Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14
Luke 11:1-4

Reflection:

How old were you when you learned and memorized “The Lord’s Prayer” or as we frequently call it, the “Our Father”?    Do you know which gospel version of that prayer you learned?  I’ll give you a hint.  It probably wasn’t from Luke’s gospel.  For today as the church reflects on Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer,  many will be struck by how short it appears.  It is only six lines.  Did Luke shorten the prayer?  Did he decide some of the lines of the prayer weren’t necessary?  Or perhaps the version we had to memorize was lengthened?  Or maybe there is another explanation.

Today’s gospel begins with a request.  “Lord teach us to pray as John taught his disciples to pray”.  What was the prayer which John the Baptist taught?  To my knowledge we don’t have a copy of it.  I also think it is important to distinguish that this isn’t merely a generic prayer from Jesus’ mouth.    While it may have been inspired by the historical Jesus, it is a prayer of a community of believers who have accepted to follow Jesus on his journey to God, and who press on in their mission toward the Father.  It is the prayer of those who have received the promise of the Holy Spirit, living it out in a post-resurrection age. This is a community who truly know that they are God’s sons and daughters.

Incidentally, the longer version we memorized in our childhood years is also from a community of believers.  It was a more Jewish oriented community who also became strong in their belief of the risen Lord.  They most likely share the same inspiration but different in their developments as the faith communities grew.  Pray again the prayer from Luke’s community.

Father, hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test.”

While thousands of words and volumes of books have been written on this prayer, today can we ponder some meaning deeper than words we have memorized?

• How do we acknowledge the holiness of God?
• What is our participation in building that kingdom? Luke’s community was meal oriented.  It was the Father who provided for them with a meal that was characteristic of their life relationships and open to all.  Through this meal which transcends all ethnic, social and economic differences, they strove to bring about the kingdom of God.  What kingdom attracts our attention?
• God forgives us from our sins. Appreciating this alone should make our day.
• Do we forgive EVERYONE in debt to us?

The wisdom of the church invites us to take time today to think about the meanings behind words we have known for most of our lives.

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Scripture:

Galatians 1:13-24
Luke 10:38-42

Reflection:

As the month of October unfolds and the lives of many religious founders are shared with us, today’s special scripture selections for the Feast of St. Francis help us celebrate the Franciscan “roots” of our Passionist family, and our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross.

In writing to the Galatians, Paul the Apostle could truly “boast” in Jesus Crucified and look to the Cross of Jesus as the means of salvation. Saint Francis of Assisi heard that call of Jesus in the 12^th Century, gave himself wholeheartedly to Jesus and began an exemplary life of praise and sacrifice; some six centuries later, St. Paul of the Cross was called to build upon that blessed foundation.

To “boast” of Jesus Crucified; to praise God in all aspects of creation; to “rest” in the Lord and “learn” what it means to really love God and neighbor:  Jesus offers a transformation of life through joyful love, poverty, humility, and simplicity.  How needed that transformation in our 21^st century!

The Scriptures came alive for Francis of Assisi.  His carefree youth was radically changed by the call of Jesus, and thus he renounced his personal possessions and changed his life to one of evangelical poverty and preaching.  Francis was truly charismatic, compassionate, and in love with all God’s creation; others were attracted to his style of living.  Francis was blessed to compile a “rule of life” and establish a number of religious communities of both men and women.  In the short 44 years of his life, he sparked a spiritual renewal that continues to thrive even today.

Today, in reflection:  how do I respect God’s presence in people, nature, created things?  How are simplicity and humility part of my life?  How am helping build up the Church?

Francis invites us to join him today in “boasting in Jesus Crucified”, and praising God in our simplicity and respect for all manifestations of God’s Life.  O Brother Sun and Sister Moon, Brother Francis, Paul Daneo:  let us rejoice in the Lord, and as Passionists boast of the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

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

Scripture:

Galatians 1:6-12
Luke 10:25-37

Reflection:

“Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10: 36-37

We are getting close to the end of the Year of Mercy that we have celebrated in the church this year. How have we done in learning to be more merciful? Where can we still grow in this area? One of the hard things for me to see is the growing number of homeless families in the city where we live. It a difficult problem, because many of the homeless need more than a home, they need help for mental illnesses. We are helping with a home in our area that is taking in eight families today, so that’s a start!

But what do we do when we see a person on the side of the road with a sign asking for help? Do we feel uncomfortable and look the other way? I have to admit that I do just that sometimes, because I’ve heard we shouldn’t give money to those who are on the street. The agencies that help the homeless suggest that it would be better to give them a meal, or at least a “goodie bag” filled with protein bars, soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, kleenex, shampoo, etc. It’s also nice to have smaller bags with doggie treats for those who have a dog.

Even if you don’t have food or money to give, you can give these people a smile. We can acknowledge them with a nod and smile and then say a prayer for them. At least you are noticing them. Many on the street feel invisible and forsaken because most ignore them and so many of us are uncomfortable looking at them when we don’t have anything to give.

Scripture reminds us, “Give to the one who asks you.” (Matthew 5:42) I plan on being prepared the next time someone asks me for help. I invite you to join me by making up some “goodie bags” to have in your car. Even if just one person does, that would be great! And if each of us notices and tries to help the “neighbor” we encounter in our own neighborhood, city or town – then one by one, we can make a difference in our world today. Let’s each do what we can to help those God puts in our path each day.

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Scripture:

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

Reflection:

What is being asked of us is not to have more knowledge of our catechism, but to have a much deeper and stronger trust and confidence that our God is near us, even when God seems so far away. That doesn’t mean our faith will eradicate hardships and difficulties. Being a faithful disciple of Christ is never going to be a tea party. God has promised his love but never promised us a life free of suffering. Let us not forget: “He did not spare his own Son.” In the darkness we ask only what Paul the Apostle asked:  “Stir into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”

The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by speaking about a servant doing his duty. I believe what Jesus is saying is reflected in the words of Edgar Guest as found in “Doing the Gospel.”

I would rather see a sermon than to hear one any day…
I’d rather one should walk with me…than merely tell the way…

The best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds…
For to see good put to action…is what everybody needs…

I soon can learn to do it…if you will let me see it done…
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue, too fast may run…

And the lecture you deliver maybe e very wise and true…
But I’d rather get my lessons…by observing what you do…

For I might misunderstand you…and the high advice you give…
But there’s no misunderstanding…how you act and how you live.

“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.'”

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is the director of the Office of Mission Effectiveness. He resides in Chicago.

Scripture:

Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5
Luke 10:13-16

Reflection:

Each of us is just one of over seven billion people upon this plant Earth.  Earth is just one little speck in the vast galaxy called the Milky Way.  The Milky Way is just one of a hundred billion galaxies in our universe.  And scientists estimate that the universe is close to fourteen billion years old.

In both space and time, in both size and length of years, each one of us is so very, very, very small.  We are as a grain of sand in the vast Sahara Desert.  Our littleness is compounded by the fact that we have our share of weaknesses, sins and limitations.  We are of little account.

A rabbi was once asked to explain how is it that, in days long past, God was very visible and present.  But nowadays, hardly anyone sees him. The rabbi observed, “Nowadays there is no one who bows low enough.”

After a long dialogue with God, Job finally bowed low enough.  “Behold, I am of little account.”  He regained not only his possessions, but also his peace of mind, knowing who he was in the presence of God the Creator.

We read in the First Letter of St. Peter, “God resists the proud but gives his grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).”  Looking up at the stars and beyond to the Creator of the stars, we humbly respond with one word: “WOW!”   God’s grace follows.  And we live our lives in a constant attitude of gratitude.

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
John 1:47-51

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.  Once again I find myself reflecting on angels, as I have since I opened the pages of the New Baltimore Catechism in the 1950’s.  Question #19 went straight to the heart of the matter.  “What are angels? Angels are created spirits without bodies.” Question #22 went further with a “job description.” “How do the good angels help us?  The good angels help us by praying for us, by acting as messengers from God to us, and by serving as our guardian angels.” So much for my understanding of angels in the 1950’s.

In the 1960’s (circa 1968), the “Dutch Catechism” gave me more to think about concerning angels. “Everything said about them (angels) in the Bible proclaims the marvelous truth: that God is concerned for us in a thousand ways. The names of the angels tell us this.  Gabriel means “strength of God”; Raphael, “God’s healing”; Michael, “Who is like God.”  This understanding is the one I hold today; God is concerned for me in ways I’ll never understand.  God just plain loves me without limits!

I like this understanding.  It is so good to know how deeply and uniquely God loves me. If I could fully explain angels, then my understanding of the ways God can love me would have the limits of my own mind. I prefer to feel the warmth of God’s love on this cool, fall day in Louisville, in unexpected, unknown and fully unlimited ways.

I’m getting too old to develop scholarly reflections on the Archangels!  But, God willing, I’ll never be too old to experience God’s immense and mysterious love for myself and each one of us.  May the angels always be with us and may they walk happily with us into the arms of God.  Amen.

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D., is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Luke 9:57-62

Reflection:

Commitment is a big thing these days!  Either we find those who say yes and never waver or others who say yes and when the going gets tough, they pull back.  Jesus tells us that the life of a disciple requires all or nothing!  That’s hard for most of us.  Even when we try our best, oftentimes it doesn’t seem to be enough!  We have so many ‘other’ things that call for our attention, it’s hard to stay close to our commitment as faithful followers of Jesus!

We are called to do many things in this life and by far the call to be a follower of Jesus Christ is the most demanding and yet most rewarding!  For one thing it is not something we do alone!  Jesus calls, walks with us, listens to us, picks us up when we fall and most of all loves us.  It is this love that supports us when the demands seem larger than the rewards.

The disciples of Jesus were a rag tag bunch, much like those of us today.  They didn’t really know what they signed on for and neither do we most days.  What they came to realize and believe in was the amazing power and goodness of the one who calls us.  Today we pause to remember and celebrate the lives of Saint Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions, 17^th century Japanese and European disciples who were martyred for the faith.  In their lifetime they sowed the seeds of faith for the future of the church in Europe and Asia.

Over the years, my life as a disciple of Jesus has taught me many things.  The opportunity to walk with people of all ages, to learn from them, to grow in faith together, to laugh, cry, pray and celebrate God’s love has truly been gift.  My life has never been the same since my ‘yes’ so many years ago.  I would not be the person I am today without the many opportunities I have experienced.

It is with a spirit of gratitude that I continue to say YES, my Lord!  Let us continue to invite others to say yes, to look ahead and not back as we journey onward to the Kingdom!

Saint Lawrence and Companions, pray for us.!

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

Feast of St. Vincent de Paul

 Scripture:

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23
Luke 9:51-56

Reflection:

St. Vincent de Paul was an ultimate minister to the poor.  He spent time with galley slaves on sailing ships.  He started hospitals and homes for the elderly and orphans.  He did all this while knowing it was not who he was by nature.  He had to make a choice for the poor.  He made a choice to respond with love amidst the signs of his times.

The signs of our times demand choices too.  Here are a few examples of people responding like St. Vincent de Paul.

Here in Kentucky we recently buried Sister Paula Merrill, SCN.  Sister Paula was murdered in a rural Mississippi county serving and living among the poor.  At her funeral, Sister Adeline said “Sister Paula’s own heart ached for all she saw but could not mend.”  Sister Paula quietly worked with her companion, Sister Margaret Held, among the poor because she chose to do so.

The same day Sister Paula was buried in Nazareth, Kentucky, two groups of mourners gathered to bury 14-year-old Troyvonte Hurt and Deionte Stokes, 21, here in Louisville. Both were victims of senseless gun and gang-related violence.  In the background, working with youth to prevent future violence because of these deaths, was a man named Christopher 2x.  Chris is a good man.  He works in Louisville to make peace and is often in harm’s way.  He wasn’t given this position, he chose to do so.

 Mother Teresa was just proclaimed Saint Teresa.  In 1982 and 1988 she visited the town of Jenkins, Kentucky where her order has a convent where the nuns work with the poor in the area.  At an outdoor Mass in the area, she once said “Let us love one another as Christ loves us.  The greatest gift of love we can give one another is to grow in God’s love.”  Mother Teresa and these nuns weren’t made to work here, they chose to do so.

We all have choices to make.  St. Vincent de Paul, Sister Paula, Christopher 2x and the Missionaries of Charity in Jenkins, Kentucky have made their choices.  Maybe on St. Vincent de Paul’s special day it’s a good time to think about our own choices.  Am I making my life choices for the right reason?  Maybe this sentence from the diary of Dorothy Day sums up the common ground for our choices.  “Truly love is the reason for it all.”

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