Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Romans 3:21-30
Luke 11:47-54

Reflection:

What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. (Romans 3:27)

The readings for today’s Mass challenge us on several fronts. Jesus directs his remarks to the leaders of the Hebrew faith and Paul writes to the Christian community in Rome. Both say things that no one likes to hear.

As Jesus began to bring Good News to the poor and the abandoned, to cure the sick and the dying and to forgive the sins, he met with great resistance by the majority of the religious leaders of his day.

The religious leaders of his day liked to boast. The liked to build memorials to the prophets that their ancestors had stoned and killed. The liked to revise history to distance themselves from the responsibility of those who went before them, only to do the same thing in their lifetime.

They like to use their knowledge to twist the truth. They build a life and a future on falsehoods.

Jesus came, speaking the truth and went about doing good. This enraged them so much that they plotted against Jesus to put him to death, to silence him, to stop him from doing good. They thought that they had power over Jesus because they thought that they had the power to put someone to death. They boasted in their false righteousness.

Humility is not easily accomplished. Pride wears many disguises. Pride distorts the truth. Pride drives us to boast about things that we never done by ourselves, about achievements that we alone are responsible for and a false future that is not ours to give.

The saints that we honor today, St. John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues and their companion martyrs, overcame their desire to boast, to rely primarily upon their own resources and placed their future into God’s hands. When this lead to their death and martyrdom, then they took their rightful place beside Jesus, the Crucified Lord who rose from the death and the communion of saints.

Thus, let us rule out all boasting in our life!

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

Scripture:

Romans 1:16-25
Luke 11:37-41

Reflection:

Today’s readings offer three important lessons to guide us on our journey to God. The first lesson is that hints of God are all around us. God does not want to be hidden from us or unknowable to us, but longs to be in relationship with us and thus finds multiple ways to communicate with us. God communicates with us most fully through Jesus; however, God also speaks to us through other persons and through creation. As St. Paul testifies in today’s passage from Romans, “ever since the creation of the world” God can be “understood and perceived in what he has made.” If we want to see God, all we have to do is open our eyes.

The second lesson is that human beings are created to give glory, praise, and thanksgiving to God. But it is easy for us to forget this—or not to believe it—and thus to make something other than God the center of our lives. But St. Paul doesn’t mince words: living for something other than God is eminently self-destructive. We think we are wise but in reality we are fools. We think it will be good for us, but when we exchange “the truth of God for a lie,” our lives slowly fall apart.

The third lesson comes to us in Jesus’ blunt assessment of the Pharisees. He chastises them for getting caught up with the wrong things, worrying more about cleansing “the outside of the cup and the dish” than what is going on in their hearts. It’s easy to target the Pharisees, but are we any different? Do we give some things more attention than they deserve? Do we lose sight of what is truly important? As Jesus’ closing words in today’s gospel remind us, what really matters is showing love and justice to the poor. As he said, if we give alms, “everything will be clean for you.”

Paul J. Wadell is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the extended Passionist family.

Scripture:

Romans 1:1-7
Luke 11:29-32

Reflection:

Whenever we put forth energy on a project, generally we like to see results. Students participating in the meditation classes taught at the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville, Kentucky, commit themselves to a daily practice of meditation. Within a short time, they often become frustrated with the unruly disposition of their feeble minds. Their meditation practice can become a tedious exercise and they begin to question the entire process. The question is asked: how will I know if I’m making progress?

It is a reasonable concern. And the simple answer is taken from the Gospel: you will know you if your meditation practice is bearing fruit whenever you encounter the sign of Jonah in your daily life. After being hurled into the sea, rather than drowning, Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish before being spit upon the shore. His sign is the preeminent pattern of death and resurrection.

The students are instructed not to look for results during the meditation period itself. To judge their development by the success or failure of any particulate meditation session is futile and a pursuit rife with ego concerns. Rather, they should look for results in the way they live their daily lives. Whenever they discover a natural inclination to die to themselves and their ego habit patterns of desire, the new life of Spirit is beginning to rise within them. That is the fruit of a daily practice of meditation.

Fr. Joe Mitchell, CP is the director of the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville, Kentucky. See his website: www.earthandspiritcenter.org.

Scripture:

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14

Reflection:

Sometimes when I watch TV, I not only pay attention to the program I’m watching, but also the commercials. Actually, I often speculate as to whom these commercials are targeted. Many people have commented that the commercials on the evening network news seem to be oriented towards older people. I can look at other commercials, and know that they are oriented towards people my age, drumming up nostalgia for us baby boomers. Other commercials are obviously trying to reach a younger demographic for an old established product.

When Jesus tells the parable about a king eventually having his servants bring people off the streets to come to the wedding feast of his son (Matthew 22:1-14), He reminds us that the invitation to the heavenly banquet is not just targeted to a particular demographic, but to everyone. In the parable, the servants gather all the people they can find, “bad and good alike.”

In the parable, the king does this because the invited guests refuse to come. In the parable there are three responses to the invitation. One response is to ignore the invitation. These people went instead to their farm or business. Another response is open hostility. These people mistreat and even kill the servants that the king sends. The third response is coming to the banquet but not being appropriately dressed. If we correspond the invitation to the wedding feast in the parable to the invitation by Jesus to follow Him to the kingdom of heaven, we see all three responses today.

There are places in the world in which there is open hostility to following Christ. There are people still being persecuted, even killed, for the faith. But for most, if not all, the people who will read this, this is not a response we normally see. Instead, we often see the other two. The people in the parable who ignored the invitation and went home to their farm or business are people who see other things, like making a lot of money, or having worldly power, as much more important than sharing God’s love or spreading the Good News. The guest who is not properly dressed does not represent those who we think aren’t dressed right for Mass. The guest who is not wearing a wedding garment represents for me those who say they are Christian but are unwilling to be changed by their faith. Their ideal religion is one that does not demand any conversion of heart.

Do we at times fall into one of these categories? That’s the question this parable presents to us. The invitation is there. It doesn’t matter whether we think we’re too far gone, or we think we don’t have the proper pedigree. God is still calling us and everyone to Himself! Listen to what God promises in our first reading for Sunday from Isaiah (25:6-10a): “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples … On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, … he will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face.” God is telling the Israelites that He will do this for “all peoples!”

So, what is our response? Are we willing to see the kingdom as more important than what the world tells us is important? Are we willing to respond to the love God gives us through Jesus Christ? Are we willing to be changed by our relationship with Jesus? If we worry about what kind and how much of a response we can make, listen to St. Paul in our second reading from Philippians (4:12-14, 19-20): “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” God, in His love not only invites us to the heavenly banquet, but He gives us what we need to respond to the invitation! RSVP today!

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P. is on staff at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan. 

Scripture:

Joel 4:12-21
Luke 11:27-28

Reflection:

A couple of years ago I traveled to California on business, where there was a severe drought. They lived every day aware of every precious drop of water. I watched as people turned on the faucet to wet their hands, turned it off while they soaped up, and turned it on again just long enough to rinse well. In restaurants no one got a glass of water unless they ask, and if you ask, you’d better drink it. Lawns were more consciously planted with drought-resistant plants or were converted to rock gardens. Instead of letting water run in the shower or sink as it warms up, people would collect it in buckets, using the cold water for other purposes or heating it on the stove for doing dishes.

Even though Lake Michigan currently provides more than enough water in my community, I came home with a new awareness of how much water I use – and waste – every day. I made a resolution to do my part to conserve. Yet the next morning, I stood in my nice hot shower letting the water stream over my body. I knew I needed to turn it off. I knew it was the right thing to do. But it was so comforting. Would just a few more minutes of hydro-therapy hurt? In this and other ways, I am continually reminded that knowing I need/want to do something and actually doing it are two different things.

Jesus says those who hear the word of God and do it are even more blessed his own mother. I understand why. I hear the word of God. I believe. I vow to change my ways to live as a more conscious disciple. But just like my water conservation efforts, it’s so hard to do!

Actually, water conservation and the Gospel are not that far apart. Our water, air, sources of energy, soil – We don’t “deserve” these things. They are gifts, meant to be shared, conserved, and respected. Am I practicing the Gospel when I waste, hoard, or take them for granted? Pope Francis is telling us our current practices are sinful.

Our water systems are all interconnected. Our use, waste, or pollution of the Earth’s precious resources has regional and even global implications. While I can’t directly see my shower taking water out of another’s cup, in some ways it does.

Besides, can I/we afford to assume the levels of water in Lake Michigan will always be replenished, waiting to change until drought hits us as well? Do we close our ears to the needs of people in our country and our world who desperately need this basic of life? Do we pay attention not only to how we use water but the ways in which we contribute to its pollution?

No one can do everything, but I think I will start anew in my efforts at water conservation. Today I posted a water-proof sign in my shower and by every faucet that says “Blessed are they who hear the word of God and do it.” Now every time I turn off the spigot, live with brown spots on the lawn, and yes, end my shower, I will pray for all those who do not have enough of the resources I take for granted. I won’t be perfect. It is, after all, so very hard to do. But I will make a difference, and every drop of water will remind me of my faith and my connection to God’s people everywhere.

In doing so, may I receive and grant blessings, and spread the Gospel by my life.

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:

Malachi 3:13-20b
Luke 11:5-13

Reflection:

The readings today address essential, critical elements of being missionary disciples in our daily actions. Perseverance, persistence and endurance are essential in doing kingdom-building, that is being a “field hospital” in our own neighborhoods towards those who are deprived of the love of God in any manner.

This is the way in which I am referring to the parishioners of a parish on the eastside of Birmingham who struggle gravely with the changes that have been going on for years. Four realities face the parish:

1. The pastor died;
2. Parishioners have been feeling the effects of long term “white flight”;
3. The gradual growth of Central Americans and Mexicans who live “on the edge” because of their status in Alabama;  and
4. Aging.

Jesus tells us about the realities we face in our immediate missions through parables like today’s. Pay attention, for they are lessons in missionary discipleship.

I am encouraging each parishioner to actively serve in some capacity for the sake of building the kingdom of God amidst the 22,000 souls who live around our parish. That is the vineyard, or field in which we have been chosen to serve. The field consists of:

1. People who regularly participate;
2. Those who occasionally come on particular annual feasts;
3. Those who no longer participate in the faith life of the Church;
4. Those who never come and are baptized; and
5. Those who have no affiliation with the Catholic church at all.

In this “field” the Lord places us, and the above mentioned qualities are present for the purpose of addressing the needs of the various persons and situations that we encounter.

Persistence can be “shameless“ in not giving up on a situation. Persistence can imply an annoyance and stubbornness. Perseverance and persistence carry a note of difficulty and trouble.

It is a matter of “waiting beyond what we can endure,” beyond what we think is our limits. In this way we are showing others a goodness that goes beyond ourselves and our expectations! (Is not that the divine, “beyond our limits and imagination?”)

Yes, I am talking about being purified of not using religion as measuring success by external results like being “holy bean counters.”

In the words of St. John the XXIII, “Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P., is the administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

Jonah 4:1-11
Luke 11:1-4

Reflection:

What a strange book, this Book of the Prophet Jonah.  It reads less like a “book” than like an extended parable, like satire.  Jonah appears less like a prophet than an anti-prophet.  And the story has no ending.  It dangles inconclusively.

Consequently, an important question is left unanswered.  What happened to Jonah? Did he finally understand what God was trying to teach him?  Did Jonah finally feel compassion for the Assyrians? Did he stubbornly hang on to his grudge, refusing to believe that God could possibly show grace to the brutal Ninevites?   Did Jonah go home, telling an incredible story to his people about how God can even forgive the worst of people, himself included? Or did he stay camped out on the outskirts of Nineveh, waiting and praying for the wrath of God? We have no idea.

The story remains open-ended.  And perhaps that is the author’s purpose.  Instead of a neat and tidy ending where everyone lived happily ever after, the author may be reminding us that life is messy, and so are our feelings and emotions.

Perhaps the author of the Book of the Prophet Jonah is holding up a mirror and asking us: “Whom do you see?”

We all can think of people in our lives who have angered or hurt us. It isn’t easy to forgive these individuals; there may even be a part of us that wishes them pain for what they have done. In our minds, this is justice.  David Sper, the author of “The Failure of Success: The Story of Jonah,” gets even more real.  “Perhaps the people that inhabit our ‘Nineveh’, Sper writes, “are abortionists, homosexuals, political enemies, cultists, or an ethnic group we are uncomfortable with.”

Ultimately, the thread that connects the strange episodes in the Book of Jonah is the mercy of God. “We see it in His pursuit and restoration of Jonah,” Sper points out, as well as “His sparing of the sailors, and His miraculous salvation of Nineveh. Also in full view is the spiritual failure of Jonah …

• who experienced mercy but gave none;
• who received love but returned none;
• who benefited from the patience of God but resented God for showing that same patience to Nineveh.”

That thread also connects the Book of Jonah to today’s Gospel reading, specifically in the moment when Jesus instructs us on how to live in imitation of his love. This is most clear when he prays, forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us.

We are all debtors. The Father forgives our sins.  So too must we forgive those in debt to us.  Through our forgiveness of others, we imitate the mercy and compassion of God.

The story of Jonah this anti-prophet, this sullen, pouting prophet, reminds us that we are called on to emulate God’s compassion and mercy. We shouldn’t wag our finger in condemnation at Jonah.  We should look in the mirror and ask: Do we resemble Jonah at our worst, or can we be better than that?  Can we forgive as Christ has taught us?

Therein lies the ending to the story.

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

Scripture:

Jonah 3:1-10
Luke 10:38-42

Reflection:

We are given two directives in today’s scripture: Listen, and Act.

The first part is deceptively difficult. My own life is incredibly busy. I travel constantly for my work. I facilitate support for grieving people. I offer trainings and retreats. I write articles and columns. I have three adult children who are precious to me, and four grandchildren that I long to spend time with. And that doesn’t count my nine siblings and my aging mom

I am reminded of the refrain of a Paul McCartney song from the 70’s: “Someone’s knocking at the door. Somebody’s ringing the bell. Do me a favor. Open the door, and let ‘em in.” In the midst of my extensive “to-do” list and all the good I try to accomplish in my life, I too often block out the sounds of God constantly knocking at my door and ringing my bell. Or I acknowledge it by saying, “Yes, God I know you are there and I am so grateful for that. Thank you for never leaving me alone. But hang on a minute. I just need to do these couple of things before I sit down to pray. I’ll be right there.” The next thing I know, I’m lying in bed exhausted with only the energy for a quick “Thank you, God” before I drift off to sleep.

It is not that any of the things I feel such compulsion to accomplish are bad things. They are very good. They are things I do to advance the reign of God on this earth. But if I don’t take time to sit and pray, to stay deeply connected to God, to LISTEN, then I am acting under my own power, trusting in my own wisdom, and I am bound for burn-out. I need to make prayer a priority in my life. In fact, I need to pray before I get started on my to-do list, to ensure that I make time every single day to open the door and let God in.

Then I need to follow through on the second part of the directive – change. All the listening doesn’t do anything if I am not willing to surrender my heart, my will, and my life, and work to become an ever more transparent instrument of Christ. The purpose of prayer, after all, is not to change God’s mind; it is to change me. The closer I get to God, the more God can work within me, stretching me and molding me, helping me discover and use the gifts I’ve been given, and becoming the best and most complete version of myself.

That is the other reason for beginning my day with prayer. It allows me to then carry that prayer into my day, centered in the love of God and putting into practice what God is accomplishing within me. It may also keep me from listening to other voices in my life that run counter to God’s will for me and for the world. It gives me strength to speak when I am afraid, and wisdom to know what to do. It helps me recognize and confront words of intolerance, judgment, and dismissal of another’s humanity, especially when they come out of my own mouth. And I know it’s all too easy to demonize those who disagree, regardless of which side of the line I stand on. It forces me to question my motivations, desires, and goals. It challenges me to see how deeply connected I am to every other person. In short, spending time as Mary did at the feet of Jesus allows me to go into my Martha day in a way that avoids judgment, jealousy, and impatience, and instead brings light, love, compassion, and peace.

That is such a worthy goal, and one that we desperately need in our personal, professional, corporate, and political lives. So today, I recommit to hearing the bell and answering the knock by starting my day, every single day, with opening the door and letting God in. Will you join me?

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/.