Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Ezekiel 18:25-28
Philippians 2:1-11
Matthew 21:28-32

Reflection:

Both the readings for this Sunday are powerful.  In the gospel selection, we hear the parable of the two sons from Matthew’s Gospel. As Jesus is teaching in the temple, his opponents challenge his authority.  In response Jesus tells them a parable that has a strong punch.  A man had two sons and one day he asked the first to go and work in the vineyard.  “I will not,” the son replies, but later changes his mind and does what his father asked him.  Then the father asks his second son the same request.  He promptly says, “Yes, sir,” but in fact did not go. “Which of the two,” Jesus asks his critics, “did his father’s will?”  They answer, “the first.”  And then Jesus drives home the point of the story: “Amen I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.  When John [the Baptist] came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did.  Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

This parable fits so well into Matthew’s portrait of Jesus.  What counts is not just saying the right words but doing the right thing. The “tax collectors and prostitutes,” people despised by others in proper society, may have started out saying ‘no’ to God’s will but changed their ways and obeyed the Father. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges religious hypocrisy and blesses those who seek to do God’s will.

There is another version of this message in the second reading, taken from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.  The Roman colony city of Philippi in present day Greece was the first place that Paul visited when he crossed from Asia Minor to the continent of Europe.  From Paul’s later letter to the Philippians you can detect his warm love for this Christian community.  Apparently there were some divisions in the community and Paul pleads for reconciliation: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing…”  To make his point, Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn—one of the most profound texts of the New Testament.  He invites his beloved community to “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus,” and then introduces this hymn that praises Christ, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped at.” Rather, “he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave…humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  Because Christ Jesus gave of himself for the sake of others, “God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This early hymn tells us that Christian faith in Christ as the exalted Son of God was already strong only a decade or two after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Paul quotes the hymn to urge the Christians at Philippi literally “to think as Christ does,” or “to have the same perspective” as Christ.  They are urged not just to “look out for their own interests” but to be concerned for others. The reality that Jesus gave his life out of love for others becomes the norm of Christian life.  As Pope Francis eloquently put it in The Joy of the Gospel, “Life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort. Indeed, those who enjoy life most are those who leave security on the shore and become excited by the mission of communicating life to others.”

[Adapted from “Perspectives in Scripture,” a weekly column by Fr. Donald Senior, C.P., for The Chicago Catholic archdiocesan newspaper.]

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:

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a
Luke 9:43b-45

Reflection:

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!  See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord.” Zechariah 2:14

The red sanctuary lamp in our churches and chapels alerts us that Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament, reserved in the tabernacle.

But if this candle alerts us to the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, it could also be placed next to the Ambo or pulpit.  Vatican II tells us that Jesus “is present in his word, for it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church.”

This candle could also be placed in the hand of the priest.  Vatican II says, “In the sacrifice of the Mass, he (Jesus) is present in the person of the priest.”

This candle could also be placed in the midst of the congregation, for Jesus told us, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

This candle could also be placed in skid row.  Jesus told us that, “whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you do to me” (Matthew 25:40).  That means that Jesus is present in our neighbor in need, esp. the poor.

And finally, this candle could be placed next to your heart and mine.  St. John tells us that, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God and God in them” (John 4:16).

The Holy Eucharist, the proclaimed Word of God, the priest, the gathered faithful, the poor, our loving hearts…  Yes, there are many ways that Jesus is present to us, dwelling among us.  Let us “Sing and rejoice — and give thanks!”

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

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels

Scripture:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12
John 1:47-51

Reflection:

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
     The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail . . . Rev 12: 7

Depictions of angels can be found in most specialty shops, catalogs and art stores in the forms of small, medium and large statues, pictures, on prayer cards, garden art and numerous other objects. They can be found in stain glass windows and statuary of the great cathedrals of Europe and around the world. We grow up knowing the guardian angel prayer and hope we haven’t frightened ours off by the time we have “grown up”. In the Catholic faith there are the nine choir of angels beginning with the lowest to highest ranking; Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim and Seraphim. In the Church we celebrate the archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael who are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Michael’s name means, “Who is like God?” We have a prayer calling on St. Michael for protection. This archangel is best known for his battle with evil, as quoted above. Gabriel is known as the messenger angel who announced to Mary that she was going to bear God’s Son. Gabriel’s name means, “God is My Strength” and is known as the Archangel of Wisdom, Revelation, Prophecy, and Visions. Raphael’s name means, “Healing Power of God”. We find this Archangel in the book of Tobit. He was sent in an answer to Tobit’s prayers and the prayers of his daughter. In this book of the Old Testament, Raphael is companion, guide, and heals Tobit of his blindness.

Angels are spiritual beings who assist God with those tasks on earth and in heaven. In the readings today we read that, “Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.”(Dn 7:9 – 10) What a sight that must be! All of those spiritual beings tending to God and doing what God commands. As I picture it in my mind’s eye it seems as if Heaven is a very busy place. During the Triduum I have pondered what the angels were doing as Christ went through his Passion, death and Resurrection. I can hear God telling Michael, No, hold back your angels, do not interfere. Gabriel watching with great sadness and Raphael wanting to heal broken hearts. And then great joy with Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension. And most likely they too understood the plan that God had in mind and tended to Christ on the day of Resurrection and the Ascension.

Today is a good day to reflect on these Archangels. Read and reflect on your favorite Archangel story and see where God leads you.

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

Scripture:

Haggai 1:1-8
Luke 9:7-9

Reflection:

Psalm 149:4   The Lord takes delight in his people

John 14:6       I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
No one come to the Father except through me.

Psalm 149: 4 is a hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance because God has chosen them and given them victory (4).  In John: 6 we hear Jesus tell us HE is the Way and the Truth and with him is new Life, a place in the Kingdom!  As believing members of the Body of Christ, these words that come to us this day from scripture should bring us immense joy and hope.  So many times in our busy, harried day to day life we get overwhelmed with trying to ‘do it all ourselves’!  This oftentimes leads us to frustration and desperation!  We live in a frightfully fast-paced life that can overshadow the message of hope which we can find in Jesus!

In the past month, our world has been besieged by incredible tragedy.  Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria as well as the earthquakes in Mexico have left a path of destruction and devastation everywhere we turn.  Millions of suffering people have been left in its wake.  As I write this reflection this day, I continue to be overwhelmed by the ever-present reality that surrounds us daily through the media and technology that brings these sad situations into our homes and lives.

In the aftermath of these tragedies, as we search for ways to bring hope and healing to so many, the words of Jesus are a light in the darkness.  Let us remember these words and take them to heart and really focus on how much better our lives can be when we stay rooted in Jesus Christ.  We are a blessed people truly loved by our God and called to spread God’s message of hope and peace to all. Amen.  Alleluia!

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

Scripture:

Ezra 9:5-9
Luke 9:1-6

Reflection:

Jesus gives us his “marching orders” in today’s reading from Luke.

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.”

As I get older when I go on a trip I go through a more painful preparation process!  Did I remember all the required medicines?  Are Zoe the dog and Gabriel the cat supplied with everything they will need at home?  Is the coffee pot off?  Do I have my wallet?  Are the doors locked?  Am I losing my mind double checking everything?  (My wife can tell you the answer to that one!).

Jesus sent the Twelve out with nothing.  All they had was the present moment and the knowledge that the Kingdom of God was at hand.  I wonder what I would have done if my marching orders were to leave with nothing, right now and to proclaim the Kingdom!  My guess is that Jesus would have gotten a few questions from me.

This is a good day to reflect on what I need in today’s world to proclaim the Kingdom of God.  I seem to need lots of trappings.  These trappings can obscure the message I am trying to preach.  I need to set aside anything which clouds the truth.  The truth is simple, beautiful and life-changing.  God loves us.  God loves us so much that we are each invited to empty ourselves (die) and be filled with new life (rise).  We are invited as individuals and as a loving community to experience death and resurrection along with all of creation.  We are one with God, each other and the creation which surrounds us!

I don’t need a tunic to proclaim this good news of the Kingdom of God.  I need simply to say yes and “get on down the road!”

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

Scripture:

Ezra 6:7-8, 12B, 14-20
Luke 8:19-21

Reflection:

He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8:21

Jesus promised us the closest intimacy with him if we listen with great care to his word!  This is among the most astonishing statements in the New Testament.  How much closer can one be than a mother?   Mary was instrumental in bringing about the greatest event in human history by listening and absorbing the Word.   “let it be to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38   “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us!”  Elizabeth captured the heart of Mary’s intimacy with God.  “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45

If we ever hope to have an intense relationship with God we must have a passion for listening to God’s word.  We must imitate Jeremiah:  “Your words were found, and I ate them”. Jeremiah 15:16

In the great challenge of the new evangelization the first step is to come to some familiarity and relationship with Jesus Who is the good news of God. How can this ever come about if we are not listening to God’s word?  The plaintive cry of Jeremiah still echoes in our ears: “O land, land, land, hear the word of the LORD!” Jeremiah 22:29

When I was stationed in Southern California I used to love visiting the Huntington Gardens Library where there was an original copy of the Guttenberg Bible.  Some years ago a copy was sold at 4.9 million dollars at Christie’s auction.  It was the most ever paid for a book.  God’s word is worth far more than this not because it is an important piece of history.  Rather it is the living word of God revealing Christ in real time!

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

Scripture:

Ezra 1:1-6
Luke 8:16-18

Reflection:

Back in college I had a delightful humanities teacher who periodically would depart from his prepared notes, and generously share wonderful insights about culture and religion… perhaps current events or philosophy. Once when we were discussing the impact that architecture and environment make on society, he spoke of how, in medieval times, the church was always the center of the village; it was the tallest building, and it enjoyed the finest of landscaping, while the interior always had fresh flowers. All of this occurred because God was the center of people’s lives. Sadly, he said, banking and insurance, luxury merchandising and boutique hotels have now taken that place. I’ll never forget the melancholic tone in his voice when he spoke of how our currency might declare, “In God We Trust,” but our architecture tells us it’s the almighty dollar we worship. He spoke of the tiers of chrysanthemums around a waterfall decorating the nearby shopping mall; it had become our new shrine.

Today’s readings thunder this message powerfully. The temple which the returning exiles are going to rebuild in Jerusalem is described in various places as the light of the world; this light, set on a mountaintop, will illumine the whole world. In the Gospel, the lamp is never put under a bushel basket; rather, it is displayed on a stand, to be a light for more people.

The light that each of us can bring to our bruised and broken world is truly a treasure. Today, it might simply mean smiling at the clerk in the grocery store, or asking the receptionist how her ailing mother is doing. I want to penetrate the darkness with the Light of Christ, the core of our lives. And tomorrow maybe I can help clean the church!

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 55:6-9
Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20:1-16a

 

Reflection:

The Kindness of God

“Are you envious because I am good?”  “God is good” is a close translation of today’s Gospel.  So many people are always talking about justice today that it makes one think we forget the incredible kindness of God.   About the last thing in the world we need is justice from God!  Some time ago I had my picture taken for my drivers’ license.  I told the photographer: “do me justice young lady!”  Without a smile she answered: “You need mercy, not justice, old man!”

“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.”  Mt 20:1   If the men got a just recompense for their work of one hour, their families would have to go to bed hungry that night as they could not  live on a part of a full day’s wage.   Thanks to the Lord who is literally “good” (agathos) in original inspired Greek text.  He gave them a full day’s wage.

Justice has quite a different meaning in biblical terms than it does in modern American language. For moderns justice often means “you owe me something”.   God owes nobody anything.   We are all total objects of His mercy.  We can’t take one breath without His gift.   We are all workers in the last hour.  Perhaps that is why Jesus told us: “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.^”  Mt 18:3

A child earns little money, has little wisdom, and is very dependent on others!  He lives because of the care of others.   Is this not our relationship with God but more so?  The wonderful thing is that He cares deeply about us!   “For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Mt 6:8   God is good “so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.^”  Mt 5:45

Outside of my window a Mockingbird was singing.  What an unbelievable creation of God!  Jesus used birds to draw attention to His Father’s loving care of us all. “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”  Truly God is so very good!

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