man and empowered him to return to our monastery for help all those years later.

Like the unknown priest who helped that man so long ago, let us reach out to others and let us strive to be disciples of whom the Lord may say “You are my beloved…. with you I am well pleased.”

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.  He currently serves on the General Council and is stationed in Rome.

Epiphany of the Lord

Scripture:

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Reflection:

So much of my life has been wondering and looking. Wondering would I finish school; would I land a well-paying job; would I have a horde of children like my parents…? Nearing the end of.my life at 72 years old, I see the world much differently now. All I could see were opportunities in my 20’s and unlike today there were many for a young white man with an education. I pursued a number of them, and then ended up settling for a career in teaching boys ten to fifteen years old who exhibited severe emotional/behavioral problems.

Looking back, I’m not sure who taught whom. Yes, I had the title of teacher, but I often found myself on the learning side of the equation.  My teaching career brought me in touch with children on the margins. While most were above average in intelligence, they didn’t come to school with all the accouterments 20th century America thought were important.  Many didn’t have the right color skin. Many never learned basic social skills and many suffered from abuse and neglect. In short, they didn’t have the gifts I was given.

In today’s scripture readings we read about the Magi, three evidently gifted people in their world, visiting a poor baby who of course, is totally at the mercy of those around him. They bring their gifts and offer them to the baby Jesus. What Matthew doesn’t tell us though, are the gifts that the baby Jesus gave to them. If my experience means anything, the Magi got much more than the baby Jesus.

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago. 

Scripture:

1 John 5:5-13
Mark 1:7-11

Reflection:

John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the world. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” I doubt that we would have put John at the top of a list of those who would introduce Jesus. John’s mission was to introduce Jesus as the promised Messiah, the hope of all the ages. But who would have ever thought that God would have chosen a man like John the Baptist for this task? To say that John was “unique” would be an understatement. He was off the charts! He was a “wilderness man,” a man who lived in the desert, wore clothing made of camel’s hair and ate locust and wild honey. His message was not polished, but blunt and rather succinct. “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Yet, this was the man who God had chosen to introduce his Son, the Messiah.

What qualified John the Baptist to be the “first evangelist”? Perhaps it was his humility. St. Thomas wrote, “The virtue of humility consists in keeping oneself within one’s own bounds, not reaching out to things above one, but submitting to one’s superior.” John knew his position in the universe. He was not God. He was not the Messiah. Rather, John was merely a voice, crying in the wilderness; the Messiah was much greater. John did not even consider himself to be worthy to carry the Messiah’s sandals. John baptized with water, but the Messiah’s baptism was far greater.

Because of his humility, John was the best person to introduce Jesus. In Wednesday’s gospel reading, John encouraged two of his own disciples to follow Jesus. John was willing to let go of his own disciples because he knew the ultimate leader was Jesus, not himself.

As we continue our journey into 2017, we pray that we might be able to lead others to Jesus through the humility that let’s Jesus be the Savior. “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Fr. Don Webber is director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness and resides in Chicago.

Scripture:

1 John 3:11-21
John 1:43-51

Reflection:

If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? 1 John 3:17

Although New Year’s Day was earlier this week, resolutions are still on my mind. The idea that I can set new standards and develop better habits for myself (and carry them out) probably shouldn’t be reserved for one day of the year, even if that’s when there is the most support culturally for it.

In any case, there is great suggestion in our reading today for resolving to do better. In the epistle of John we find a very concrete idea of how we can show love for our sisters and brothers. And lest we’re tempted to interpret “have compassion” as simply feeling sorry for someone, John goes on to say, “let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”

We find it easy these days to become paralyzed and overwhelmed by the great need we see paraded across the television screen each night as we watch the news. “What can one person do?” we may find ourselves asking. The answer is simple: where ever you are, do good. whether on the street or in our homes, can we resolve to meet each other as sisters and brothers in deed and truth?

If someone asks you for change, don’t fret as to whether it is of greater help to give to them or to a charity. Either give it there and then or don’t. But in either case, engage with them as a fellow child of God trying to make their way through this world. Try to see them in that moment as your sister or brother “in truth.” Ask them how they are doing and listen to the answer.

When we join with family members, we may find ourselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Can we love them in deed and truth even if they voted differently than we did? Can we reach out and try to understand, even if we do not agree?

As I move into this year, I pray that I can meet everyone as my sister and brother in Christ.

Talib Huff is a volunteer and presenter at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California.

Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Scripture:

1 John 3:7-10
John 1:35-42

 

 Reflection:

“…Come and see…”

Today’s Gospel selection features John the Baptist and two of his disciples meeting Jesus as He walked by – “the Lamb of God”.  This encounter led to Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” where he was staying – and ultimately, those hours with Jesus led Andrew and, later, his brother Simon Peter to lives of discipleship and personal witness to Jesus.

That invitation of Jesus to “come and see” has touched the hearts of countless men and women over the centuries.  One such 18^th Century American woman-disciple is today honored by the Church:  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton…the first American-born saint.

Born in 1774, Elizabeth Ann was reared an Episcopalian.  She married William Seton and helped raise their five children.  She was drawn to the Catholic faith by an Italian Catholic family whom she met while traveling in Italy with her husband.  After her husband’s death from tuberculosis at age 30, Elizabeth Ann freely embraced the Catholic faith – and subsequently opened a parish school in Baltimore to support her family and witness her faith.

Drawn by Elizabeth’s fervor, a group of young women joined Elizabeth Ann in her approach to education and the Christian life.  In 1809 they formed the American Sisters of Charity, following the rule of St. Vincent de Paul; later they help found other schools and orphanages.  By the time of her death on January 4, 1821, the community had expanded their valued ministries as far west as St. Louis.

Elizabeth Ann Seton was called by God to help serve the Church in her day.  As noted in today’s Gospel, Jesus drew disciples to himself and began the Church; Jesus touched the heart of Elizabeth Ann and she joined those early disciples in saying “yes” to Jesus and working tirelessly to build the Church.

“Come and see…” words spoken now to us as we head into the new year 2018.  God continues to invite us to come and see, to share in the life and spirit of St. Paul of the Cross whose birthday in 1694 we celebrated yesterday, and whose special charism motivates us as members of the Passionist family.  May we deepen our relationship with Jesus these new year’s days – and like Andrew and Elizabeth Ann Seton and Paul of the Cross encourage others to “come and see” God’s love gathering us together as Church.  Today may we likewise generously serve our sisters and brothers in their needs and their growth.

Amen!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is a member of the Passionist community in Chicago, Illinois.