Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Isaiah 53:10-11
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

Reflection:

There is old wisdom in the saying “be careful what you wish for”. Indeed ideas often precede actions and sometimes they have an effect on us at the subconscious level and thus have the capacity to surface and influence our actions before we even realise it. When an idea, even one suppressed for a time suddenly surfaces it can surprise us and influence us to act in ways that might not correspond to our value systems or even to our choices already made. Perhaps in another sense today’s gospel text reminds us of Andy Warhol’s oft quoted suggestion that ‘everyone wants 15 minutes of fame’.

Not that harbouring ambition or desires is wrong in itself. Indeed everyone has a basic ambition to find meaning, belonging and authenticity in life. However the danger seems to be that these genuine pursuits can also be misdirected into a more undeveloped, egocentric pursuit of status, power or control.

This seems to be the tenure of the request James and John put to Jesus. They seek the status of a closer association with Jesus, but they miss the deeper truth and meaning of what ‘leadership’ is in the vision of Jesus. Notice that Jesus immediately puts their shallow interpretation of leadership on notice – he immediately links leadership to the capacity and willingness to make sacrifices and suffer for the sake of others, and in that way lead by example.

Let’s notice too the reactions of the other disciples to this request. Their response is one of indignation and this is also telling.  Indignation is often directed at others and their perceived ‘poor’ behaviour, but like many reactions that take place it also reveals something about the person who is indignant. A useful reflection for ourselves might be to ask ‘What is happening within me when I am indignant at the behaviour of others?’  In the case of the others disciples in today’s gospel, could it be that their feelings arise from jealousy? Could it be that they secretly harbour the same desires for the very same recognition and privileges? Whatever, the lesson for us might be that our external reactions to any situation can be useful guides to us – if reviewed honestly and openly – in that they might reveal to us our own inner world and its harboured desires.

This is so important for all of us in living the various expressions of our leadership in society, church, family or workplace. Yes the exercise of power whether personal or institutional is a real part of life and it is necessary. Power, wisely and compassionately exercised enables authority to be manifested so that good may eventuate. But if power is exercised in a shallow or self-centred manner and used so that one’s own will prevails at the expense of others’ legitimate needs, then we have entered the territory that Jesus warns about, a world where “rulers lord it over” their people. In essence this is self-serving behaviour, while it can look like ‘strength’ it reveals weakness, self-centredness or selfishness on the part of the bearer. It serves self-interest rather than enabling the service of others.

For Jesus leadership is intimately connected to service and sacrifice; together they form the one reality.

We all “lead” in numerous ways. Leadership surfaces in relationships, marriages and in family systems just as much as it is present in organisations and wider community based associations. The words of Jesus are indeed challenging- if we want to lead then this comes with an inherent invitation to assume the posture of a slave, to be a servant and to give one’s life for the sake of others.

 

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.  He currently serves on the General Council and is stationed in Rome.

Scripture:

Romans 4:13. 16-18
Luke 12:8-12

Reflection:

If Abraham was to be the father of many nations, the members of that large family would need to be like their father.  Chances are all could not do the same things that Abraham was able to do.  Some might be more artistic; some may be carpenters; some good a teaching, etc.  Their oneness with their father Abraham would not depend on doing the same things.  Rather, it would depend on their trusting openness in faith to the free gift of God’s grace falling upon them.  They would all share in the righteousness of Abraham not through works but through faith.

Faith opens and keeps open our hearts to the flow of God’s love.  Jesus tells us that the only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin that closes the heart to the flow of God’s forgiving grace.

The flow of God’s Spirit within us puts us into an oneness with God.  In times of necessity, we need not worry about what to say or not say.  Because of our intimacy with Jesus, he can speak through us by the Holy Spirit he has given to us and who dwells within our hearts.

Faith makes us a channel through which flows the power and love of God.  Our challenge is to let it flow.  If we try to dam in up and keep it for ourselves, it will become stagnant and a source of death rather than a river of life.  The more we allow it to flow the more it cuts away our sinfulness and resistance and the greater our capacity becomes to channel an even greater abundance of God’s blessings and anointings to others.

 

Fr. Blaise Czaja, C.P. gives parish missions and retreats.  He is a member of the Passionist Community in Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Paul is wrestling with the heart of the Good News.  How are we saved? If it is true that “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” then how do we become right with God again? Paul’s bold answer is “through faith in Jesus Christ”.  Paul uses several metaphors to explain this process. We are “justified freely by his grace”. He redeems us “by his Blood”. His “righteousness” accomplishes this in “the one who has faith in Jesus”. There is no occasion for human boasting “for we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Martin Luther made this verse the foundation of his understanding of Christian discipleship. To emphasize the point he added the adjective “alone” to his translation of the German New Testament so no reader would miss Paul’s point. “Faith alone” became the rallying cry of the Protestant Reformation.

Today these polemics of the sixteenth century have been put behind us through dialogue and mutual understanding by a joint declaration of Lutheran and Catholic theologians. However, unity is still is still a work in progress. When believers have been separated for five hundred years is it hard to get back together.

 

Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P. is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Romans 2:1-11
Luke 11:42-46

Reflection:

But the law says!

What happens when we let judgment lead our encounters?   From my own life I am becoming more and more aware of the ways the gavel of judgment shuts the door before another’s personal story is able to evolve.

Pondering the cross while praying with these scriptures, I see again how Christ came to open and broaden the narrative.  Where we have a tendency to place a period, Christ’s ministry added commas, question marks and exclamations.  While man’s judgment seemingly brought forth His horrific ending, Christ’s death and resurrection adds chapter upon chapter of merciful possibility, when we are able to see each other, in a mystical way, as one.

As I listened to the homilies, addresses and comments of Pope Francis as he made his way from DC to NY and Philadelphia it was amazing to watch people open to the tone of mercy and love reflected in his gestures and the many ways he welcomed, encouraged and challenged, yet affirmed.

Nothing changed in a way.  There are still questions.  And yet, everything changed in those brief moments of witness.

Hearts opened as differences and challenges were acknowledged, and yet, in each shining moment we began to see that there may be more to the encounter of Christ, with each individual story, than meets the eye.

In Matthew’s gospel Christ asks, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

Lord, as the temptation to judge arises, help me to have the courage to return my gaze to “my thoughts, my words, what I have done and what I have failed to do.”   And from that place of humble honest recognition help me to again open my heart to the God given dignity of each person I encounter with an ever widening bridge of respect and love for all.

 

M. Walsh is a friend of the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center and the Passionist Community.

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

This is a week for important events in my life. Tomorrow I celebrate my 72nd birthday, and on Thursday, after 9 years, I step aside as President of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, and welcome my successor, Fr. Jon Chalmers. I must admit that since I made the decision back in January to find my successor, I held out little hope that another Catholic priest would succeed me. Oh, me of little faith. Today’s Word shines a light on this experience and some spiritual realities that help us interpret what is happening to us. Paul is so attached to Christ he considers himself His slave. He goes where the Lord leads by obedience of faith. It’s called surrender. And that term “Gentile” is attached to these two. Gentiles, the strangers, the foreigners, the unchurched, and unattached ones, those who make us feel awkward or uncomfortable. It’s called apostolic. So do we need more signs?

Jesus is in another crowd today. He did something to those who surrounded hm. Well, some who were with him were awakened by something He did, or said. Joseph G. Donders, African missionary, says it well: “He awakened something in them. His dynamic became theirs….There are immense depths in us. There are fantastic possibilities, realities that remain hidden if we are not stimulated by someone else.” “Realities that remain hidden,” is not that mystery?  “Stimulated by someone else,” is not that Communion? So who needs signs? We have the spiritual realities at our daily disposal: surrender, apostolic, mystery and Communion. In our daily events we must pay attention to our “insides,” and to those who know and love you well.  After all, did not Jesus come to “bring fire to the earth” and baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire? Mt. 3:11

 

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

Wisdom 7:7-11
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

Reflection:

What does it mean to follow Jesus?  Today’s gospel tells us.  “As he was going out into the way…”  Mark uses the phrase “the way” to remind us that Jesus is on “the way” to Jerusalem and the cross.

It is at that moment that a man runs up to Jesus with the urgent question, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”  He wanted to know what we all want to know: how to live in this life so that we might live forever in the Kingdom.  Keep the commandments, Jesus tells him.  To which the man responds “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.”

Jesus gazed on him with love.  It is a gaze of invitation to follow him; to leave his possessions, his attachments, all that he considers valuable, “and come follow me.”  The rich man’s reaction? “…his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”

It would be grossly misleading to interpret this passage to mean that we are literally to give away our material possessions in order to follow Jesus.  Ronald Rolheiser, in his excellent book “Sacred Fire,” offers a deeper insight to this gospel.  Life, he explains, – and with it, Christian discipleship – has its stages, and they involve struggle: youth, maturity, and old age.  “The call to follow in the footsteps of Christ takes on a unique character during each of these struggles.”  God meets us at each stage of our life; his invitation to follow him is different at each stage.

In the first stage, our youthful discipleship, we struggle to get our lives together, to find our own identity as we learn to relate to others – our riches, our gold.  How does the man respond when Jesus instructs him to keep those commandments that concern relationship with others?  He’s done all that from his “youth.”

In the second stage, our mature discipleship, we struggle to give our lives away – in marriage, children, religious life, community, church, civic involvement. It’s no longer about me.  It is now about others.  It is at this stage that Jesus meets the man.  He calls him with love to now give his life away, his youthful riches, and enter into a different kind of discipleship.  This can be a tremendous struggle for us.  It was for that man who felt the need to cling to his riches.

In the third stage, radical discipleship, we struggle to give our deaths away.  What does such discipleship look like?  Jesus shows us.  He gave his life for us through his generous actions for us.  And he gave his death ultimately through his dying for us at Calvary.  That was his final and greatest gift, and it is ours.

What does it mean to follow Jesus?  The answer lies in Jesus’ gaze of love.  He calls us to follow him – whatever our struggle, whatever our stage of life.  Jesus invites us disciples to follow him “on the way,” the way that leads to Calvary.

 

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

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

I recently traveled to California on business, where there is a severe drought. They live 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 gets a glass of water unless they ask, and if you ask, you’d better drink it. Lawns are more consciously planted with drought-resistant plants or are being converted to rock gardens. Instead of letting water run in the shower or sink as it warms up, people 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:

Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Luke 11:15-26

 

Reflection:

A Spiritual Clutter Counselor

In today’s gospel we hear of the battle against a strong man who is secure, fully armed, and ready to defend his palace. But there is one stronger who will break him, take his armor leaving him defenseless, and make his possessions the spoils of victory.

Battles must be approached with caution and planning. Over confidence may leave an area of vulnerability unattended, our opponent may be experienced and prepared. Jesus introduces the story of the strong man after his action of casting out a mute demon. Our Lord is the victor over Satan; Jesus is the stronger.

St. Paul many times describes those who follow Jesus as sharers in the victory of Our Lord. We are clothed in the armor of light and have the gifts of the Spirit as a sort of spoils of victory. Satan takes us away from the fullness of life lived in the joy of God’s presence, Jesus leads us to intimacy and oneness with the Father.

If we think of this section Luke as a sort of text book on the battle with Satan, we can jump to John’s gospel that gives us like a news report from the battle front what happens when Jesus engages the enemy. We are on Calvary. As we approach the climax of the battle where we see Jesus about to die, Mary and John are on either side of him. To one side soldiers decide not to divide Jesus garment. Something of unity is foreseen. Then Mary and John are united, sent home together. But more than Jesus  providing for the future of his mother, Mary the woman totally open to the Word of God and John the disciple especially loved, are united. In the victory of Christ through his death those who are scattered are now gathered; there is oneness of God’s Word joined to love of God. In the battle we cannot be neutral. We choose to join with Jesus and know the unity of God’s Word and love, rather than to be scattered.

Luke ends with a scene reminiscent of a character in Anne Tyler’s book Saint Maybe. There we meet a professional clutter counselor, Rita. She was a character as unusual as her profession, but the one who provides a new life for the suffering hero of the book.

When a demon is sent on his way and the dwelling in which he lived cleaned and made new, the demon is happily surprised to see his old haunt cleaned and inviting, and he even invites his friends to enjoy it with him. We need Clutter Counselors in our lives! Rita would agree with Jesus who says it is not enough to tidy up. We all have visions of our houses in order. Is the secret somehow to not leave the place empty? Invite Jesus to be the guest and the house will not be empty. Is that what happens to the Women of Galilee to whom Luke gives special mention and has as the first witnesses of the Risen Lord? They all have their demons cast out but are attached to Jesus whom they follow and minister to. Do we need along with the occasional cleaning of our house that spiritual director or guide, honest friend or voice of the Spirit in our lives, so that our hard work isn’t for naught and our house gets run down once again?

Jesus asks for our allegiance and that we gather with him. On a practical level a spiritual clutter counselor, may also be a big help.

 

Fr. William Murphy, CP is the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Jamaica, New York.