Daily Scripture

The Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle 

Scripture:

1 Peter 5:1-4
Matthew 16:13-19

Reflection:

"Tend the flock of God in your midst." 1 Peter 5: 2

 

Don’t you wish sometimes that you could help a whole lot of people or do you wish that your life could make a really big difference in the world? Or maybe we think we’re supposed sell everything we have and move to the slums of India to become holy. But this scripture tells us that there is a flock to tend to right in our midst.

I was a stay-at-home mom for 25 years raising 4 children. All around me women were going back to college and getting jobs outside of the home (even when they didn’t need to financially). Society was telling us that we needed to use our full potential and that to be fulfilled, you had to have a career. My youngest son came home one day from kindergarten and said, "Why don’t you have a job Mommy? Are you stupid?" Actually, I have a college degree, and I could have gotten several jobs, but I felt and still feel that one of the most important jobs in the world is raising children; giving them a firm foundation and providing a stable home life for them. I know that I was most fortunate to be able to stay home, but it was also a choice that Jim and I made to go against the flow at the time.

Some people do go to other countries to minister, but most of us need to look closer to home. Our own family first, but then look around you and you’ll see them: the lonely woman who lives next door to you… the young, single mother of three who goes to the same mass as you… the person at work who makes you crazy… the tattooed teen with all the piercings…your pastor… the neighbor kid who always seems to be in trouble. You may not be called to help each one, but you are called to help someone. We all belong to a flock that needs tending. Let’s pray that we can keep our hearts open so that the Lord can use us to be a blessing to those He places in our midst.

 

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently wrote her first book: God Speaks to Ordinary People – Like You and Me. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Scripture:

James 2:1-9
Mark 8:27-33

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel Peter got it right…almost!  When Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was, it was Peter who responded, "You are the Christ."  No doubt Peter felt pretty good about his response and well he should.  Apparently, some of the others were a bit hesitant to apply that title to Jesus.  But not Peter.  He stepped up and voiced his belief for all to hear. 

Then Jesus does something a bit strange.  As soon as Peter applied the title "Christ" to him, Jesus begins to teach that he must suffer, be rejected, be killed and rise after three days.  Clearly, these kinds of experiences didn’t fit with being the "Christ" in Peter’s mind.  He pulled Jesus aside and scolded him for talking of such things.  Jesus reacts almost violently.  "Get behind me Satan!  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do!"

Let’s face it; most of us tend to think as "human beings" do!  Just recall St. Paul’s comment in First Corinthians that the sufferings of Jesus are "a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles…" (I Cor 1:23)  Few of us factor "suffering" into our understanding of a rich and satisfying life, especially if that life is our own or that of someone we love.  Today’s Gospel seems to be inviting us to take a different look at the way we think about our lives.  If suffering is essential to the life of Jesus, it is just possible that suffering is essential to our lives as well.  If suffering is essential to our lives and not just the result of mindless circumstance or accident, perhaps we should look to the suffering in our lives to teach us important truths about our world, ourselves and, of course, God.

 

Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P. is the director of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

James 1:19-27
Mark 8:22-26

Reflection:

"Know this, my dear brothers and sisters, everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger for anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God." James. 1:19

The first reading for today’s Mass is both challenging and engaging. It takes me back to my younger days when I was learning to deal with conflict and anger. For a long time, I was unaware of my underlying anger. Anger masks itself in many different ways and often appears as on the surface as a virtue or correctness. When someone believes to be justifiably right before God and the world, then such things as dialogue, conversation or consensus building goes out the window. We allow anger to overtake us. Anger happens when we become frustrated and do not get our way. We allow anger to control us when we don’t get our way or someone goes against our will. We let anger dominate us when we believe that we are right and the other party is wrong. All of us are very familiar with anger. It has become our companion, our ever present partner in life. It has the potential to become rage.

So when James says to us in his letter, "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger," we know that he has an insight into our human nature. For we are quick to speak, slow to hear and fast to get angry! When someone says something we do not agree with, we have our answer on the tip of our tongue even before the person finishes speaking. When someone does something to contradict us, our anger becomes visible and sometimes very mean. We are out to destroy the opposition.

St. James did not have to cite too many examples to illustrate his message. The two examples he cites fits us perfectly. We want people to do what we say, while we are excusing our own bad behavior. We are quite capable of destroying another person with our tongue all the while we fail to be loving and compassionate people. If we peer into our past, we will find plenty of examples of the contradictions that make up our lives.

So, let this reading become a moment of conversion for us. Let it be an invitation to look into the way we do things, the way we interact with other people, the way we resolve conflicts, the way we are in relationship with God and with each other.

What a beautiful way James ends this particular passage of his letter: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world." Let us make this our prayer today.

 

Fr. Clemente Barrón, C.P. is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Chicago, Illinois. 

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.