Daily Scripture

Scripture:

James 2:14-24
Mark 8:34-9:1

Reflection:

We have likely been caught in the conundrum of faith vs. works.  It’s always more comforting to witness faith clearly spelling itself out in works, than trying to see the presence of faith in someone, when the only evidence of it is in the church attendance on the part of a "believer", or, on the other hand, when trying to any sign of faith in someone who never or seldom darkens the door of a church.  But the scriptures today help us out in this difficulty, at least regarding the presence of faith in someone not notable for darkening the door of a church.

This James whose letter is assigned as today’s scripture reading was an early martyr in the history of the nascent church, so his credentials in this matter are stellar.  Right off the bat he challenges someone to demonstrate his/her faith without providing any evidence of "works" (v. 18) since he reckons he is on solid ground in being able to see evidence of faith in the works that a person does.  This is an interesting inversion of the formula most of us go by, namely, that the faith we profess clearly manifests itself in the works that we do-the way we live.  Then James goes on to spell this out in that great icon of faith, our father Abraham.  For James asserts that this faith of Abraham came to light in the greatest "work" imaginable, when Abraham "…offered his son Isaac upon the altar" (v. 21).  So we should be concerned,  not only that faith becomes evident in works, but also that works can be indicative of one’s faith.  James is firmly convinced that works justify a person (v. 24).  This goes a long way toward solving the concern about those "good people" who are known for their kind and generous spirit, but apparently practice no faith, leaving us to wonder how they stand in the sight of God.

Jesus too has some interesting remarks on this kind of situation.  He lays down His terms of discipleship in saying: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Mk. 8.34).  Here Jesus ascribes salvation ("save his life", v. 35) to one who takes up his cross and follows Him.  Such a one will "not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come in power" (9.1), which could likely mean His death on the cross not many months forward.  So, taking up one’s cross, living by one’s convictions, means that "they see the kingdom of God has come in power".  In other words,  salvation comes by the way one lives.

So what do we gather from all this?  It seems that "works", the good things we do, are seldom a challenge to faith.  In fact, they strongly suggest faith must be at work deep down in anyone who does them.  On the other hand, it often happens that the quality of faith can be challenged by the absence of any commendable works on the part of a believer.   There’s a void here that proves detrimental to one’s profession of faith.  Of course, the ideal is for a marriage of the two: a life that both manifests a strong sign of faith by a person who is a constant, regular church-goer, and at the same time is a dedicated "worker" on behalf of the kingdom of God.   Our best examples of this combination, of course, are the many saints who grace the pages of our calendars on every day of the year, such as St. Peter Damian today.   But, without being too critical of those church-goers who give little evidence of serving others in their needs, let us at the same time be slow to weigh in against many others (perhaps even in our own families) who manifest no closeness to the church, but who display clear signs of a kind and generous heart, thanks to whom this world is a better place than it would be without them.

 

Fr. Sebastian MacDonald, C.P. is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. 

Scripture:

James 1:12-18
Mark 8:14-21

Reflection:

There is a statement which has hung on the walls of various offices that I have inhabited that remains pertinent to the ministry I have shared during those years. You may have seen this: "We the unwilling, led by the unqualified, have been doing the unbelievable for so long with so little, we now attempt the impossible with nothing!"  You can attach all kinds of sentiments to that statement from absolute fear and desperation, to unbounded joy and celebration, depending upon one’s perspective, or outlook. Ah, perspective. Is that toward which the Word is pointing us today?  Our perspective? Here is described the situation in which the disciples, having just participated in one of the more astounding "miracles" of Jesus’ public ministry – 4000 people fed with seven loaves and a few small fishes,  and there are seven wicker baskets of leftovers.  And then, hours later in the boat, the disciples are hungry themselves and they forgot their own provisions for the journey.

Based on their perspective of the present situation they can, either, lay blame on one another, hint at irresponsibility or just plain dumb planning, or realize that the heart of Jesus is present in their midst and their dilemma. They are all, literally, in the same boat.  Jesus has just reminded them not to rely on just external signs, as in the "yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." Did the disciples include in their "discussing the situation among themselves" the presence of the heart of Jesus. He didn’t leave his heart behind with those 4000; he was there in the boat. In sizing up their dilemma Jesus was there in the center, reminding them that his life provides amidst total sacrifice, impotence, and just not knowing what to do next. "Do you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets of fragment you gathered up. "  

It is the internal perspective that is needed in times of extreme need or doubt.  Even when just talking to myself I can forget that He is here. "Do you still not understand?"  That question comes from the heart of God in Christ, possessing a faithful, long-suffering, patience with a deeply rooted hope in us. He will provide. Just stay in the boat with Him, please.

 

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, CP, is President of Holy family Cristo Rey Catholic High School, Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

James 1:1-11
Mark 8:11-13

Reflection:

During these past weeks, my family and I have been engrossed in the Olympic Games. Not only have the competitions, medal counts and uniforms caught our attention but also the stories of the athletes.  We hear that these athletes have been training since they were very young. Despite trials, hard times, broken bones, and homesickness, they persevered to attain their goal of becoming an Olympic athlete. The stories are truly inspiring.

In today’s first reading, we begin at the start of the Letter of James. Immediately after his greeting, he dives into the importance of trials and perseverance in our faith. "Consider it all joy my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2

We need perseverance to continue to grow in our lives and faith. As everyone knows, we have or will encounter trials often. Whether it be the loss of a job, illness, death of a loved one, or spiritual dryness; all of these trials and more can test our faith.

During these trying times in my life, I have always referred back to the saying "What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger." Not particularly poetic, but there is some truth to it. Many of these trials do not kill us, but produce perseverance and endurance within us to run the race and fight the good fight. These trials remind us of the great grace, mercy and love that is bestowed on us by Christ.

From the example of the Olympic athletes, we know that this perseverance is not gained overnight. It is nurtured by a daily commitment to your passion. And in order to grow in our relationship with God, we must have passion for our faith. Making the daily effort to nurture this gift of faith will help to keep up our endurance and keep our eyes focused on Jesus.

So like these athletes, let us work hard towards our goals. "We will run and not grown weary, for our God will be our strength and we will fly like an eagle, we will rise again. We Will Rise Again." David Haas

 

Kim Valdez is a Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.

 

Scripture:

Sirach 15:15-20
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Matthew 5:17-37

 

 

Reflection:

Jesus Christ, the Fulfillment of God’s Law and Prophets

As a set of moral values, beliefs and tenets, the Constitution of the United States serves not only to form the national American identity of U.S. citizens, but also to guide their right practice of civil law as they look to protect their national human rights.  In effect, the Constitutional Federal Law is meant to secure the Commonwealth of the States, not to revoke their own laws.  By the same token, Matthew’s Gospel has been introducing us for the past two Sundays to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount which he begins by giving us the Beatitudes as a set of evangelical virtues and bearings that constitute the Christian identity of his disciples.  Afterwards Jesus preaches on the metaphors of salt and light, the vitals of our Christian faith that give us the dual sense of evangelical vision and mission, which are necessary for us to preach and witness to the gospel.  Thus, we come to the point in today’s gospel where Jesus explains his ethical interpretation and execution of the law and the prophets, the guiding principles of our Judeo-Christian tradition that are to draw us close to God and to help us work together for the common good.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.  I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."  For not even "the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place."  Matthew presents Jesus as Moses, the ancient Prophet of the TORAH, the Righteous One of Israel who fulfills the New Covenant and establishes God’s heavenly kingdom on earth.  In such metaphoric language, Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that his messianic mission occurs within the ethical and eschatological framework of the law and the prophets, for his pastoral ministry gives them the life-giving meaning and purpose of God’s mercy and justice. Thereby, to explain the commandments of the law, Jesus introduces six antitheses, four of which appear in today’s gospel, with the phrases: "You have heard that it was said. . . But I say to you." The new covenant does not change but perfects the old, because Jesus interprets it, not in human terms but with divine wisdom, as "God predetermined before the ages for our glory" (second reading) and the salvation of humankind (first reading).

Biblically speaking, how do we, like Jesus, come to fulfill the law and the prophets in our lives?  For Paul, who eagerly addresses the Corinthian community, we do it by speaking God’s mysterious wisdom which "God has prepared for those who love him…[and]… revealed to us through the Spirit."  For Matthew, it is about obeying and teaching the commandments without imitating the scrupulous, legalistic attitude of the scribes and the Pharisees.  That is why, as "the Lord of glory" whose "Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God," and whose "righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees," Jesus speaks divine wisdom (second reading) in order to help us understand and strengthen our relationship with God and one another.  He thus instructs us "in the way of [God’s] statutes, that [we] may exactly observe them" (psalm).  For, as the Book of Sirach suggests, we are humanly capable of keeping the commandments and trusting in God, though we need the scrutinizing wisdom of God’s Spirit, "who is mighty in power, and all-seeing," in order to choose life over death, and good over evil, and thus give meaning and purpose to our human existence and our spiritual life.

Today’s Scripture readings invite us to reflect on our human capacity for and commitment to fulfilling the commandments of divine law.  Do we really believe and trust in God’s covenanting promises?  Do we live up to the sacred mysteries we profess and celebrate in our Roman Catholic tradition?  Do we take for granted or treasure what Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel and the Eucharistic doxology acclaims in the honor and glory we give to God’s Holy Trinity?  For it is "through him, and with him, and in him" that we come to fulfill the law and the prophets and to glorify God’s Holy Trinity in our lives.  For thus says the Lord: "Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!" by acting justly and treating each other as sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus.

 

Fr. Alfredo Ocampo, C.P. gives retreats and parish missions.  He is stationed at Holy Name Passionist Community in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

1 Kings 12:26-32; 13: 33-34
Mark 8:1-10

Reflection:

Jeroboam is the first king of the Kingdom of Israel when the northern tribes revolted from Solomon’s son.  Splitting the kingdom and setting up a new civil government was the easy part, but how to deal with the worship of Yahweh.  For the people of the new kingdom of Israel it didn’t make sense to continue to go to Jerusalem to worship. It might even be dangerous politically. Being a practical ruler Jeroboam hit upon the idea to set up two places of worship within his own kingdom.

The ancient sanctuary city of Bethel (House of God) and Dan were chosen. Golden calves marked the new sites. New priests had to be appointed to direct the liturgies and perform the animal sacrifices. Harvest feast days and other festivals were re-established. The people would continue to worship the God who had rescued them from Egypt, gave them the Ten Commandments and the Covenant, and brought them into the Promised Land.  But it would not last.

In the 8^th century the mighty Assyrians would destroy Israel and deport the inhabitants. None ever returned. That was the price of standing up to the Assyrians. That’s the conclusion of historians. The inspired writer of 1^st Kings is also looking back and is seeing something different.  He is seeing God’s judgment on sin.  The sin he sees is unfaithfulness to God.        

 

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

Scripture:

1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Mark 7:31-37

Reflection:

In looking through today’s readings the message that jumped out at me the most came from the responsorial psalm, " I am the Lord your God, hear my voice".  A pretty straight forward, simple message, a message that is very similar to what we hear at the river Jordan for Jesus’ baptism, "This is my beloved son, listen to him".

In a busy world of work, family, social life, let alone in a culture that is aggressively trying to remove God and religion from the public square, how do we hear His voice? Sunday Mass by itself is not enough for me. It is too easy to get distracted or come preoccupied.  Jesus though gives us an example of how we may listen.  Prayer!

Often Jesus goes off to pray alone when He is overwhelmed. Thus it can be for us. Not the quick "drive by" prayer requests or petition, but the long, silent prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament or alone in a room. 

Pray unceasingly Paul tells us. Maybe he knew how much effort it would take for us to truly hear the voice of our Lord. Not just using a lot of words, but the effort of returning over and over in prayer and finding stillness in our hearts, so that like in the ATT commercial, when God says "can you hear me now", we are listening.

 

Steve Walsh is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, and a good friend of the Passionist Community. 

Scripture:

1 Kings 10:1-10
Mark 7:14-23

Reflection:

Evagrius Ponticus, a fourth-century Christian monk, instructed his disciples: "Strive to render your mind deaf and dumb at the time of prayer and then you will be able to pray." Evagrius was offering advice on a form of contemplative prayer called meditation. As a mystic, he trusted that God is present in the depth of the human heart and that inner Divinity could be accessed through the discipline of meditation.

The goal of meditation is to encounter the presence of God within the Silence of one’s Heart. This is accomplished through a gradual withdrawal of the physical senses from stimulation with the external world. Step by step, the meditator cuts off contact with the outside world by closing the sense doors one by one. First, the eyes go shut (that is the easy part). Then the meditator begins to encounter the constant chatter of the ego-mind which is agitated with desires, volitions and opinions. By advising the Christian meditator "to render the mind deaf and dumb," Evagrius is pointing the way to God which is beyond words, images and mental concepts. He is encouraging the meditator to continue the inner battle with the ego which fiercely resists being quiet. In time, the presence of God will be revealed within the depths of one’s self. This penetrating dynamic is described by the Psalmist as "deep calling unto deep" (Psalm 42:7).

Whenever the Gospels speak of Jesus healing physical afflictions, anyone walking the spiritual path realizes that the story also points to an inner healing. The transformative grace of meditation comes when we are finally able to go "deaf and dumb" in prayer – when we move our consciousness beyond words and concepts. For then the spiritual ears are open to the inner voice of God and any impediments to communication with the Spirit are removed. The blessing received by the impaired man in the Gospel is once again manifested: "the deaf hear and the mute speak."

 

Fr. Joe Mitchell, CP is the director of the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center in Louisville, Kentucky. See his website: http://www.earthandspiritcenter.org/

Scripture:

1 Kings 11:4-13
Mark 7:24-30

Reflection:

This reflection is inspired by what happened to Jesus in today´s gospel. I pray it happens to me. He listened to the Syro-Phoenician woman and was able to go beyond the cultural divide of that experience. Jesus listened beyond the woman´s gender, race and creed and imagined a different reality, one in which he must bring liberation. Through the bold words of this woman and through Jesus’ capacity to listen to her, the Rein of God, now and for all time, extends beyond all boundaries.

My environment has taught me how to avoid Your Voice. Evil can hide behind very gentle and cordial ways. I am a product of my environment. I have learned how to deafen my ears and heart to you as natural and in inconspicuous ways, as if taking a breath.

Unfortunately, yours is not the only voice I ignore. I ignore other voices, especially, those of children, teens, and some adult-males. For the latter, all depends on their race, sexual preference, age, ¨masculinity¨, intellectual capacity and physical ability, class, weight, and even how they dress. I have a problem! Yet, I am committed to learn how to listen to you and those who I unconsciously, and consciously, put in the same category as you, and perpetually mute them in my own little world.

I am a privileged person. Being a heterosexual male and as priest, I can permit this bias to make its home in my heart, and, at times, it has made me refuse to take responsibility over it and seek healing. Yet, I dare commit myself to conversion because Jesus has showed me the way and its benefits. When we learn how to pay attention to you, to listen to you and to let you teach us, then we can imagine things differently. This new imagination can ignite new and powerful ways of being. Ways that are more human, more Christian.

An underlying story in our country’s struggle with the Civil Rights Movement is that of the role of women within that struggle, especially as it pertain to its iconic leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. No doubt one of these women was Ella Baker, a great organizer and a voice of emancipation way ahead of her time. Though one of the founders of SNCC (The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), her direct and powerful ideas- such as her conviction that strong people don´t need strong leaders- pushed her outside the clergy-centered ranking-files of this very organization.

Dr. King´s views on the economy, the war in Vietnam, Militarism, the role of women, and capitalism changed drastically through the influence of these women. Dr. King´s celebrated speech of 1963, "I HAVE A DREAM," in which he imagined a racially integrated USA, could not come to fruition unless our country´s oppressive abuse of capital and military power in the world ceased. Dr. King now understood that our world´s problems were not exclusively about race or class but one of militarism and rampant capitalism, and colonialism, and the center of the world´s greatest evils is the values with which we live and our governments govern.

What Jesus did in today’s Gospel still speaks to us today. Are we listening?

 

Fr. Hugo Esparza-Pérez, C.P. is a Passionist of Holy Cross Province now working in Mexico with the Province of Cristo Rey.