Daily Scripture

Scripture:
2 Micah 7:1-2, 9-14
2Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38

Reflection:
I have talked with many atheists who do not believe in eternal life, as well as people of faith who have their doubts. Is there something after this life? If so, what is it like?

Having worked with over 2,000 sick, dying, and grieving people, I personally have witnessed too many things and heard too many stories to question afterlife. The veil gets thinner as death approaches. The dying see things we don’t see and talk to people we can’t hear. Then after the death, tendrils of connection and love endure in ways we don’t understand. The connection we have on earth is not completely broken when a person dies.

Yet even my firm belief does not answer questions about what it will be like. I was married to John for 5½ years before he died, and I have now been married to Ken for 29 years. As the inquirers in the gospel asked, who will be my husband in eternity? When Jesus is asked about marriage in eternity, he basically says it is a nonsense question; we humans simply don’t understand.

It’s like trying to describe this world to a baby in the womb. The child knows only darkness, warmth, floating, and having every need met. There is no construct or capacity to even conceive of "blue" or "sunshine" or "family", or anything of this earth. The child can only imagine what he or she knows.

Likewise, we have no concept of what life after death will be like. Jesus often used earthly analogies to try to explain the afterlife, but they all ultimately fall short. I don’t know how I will recognize myself without my body, much less how we will relate to each other. I suspect we will understand and communicate without the barriers of skin, language, and all the other things that keep us separate and distinct. Yet this, like anything I speculate, could be totally wrong.

The important thing, then, is not to focus on figuring out what I will experience after I die. It is an exercise in futility anyway. The important thing is to decide in whom I place my trust. Do I believe in the God of resurrection? Do I believe that death is not the end, and that I will be embraced by the Source of all love and life? I pray that when my time comes, my trust in that Source is strong enough to allow me to let go of this life and sink into the river of God’s ever-flowing presence with peace and grace. Only then will I enter a realm that is beyond anything I can conceive or imagine, where God’s love surpasses every human design or construct. And in the midst of it all, I’m pretty sure God has the marriage thing figured out.  

 

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/.

 

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Scripture:

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
John 2:13-22

 

Reflection:

We are Made Beautiful in the Beauty of the Church

The church of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome, the church of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome. More than the Church building we celebrate the living stones that make up the Church. Our greatest symbol when we gather at the Eucharist is the community of the faithful, the Body of Christ.

A long way from Rome, in Calgary, Canada, Heidi Grogan, describes the Servants Anonymous Society (SAS), which supports women leaving the sex trade. She describes the poverty of these women with words such as these: broken hearted, crushed in spirit, powerless, those for whom no one cares, belonging nowhere, and, women who have had the gift they are ‘taken’ verses freely given.

An SAS volunteer expressed her shock at the ingratitude of the women who were living in a newly renovated home. The blinds were broken; stains marred the tabletops. Heidi replied to the volunteer that the women were grateful but uncomfortable. The house did not match the way they felt inside. The volunteers insist the women are beautiful and want them to see themselves that way, to feel they belong in a beautiful home. But new girls will make their home affirm their poor self-mage. The volunteer looked at the damaged drywall, the marks on the walls. She made the connection to the newest resident, whose body had been a punching bag, whose arms bore scars from self-harming.

[Weavings XXIX Number 1 p. 8]

Like the volunteer in the story John’s gospel makes the leap from the building to the person. Those who hear Jesus think he speaks of the building but he speaks of his body. Our gospel follows the miracle at Cana, where Jesus gives the gift of wine that comes from water; today is the gift of himself as the New Temple that replaces the old.

As the women’s bodies were abused, so the temple of the Lord was being abused. Those who want to help heal and to bring justice will meet opposition in many ways. To give us the new Temple Jesus would endure his Passover from death to life.

Why celebrate a dedication of a church building? How our words that describe the Church are so different than the descriptions of the abused women above. We describe our Church as: mother, New Jerusalem, a bride made beautiful for her husband, a refuge for sinners, a family where all are welcome, the place where we gather to share the life giving and transforming presence of our Savior. The women made their home conform to their suffering. We celebrate the dedication of the church so that it may enable us to see in ourselves the mystery and beauty that is the Church, and we may share this gift with one another. 

 

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

Scripture:

Romans 13: 8-10
Luke 14: 25-33

Reflection:

Are you willing to pay the price of discipleship? Please, don’t answer that question quickly. Jesus does not want a sentimental, rash response. In preparing a couple for the sacrament of matrimony, the priest wants to make sure the couple are not entering this sacred union unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly and in the fear of God (fear of offending someone whom one loves). Martin Luther said, "A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing and suffers nothing, is worth nothing." Are we willing to pay the price?

To stress the significance of this question, Jesus uses twin parables: a man who set out to build a watchtower and the king, with few soldiers, preparing to battle an enemy king with a larger and stronger army. Jesus tells the crowd to consider whether they can afford to follow him. A commitment abandoned is not a positive testimony. Therefore, Jesus says, "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything cannot be my disciples." The person who wants to follow Christ must accept the price: surrender. The person cannot afford to hold tightly to people, position or possessions. The true disciple, considering seriously the plan laid out by Jesus, realizes that there is no greater person to love; no greater position to pursue; no greater possession to acquire than Jesus Christ.

The disciple also realizes that complete surrender is impossible. The hold of people, position and possessions are so strong. Our inner resources are not strong enough to resist the magnetic pull of people, position and possessions. We don’t have enough money to build the tower; we don’t have enough troops to win the war. It is only the resources (grace) that God gives us which enable us to surrender, which enable us to be what God calls us to be.

When we discern and comprehend the person Jesus is calling us to be and the price we will have to pay to become that person, then we are ready to answer the question, "Are you willing to pay the price?" Responding to the call of Jesus is not easy, but we know that behind the call is the one who enables us to be faithful disciples.

Let me end with an incident that happened to the author of the "Cotton Patch" New Testament. He was given a red-carpet tour of a new church. The pastor of the new church pointed out a large cross atop a tall steeple. "That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars," the pastor said with pride. The author replied, "You got cheated. Times were when Christians could get them for free!"

 

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

Scripture:

Romans 12:5-16b
Luke 14:15-24

Reflection:

In our Gospel today, Jesus tells a parable of a King who threw a big banquet and discovered those who were invited really didn’t want to go.  In fact many of them had excuses.  The king continues to extend his invitation to more and more people who originally weren’t invited, and banquet hall never seems to get full.  There is always room for more people.  Luke of course, uses this story to illustrate to his Gentile community that God’s invitation to the kingdom has been extended to include themselves.  This is why Luke’s community has an inheritance in God’s kingdom.  And even when the least, the last and the lost are invited, there is still more space for more people. With such a big space of inclusivity, there is no place here for elitism.

I also read this parable with the lenses of our contemporary society.  I see it is profoundly true because we all have so many options which didn’t exist, 25, 50 and 100 years ago.  I hope I’m not projecting too much of my own personal experience on this but throughout many of our Passionist ministries we frequently hear the same kinds of refrains.  Whether it is retreat centers, parish missions or programs here in the parish, people have many sound and logical reasons why they can’t attend.  And it is true people are busy with many things.  Moreover, it seems as though our culture now has more options to busy ourselves with more things on any given day then we did in previous years. Many carry the expectations that they are supposed to attend all the functions, go to all the sporting events, volunteer for numerous organizations till they feel tired deep in their soul. Some parishioners I know find it difficult just to keep up with the events of all of their grandchildren.   It’s a universal struggle so many of us have.  It feels like there is never enough time to do the wise and healthy things we need to be doing because we are spending too much time doing the list of things someone said we should be doing.  We frequently busy ourselves to the point our vision is clouded.  At times I wonder, has our culture shifted some of its fundamental priorities? 

When I read this parable I get a certain sense of disappointment.  As a King, who is supposed to have such authority over people, he can’t seem to generate enough enthusiasm so his originally invited guests desire to be there.  I’m left thinking if I lived in the Middle Ages and the King invited someone from my village to the King’s Castle, everyone in the village would know about the invitation and be talking about it many days before the departure.  New clothes would need to be tailored, and sending ceremonies might include the entire village.  I anticipate that there would be great festivities before the departure.  The village would be enthusiastic about such an event which would certainly take several days.    But today’s society would be completely different.  Would the ones invited even buy new clothing, or would they settle for something in the closet that didn’t look too wrinkled? The local village, the person’s social group of friends, may congratulate the person, but certainly not do anything which would conflict with one’s busy schedule.  And as for the event itself, no one would want to stay out too late.  We all know there are other things happening that night, including the game that is on.    Picture how awkward it could be if you had to explain to the King why you couldn’t come to his banquet because you had special tickets to a sporting event.   "Sir, King, your Royalness, Yes I know you planned a big banquet party, but I can’t come to your castle tonight.  I have tickets to tonight’s game".   

Have we become lethargic at our personal invitation to be at the banquet of the Lord?  Paul in his letter to the Romans which we also read today warns us about such a condition.  He says,

Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.

Paul’s words are wise.  I’m just not sure we start with these words.  In order to accomplish what Paul articulates we first must have some type of engagement in our heart.  He presumes there is already a passion, desire or drive.  Paul simply wants to focus it and make sure it is Christ centered.  But what happens when a person is too busy to even realize their love is misdirected?  For me this is where the wisdom of St. Paul of the Cross enlightens us.  If a person starts simply by praying reverently with the crucifix, then there is something about the power of the cross which has the ability to redirect our love,  and to modify our priorities.  This mission alone is just one reason why our world needs Passionists.

 

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.

Feast of St. Charles Borromeo

Scripture:

Romans 11:29-36
Luke 14:12-14

Reflection:

We continue our journey through our annual November commemoration of saintly people, and today we thank God for the person of Charles Borromeo — a zealous man of the 16^th Century Church, credited for helping reform the Church in a variety of ways.

As a bishop and Cardinal, Charles was one to encourage the intellectual and moral growth of clergy and religious, especially in forming new seminaries.  He also helped author the catechism that was called for during the Council of Trent and started the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for children’s growth in their faith.  He held many special meetings in his home diocese of Milan, seeking to incorporate the message and teachings of the Council of Trent.  In all this, he reached out to the poor and needy of his day, sacrificing wealth, honor and influence to serve them – even in the challenges of the plagues and famines of his day, ministering to the sick, the hungry, and the dying.  Truly a zealous man during his relatively short 46 years of life!

We have the same opportunity to renew ourselves, to grow and serve as God’s People, the Church.  We have to change from our old ways, and like St. Paul in today’s first reading to the Romans, we can help others change – if we first acknowledge God’s love and wisdom.  Change in both in word and deed, in our prayer and service of others is critical.  Jesus in today’s Gospel highlights a foundational attitude of openness and service, especially of the poor and crippled – a true change of attitude from that of the Pharisees!  Today’s readings highlight a change of heart and human growth as part-and-parcel in following Jesus – a rule of life for St. Charles Borromeo!

May the creative and zealous example of St. Charles Borromeo help motivate us as 21^st Century Christians:  called to personally grow and be women and men of prayer and action, building up the Church in our day, with the encouragement of our worldwide Pastor, Pope Francis.  Holiness and wholeness are God’s gifts to the Church of every age.

 

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Scripture:

Wisdom 11:22-12:2
2Thessalonians 1:11-2:2
Luke 19:1-10

Reflection:

So, have you ever felt small, like insignificant, unimportant? Try this reflection on for "size:" The whole world before you, O Lord, is like a speck that tips the scales, and like a drop of morning dew that falls on the ground." (Wis. 11:22)  Contrast this "little" revelation with Jesus’ reflection concerning "faith" the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain! Yes, God does notice the most insignificant or tiny. "For your immortal spirit is in all things." (Wis. 12:1)

So, Jesus notices Zacchaeus out on a limb and searching for more and says to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." (Lk 19,7) Once Jesus is under his roof, Zacchaeus responds with a commitment to give half his wealth to the poor and commits himself to fourfold restitution to any one whom he has cheated. Jesus responds "Today salvation has come to this house, because Zacchaeus, too, is a son of Abraham. Zacchaeus has been saved. We have all been approached with the question, "Have you been saved?" Have I?  Do I understand with head, heart and feet? The fundamentalist contends that this phenomenon of "being saved" is based on experience -to be aware of, consciously and deliberately deciding to believe in Jesus in a moment of deep psychological awareness. It was an impactful moment in time.

In the Catholic understanding of "being saved" is it a life long process of dying to rising from ego to "others centered." Our being saved follows the pattern of Jesus’ relationship with Zacchaeus’ response. Jesus did not say what he did as regards salvation coming to his house until Zacchaeus responded to Jesus not only with trust in Him but enthusiasm, and generosity declaring half of what he owned  would be given to the poor, and four times the payout to persons whom he had cheated. Salvation is not what it should be until we are able to rejoice in it with an act of conscious and deliberate response to Jesus Christ. If I really am conscious, daily, of the gift we received at baptism I am generous, seeking to extend this same gift to others in every way that I can. Amen.

 

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

 The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Scripture:

Wisdom 3:1-9
Psalm: 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6
Romans 5:5-11 6:3-9
John 6:37-40

 

Reflection:

Our Scriptural wisdom has many descriptions to capture the event we all know as death, which is arrived to through a process of dying.  Dying can be a time that brings fear of the unknown into the heart of the person whose life is expiring; or it can be a time of solace and comfort to the loved ones of a person because death brings long-term suffering and pain to a close [Rev 21:4].

In the Jewish Testament, there is an ambiguity about the details of the "hereafter" because the Scriptural testimony reflects centuries of development of thought about death, and because of the many different cultural and historical influences that contributed to a popular understanding of death.  In today’s Jewish funeral prayers, there is a confidence that the soul of the deceased person will be "covered in the wings of the All-Merciful One forever," while "binding his/her soul to the bond of life" and resting in peace.  These Jewish prayers echo our reading for today from the Book of Wisdom, "Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. (Wisdom 3:9)"

Our Christian tradition continues to place death in the context of the Resurrection of Jesus, "If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him (Romans 6:9)."  [See also: 1Thes 4:13-14].  Paul was reflecting the conviction of the first Christians, who had been nourished by Jesus’ own words to them:  In today’s Gospel, Jesus says to the multitude of John’s sixth chapter, whom he has nourished in the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day. (John 6:40)"

As we put aside many of the day’s regular activities to remember our deceased family members and friends on this Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, let us ask God to fill our hearts with the hope that unites us across the threshold of death.  It is the hope that God’s promises to his faithful, gathered in the Body of Christ by baptism, will be fulfilled for each of us, as they are for all of our departed faithful.

 

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P.  is the director of the Missions for Holy Cross Province.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois. 

The Feast of All Saints

Scripture:                                                            

Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
1 John 3: 1-3
Matthew 5: 1-12a   

Reflection:

On this Feast of All Saints the first reading assures us in visionary language and symbol that all the people of the Promise in the Old Testament will share God’s great glory in heaven.  God has been faithful to His promises and the 12 tribes of Israel, each numbering 12,000 members, will be sealed with the mark of their loving God.

Then the Visionary goes on to tell us of all the countless numbers of Gentiles from all over the world who withstood distress of all kinds upon this earth and have been saved by the blood of Jesus, the Christ.  Myriads upon myriads signed and sealed are now with their Lord, the Lamb of God 

This Feast of All Saints has really been opened up by Vatican II.  One of the most important messages of Vatican II, a truly foundational message, is that everyone is called to holiness.  Everyone – not just bishops, priests, and religious – each member of the laity is truly called to be holy with the holiness of God.  We are each of us called to be Christ.  These are the saints that we celebrate today. 

Robert Faesen, SJ, an authority on the spirituality of the Dutch Middle Ages, tells us that the common person is the woman or man who through a life of contemplative prayer and action, "is united with God and is an instrument of God."  The common person is the woman or man who does not seek after power, position, privilege or prestige, but rather learns to live for God and God alone.  These persons seek out and serve others in ordinary ways because they love God.  He is the old man who answered the Cure d’Ars question about what he does sitting in the church, "I just look at Him and He looks at me."  Or she is the woman who, like Dorothy Day, is kind and pleasant to the person she dislikes because she knows God loves and likes that person.  The common person is an ordinary person who does ordinary things for the love of God.

Our new General Superior, Bro. Edward Driscoll, a former principal of St. Xavier High School in Louisville, KY, has suggested that we Xaverian Brothers celebrate this feast in the following way:  "As we celebrate All Saints and All Souls Days, I invite you to spend time reflecting on the common women and men in your own life. The people who could easily be canonized but don’t need to be. What are their stories? How did they form you?"

I pass it on to you.  For me it seems both comforting and enriching to sit and look at Him and let Him look at me, as we both, He and I, recall and thank each of those many common ordinary persons who influenced me and formed me for good in Him.

 

Br. Peter A. Fitzpatrick, CFX, a Xaverian Brother, is a Passionist Associate at Ryken House, across the creek from the Passionist Monastery, in Louisville, Kentucky.