Daily Scripture

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 

Scripture:

1 John 3:7-10
Psalm 98
John 1:35-42

 

 

Reflection:

The Christmas Event & St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Today’s Gospel selection features John the Baptist and two of his disciples meeting Jesus as he walked by – "the Lamb of God".  The encounter led to Jesus’ invitation to "come and see" where he was staying – and ultimately, those first few hours with Jesus led to lives of life-changing discipleship. 

Over the centuries countless others have heard Jesus’ invitation to "come and see".  One such 18^th Century American woman-disciple is honored today:  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton…the first American-born saint.

Married to William Seton and mother of their five children, Elizabeth Ann was reared an Episcopalian but was drawn to the Catholic faith by an Italian Catholic family whom she met while in Italy traveling with her husband.  After her husband’s death from tuberculosis at the young age of 30, Elizabeth Ann embraced the Catholic faith – and subsequently opened a parish school in Baltimore to support her family and express her faith. 

Drawn by Elizabeth’s fervor, a group of young women joined Elizabeth Ann in her approach to education and Christian life.  In 1809 they formed the American Sisters of Charity, following the rule of St. Vincent de Paul and later founding other schools and orphanages.  By the time of her death on January 4, 1821, the community had expanded their ministries as far west as St. Louis.

Elizabeth Ann Seton was called to help build up the Church in her day.  As noted in today’s Gospel, Jesus drew disciples to himself and began the Church; Elizabeth Ann joined those early disciples in saying "yes" to Jesus and working tirelessly to build the Church.

As we embrace the new year 2013, God continues to bless us with our Passionist charism as enfleshed in St. Paul of the Cross.  May we deepen our relationship with Jesus these days – and encourage others to "come and see" God’s love present in our world.  With St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we pray the words of Psalm 98:  "Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done wondrous deeds…"

(N.B.:  January 13 to 19, 2013 is National Church Vocations Awareness Week.  Join us in praying for priestly and religious vocations.)

 

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

 

Scripture:

1 John 3:22-4:6
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Reflection:

My mother had many sayings she often repeated to us. One of those was "Actions speak louder than words." Even at an early age, I knew what she meant. It’s so easy to say: I love you. It takes a lifetime to learn to live that sentiment. It’s easy to say, "We must stop the violence." Everyone, legislators, people on the street, and even NRA members repeat the mantra, and yet the violence continues. We must take action, if we expect things to change.

For me, the Serenity Prayer helps move me from words to action and to make changes in my life when things aren’t working. It reminds me, that while there is much in the world that I cannot do anything about, I can always make changes in my own life if I have courage.

"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference" (Reinhold Niebuhr)

Today’s scripture readings tell me that Jesus’ mother, Mary, must have gone to the same child rearing school my mother attended. They also tell me that Jesus was a man of action.

"He went around all of Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness among the people." (Matthew 4:23)

 

Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists.  He lives in Chicago.  

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Scripture: 

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Reflection:

Remember Luke’s story about the birth of Jesus. A slice of Luke’s nativity version described how God reached out to shepherds to announce the birth of the divine Son.  "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them…" In Matthew’s Gospel today, God attracts the attention of astrologers by the movement of a star. "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem." Luke’s story reminds us that God’s kingdom included the Jewish poor, neglected and those who were not usually welcomed at the local synagogue or at the table where important decisions are decided. Matthew, in using a different story, reminds us that God’s kingdom includes within its boundaries those even who are outside my religion or my society or my culture. In God’s Kingdom, revealed by Jesus Christ, all people are included.  All nations, according to Isaiah, will come "proclaiming the praises of the Lord."

Interestingly, Matthews says that the religious leaders of the time were not particularly aware of the significance of the birth of Jesus. Although they could tell King Herod that this Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, not that far from Jerusalem, no Jewish leader is found making his way to visit the Child. Herod takes more interest in the birth than the Jewish leaders; however, his concern had a sinister motivation. Herod wanted to get rid of a possible rival, who was referred to as a "king." This is all a sign that anticipates the rejection Jesus would experience from the Jewish and Roman leaders. The story of the itinerant astrologers finding the Christ child is also a precursor of the Gentiles embrace of the Way of Christ when St. Paul the Apostle begins his preaching ministry to the "outsiders."

Today’s readings are a reminder that God’s love is universal; there are no outsiders, no foreigners; no one is excluded from God’s Kingdom. We can all pray "Our Father" and claim the same inheritance. If God is Father/Mother of every single human person, then all people on this planet we call Earth are my brothers and sisters.

 

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

 

Scripture:

1 John 2:29-3:6
John 1:29-34

Reflection:

The Church honors the Holy Name of Jesus today. A name so powerful, and yet, taken so much for granted. In fact, there is something "foreign" about actually following and imitating Jesus the Christ. Why is it so awkward to talk about Him with others, or to tell of the ways we strive to follow him? Is it not recognized as culturally correct? Culturally correct means that society, "the world", knows and approves. Is that why St. John comments, "The reason the world does not recognize us is that it did not know Him"? Is there a way of knowing and seeing Jesus, despite the fact that we ourselves are not given the recognition? John the Baptist must have known the Way; he did not care that he wasn’t recognized when he pointed to Jesus as the One who would come after him as the greater one. "After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me." John’s whole ministry was dedicated to preparing for someone else.  Can I strive for that same attitude that lets go of what I want, and see my best plans turned around by others so to fit the group’s plans or desires?  This selflessness imparts that perception of God beyond words, which gives us a sense of God’s presence which is the closest thing on earth to seeing God "as He is." May the Name of Jesus always remind us that we form one family with Jesus, and we share that privilege with all God’s children.

 

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

Scripture:

1 John 2:22-28
John 1:19-28

Reflection:

The anticipatory season of Advent gave way to the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  The celebration of the feast of the Holy Family helped us to remember that Jesus grew in age, wisdom and grace.  The new year, just begun, has also reminded us that we, too are surely growing in age, perhaps in wisdom and hopefully in grace.

That is why today’s gospel passage has a relevant resonance for us when we reflect on the conversation between John the Baptist and the priests, Levites and Pharisees who come out to challenge him with their questions:

"Who are you?…Are you Elijah?…Are you the Prophet?…Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?

This last question is the one that reveals the hearts of the questioners.  They are asking not for themselves but for "those who sent us".  They have no commitment to the question, it did not arise from their personal desire for the Messiah.

Religious practice and religious practitioners can fall into this depersonalization of what can be a true faith experience.  When religious practice does not express my own personal hunger for Jesus, for a share in the saving grace that emanates from his victory on the Cross, and from the triumph of his Resurrection, then I am only echoing the questions and concerns of "those who sent us".

When I hunger to know Jesus and his life-giving grace in my life, when I am drawn to spend time in prayer with Jesus, and when I see the providential love of God working in the events of my life, then I do know the Lord Jesus in my life, and the grace of God will see that I, too, am growing in age, wisdom and grace throughout the new year of 2013.

 

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

Scripture:
Numbers 6:22-27 
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21     

Reflection:

A week ago, December 25^th, we celebrated the birth of the infant Jesus at Bethlehem.  Today’s Gospel reminds us of that event: "The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  When they saw this they made known the message that had been told them about this child.  All who heard it were amazed . . . .  And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." 

What were the things the shepherds told her?  We heard them on Christmas night: "The angel said to them ‘Do not be afraid; for behold I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."  Through the past week we have heard other stories of the infancy of Jesus, and how Mary pondered their meaning in her heart also: the words of Simeon at the presentation of the Babe in the temple, the flight into Egypt, the finding of the boy Jesus in the temple.

At the beginning of Advent we were introduced to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a young woman pondering the meaning of what God was doing to her, for her.  "The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, full of grace!  The Lord is with you.’  But she was greatly troubled with what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be."  We recall the wonderful, most mysterious conversation that then took place, and how at her consent God then took on our nature, becoming human in the person of Jesus in her womb.  When Mary had asked the angel Gabriel, "how can this be?" the answer she received was filled with mystery, an explanation that only thrust her more deeply into the unknown.  And she replied from the depths of her being, a full affirmation to the one thing she was certain of.  "Let what you have said be done to me."  Not knowing really what was being asked of her, what exactly she was consenting to, she was certain that God loved her.  She said "Yes" to the unknown certitude of God’s Love.  At that moment the Incarnation began.   

These stories lay the foundation for our feast today: the Blessed Virgin Mary, truly the Mother of Jesus, truly the Mother of God, and truly our Mother.  In them Mary sets a life-long example of contemplating the mysterious daily workings of God within her and around her, filled with hope because of her firm commitment to the unknown  certitude of God’s Love for her.  May Mary give us that same certitude for this new year.

 

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.

Scripture:

1 John 2:18-21
John 1: 1-18   

Reflection:

"In the beginning was the Word…"

It’s the last day of the year and the eve of a new one.  For many of us, this means it’s a time of reflection…a time to look back and a time to look forward.

Our Gospel today is about BEGINNINGS.  God is good at beginnings.

I realized recently that I like beginnings…sometimes I like beginnings better than I like endings. Oh sure, I like the end of a hockey game better than the beginning. And I like the ends of movies and the ends of good mystery novels. But when it comes to years on the calendar, I like beginnings better than endings. I appreciate the fact that it’s new, like a blank canvas, holding much possibility for me.

Words are important…Words have power.  Words help us express our feelings and emotions, our hopes and our dreams.  Words enable us to communicate ideas and thoughts.  Words can unite us with others or separate us from one another…Words are significant.

In the beginning, God "SPOKE" and the world was created. The WORD became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Somehow, before the beginning of time, this Christ child existed, not as a human being, but as God himself, as what we call the WORD. 

This Christ had something to do with the creation of every single thing that we have in our lives…and also, He had something to do with the creation of YOU and of ME. 

This WORD has graced us with many gifts and blessings:  The gift of power…God’s power…the gift of light…a light that shines in the darkness, but will never be overcome by the darkness, and the gifts of perfect grace and truth…gifts that we receive everyday of our lives.

Words are important. Actions are also important.

As we cross the bridge into 2013, let us walk humbly with our God, trusting that He will help us to: care deeply, give freely, think kindly, act gently, and be at peace with the world.  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

 

Deacon Brian Clements is a retired member of the staff at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:41-52

Reflection:

"[K]indness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins."

We’ve just celebrated the birth of Christ.  It is fitting then that we turn our attention now to the Holy Family-Mary, Joseph and their unique baby boy.  I wonder how many of us met with family this past weekend that perhaps we don’t see very much during the year.  I hope there was joy and happiness with mothers, fathers, siblings, nieces, and nephews.  If I am being honest, seeing some family members at Christmas time also brings with it . . . stress.  We worry about what Aunt so-and-so will say about our new boyfriend or what grandpa will think of our new job that doesn’t pay much.  We are nervous that mom will return her present again this year.  But today’s readings remind us in a very real way the blessing that is family and the respect we must have for those we are tied to by blood.

In the first reading from the Book of Sirach, we learn the great favor that God bestows on those who honor their mother and father.  Respect and care for parents brings forgiveness of sins, "riches," long life and children.  Divine blessings belong to those who care for elderly parents.  Our family then really shapes who we are in so many ways.  A life without strong family ties is not a Christian life.  Think about it-isn’t our faith first learned and practiced at home?  If we don’t show generosity, kindness, love and patience at home-how can we possibly have it anywhere else? 

The Gospel holds new meaning for me when I read it now as the parent of small children.  Motherhood and fatherhood truly are holy vocations.  I know it may not seem that way when we are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, driving car pools and certainly not when we are changing diapers.  But it is a calling-and one not to be taken lightly. 

Can you imagine Mary and Joseph’s panic when they realized Jesus was not among their party as they left the city?  When they find him in the Temple, Mary proclaims "your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety."  (I myself may have thought of some more colorful ways of telling my young son what he just put me through.)  But this was the burden that Mary took on when she said yes to the angel Gabriel-raising a very special child.

And so the Holy Family becomes a model for all our families.  We as parents are asked great things of by God, and the truth is, like Mary, we don’t really know what it entails.  We have to sort of learn as we go and do the best we can in each moment.  Mary was bewildered when she found her son in deep discussions with the Jewish teachers, saying, "Son, why have you done this to us?"  Jesus was beginning to understand who he truly was-what his purpose was on earth.  It was Mary and Joseph’s duty-his very human parents-to guide and shepherd him along this divine path, even when it made no sense to them.  What a great privilege it is as a parent to be a part of this new person’s discovery of their identity, their meaning, and most importantly, their connection to our Heavenly Father.

By my recollection, this story of Jesus in the Temple is the only Gospel passage that reflects on the life of Jesus before he reaches adulthood.  What struck me as I read it this time is something we all know but probably don’t think about too often-Jesus was truly human.  Our Father so loved the world that he allowed his only son to be born, live and die a human death.   It might be hard to picture him playing ball or arguing with his mom.  But this is part of God’s gift to us-Jesus’ humanity.  And what marks Jesus’ humanity perhaps more than any other thing-his familial ties.  Let’s remember that the next time we complain about who is coming to Christmas dinner.  

Marlo Serritella is a former staff member of the Holy Cross Province Development Office in Chicago, Illinois.