Daily Scripture

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.

Scripture:

Malachi 3:13-20b
Luke 11:5-13

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel speaks to us of prayer and urges us to ask the Father for our needs.  Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t say yes to all your prayers?  I have.  Well okay, I understand that if I pray to pass an exam and haven’t studied, or to win a game but haven’t practiced or to be healed but don’t take care of myself I shouldn’t expect God to reverse the path I’ve chosen.  And I understand that some things that I tell God I want may not be best for me but there are times that I just know what I am praying for is a good thing and then I wonder and ask, “Why not, God.  Why not?”   Well, perhaps that thing we most fear happening is going to challenge us to grow or teach us to love in new ways.  Maybe we just aren’t ever going to know the reason why God doesn’t grant our request.  We have to remember and accept that God has a plan and it is not going to be our plan.  And our response should always be, “Thy Will be Done.”

The last verse of today’s Gospel gives us yet another way of looking at what we ask of God.

If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?”

This verse of scripture tells us that it’s not just anything that God will give us, but that God is going to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.  That means that we will be blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Wisdom, understanding,  counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord.  Wow!  That’s some pretty impressive stuff.

I think it’s good that we pray to God for all kinds of things.  Of course, it’s also a good idea to offer our prayers of gratitude.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all pray like they do in the Old Testament, approaching God as someone who is there with us all the time?  Telling God when we are happy, when we are sad, when we are angry?  Who better to share our lives with?  So it’s okay to pray to win that game (or at least to do my best) and it’s okay to ask God, why or why not.  But we need to remember that God’s ways are not our ways.  God is looking to give us the best of gifts; God wants to give us the Holy Spirit.

 

Mary Lou Butler is a long-time friend and partner in ministry to the Passionists in California.

 

Scripture:

Jonah 4:1-11
Luke 11:1-4

Reflection:

Since I retired eight years ago, I’ve had a lot more time to pray. Sometimes, when I pray, I wonder if I’m doing it right or if there is something more I could do to make my prayer time more effective. I wonder if some people have a much better grasp on how to do this.

Then the other day I watched Pope Francis addressing a joint session of the United States Congress and what was he telling all these powerful men and women? He’s telling them to find inspiration in four Americans, two of which are numbered amongst my favorite people, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Wow! I met these people through their biography’s many years ago. In 1963, my novice master, Fr. Fred gave me Thomas Merton’s “Seven Story Mountain” and one of my great mentors, Fr. Clancy gave me Dorothy Day’s “The Long Loneliness”.  These were people of prayer, Fr. Fred, Fr. Clancy, Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day…and so is Pope Francis.

I am happy and blessed to have had these people in my life. Along with my mother, father and many teachers and friends, I guess I don’t need to wonder how I’m praying so much as to be grateful and still continue on my journey of learning to pray. Thank you to all my teachers and to the disciple who asked in today’s scripture passage: “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” (LK 11:1)

 

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

Scripture:

Jonah 3:1-10
Luke 10:38-42

Reflection:

I would imagine that Jonah would have been delighted to be called by God for a special service. He wasn’t. He fled from God. Where do you go to flee from God? Jonah decided to take the first ship leaving the harbor to the vastness of the sea. But that was not far enough. A strong storm came along and the sailors, thinking Jonah was the cause, tossed him overboard. A large fish swallowed Jonah. In the belly of the fish, Jonah met God again and prayed, “With resounding praise, I will sacrifice to you, Lord.” The fish ejected Jonah upon the shore, where God again speaks to our unwilling prophet. Jonah, without much enthusiasm and against his better judgment, obeys and sets out for Nineveh.

God finds us where we are. There is no place to hide from God. That is reassuring to those of us who lose our way, at times on purpose, and wonder if God really does care. God’s love is greater than our rebellious acts, our resistance or our lack of enthusiasm. God stays with us, speaking to us words of love to draw us back into harmony with yourself, one another and with God. Never give up on yourself or anyone else who has wandered far away and seems like a lost cause.

Jonah converted the people of Nineveh, a city that was a three-day journey across. That is, it was a big place with a lot of people. Jonah lacked enthusiasm for his mission; he was angry and disagreeable. Yet, he accomplished something great for God, because God was with him. With God’s grace, imagine what we can do with fire in our hearts, joy in our spirits, and determination in our wills. And when we don’t have fire, joy and determination, believe that God does not give up on us.

 

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., resides in Chicago.

Scripture:

Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11
Luke 10:25-37

Reflection:

Jonah …. lay there fast asleep.

You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

Our readings today contain two very well-known stories from Scripture. First, the story of how Jonah comes to be in the belly of the whale. Second, the story of Jesus sharing the parable of the good Samaritan. These two stories are so well known that they have become part of our culture, even among people with no religious background. Why, there’s even a travel club called the Good Sams.

Unfortunately, as with many oft-repeated scripture stories, we can forget to listen with our hearts as well as our minds when they’re read. We find ourselves in danger of falling “fast asleep,” just like Jonah in the hold of the ship when we hear them.

It is common in church circles to hear someone say, “I’m trying to discern the will of the Lord.” I have often found myself in the position of knowing I need to do something different with my life, but wondering what that could be. How we wish to be in Jonah’s position of having the Lord come and just tell us what to do. And yet, I suspect, that if this were to come to pass we, too,  might try to flee from the Lord. There’s a saying I’ve heard that goes something like this: “I know the Lord only gives us as much as we can handle, but He must think I’m some kind of superhero if He thinks I can handle this.” This seems to sum up Jonah’s attitude. And Jonah seems to come to some sort of redemption here, because he instructs the sailors to throw him into the sea that they might live. He admits it is because of his fleeing from the Lord that they are in dire straits. This is the first step towards his fulfilling the will of the Lord.

Then there is the reading in the Gospel of the scholar who stood up to test Jesus. He essentially asks, ‘What is the will of the Lord?’ Jesus, knowing it is a test, turns the question back to the scholar. When the scholar correctly answers that it is to love God and care for each other, Jesus says, “That’s it.”

But the scholar, pressing the point, asks, “But who is my neighbor?” In the parable that follows, Jesus casts as the neighbor a member of a group considered unclean to the Hebrews. To remain spiritually pure (read “close to God”), Jews had to avoid any interaction with Samaritans. The Samaritans were considered so impure, that mere proximity would require ritual cleansing.

So when we read this parable, we need to remember that the Samaritan represents those people we would refuse to invite to our own dinner table. A member of the opposite political party? The homeless? A jihadist? When you find someone that makes you squirm in your seat to think of breaking bread with, you’ve found your Samaritan! This is the one who Jesus says is your neighbor–the one you are to love as yourself.

 

Talib Huff is a volunteer and presenter at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

Genesis 2:18-24
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

Reflection:

Loving Like Jesus

Today’s Scripture selections are “rich”!  The Genesis reading provides the creation story of men and women with a “dose” of the sacred beauty of human sexuality and desire.  The Hebrews selection highlights Jesus’ mission as the Suffering Servant.  And the Markan Gospel selection presents Jesus’ teaching on the value of marriage, and a touching picture of Jesus’ love for children and his desire that we all become child-like in our humility and openness to God’s Kingdom.

In a touching manner, Jesus teaches us about the deep realities of love and life.  We humans thrive on both of these realities.  Jesus lovingly witnesses that marriage is a spiritual commitment of love for a lifetime of growth – and a vocation today’s world challenges on many levels.  In a deeper way Jesus reminds each of us, in our respective vocations, are called to love as God loves … faithfully … unconditionally … fruitfully.

Jesus also highlights the love and life that are hallmarks of children and the child-like.  The Gospel pictures children being brought to Jesus that he might touch them in blessing.  The disciples had tried to keep them away, to not be a “bother”, but Jesus wanted the children to come to him that He might embrace and bless them.  In fact, Jesus reminds us all to be child-like throughout our lives!

The Scriptures highlight Jesus as the model for the love of spouses, parents, and children – all of us!  We of the Passionist Family realize His love was boldly enfleshed for as Jesus reached out to us in his sacrificial death on the Cross, witnessing the sacrificial dimension of all love.  Love isn’t easy in any vocation in life – but Jesus witnesses that love is possible, critical, life-giving – and definitely worthwhile!

Today, as Pope Francis convenes the special Synod on the Family in Rome, let’s be grateful for our faith, for our vocation and the growth we’ve experienced thus far, grateful for children, and for God’s love present in the people of our lives.  In a spirit of child-like openness, may we seek God’s help in a deepening of our faith and our love, a deeper appreciation of the beauty of human sexuality and human relationships, and a greater respect for all life.  For Jesus lovingly calls us to come and be blessed, and to live and share that blessing every day with our sisters and brothers — especially the least, the last, and the lost.

“May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives!”

 

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is a member of Sacred Heart Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.