Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Wisdom 9:13-18b
Philemon 9-10,12-17
Luke 14:25-33

 

Reflection:

The Cost of Discipleship

Quite a picture in today’s Gospel:  Jesus is travelling with great crowds; He stops and tells them that, to follow Him, you must “hate” your family and even your own life!  Strong words!  Discipleship is a great calling, but…hatred of family?  Carrying your own cross?  Challenging words to those who wanted to join His team and help spread His “Good News”…then…and now.

Jesus continues his discourse and invites his followers to consider how “costly” discipleship is.  He compares the decision to follow Him to building a tower (most likely winemaking) or going to war.  In both examples Jesus highlights that a person would be foolish to embark upon a major project without research, planning, resources, etc.

Today’s Gospel encourages us to consider our own discipleship, rooted in our Baptism “back when” in our lives.  No doubt we’ve been blessed in many ways thus far – and we’ve faced some difficult times in living out our faith in our 21^st Century world.  Jesus directly challenges us to go deeper in our hearts and check on our resources and our personal resolve:  Is Jesus 1^st and foremost in our lives?  Do “things”, or people, or possessions of any size or style get in the way?  Are we open to growth and change in our discipleship with Jesus?

“Hard”?  Yes!  “Impossible”?  No!  As noted in the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, God provides the grace, the Spirit, to help us.  And like Paul in his letter to Philemon, we have the support of one another in living as credible disciples of Jesus in our day and age — be we imprisoned or sick or elderly or experiencing any limitation.

Today we are invited to be grateful for the gift of our faith, cultivated in each of us by family and friends and our spiritual leaders.  Likewise, we are grateful for our 21^st Century discipleship and whatever vocation we’ve received from God.  We are encouraged to continue growing as disciples, accepting the challenges and crosses that are part of our lives – helping each of us to not just be “one of the crowd,” but truly unique, faith-filled and loving disciples.  May we be blessed as we credibly share our faith and our gifts with our needy sisters and brothers world-wide.

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

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 4:6b-15
Luke 6:1-5

Reflection:

The Lord is near to all who call upon him. Psalm 145:18

Friends recently lost their 22 year old son in a car accident. What a heavy cross to bear! I am so glad that they are devout Catholics who have a bed rock of faith to hold them up as they face this tragedy in their lives. The Lord truly is near to all who call upon Him, and He is tender-hearted to those who are grieving. We read in Matthew 5:4: “Blest are the sorrowing, for they shall be consoled.” And in Psalm 34:19: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”

Certainly God will comfort our friends, but what can we as friends and family do to help them? It’s different to lose a child rather than a parent or someone who has been sick, so I asked other friends of mine who lost their 33 year old daughter two years ago what they would recommend. I got this note back:

“Just tell them that you have no way to understand their loss, but that you love them and will pray for them. Take them food, mow their lawn, send them chocolate or homemade cookies. Check back in with them later, after things settle down. They will be feeling very alone in a month or so. Be there for them. Don’t quote Bible verses or try to fix or suggest anything. Just be there. There’s no way to make sense of it, and their loss will overshadow the joy of knowing that their child is in heaven. Job’s friends did great until they started talking.”

I think this is really great advice. I especially love the last line. Be a good listener, but choose your words, if any, carefully. Hugs will say more than words can. Carol’s husband also sent me a message. He said, “In two or three months (maybe longer depending on the person) there are two books I would recommend. When God Breaks your Heart and Lament for a Son. Sometimes a tragedy such as this sends people away from God. In that case, we can also pray, pray, pray, that those in grief turn to God instead of away from Him. And if they do reject God, we can pray that they will eventually come back to their faith. Love them back.

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:

1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Luke 5:33-39

Reflection:

I’ve spent the last couple of days proof-reading and editing some texts in preparation for publication. It must have left me in a “myopic” attitude, by which I mean, I can’t see the story for the words; which left me challenged by today’s first reading.

St. Paul speaks of his indifference to “judgment”, whether by individuals or by institutions. He uses the word “judgment” in a judicial sense, with penal overtones. The alternative to this judgment is to be “acquitted.” The Greek word which runs through this text for “judgment” is “krino” in different forms. We are familiar with this meaning of “judge” because we have lots of afternoon television programing based around the exaggerated characters and cases of “Judge Xxxx” and “Judge Yyyy.” However, the judicial sense is an evolved meaning for the word “krino.” It’s origins are elsewhere.

In a classical, literary sense, it means “to separate”, “to choose” or “to select.” This enriches the context that Paul sets at the beginning of the passage. He writes: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  In order to carry out our role as “servants” and “stewards,” we need to exercise discerning judgment. We need to be able to propagate the “mysteries of God” by bringing discerning judgment into our daily witness to the Gospel. In this Year of Mercy, that means that we witness to the Absolute Mercy of God in the unmerciful and often rancorous political debate of this election year.

The ultimate act of judgment, in Paul’s text, is that which will be given by the Lord at His coming. It is the judgment of the praise that will come to every person from the Lord Himself.

In this case, the liturgical text doesn’t have the adequate precision. When the text states and then everyone will receive praise from God, it sounds like a celestial pep rally will be held at the last judgment. A more faithful translation would be: “our due praise will be from God.” The measure of that praise will be whether or not we, individually, were trustworthy stewards of God’s mysteriously unconditional mercy.

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P.  is the director of the Missions for Holy Cross Province.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Luke 4:38-44

Reflection:

He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.

Healing.

Cure.  Restore.  Purify.  Renew.  Mend.  Remedy.  Repair.  Put right.  Rehabilitate.  Rejuvenate.  Reinvigorate.  Resuscitate.  Reconcile.  Treat.  Minister to.  Settle.  Patch up.  Put right.  Compose.  Appease.  Recuperate.  Pacify.  Soften.  Clean.  Cleanse.  Purge.  Recover.  Make well.

When I read through that list, I’m shocked at how many different ways we can look at what needs transformation.  For me, each word can be attached to a part of my life which is in need; spiritually, emotionally, personally, physically.  Broken relationships, being hurt as well as hurting others (and ourselves), turning my back on God, fragile health, depression… I’d wager we can all deeply  relate to each other’s cry to God for an ease to our pain.

Superficially, today’s Gospel is all about Jesus healing the sick.  Digging a little deeper, we can recognize how great the faith was of the people crying out for Jesus’ saving power.  Reflecting further, with Jesus performing not just one but so many life-saving miracles back-to-back, it’s clear that there’s enough of him to go around for us all.  Which leads us to our next revelation – how Jesus came as a savior for everyone; Jews and non-Jews, men and women, highly esteemed members of society and outcasts, those who are “righteous” as well as we who are “broken” – all are equal in his eyes, and all are equally deserving of God’s love and healing.

“There is not, never has been, and never will be a single human being for whom Christ did not suffer.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, #605: 412

We are all like these scriptural faithful sick in some way; outcast and isolated, covered with painful sores which disfigure our hearts.  The challenge for me is asking for help.  But I have to!  The Psalmist writes “Our soul waits for the Lord who is our help and our shield.” (Ps.33:20).  Jesus comes!  As in the Gospel today, Jesus, without hesitation or apprehension, reaches out and touches even the most scarred and injured.  In spite of how empty, discarded, horrible, ugly, or destroyed we may feel, God grabs us, holds us up, and whispers “I don’t care… I love you.”  It’s true… it’s absolutely the truth.  If only we could stop focusing on our hurt long enough to recognize Him.

How many times have we faced something which seemed hopeless?  How many times have we been impatient with God, or failed to understand his plan and timing?  I know I sure have… and a lot.  And yet, through everything we do and in the midst of every trial, there He is, walking with us on the road toward all that needs raising.

So seek out God.  Bring your brokenness to Jesus.  Cry out loudly.  Whatever it takes, whatever you need to do, do it.  God is there, waiting.  He’ll drop what he’s doing and will walk with you, because there’s enough of Him to go around for us all.  Sometimes we get what we hope for.  But, we may not get the answers immediately – only in God’s time.  We may not even get the particular salvation we’re after – only God’s plan.  Even when it seems hopeless, it’s not too late to turn to God and cry out for help.

Even in your darkest moment, it’s never too late to have faith in God’s saving power.

Where is He in your life right now?  Who is Jesus using to reach you, to heal you? Or, could God be in you, acting though you, to reach out to another?

Dear God, thank you for the gift of you.
Please, grant us the faith to call for you, reach for you,
and know your healing – in your perfect way, in your perfect time.
… thy will be done. Amen

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, CA, and a member  of the Retreat-Team at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 2:10b-16
Luke 4:31-37

Reflection:

Does this sound familiar?  “May I have a word with you?”  “Put in a good word for me.”  “Mark my words!”  “And now a word from our sponsor.”

 Words can amuse and anger, bless and course, charm and repel, heal and hurt, unite and sever.  Words have power.  Words change things.

Words gave birth to a new nation: “We hold these truths…”  Words led to the death of millions in World War II: “Zieg Heil,”

Before an altar the words, “I do,” are spoken, and a man and woman become one in the sacrament of Marriage.

During Mass words are spoken over bread and wine: “This is my body.  This is my blood.”   And we adore the body and blood of Christ.

In the sacrament of Reconciliation, words are spoken: “I absolve you from your sins…”  And a lifetime of guilt is removed.

In the beginning of the gospel according to John, we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made with him, and without Him was nothing that has been made.”

God expresses himself in a Word that is a Person.  Jesus is the self-revelation of God.  And what does this special Word of God express?  Jesus’ life, death and resurrection proclaim, “God so loved the world….”

In today’s gospel, Jesus spoke:  “Come out of him.” And the unclean spirit left the possessed man.  The people wondered, “What is there about his (Jesus’) word?”

Yes, there was power in Jesus’ words.  And now, by baptism we are the living “words” of Jesus.  He sends us forth, scattering us about as a farmer scatters seeds all over a field.

We are to choose carefully the words we speak.  We are to choose words of love: “Welcome.” “How can I help?” “I believe in you.” “I’m sorry.” “I forgive you.” “Keep up the good work.” “Thank you.” “Tell me more.” “We can work this out.” “You’re beautiful.” “God bless you.”

If our words soothe and heal, give support and encouragement, build community and express the truth, Jesus’ power will continue to be manifested in our time.

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

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Mark 6:17-29

Reflection:

“ .  .  . so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.”

With the reemergence of comic superheroes, a new phrase or question has developed, “What is your super power?” A question that helps us to think about the special gift or talent we possess that might assist others. The Church calls these charisms. They are the graces/gifts and talents given to us by God, intended to build up the Body of Christ.

Saint John the Baptist knew that his charism was to preach and proclaim the coming of the messiah. He held fast to his gift of preaching and teaching and put his life on the line to speak the truth when it came to confronting Herod Antipas about his marriage to his brother’s wife when his brother was still living. While Herod Antipas, a “king” with “power” could not stand up to the truth when his wife asked for the “head of John the Baptist”. He could not humble himself and say no to the request. It would have been “humbling” for him to do so. He might have seem weak. What would people think of a king not keeping a promise?

When given power we need to know what to do with it. In the scriptures today we have two great examples of the choices we have in using our “power” or charism. We can use it for a greater good and it may cost us friends, job or opportunities. Or we may use it to make us “king of the hill”. Walking over others and ignoring the truth as we climb up to what we think is our goal. Not an easy choice when “human wisdom”/society tells us that it is okay to climb our way up and if someone next to me is falling down well, too bad for them. On the other hand, our faith says that we can all climb together helping each other to achieve our goals. In doing so we build up the “Body of Christ”

What are your gifts and talents? How are you using these to build up the “Body of Christ”?

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

Scripture:

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
Luke 14:1, 7-14

Reflection:

Once again, our scriptures speak to us of hope, but also offer us a challenge which calls forth a response from each of us.  The virtue of humility is mentioned several times:

In Sirach we hear:

My child, conduct your affairs with humility,
            And you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
            Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,
            And you will find favor with God.  

These words from the Gospel of Luke further exhort us:

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled.
            But the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

We find a comforting message in these words in the Gospel acclamation:

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord,
            And learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

The challenge that calls forth a response from us is found in the responsorial psalm and the gospel:

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
            Rather, when you hold a banquet,
            Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
            Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
            For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

So, as we journey onward to the kingdom, how do we practice the virtue of humility, how do we focus on those less fortunate than ourselves, how do we walk together with all peoples on this journey?!

Well, for the last six months or more, members of our parish community have accepted the challenge by forming a Refugee Resettlement Ministry.  At this writing we have over 150 people of all ages and sizes who have been working together to resettle our first family of Syrian refugees this coming Fall.  The outpouring of faith and faithfulness, hard work, creativity and gospel action has been and continues to be overwhelming.  From the start it was our intention to invite people to be a part of this ongoing ministry and have many people doing a few things rather than a few people doing many things.  Following the example of Pope Francis during this Year of Mercy, these ministers are on fire with zeal and determination to live out the gospel message.

We give thanks to God for the many blessings we enjoy and look forward with eagerness to continue to minister to those less fortunate than ourselves.  Onward to the Kingdom we go!!!

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

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Matthew 25:14-30

Reflection:

“Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.  Here it is back.”  His master said to him in reply, “You wicked, lazy servant!”

These words from the parable of the talents in today’s gospel leave me reflecting on how many times have I let fear dictate my actions in life.  Fear is not “Kingdom of God friendly.” If I am to truly build the Kingdom of God around me I cannot bury my good instincts in the ground out of fear that something might go awry.

How many times have I thought to say a good word of kindness or do a simple act of compassion and then held back because I thought it might not be received the way I hoped?  How many times have I not challenged injustice out of fear for my own well-being or fear of being misinterpreted?  How many times has fear stifled the Holy Spirit moving within me?

I think we often “bury our talents” out of fear.  This parable is not an easy one to sit and ponder.  Yet today Jesus asks us to reflect on what we do with what we are given.  This parable leaves me thinking, “I wish I had a talent for every talent I had been given.  I wish I had said or done something with kindness for every time I had thought to do so.”

God’s love is freely given, like the talents.  We must use the freely given love to build the Kingdom of God!

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