Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Exodus 32:7-14
John 5:31-47

Reflection:

Dare we compare the ‘molten calf’ of Moses’ time and today’s rampant materialism? Have we allowed ourselves to be ensnared in a culture where material possessions are deified, perhaps even worshipped? Could our devotion to material wealth, even subconscious devotion, have eclipsed our reverence for higher values? Has the pursuit of a kingdom possibly resembling Gordon Gekko’s overshadowed the importance of God’s Kingdom in our lives?

During Lent, we are called to rekindle our dedication to almsgiving. Almsgiving serves as a delightful departure from hoarding wealth, contrasting 180 degrees with the tendencies of unbridled materialism. It elevates the importance of connections and experiences over mere possessions. Rather than exerting control over others to safeguard our riches, almsgiving empowers others through support and aid. It steers us away from superficial joys tied to belongings, guiding us towards a more profound sense of fulfillment and authentic happiness as we choose to share our time and resources.

The avenues for almsgiving are plentiful and diverse. We can opt for home-cooked meals over dining out, curtail unused app subscriptions, and prioritize meeting others’ essential needs before indulging in self-fulfillment pursuits. By nurturing others with compassion, optimism, and dignity, we counteract the temptation to overspend on how we “look” in favor of genuine human connections.

Let us ask ourselves: Has a fixation on material wealth today, akin to Moses’ ‘molten calf,’ been overshadowing our reverence for God’s kingdom? If even slightly so, what steps can we take to realign our priorities toward values that truly matter?

Jack Dermody is the editor of the CrossRoads bulletin for the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission for Holy Cross Province. He lives in Glendale, Arizona. 

Scripture:

Isaiah 49:8-15
John 5:17-30

Reflection:

“Come out of the darkness, for the lord comforts his people and shows mercy.”

That cry of the prophet – an affirmation of God’s loving mercy, becomes enfleshed and visible in the life and mission of Jesus.

For as our gospel text reminds us in Jesus’’ own words, the mission of God – to love us and bring us to life – is one with the mission of Jesus in our world. Where we see Jesus’ at work we see the Father, where we hear his soothing and comforting worlds, we hear the Father and where we experience his loving, kindness and forgiveness we experience the gift God’s mercy itself.

Jesus is the living embodiment of the saving love of God. That love – which underpins and defines our relationship to God – is a never ending story of intimate, personal concern which uplifts us and brings us to life. Jesus lives out and reveals this love – a love which can be likened to a maternal love as imaged in the cry of God (through the Prophet), “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Yet even should she forget, I will never forget you”.

Our gospel text today is at pains to remind us of the unity of Jesus with the Father and of his living our of the Father’s will. “Amen, amen” he says to us, “the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also”

Jesus further spells out the dimensions of this love – the Father is constantly loving us, working to raise ‘the dead’ to new life, not judging us, but calling us to trust and believe in our salvation. God is for us a Father who is constantly wanting for us life to the full.

And all these actions and desires of God for us are entrusted to Jesus who does not seek to do his own will, but the will of the Father who sent him.

The life and witness of Jesus can at times stand in stark contrast to so many other messages we receive in life, sometimes even daily. The world might suggest to us, even promise us, that we can make our lives full and self fulfilling by our own actions, but Christian wisdom speaks to us in a different voice. Our view of life is founded on the vision of human life as life created in the image of God and brought to perfection in the person of Jesus. Thus we see and know that the essence of life is relational loving and that we live for the Other and find ourselves in loving and making sacrifices for another.

Indeed Jesus teaches us by his own life that the nature of love and of service to others involves sacrifice. For Jesus to be faithful to God’s dreams involved sacrifice and ultimately the loss of his own life.

As we continue our Lenten journey and reflect more deeply on the meaning of our lives in Christ, let us adhere to this standard and ask for the courage and grace to be of service to others in imitation of Jesus’ own service and witness.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia. 

Scripture:

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
John 5:1-16

Reflection:

Both readings today reflect the life-giving and healing attributes of water as symbols of God’s countless blessings and abundant mercy. 

In the first reading the angel shows Ezekiel the river “flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple”.  Ezekiel first experiences the water as a small stream which is “ankle deep”.  As he moves on further the water becomes a larger stream which is “knee deep”.  Thereafter, it becomes a rivulet which is “waist deep”.  Finally, the water accumulates as a river “through which I could not wade; it had become a river that could not be crossed except by swimming”.  The life-giving and transformative power of this water sustains every kind of living creature that can multiply, including abundant fish, fruit trees of every kind which will bear fruit every month.  The abundant fruit serves as food and the leaves as medicine.  Keep in mind that this life-giving water is represented as flowing from the holy temple of Jerusalem.

Six centuries after Ezekiel’s encounter with the angel, John’s gospel portrays purportedly healing pool of water in Jerusalem called Bethesda with five porticoes (roof-covered porches).  Herein lay a large number of ill, blind, lame and crippled, including one man who had been ill for thirty-eight years.  Jesus goes up to Jerusalem on a feast of the Jews where he encounters and heals the man.  When Jesus asks the man “Do you want to be well?”, the man replies “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me”.  Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat and walk.”  The man did so. 

Note that Jesus did not ask the man to bathe in the pool to be healed as was the tradition at the Pool of Bethesda.  Jesus demonstrated that His healing power surpassed anything that could be expected from the pool, including not only the man’s physical infirmities but his, spiritual ones as well.  Later Jesus finds the same man in the temple area and says to him “Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse will happen to you.”     

So here we are on our own faith journey through the river of life.  We have received the healing and forgiving power of God’s water at our baptism where we waded through the stream of God’s love and kindness.  As children, we learned that God’s life-giving and healing powers were more abundant and necessary than we appreciated as children, carrying us along the stream up to our knees.  Then, as young adults, if we remain faithful, we are waist-deep in God’s countless blessings and abundant mercy.  Finally, as adults, we have had to learn to swim to cross the river that we all one day hope to cross.  Of course, our coach is there for each stroke that we take: “Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse will happen to you.”  So let us keep on swimming.  Remember that the surface of the earth is covered by 71% water, so we still have a long way to swim.  Yet all of that water is a “drop in the bucket” compared to God’s countless blessings and abundant mercy which we can count on to finish our journey. 

Bill Berger has had a lifelong relationship with the Passionist Family.  Bill and his wife, Linda, are currently leaders of the Community of Passionist Partners (CPP’s) in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

Isaiah 65:17-21
John 4:43-54

Reflection:

The Responsorial psalm in today’s readings captures so aptly today’s gospel:
“I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”

Jesus had reproached the people who followed him with the titillating expectation that he would perform something remarkable, even sensational, before their eyes.  Instead, Jesus demonstrated that the most amazing power comes from his word.

Today’s gospel tells the story of the royal official who approached Jesus in desperation — in a kind of foxhole prayer.  His son lay in mortal illness at home.  He urgently begged Jesus to heal his son.  “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 

In a most unsensational way, Jesus said to the royal official, “You may go,  Your son will live.”  Jesus’ simple declaration was all it took.  ”The man believed in what Jesus said to him and left.”  Undoubtedly, the royal official returned home praising the Lord who rescued not only his son from death, but him from despair to belief.  Indeed, he and his whole household came to believe in Jesus the Christ.

As with the royal official, Jesus challenges us.  Will we believe that the words of Jesus pack  life-giving power for us?  Will we believe that the Word of God is enough to conquer death and lead us to eternal life?

The story of the royal official is our story.  When we received ashes on our foreheads at the beginning of Lent, we heard the words, “Repent and believe in the gospel.”

During this Lenten season, we are called to believe the way the royal official believed — and to praise the Lord for he has rescued us.

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

Scripture:

2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21

Reflection:

My Lenten resolution is to be more aware of the consequences of my actions and make positive changes where I can. I didn’t realize how challenging that would be, and in how many different scenarios! For instance:

• I use too much water and I want to more consciously conserve it. Yet lingering in that hot shower feels SO GOOD! And it’s inconvenient to save and use the colder water that I run out of the faucet until it gets hot.
• I want to be kind and loving, but oh, it’s hard not to make that snarky comment, especially in a context where I know my listeners would agree with me.
• I want to donate more money to causes whose impact goes far beyond what I could do on my own, but it’s hard to send that check when I want to feel financially secure myself first.
• I know I’ll have a stomachache later if I eat another piece of that dessert, but it’s so sweet and wonderful in my mouth! And yes, I know I should buy only “fair trade” chocolate, but this one is easily available and tastes fabulous.

We sometimes excuse our excesses and self-centered pleasures as “guilty indulgences”, and a little bit of indulgence is a good thing. Self-care is important. It’s hard, though, not to allow a “little bit” to become a habit. “C’mon. Just this time. It wouldn’t hurt, would it?” And then another time, and another, until we reach the point Jesus warns us about: We prefer darkness to light.

Admittedly, darkness can be easier. Ignorance is bliss. If I don’t think about it, I can continue on my merry way without a care. I can rationalize my way into almost anything that I want. But the Gospels and the teachings of Pope Francis are clear: that is not what we’re called to. We are lavished with immeasurable riches and called to be children of The Light. We are required to use what we’ve been given, to act in ways that don’t cause harm and that don’t directly or indirectly contribute to the perishing of other living beings or the environment. Darkness is not our future. Light and Life and Grace are.

I’m not sure I can get there in just one Lenten season. But I’m writing down all the times I become aware of negative consequences, and slowly but surely changing my heart, mind, and actions because of it. In this holy season, how can you go beyond “giving up something” that you will then just go back to after Easter anyway? In what ways can you act with deeper awareness so you more clearly shine the Light of Christ, sacrificing yourself and yes, some of your “guilty indulgences,” so that others may live?

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:

Hosea 6:1-6
Luke 18:9-14

Reflection:

Who Can Live Without Some Privilege?

The desert journey invites an encounter with God in the Scriptures. There is the white noise of war and its effects, too many political words that say little to the hopes our hearts seek, dignity swept aside by violence. So, in these wet and dreary winter days on the east coast I hear a second invitation to withdraw into myself. Will the God of the Lenten desert meet a solitary winter wanderer who feels quite discontent.

I have recently read writings by Barry Lopez, a modern-day world explorer who has gone to the edges of the globe and lived harsh ways of survival as he comes to know the people and cultures of these remote areas. There is wonder in what he sees, but I sense it is the people he wants to know. Reflecting on how his experiences have made him who he is, he tells a revealing story….One night in a heavy rain storm after being in the wild for a few months, loaded down with luggage and equipment, he arrives at a prestigious club in the heart of Manhattan. He apologizes to the concierge for not being dressed according to code – after a few days travel he has just arrived at the airport and is a day early for his reservation. He hopes there is a room. ‘There is no room; your reservation will be honored tomorrow.’ He asked to please speak with the manager. The manager eyed him and affirmed he would be welcome for the next night. And then became surprisingly insulting and dismissive. Barry said no more. He hailed a cab for a hotel and returned the next evening to claim his reservation. But he did not play a trump card. He did not say that his father was one of the founders of the club and a significant person in it. He didn’t one-up those who belittled him.

His story ends there. No more. But realize he has been living with the people on the margins of the natural world, people surrounded by unspeakable wonders of creation and wildness, yet whose lives are primitive and by our standards poor in every way. He did not have to win, to have his way, there are obstacles, we go around.

The people to whom Hosea speaks today have a piety like morning dew. They have figured God out – one who renews, who heals wounds and raises up. We will offer sacrifice, they say, and count on this God who always shows up! Do we detect a note of privilege? Yes, God will surely do their bidding. They might be in for a surprise. Or the Pharisee who has found the fast lane as opposed to the weary tax collector who feels himself in the middle of a desert. His prayer comes from the depth of his being. How human and how profound. He will meet God in the desert or in the lane for slow-moving vehicles on the right side of the steep hill. With the old, slow vehicles, the breakdowns, and struggling pedestrians there God is giving a push to some, hope and encouragement to all.

May we serve others in love rather than step on the ‘Little Guy’ to gain status and privilege. In the wilderness of the desert or the winter of our hearts and souls may we meet the God who travels the margins, who shows us in poverty we are rich. Nothing can impede the surprises of God who raises up those humbly bowed down so they feel a brother’s love. And after emptying the pockets of those who come prepared for every emergency, we laugh because now we know we need not fear having enough.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Hosea 14:2-10
Mark 12:28-34

Reflection:

Receive the Love of God

Only Jesus’ love can break the spell of self so that we no longer live for ourselves but for Him. (2 Cor 5:15) We love God, ourselves, or anyone because the Lord first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). When we receive God’s love, we stop being preoccupied with ourselves and start to, “love Him with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, and all our strength. (Mk 12:30)

Jesus asks the scribe, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” The man’s answer moves Jesus to say, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” God commands us to love him, and by that very command makes it possible. God says, “I am like a verdant cypress tree; because of me you bear fruit!” And “if my people would walk in my ways, I would feed them with the best of wheat” (Hosea 14) This is fulfilled in the Eucharist.

Don’t be addicted to self or love of self. Receive the love of God as he says, “I will heal their defection, I will love them freely.” (Hosea 14:5) When you do this your are able to love your neighbor as yourself. We human beings are addicted to ourselves because of our fallen nature, we are self-absorbed and egomaniacs. We are naturally preoccupied with ourselves and automatically live to do our own thing. Sometimes this addiction to self is passed off as a love for ourselves. However, addiction to self is closer to self-hatred than to self-love.

How can we break free of our addiction to self so that we can love ourselves and thereby love our neighbor as ourselves? As we are baptized into, and immersed into the Lord’s love, we forget about ourselves and, paradoxically, begin to love ourselves (see Mt 10:39). Receive His love! Give His love to Him, yourself, and others! Amen.

Deacon Peter Smith serves at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, in Tucson, Arizona. He is a retired Theology teacher from Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, a retired soldier of the United States Air Force, a Graduate student at Xavier University of Ohio, and a member of the Passionist Family.

Scripture:

Jeremiah 7:23-28
Luke 11:14-23

Reflection:

But he knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.’   -Luke 11:17

I won a speech contest in my third year of high school. The year was 1962. The event was the annual Mother of Good Counsel Seminary Speech Contest. Our school’s mission was to train young men in the relatively popular media of the day (preaching and writing journal articles) geared to spreading God’s word, in particular the word of Jesus’ giving us his all—the Gospel of Good News. All that goes to say it was an important event. In preparing for this event, each class chose their representative for the upcoming contest after each classmate presented their speech to the class. My classmates chose me.

In preparation for the schoolwide contest, Father Germain CP, a short solidly packed man and our third-year speech teacher as well as the head librarian for the community, (monastery, a college, and a high school) coached me on how to give that speech. I’ll never forget being in his office, a narrow corridor like room on the west end of the library. “When you come to the last line, Dan, give it all you’ve got!” Father must have realized that even when I wasn’t trying to get your attention, I usually gave it all I had. Anyway.

The speech was Patrick Henry’s “Call to Arms” which I can still recite almost verbatim sixty-two years later. The final line, as you probably know is: “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me eath!” (https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclopædia_Britannica/Henry,_Patrick)

As I reflect on this event as well as the many, many events in my life since that “win”, I believe Henry’s liberty or death is a false dichotomy. Henry as Fr. Germain, and all my teachers and mentors of that time, have been given death. I believe, death, as Jesus taught us with his life is not to be feared. It is the final entry into freedom from such man-made separations, i.e life vs liberty; win vs lose; White vs Black…

God, thank you for life! Please, help me see that all You have given me is life giving freedom, even death. Help me see further that it is not my job to decide who receives which of Your gifts today or at any time. I only have to say yes to the life each day, one day at a time.

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago.