Daily Scripture

Holy Saturday 

Scripture:

Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
Romans 6:3-11
Mark 16:1-7

 

 

Reflection:

On this day, all is quiet.  This day is broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in the tomb.  The Church sits near and mourns.  We wait in holy darkness.

We wait and we reflect on all that has happened during this week:

How we waved palm branches to greet our Messiah as he entered Jerusalem; all our hopes wrapped up in him. 

By Good Friday, however, we discovered that hope can have its dark side.  When our hopes are crushed, we blame our spouse, blame our family, our boss or our nation’s president.  When our hopes are shattered, we may even blame our God.  Where were you when I needed you?  What kind of God permits this suffering?  Then we toss aside our palm branches.  We may even join the crowd shouting, "Crucify him."

Yet, if we have courage to climb Calvary to die with the Lord, we can discover real hope; hope in God’s promise that in dying to our old self, we too will rise again to new life.

But, for now we sit by the tomb.  We wait in holy darkness.

"Holy darkness, blessed night,
heaven’s answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
we embrace your holy night."

 

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

Holy Thursday 

Scripture:

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

Reflection:

Tonight we begin the three day feast of the Triduum that takes us to our roots and causes us to ponder who we are, where we have come from and, most importantly, why we stay.  The stories we will hear in the readings from these days are familiar but can still hold an excitement and depth of meaning if we allow them to really penetrate us to the core.  They provide a sense of continuity and connection as well as, if accepted, challenge and confrontation.  Most of all, these scriptures, should lead to a deep, inner reflection, which can cause us to own or possibly even reject, who we claim to be.

We have been through the waters of Baptism and have been united with Christ in his death and resurrection.  These are wonderful images and reassuring promises but in listening to the scriptures and especially the parts about washing feet, accepting imposed suffering without resistance or defense, each of us must wonder if we would be willing to not just wash feet but possibly even provide more intimate care for those debilitated or unable to care for themselves.  And more importantly, would we be willing to humbly, graciously and gratefully accept such care when our age and or physical condition makes dependence a necessity?  Are we REALLY who we claim to be?

The reading tonight from Paul begins with "I received from the Lord what I passed on to you…"  Yet we know that Paul never met Jesus of Nazareth in the flesh.  What Paul received from the Lord came through the community of disciples of which he became a part.  Our faith has come to us through countless generations of Christians, some of whom may have experienced faith as a relationship with the Lord and others whose faith was fundamentally rooted in family or culture or national identity.  All of these from whom we have descended claimed in some way to be connected to the Lord.  Are we REALLY connected to the Lord, or do we have loyalties, even if to the Church, which more deeply anchor our identities?

Finally, why do we stay?  The Church today is far from ideal and certainly not an unblemished expression of the Gospel.  Nor is any parish or religious community or even family a pure example of unwavering discipleship.  The challenge of these High Holy Days is great and may be a cause for deep personal honesty.  Are we REALLY who we claim to be?

 

Cathy Anthony is on the staff of St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan. 

Good Friday

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42

Reflection:

Have you ever met a complainer?  You know the type – a slight inconvenience becomes a major catastrophe and every little pain becomes an intolerable burden.  Their constant complaints may serve a variety of purposes – i.e. bids for recognition as a "saint", indirect pleas for assistance (whether truly needed or not), or a means to gain pity.  Regardless, they use their suffering in selfish pursuits, entirely focused on filling their own needs. 

Then there is the attitude with which my siblings (and many other Catholics) were raised.  Whenever we complained, we were admonished to offer it up for a greater good – for poor souls in purgatory, starving babies in Africa, leaders of our country, or those who were dying that day.  Our suffering was always to be focused on the other.  This gave meaning to our suffering and also, by imbuing it with purpose, made it easier to endure. 

Today’s readings stretch that principle to incalculable depths.  We are told of the unnamed Servant who suffered rejection, humiliation, and death on behalf of his people, paving the way for them to return from exile and rebuild their lives in Jerusalem.  Then we re-live the passion of Jesus, who was betrayed, tortured, disgraced and put to death for us that we might know the infinite love and mercy of the God who always works to bring life out of death.  Both innocent, they freely accepted public degradation and offered up their lives.  God then gathered up their sufferings and used them as conduits of redemption in a world fraught with sin.

Can God so use me?  Though they pale in comparison, can my sufferings, willingly endured, somehow be gathered up into God and transformed?  Can I "die" so that others might live?  I don’t understand how this can be; my logical American mind wants to reject it outright.  And yet, my heart keeps returning to these readings, and even in the midst of pain, they lift my eyes in hope.  Though I have no answers, proof, or assurance of efficacy, I kneel as at Gethsemane.  Trembling with the weight of the words, I ask that God’s will be done above my own and I pray for the strength to place my life into the hands of God.

 

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.amyflorian.com/.

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection:

Throughout his career and especially during Holy Week Jesus has keen insight into events (such as his betrayal in today’s Gospel). When people heard him preach they marveled, "Where did he get all this?" Today’s servant song gives us a clue, "Morning after morning God opens my ear that I may hear." St. Paul of the Cross called this "impressions." This reality is the secret behind preaching and wisdom in life. I call this spiritual reality being led by the Holy Spirit.

I once discussed this verse with my preaching teacher at our theologate at Catholic Theological Union. I talked about these inspirations as a crucial key to preaching as well as life in general. She (a Dominican nun) remembered our conversations and gave me a gift when I graduated. It was a framed lithograph that said, "Morning after morning God wakens my ear that I may hear."

It is God who gives a well trained tongue. Formation, learning and experience sharpen the gift. God is the one who gives us insight into how to rouse those who are "weary." Today, people are weary. The Bishops’ document Fulfilled in your hearing tells us, when it comes to preaching, that we must start with the assembly. People are tired of low interest rates, joblessness, being betrayed by the stock market as well as dealing with many relationship and personal sufferings.

Perhaps the biggest critique on Catholic preaching today is that it is not relevant. God opens our ears to listen to our culture and most of all what our people are going through. Preaching is like medicine that anoints peoples’ wounds. Jesus used the medium of story and parable to capture his hearers’ attention and make them think. Today’s preaching must include personal witness as well, an authority that flows from God.

As Passionists we have a rich tradition of reaching the weary through preaching. Day after day God inspires us to reach out to the weary efficaciously. As we journey through Holy Week with Jesus, we watch and learn from the Master. We marvel at his wisdom and see the secret of his success. "The Lord God is my help."

 

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 12 books and creator of the TV program Live with Passion! airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/

Scripture:

Isaiah 49:1-6
John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reflection:

The Evangelist, John, tells of the inner soul of Jesus at the Last Supper.  "He loved his own in the world and loved them to the end."  This becomes evident in every word spoken and every gesture of friendship.  Our text reveals the loving concern Jesus showed to his bold, brash vicar, Peter.  Jesus persuades Peter to allow Jesus to wash his feet.  After the meal he warns Peter of the crisis ahead and even as his tells Peter he will deny ever knowing Jesus, he has a word of comfort.  Peter will recover, regain his composure and his loyalty and become the Rock of support for those who would so soon take to flight.

With that solemn supper, the great drama of redemption was opening.  The villain, Satan, was exulting over his success with Judas and counting on crushing Peter and his companions beneath his feet.  That proud personification of evil could not comprehend that his proud arrogance would be crushed by the humiliation of the very Son of God!

The Divine Mind does not strain in governing galaxies and their billions of stars, that Divine Mind and the human love of Jesus turned fully on one frail human being, Peter, called to be Rock.  The words of Jesus in the Upper Room were loving and gentle.  His glance at Peter even as the cock crowed had the warmth to melt Peter’s heart and cause his rush of tears.

Jesus acts the same way with us.  He well knows our weakness and has come to our aid in so many ways.  Our baptism unites us with his death and the power of his resurrection.  In every Mass he offers himself for us and nourishes us with his Body and Blood.  He embraces us in our encounter with him in Reconciliation.  Jesus loved Peter to the end.  He does the same for us! 

 

Fr. Fred Sucher, C.P. is retired and lives in the Passionist community in Chicago.  For many years he taught philosophy to Passionist seminarians.  

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

During the first days of Holy Week, we are directed to the Book of Isaiah the Prophet and his meditations on the Suffering Servant theme. These are inspiring readings which we hear throughout the year yet are more lively as we approach Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This Suffering Servant offers his own life for others. The Suffering Servant represents the finest qualities of one who fulfills the will of God. Sometimes this Suffering Servant is the community of Israel; at other times the Suffering Servant is a particular individual. The Church has always applied this theme and the characters of the Suffering Servant to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our Servant, who knelt down and washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. "For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Jesus comes to bring peace, not loud noises and upheaval. He does not exploit the weak in a show of power but empowers the weak by bringing truth, wisdom and healing. Jesus himself was not weak and did not act cowardly in the face of suffering and death. In his compassion and gentleness, in his willingness to forgive, there was strength, an inner power to reject violence and retribution. "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). What we might see as helplessness and failure, God saw as love and resurrection.

During this Holy Week let us remember that the work of God’s Servant is not finished. The work of God continues in us as servants, at times as suffering servants. We are not here this week to be spectators, even grateful spectators for what the Suffering Servant has accomplished for us. Unfortunate are we if we become like Judas, swayed by greed and self-preservation. We are invited to continue (through our Baptism and the grace of God) the Servant’s work which God inaugurated through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are servants attentive to the needs of our brothers and sisters, and, if necessary, willing to suffer for the sake of love and justice.

 

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province and resides in Chicago.

 

Palm (Passion) Sunday 

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39

Reflection:

Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem.  We more frequently use the names Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday.  Because it is a unique day we also have three variations for the entrance of this liturgy. The first form, preferred for this day, involves a procession.  This is difficult to do in any large parish.  Assembling a large group of people outside of the worship area for blessing and distribution of Palm’s, and then processing into the worship area can be a logistical headache.  However since most of my ministry is in retreat centers, I’ve really grown to appreciate this procession.  The blessing and remembrance of Palm’s resounds with triumphant voices as we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.  We sing our Hosannas to the King while we waive our palm branches.  There’s something gloriously exciting about this moment as we are all filled with anticipation.  However, as our procession moves into the worship space, the mood changes radically.  That electrically charged moment is sobered by readings of betrayal, abandonment, conspiracy, intimidation, suffering and crucifixion.  What happens outside the worship space is set in high contrast with the readings proclaimed inside our space of worship.

The first reading today, from the prophet Isaiah as well as the psalm were both familiar to Jesus.  Isaiah articulates the gift of prophetic speech and the power that he has which comes from God.  Additionally this "Song of the Suffering Servant" highlights the faithfulness of the servant which is founded on the fidelity of God.  Certainly Jesus not only read and prayed these passages, he understood his life and death to be their fulfillment.  Additionally, Psalm 22 would have been familiar to Jesus.  There is nothing in the psalm which makes one feel good.  It’s about faithfulness even in the midst of suffering, loss and abandonment.  Jesus would have certainly been familiar with both of these texts, holding them in his heart and mind.

Our founder, St. Paul of the Cross, used to say that all can be found in the Passion.  Since today we proclaim Mark’s Gospel narrative of the Passion of Jesus, let’s briefly look at some of the plots of this story.  The Gospel begins with a plot to kill Jesus.  It is a story of conspiracy and murder.  Amidst the darkness of this moment the next paragraph illumines the excessive and aromatic abundance as Jesus is anointed.  One can almost smell the richness of that moment in Mark’s writing. Have you ever noticed, in the darkest times of your life, there was some small little thing which was a very bright spot?  Whether Jesus is reclining at table here in Bethany or later in the city of Jerusalem celebrating Passover, food is always a priority for Jesus. (It’s one of those things we always love about him isn’t it?)  And somehow that Passover meal becomes not only a religious act but a pronouncement and celebration to his disciples of how much he loves them.  And just like real life, when everything seems to be going really great, look out!  In the middle of this final meal together, Jesus is now being betrayed by one in his inner circle.

Whether it’s stories of Judas’ betrayal, or Peter’s denial, this narrative is filled with emotional pain.  Additionally, the stories of physical violence including torture and crucifixion revealed the physical pain.

Mark’s passion narrative illustrates the sad reality that the last few hours of Jesus’ life are a place where personal desire meets divine obedience, and personal friendships and relationships crumble.  Misaligned perceptions, false accusation, false testimonies, lies and deception rise to be the judge of truth.  Yet Jesus’ faithful testimony to the truth will be the very thing which leads to the only charge which can be brought against Jesus—blasphemy.  Notice, at no point does Jesus ever separate himself from the accused.

Mark’s passion narrative includes other themes such as being taken where you do not want to go, knowing the authority and power of silence, and the conviction of speaking and testifying to the truth.  Simon of Cyrene reiterates the role of service even when it is inconvenient.  And the two insurgents crucified with Jesus reiterate themes of testimony and belief.

This is a religious story.  One that takes place in a historical religious context, and yet establishes a new covenant.  He is the fulfillment of Scripture and through this story we see a kingdom is established.  Why is it the condemned man is now the king?   Do you see the paradox in this?  And speaking of paradox why is it that the Roman centurion recognizes that Jesus is the son of God, but the chief priests don’t?

This Gospel is written to jar us.  It boldly displays the anguish of Jesus and the cruelty of the process.  It screams of Jesus’ innocence, and frustrates our confidence in structures which we’ve held true for generations.  But ultimately, it drops the bomb right in our lap of that most difficult question, do you believe that good really is more powerful than evil?

 Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is on the staff at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-56

Reflection:

They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, "What do you think?  That he will not come to the feast?"

Good question, the last verse of today’s Gospel!  It’s Saturday before Palm Sunday, the last day before we begin what is sometimes called The Week of Fire.  Anyone growing up observing these High Holy Days is now beginning to feel it.  The Lenten journey has brought us this far again and we are right at the edge, ready to step over.  The Gospel question is about Jesus but we know the answer to that.  Of course he came to the feast and stayed till the bitter– then glorious end.  But what about the rest of us?  What about me this year?  What about you?   

Some years ago I was working as a psychology intern at a county mental health clinic.  One of my clients was a young man with a serious mental illness who lived mostly on the street.  But he was usually able to ride his broken-down bike to his monthly appointments.  As we began one of our sessions he was more anxious than usual and said, "I think I missed Easter this year."  That sad statement comes back to me every year now around this time.  I don’t want to ever miss Easter.  These days are a precious gift to us as we join the circle of faith.  Some years are easier.  Some are harder.  But it always promises to be a "Week of Fire" for those who dare to enter. 

Let us be strengthened by today’s ancient proclamation from the Book of Ezekiel.  We stand ready and hear the powerful word: "My dwelling shall be with them. I will be their God.  And they shall be my people!" 

"What do you think?  Will he come to the feast?"  Then, what about the rest of us?

 

Fr. Jim Strommer, C.P. is a member of the Provincial Council and lives in Chicago.