Daily Scripture

Feast of St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists

Scripture:

Isaiah 53:10-11
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

Reflection:

Today is a very important day for all the Passionists throughout the world.  It’s the feast day of our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross.  Perhaps you’ve wondered what inspires the various Passionist priests and brothers you have known?  What vision do they carry in their hearts that forms them into the people they become?  Jesus Crucified is, of course, the most important inspiration for all of us.  But a man of the 18^th century, who allowed himself to be transformed by the love he saw in Jesus Crucified, is certainly a major inspiration as well.  So, I want to tell you a bit about St. Paul of the Cross because some people are just worth knowing.

Paul Daneo, St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists, was born in 1694 in a small town called Ovada, in Northern Italy.  He was one of sixteen children, only five of whom survived infancy.  His father, Luke Daneo, owned a small clothing and tobacco shop that barely supported his large family.  His mother, Anna Maria, was a faith-filled woman, whose devotion to the Passion of Jesus was the source of her courage and strength as she endured the grief and loss of so many of her children.

From his earliest years Paul, by the example of his Mother, had a deep devotion to the Passion of Jesus and at the age of 19 had a vivid experience of the depth of God’s love.  As a result of this experience Paul became determined to give himself totally to God.  Due to family need, however, he stayed at home, helping to support the family by working in his father’s shop.  At 22 he joined the crusade against the Turks though it took only two months for him to realize that the army was not for him.  Returning home, he once again worked in the family business.

When he was 26, the circumstances of the family became a bit better and Paul finally felt free to pursue his own personal dreams. Bidding good-bye to his family, he went to Alessandria, where Bishop Gattinara, Paul’s spiritual director and confessor, clothed Paul in a black tunic on the day of his arrival and then sent him to the parish of St. Charles in Castellazzo for retreat.  In the small sacristy of the parish church Paul made a 40 day retreat.  It was during those 40 days that Paul had the most extraordinary experiences of union with God and wrote the Rule of Life for the congregation he hoped to found.

After his retreat Bishop Gattinara sent him back to his home town where Paul lived in various hermitages for several years.  In 1721 Paul made his way to Rome in hopes that he could get his Rule of Life approved by the Pope.  He was turned away by a Vatican guard so Paul returned home, discouraged but determined.  On his return, his brother, John Baptist, joined with him to try living according to Paul’s Rule of Life.  Paul and John Baptist became well-known catechists and Paul was even invited to give spiritual talks by various groups.

In 1725, the brothers returned to Rome and this time Paul was given verbal permission to gather companions to live according to his Rule of Life.  Cardinal Corrandini asked the brothers to work in a newly established hospital there in Rome.  The president of the hospital was so impressed by Paul and John Baptist that he arranged for them to be ordained to the priesthood.

As more men joined with Paul and John Baptist, they moved the whole community to Monte Argentario, a promontory about 150 kms northwest of Rome, where they established the first Passionist monastery in 1737.

While contemplation and prayer were at the very heart of Paul’s life and the life of his new institute, Paul himself soon became a very famous popular preacher, spiritual guide, writer and mystic.  For Paul the Passion of Christ was the most vivid witness to God’s love for us and he constantly called upon his followers to remember the sufferings of Jesus.

During his lifetime Paul founded thirteen monasteries of Priests and Brothers throughout Italy as well as a monastery of Passionist Nuns.  Today the Passionists live and serve in 62 countries of the world and are enhanced by other religious and lay groups who find inspiration in the Charism of St. Paul of the Cross.

This bare outline of the life of Paul Daneo only describes some of the important moments of his life.  But it was his interior transformation brought about by his total openness to God’s love and his commitment to love God with his whole heart that made Paul into one of the most significant mystics and spiritual guides of the 18^th century.  May his example lead you into a deep and passionate love for Christ who gave himself so generously for us all.

May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts!

Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P., is a member of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Community in Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 12:8-12

Reflection:

There is no better gift than to receive a card or letter letting us know that we made a difference in someone’s life and blessed them in ways we likely would never have known. That is what Paul is up to in our first reading today. He is writing the church in Ephesus, letting them know that he is so edified by their faith and their love—so brought to joy—that he has “never stopped thanking God” for them and remembering them when he prays; indeed, Paul is so grateful that he tells them exactly what he prays for on their behalf.

First, Paul prays that God will give them the “wisdom and insight” to know God because if they know everything but don’t know God, they don’t know the one thing they really need to know for a good and meaningful life. Second, Paul asks that God enlighten them so that they grasp “the great hope” to which God not only has called them, but also wants for them: the unbroken joy and unsurpassable love that is found in everlasting communion with God and the saints. Third, Paul prays that they recognize the special gifts that God has entrusted to every member of the church at Ephesus. They should recognize and claim those gifts, and they should use them generously in serving others, whether in the church or in the wider community. Finally, when Paul urges them to embrace “the immeasurable power” of God that is at work in them, he’s reminding them why they should never feel hopeless or defeated. They should be bold and courageous in their faith, in their love, and in all the good they do because no matter what life might throw at them, God is always with them and working through them; therefore, they can do far more than they ever imagine. Paul knows that is true because they have already done so for him.

Of course, since this letter to the Ephesians is in the New Testament it is also meant for us. This reading is Paul’s gift to us too, Paul’s love letter of thanksgiving. The best way for us to receive it is to take to heart everything Paul says.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family.

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:1-10
Luke 11:47-54

Reflection:

Have you ever heard news so wonderful, so completely stupendous, that you couldn’t hold it in? A message so breathtaking that it just had to be shared? That may be the best way to understand today’s first reading. Scholars believe this passage from Ephesians was likely an early church hymn—a joyous song bursting forth in praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s unimaginable blessings.

We can picture the first Christian communities, as they gathered each week, exulting in the opening words of this hymn: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why this song of unrestrained praise? Because God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” Our ancestors in faith knew that in Christ God has blessed us not sparingly or selectively or sporadically, as if God ever so often sprinkled a few blessings on his creatures. No, God has blessed us (and continues to bless us) in every possible way. The good news in this hope-drenched hymn of salvation continues when the early church proclaims that God “chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” Before a single thing ever existed, before time had even begun, God not only envisioned, and delighted in, every single person who would every live, but chose to love us. And because God has forever loved us, God calls us to be holy; to be like God in goodness, mercy, and love.

No wonder those first Christians could not stop singing! Thanks to God’s ever-flowing blessings, we are not defined by our waywardness—all our failures and all our flaws—but by a divine love that insists on making us whole. Lest we doubt it, this amazing hymn, that we’d be foolish not to learn by heart, tells us that we are the adopted children of God, sisters and brothers who together always live in, from, and with God. We will never be forgotten, we will never be forsaken, we will never not be forgiven and redeemed.

We can almost hear those first Christians singing now. Isn’t it time to join them?

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Galatians 5:18-25
Luke 11:42-46

Reflection:

One of my favorite movie lines comes from the golf classic, “Caddyshack.” Judge Smails and Ty are arguing about participation in a golf tournament. The Judge says, “My partner was club champion, and I am no slouch myself.” Ty retorts, “Do not sell yourself short, Judge. You are a tremendous slouch.” The line is a witty reminder to check and humble yourself.

Jesus calls out many of his readers. Even in the Sunday Gospel, Jesus has to point out that following Him and the Gospel values are most important, not what you receive because of your discipleship. Jesus pronounces his “woes” on the Pharisees and scholars.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our constant companion. The bookend in Matthew’s Gospel, “Immanuel” reminds us that God is with us. The Book of Wisdom recalls the great wisdom of our ancestor Solomon. A young king, overwhelmed by the task of ruling a kingdom, asks for wisdom over riches. The queen of the south comes to the riches and wisdom of Solomon, a gift wrought by God. Still, like the Pharisees and scholars, he is in need of repentance. He goes astray in allowing his wives to worship their gods. The rich young man observes the commandments but is unwilling to give up riches to follow Jesus. Parables do not give a definitive end, but Jesus in his great love for us offers His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. We are called to daily conversion and to examine our lives. Hopefully, we are not the slouches!

Fr. Phillip Donlan, CP, is the Associate Director of Ministry at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

Galatians 5:1-6
Luke 11:37-41

Reflection:

Can you imagine being invited to someone’s home for an evening meal and then find yourself being criticized for the way you eat your food by the very host who welcomed you?  It might very well make you wonder why you were invited in the first place!

Our Gospel passage today presents a very interesting moment in the life and public ministry of Jesus.  Luke tells us that after Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.  As the Gospel reading yesterday portrayed for us, Jesus had just spoken to a large crowd of people and surely some of those in the crowd were Pharisees.  They heard him say that, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”  If I was told that I was part of an evil generation how would that make me feel?  I am not so sure I would want to invite Jesus to my home for a meal unless I had some ulterior motive.  Yet, Jesus accepted the invitation, never wanting to miss an opportunity to set those so terribly bound by mere observance of the law free.  But his host missed the chance of a lifetime and could only fall back on criticizing Jesus because he did not observe the ritual of washing before the meal itself.  He missed the freeing love of Jesus who was there with him at table.  What a great loss!

Paul tells us in our first reading from Galatians that only faith working through love is what matters and that for freedom Christ set us free.  Today’s scripture readings are a wonderful reminder that we, like the Pharisee, can invite the Lord into our home, to welcome him as we gather around our table for a meal.  But the freedom he brings will only be ours if we are willing to welcome him in trusting faith and selfless love, something our Pharisee friend could not do.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P., is the director of St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan.  

Scripture:

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1
Luke 11:29-32

Reflection:

Today’s reading revisits the ancient world’s horrific distinctions between slaves and free people, and the children of slaves and free people.

Imagine gathering around a round table today with people from all walks of life. We arrive by jet and car; they come on foot from a river, bearing a gourd of river water for cooking, so we can all eat together later.

In this moment, what do we say to each other? “Tea, coffee, or water? How’s life? What’s on your mind? What’s most important today? What are your kids up to? What are you looking forward to this weekend? Tell us about the best and worst things that have happened to you. If we meet again, what should we do together?

Then, ask ourselves: Are we truly serving one another? Are we exploiting each other unjustly? Does our relationship benefit everyone at the table and aim for a better life for all our children?

Back to the reading: Are we still making crazy distinctions between the sons and daughters of enslaved people and the so-called “free born”? Believe it—slavery exists in 2024. Maybe not far from our own homes, people are exploited and effectively enslaved. Ask ourselves what part we play in this “free” versus “enslaved” social structure and what we can do right now to withdraw our participation in such unfairness and cruelty.

Jack Dermody is the editor of the CrossRoads bulletin for the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission for Holy Cross Province. He lives in Glendale, Arizona. 

Scripture:

Wisdom 7:7-11
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

Reflection:

Something I have never noticed before is what is missing in Jesus’ listing some of the commandments. He omits the first one, “I, the Lord, am your God . . .you shall not have any other gods besides me” (Exodus 20:2-2). I imagine this was intentional, should Jesus have begun by noting the First Commandment, the conversation might have ended quickly. We as the reader hear that this man may be attached to the other gods of “many possessions.”

Instead, Jesus allows the man to acknowledge his faithful observance of all “these. . . from his youth” which is good and honorable. While Jesus does not state outright, his loving invitation to find the “one thing” lacking by divesting himself of his possessions to follow him is effective. Of course, for us having listened to the accompanying readings for today, we hear the words through that lens, and it seems glaringly obvious.

Jesus is the example par excellence of the Spirit of Wisdom from our first reading by his interaction with this man. His offer posed to the man allows him to see for himself—to be enlightened. His eyes were opened. The word of God, from the letter to the Hebrews, is most definitely sharper than any two-edged sword as it penetrates and separates, informs, and even indicts us. It clarifies.

Following this exchange, Jesus states twice how challenging it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples are amazed and then exceedingly astonished at these statements. I can imagine Peter’s confusion at Jesus’ words. There is on the one hand a genuine sense of concern as to exactly what Jesus means. I might be frustrated; what more can we do? In sharp contrast to this man, they have left everything to follow him.

Jesus reminds the disciples, and us, that for God nothing is impossible. We must cling to this belief. Even the desire for eternal life is only possible by God’s grace. We know that God chose us first, and not us who chose God (John 15:16). This man who ran and knelt before Jesus could only do so by a graced desire planted in him. The desire to respond is always invitational and never forced. The choice is always ours to take the risk, to embrace eternal life and its treasures now—today. Jesus assures his disciples, and us, that we will receive a hundred times more in this present age and not only in the age to come.

Of course, he does slip in the phrase “with persecutions“—note the plural use of the word. Sufferings and crosses belong to all humanity, however, as followers of Christ we are invited to find meaning and consolation amidst the hundreds of blessings like “houses and brothers and sisters...” We are not meant to go through life alone, we belong to the Christian community with its abundant expressions of the face and Spirit of God in Christ.

We cannot assume that this man who “went away sad” had an inability to divest himself of his possessions. It could also mean sadness at having to make the choice, yet willing to do so. I am often sad to let go of obstacles that ultimately rob me of a deeper commitment to Christ. A healthy life-in-Christ invites constant divesting of all that would impede our spiritual growth. We clear away all the clutter in preference for making room for the Spirit to breathe in us. Come Spirit of Wisdom, come Word of God, and help us declutter all that holds us back from you. Amen.

.Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.