Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Romans 8:12-17
Luke 13:10-17

Reflection:

In today’s gospel we have a woman who is possessed by a spirit, drained of her strength, and badly stooped.  And Jesus cures her of her infirmity.

The chief of the synagogue criticizes Jesus for curing on the Sabbath.  The chief of the synagogue was apparently healthy and needed no cure.  Apparently healthy.  Yes, his body may have been healthy, but what about his soul?  He comes across as one possessed with a spirit of self-righteousness, badly stooped with pride, and so infirm that he cannot recognize who Jesus is.  Who was more in need of a cure, the woman or the chief of the synagogue?

Where is healing needed in our world today?  Yes, there are many people who are physically infirm and in need of a cure.  But many others are crippled by anger, shackled by fear, eaten up by greed, impaired by hypocrisy, blinded by prejudice, starving for appreciation and thirsting for love.  Infirmity is all around.

At Mass we bring up bread and wine.  We ask the Holy Spirit to come upon this bread and wine and transform it into the Body and Blood of Christ.  This bread and wine represent not only all of us present, but our whole world.  We place all the people of the world upon our altar and ask the Holy Spirit transform all of us.  Transform all anger into forgiveness, all fear into courage, all greed into generosity, all hypocrisy into truth, all prejudice into understanding.  Nourish the starving with compassion and the thirsting with love.

We ask the Holy Spirit to transform all people with the spirit of adoption through which all can cry out together, “Abba, Father.”   If we recognize that we are all children of God, created by God, dependent up God and loved by God, then we have well-grounded hope for the cure that is peace.  We can stand up straight and continually be thanking God.

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

Scripture:

Exodus 22:20-26
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Matthew 22:34-40

Reflection:

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mt. 40

Love for God and Love for our neighbor are the two main themes for the readings today. They are also the foundation for building the Kingdom of God. In the Book of Exodus we read about caring for those who are aliens, widows and orphans and when lending money to be fair and reasonable. It was so important to the Jewish people, that the poor were taken care of, that they had laws to guide them in this regard. They left some grain in the fields after the harvest so that the poor could glean the leftover grain to sustain them.

Today, we still have the poor and we give in different ways through donations to many organizations who assist those who are in need. In recent months we have had opportunities to help others due to natural disasters. Opportunities to give a voice for those with whom others have turned a deaf ear. Opportunities to assist those in our own communities, parishes or neighborhoods. I was in the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and was able to witness someone take the opportunity to assist someone who could not afford their groceries. Not asking for anything in return, gave the person a hug and asked them to “pay it forward”. How many of these situations have we found ourselves in and turned away for one reason or another?  Jesus message to love our neighbor is a message to heal others through acts of kindness. Healing is what our neighborhoods, parishes, communities, state and country needs at this time. Imagine what the evening news would be like if kindness, mercy and compassion were the headlines.

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

Feast of Ss. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Scripture:

Ephesians 2:19-22
Luke 6:12-16

Reflection:

In a recent RCIA session we asked the candidates and catechumen this question:  “What are some of your peak moments in your faith journey that has led you to enter the RCIA process?”  The stories that were shared centered around the act of being called, being invited to reflect in a deeper and more serious way what faith was all about.  Each week we come together to share our faith stories, to sing and pray, to listen and learn, to be challenged and affirmed to spread the Good News of Jesus.  We are given the command or directive to invite others to live as disciples of Jesus.

The first apostles came from different backgrounds and cultures than we do today, but, nonetheless they are true models of faith that we can relate to and also be challenged by.  We hold many things in common with the first apostles, but most especially, that of being sinners and saints.  We celebrate the life of Sts Simon and Jude today.  Simon and Jude along with the rest of the apostles took their role of apostles very seriously.  They were not perfect but they believed in the Good News and spread the message of Jesus Christ wherever they were sent.

The month of November in the Church year calls us to reflect on the holy people in our lives who have gone before us in faith.  On All Saints Day and All Souls Day we celebrate the lives of family members and friends along with those who have been formally canonized as ‘Saints’ by the church.  We give thanks for the grace and wisdom they have brought to our lives in the past and continue to do so today.

Take some time during the coming month to prayerfully reflect on those peak moments in your faith journey that continue to lead you to the Table of the Lord and give thanks for all those special helpers who have walked the journey with you past and present.  We are all Saints called by God to lead lives of goodness and grace.

ALL YOU HOLY, MEN AND WOMEN, PRAY FOR US!  HAPPY FEAST DAY TO ALL!

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

Scripture: 

Romans 7:18-25
Luke 12:54-59

Reflection:

“You hypocrites!  You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”  These words from Luke’s gospel today have left me befuddled for weeks!

Jesus is making a strong point here.  He seems to be trying to get the crowds to realize that something is happening NOW and they just don’t seem to get it.  I truly wonder how Jesus would deal with us in our times if He was trying to tell us the Kingdom of God is at hand.  Could He get us to put down our electronic devices long enough to even recognize His presence much less the significance of His words and deeds?  Could He interrupt the constant repetition of “Breaking News”?  And could He even hope to distract us from the morning tweets?

Miracles abound in Luke’s gospel.  Yet even miracles are not enough to get the crowds to realize the importance of Jesus’ call to reform our hearts.  If we observe the signs of the times today, we are left gasping for mercy in a world of violence, bigotry, hate, greed, cruelty and self-centeredness.  Earlier in this chapter from Luke, Jesus says “Do not live in fear, little flock.  It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.”  Why can’t we hear and respond to this gentle invitation amid the deeply troubling signs of our times?

Maybe today is a good day to think about the gift of the Kingdom of God.  Maybe today is a good day to reflect on the following words from Jesus in this chapter from Luke.

“Stop worrying.  The unbelievers of this world are always running after these (material) things.  Your Father knows that you need such things.  Seek out instead his kingship over you, and the rest will follow in turn.”

I invite you to pray with me.

Lord, the signs of our times are scary indeed.  Help me to not live in fear but to turn my heart toward you in every present moment and simply accept your Kingdom with open arms.

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Romans 6:19-23
Luke 12:49-53

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel reading from St. Luke might make us scratch our heads. Jesus says to his disciples, “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” And he continues, “A father will be divided against his son, and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother.” This passage seems at odds with Jesus the merciful healer and reconciler.

When I taught an introductory philosophy course to high school seniors, I began by telling them that I was there to confuse them. As I looked at their puzzled faces, I was off to a good start!  What I wanted to have happen in that class was to have students re-examine their assumptions and to begin building a coherent life philosophy that underpins living a moral life.

In today’s chaotic and charged public dialogue, we often retreat to those safe groups or cable networks where all my assumptions are affirmed and reinforced. We can’t seem to tolerate others who might challenge our assumptions or biases. Rather than engage in civic and civil conversations, we berate and insult those who disagree with us.

Jesus did not come to simply mess with people’s minds. He came to show us a different way. And for many, it did not make sense, it was confusing. The Gospel of John (6:65) even says that some of the early disciples left to return to their homes because what Jesus was preaching was simply too hard.

So yes, there will be division, there will be differences, there will be discomfort when we listen intently to what Jesus is saying to us. That’s the nature of conversion. All those assumptions we carry might well need to be re-examined. If you want to put all those assumptions back into place, that’s fine. But first Jesus is going to challenge us – even confuse us – to look at our life and the world differently.

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:

Romans 6:12-18
Luke 12:39-48

Reflection:

Over the years I have often been asked whether I have read The Da Vinci Code or The Celestine Prophecy. Part of the popularity, even lure, of this literature, it seems to me, is how so many of us want to be special, that is, to know a secret that others don’t know. Fr. Ron Rolheiser reminds us of the parallel in religious circles; for example, in the history of Christianity we have struggled with Gnosticism (esoteric knowledge, understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge) since the first century. Today it might surface in the over-fascination that some folks have with private revelations of self-acclaimed mystics.

Today’s liturgy pulls us in another direction. Jesus tells us that much will be required of those entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of those persons entrusted with more. Or, as St. Paul says, our bodies are to be weapons for righteousness. Living a rather comfortable and secure life, today’s readings don’t leave me much wiggle room!

And so, I ponder. While we pray today, 80% of Puerto Rico remains without electricity. Or, the United Nations states that the Muslim Rohingya people are one of the most persecuted groups in the world; since 1948, Myanmar security forces have driven them off their land, burned down their mosques and committed widespread looting, arson and rape of Rohingya Muslims. And the crises in Syria, Venezuela, and many other places around the world today also call me to be “a servant of justice”.

In his first letter to the Corinthians (chapter 12), St. Paul said that gifts are given for others, for the common good… not my self-glorification. If the gift doesn’t build up the Body of Christ, it is not of God. That’s a good barometer with which to discern. This is not a matter of fear for not generously using our gifts well; rather, we revel in a sense of gratitude and joy that we are able to give to others.

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Thessalonians 1:1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21

Reflection:

“I have called you by name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me.” Isaiah 45:4

Growing up is never easy. For us boys, it was always a contest for recognition and acceptance. You were either well known or you were not. You were nameless until someone important called you by name. Anyway, that’s the way it seemed back then.

Once, the P.E. teacher gathered the 8^th classes together for a baseball game. The two “Jocks” were chosen to choose teammates. The good athletes were the first ones taken, of course. Then, there were a handful of us left to be chosen, the ones who were practically invisible and nameless. I was among that group. Finally, I got a “hey you” and put in right field. And all during the game, I kept praying, “don’t hit it my way, don’t hit it my way.”

Ninth inning, one out, and we were winning by one run, two men on, first and second base. Plenty of balls hit to center and left field, and only a couple of grounders to right. Then it happened. A line drive came my way. Instinct took over. I caught it on the run, and threw to first base and caught the runner on his way to second. Double play, inning over, game over and suddenly, everyone knew my name!

God knows us by name. And God calls us by name.

When we become aware that God knows personally and calls us by name, not only do we begin to feel differently, we also begin to act differently. We begin to feel important, valued. We begin to get the sense that we are worthwhile. Having a sense of self-worth, a sense of dignity, we begin to act as if life is truly meaningful, that our lives count.

In the second reading for today’s Mass, Paul the Apostle had to remind the Thessalonians that they had received the Gospel, not only in word but with the power of the Holy Spirit. He reminds them that they were loved by God and were chosen by God to carry out the Gospel in their lives. Life can be overwhelming at times and so we may forget that God loves us, called us into life and called us to live the Gospel as proclaimed by Jesus, God’s Only Son.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to never forget that we belong to God. Once we become aware that we belong to God, we will not be confused as to what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God. What belongs to Caesar or to this “earthly existence” has no ultimate value. Wealth, fame and good standing are ours by God’s grace. Each of these social conditions bring with them responsibility and stewardship. Our wealth is for us to share with those who are in need, our fame enables us to spread Gospel values, and our social standing is an opportunity to give witness to God’s way of life.

We need to look no further than our present pope, Pope Francis. The vast majority of us did not know him before he was elected Pope. Now, we hear how his simplicity of life is a witness to Gospel values. Is he well off? Yes, he is, but see how he lives. Is he a powerful man? Yes he is, but see how he uses that authority. Does he have a prominent social position? Yes, he does, but see how his humility is the message. We always need to discern what belongs to God and what belongs to Caesar.

Fr. Clemente Barrón, C.P., is a member of Christ the King Community in Citrus Heights, California. 

Feast of St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists

Scripture:

Romans 4:1-8
Luke 12:1-7

Reflection:

Today we Passionists celebrate the feast of St. Paul of the Cross, our Holy Founder (1694-1775).  It is a day for remembering this remarkable man and his profound insight into the mystery of God.  Paul Daneo started out as a young man fascinated by the Passion of Jesus Christ.  From his earliest years Paul recognized in the human sufferings of Christ a divine commitment to the human family.  Paul spent his entire life reflecting on the meaning of the love God has for us.  In his early years Paul burned with the desire to participate in the sufferings of Christ in his own person through long hours of prayer, penance, self-discipline, severe poverty and fasting.  He gathered companions to share in this life and threw himself into preaching the great love revealed in the passion and death of Jesus Christ.  In the mature years of his life we witness a man totally absorbed in God’s love and filled with a desire to share that love with everyone he met.  Paul is, indeed, a fascinating man who lives the transforming experience of giving oneself over totally to a God who loves us!

St. Paul of the Cross is clearly a vivid example of the truth of the testimony of St. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Corinthians.  God’s wisdom and power, revealed in the Passion of His Son, Jesus Christ, is truly beyond human understanding.

Paul Daneo spent his entire life embracing the mystery of Christ Crucified.  The depth of Paul’s compassion and commitment to the people in his life, from the outcasts of the Tuscan Maremma (marshes), to the families he guided, to the church leaders he advised, to the companions he gathered around him to share in his life, inspired them all to an ever-deeper conviction that God loved them beyond their understanding.  The love they experienced in Paul’s reflections on the Crucified Christ enriched their lives and deepened their own commitment to living their lives generously and faithfully.

As we remember the example of this great Saint, we ask God to keep us centered in the love God has for us as revealed in the Passion and Death of His Son.

Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P. is the director of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.