Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
John 17:20-26

Reflection:

Severe weather and tornado season started early this year in the Midwest and the South. I was awed and dumbstruck to see one hit close to home in Nebraska, not just one but three or four in the immediate area. Soon after such disasters, news reports appear about clean-up and relief. Communities come together for the reconstruction effort.

Dear friends, on Sunday, most of our dioceses across the United States celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension. In continuity with the farewell discourses in John, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians intimates the idea of unity in the number one: one body and one Spirit, one hope of one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.

Natural disasters cause chaos and destruction in the wreckage left behind. However, disasters can unite communities, urging others to care for their neighbors and help rebuild communities. The disciples, soon, will have a disaster leveled upon their heads. Their great master and teacher will be taken away from them. In their great fear and anxiety. Jesus will continue to be present to them in the moment, reminding them of all that He has taught them. What great bonds of love exist between the Father and Son, now proceeding to the disciples!

Help us, Lord, to see in our lives opportunities to build and strengthen the bonds of love and unity between God and humankind.

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

Scripture:

Acts 20:28-38
John 17:11b-19

Reflection:

“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.” John 17: 17 – 19

In our little household, we were five children, roughly about 2½ years apart. I suspect that we could have been a handful for our parents, especially Mom, as we entered grade school, and especially when we were cooped up inside the house because of weather. As normal kids, we would get into squabbles, about little things and major disputes. Mom had to become defender and arbitrator, judge and jury when conflicts became unsustainable. One of the things we learned early on in our lives was that Mom could always tell who was telling the truth and who was lying, whether it would be the older children or us, the younger ones. Hardly ever did we get punished unjustly, trying to hide behind an untruth.

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are filled with examples of the God of Truth and ancestors trying to lie out of difficult situations, from Paradise lost to the first killing of a brother. Personal and community covenants were founded and validated upon the promise of Truth and Fidelity to the Truth. Throughout our Salvation History, time and time again, God and then his Son, Jesus, warned us about false gods, false witnesses, false prophets, false leaders, false testimonies, false apostles who call themselves Christian, to name a few. Exodus 20 ff, lists two of the ten commandments that forbids false gods and false witness. Our first reading for today’s Mass warns against “savage wolves will come among you and not spare the flock.” (Acts 20:29) Jesus, in today’s Gospel, prays that we be consecrated in the Truth and in God’s Word. (John 17:17).

We are called to live a life of integrity, authenticity, honesty, and truth. Even as children, we were tempted to be dishonest, to lie to prevent punishment or to blame others or to deceive another willfully. Many of us will get accustomed to lie in order to save face, to justify what we believe is a greater good or just because it has become a way of life. The alcoholic says that he or she is sober when it is clearly not the case, the cheater will lie when caught red-handed and many a convicted person will swear innocence even when DNA says otherwise.

This is why God and Jesus, and then the Church has insisted that the Truth will always set us free. This is why Jesus consecrates us in Truth. To live a life of integrity and honesty is not easy and will make great demands on us over time and circumstances. We followers of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, will always be called to live truthfully and honestly, even when it costs us fame and fortune. Our life can only be build upon The Truth. Let us not worry, for God will always be there for us for it is never all up to us!

Let us embrace Jesus’ prayer for us today: “Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.” John 17: 17 – 19

Fr. Clemente Barrón, C.P. is a member of Mater Dolorosa Community in Sierra Madre, California. 

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

Scripture:

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
John 15:9-17

Reflection:

How often do we feel undervalued? How does being on the
B-Team typically make us feel about ourselves? And when we’re finally chosen for the A-Team, how much of that negative experience might we carry with us?

Consider the intense pressure Saint Matthias faced when he was elected to replace the traitor Judas as the twelfth apostle. The significance of the number twelve, resonating with the Twelve Tribes of Israel, underscored the weight of Matthias’ role in maintaining the apostolic circle’s integrity.

To top it off, Saint Matthias gets the weakest New Testament coverage. We learn he had been with Jesus from John the Baptist to the Ascencion. He was even in the room at Pentacost to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Beyond that, we learn he was martyred, likely beheaded with an axe, as an axe is what he holds in portraits of him throughout history.

Here’s the deal. Matthias had to be one of those special disciples. He probably didn’t talk a lot, but he was always there. Passing out loaves in fishes? Of course he was. Pulling in the fish nets? Of course he was. Defending all the apostles when they were hassled by unbelievers? He sure was.

He might have been super humble and did not need credit. And it’s a good bet he may have been one of the happier disciples, and a happier apostle.

It’s also a good bet he did not allow himself to wallow in the guilt of living in the shadow of Judas, to get lost in low self-esteem or negative stigma.

The odds are that we can aspire to bolster our own position in the world by doing what Matthias probably did: Let’s validate our own skills and abilities. Let’s change the narrative about negative Christian reputations. Let’s improve our performance in all things. Let’s enjoy a sense of accomplishment. On our own team, let’s build new relationships, learn new strategies, and contribute positively to a more Gospel-inspired team dynamic.

Nobody chose Saint Matthias as a patron saint for minor leaguers but, hey, why not? We’ve all been there.

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:

Acts 19:1-8
John 16:29-33

Reflection:

The first thing that strikes me about our reading from the Acts of the Apostles is the mention of John the Baptist for the second time in as many chapters (18:25; 19:3). Perhaps John’s reach into the Mediterranean world was more extensive than was realized. From scripture, we know that his death took place early in Jesus’ ministry, and we are now somewhere in the early 50s A.D., his message in “preparing the way” still bears fruit.

In the text, Paul exhibits care and tenderness in his conversation with the disciples in Ephesus. Might he have noticed in the previous chapter how Priscilla and Aquila quietly instructed Apollos in the faith (18:26). Later, Paul would write the following passage in his letter to the Romans, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (8:24). It is fair to say that he recognized the work of the Spirit in these disciples and desired to encourage them in their faith. Trust in the Spirit of God was at the heart of Paul’s theology. A good lesson for those in ministry is to treat our people at work with love, wisdom, encouragement, and tenderness. However, he deals a little differently with those in the synagogue as he boldly debates using persuasive arguments (v.8), and we get the sense of his forceful character once again.

In our gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about this dynamic of confident trust in the Holy Spirit to guide them when he “returns to the Father.” Interestingly, his disciples now realize that he is from God. However, we know that while they understand who Jesus is, they don’t fully comprehend everything. Yet Jesus knows this and attempts to reassure them not to worry when confusion arrives. He reminded them where they would find their peace. In him!

And so it happened that following his crucifixion, they were all scattered. I wonder how long it took for them to remember Jesus’ tender words. So, too, with us, perhaps when life gets out of control, do we trust that Jesus is with us? Like the disciples, I can feel that with Jesus, I can get through anything. However, that is not always my reality when some unanticipated event invites me to live up to those beliefs and promises. It often feels more like a journey—a long journey—to trust.

Note his words in the final verse, “In the world you WILL have trouble” (16:33). He doesn’t say may or might; this is a declarative statement that reaches out to us these days. Because life WILL bring trouble otherwise, how would we learn the practice of staying close to Jesus? In these times, we don’t act out of our emotions; we act from our will—we make a choice.

Jesus, I trust in you.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.

The Ascension of the Lord

Scripture:

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23 or 4:1-13
Mark 16:15-20

Reflection:

Today, the feast of the Solemnity of the Ascension is celebrated in most dioceses in the United States.  The Ascension was traditionally celebrated on the 40^th day after the feast of the Resurrection, always a Thursday, followed 10 days later by the celebration of the feast of Pentecost, always on a Sunday.  Following the Second Vatican Council, the church allowed the Solemnity of the Ascension to be moved to the following Sunday, if approved by the local Bishop, to give the feast a more prominent position in the liturgical calendar between the feast of the Resurrection and the feast of Pentecost. 

Consider for a moment, the momentous occurrences of the 52 days between the occasion of the Last Supper (the institution of the Eucharist) on the feast of Passover, followed by Christ’s passion, death, resurrection and Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.  We, the faithful have reflected on Christ’s life, from the infancy narrative in St. Luke’s gospel, through his baptism, his first miracle at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, countless more miracles and teachings, the Transfiguration, and the final journey to Jerusalem.  Laid out in beautiful scriptural passages before us are 33 years of one man’s life, that we have followed and studied and prayed over.   

Suddenly, these long and arduous years are capped off by a series of rapid miraculous and mysterious events in just 52 days that can only be compared to the eruption of a super-volcano, the results of which would impact humanity forever.       

We, as Catholics, have been taught to meditatively observe the 25(+/-) days of Advent leading up to Christmas and the 40 days of lent leading up to the Triduum.  But how much time do we spend focusing on the mysterious and miraculous events of the 52 days from the Last Supper through Pentecost, including today’s Solemnity of the Ascension?  These days seem to move so swiftly that it is difficult to immerse ourselves in the significance of each one of them individually.  However, don’t these events make up the heart of our salvation narrative?

“He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.  While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem…”   “But in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”    

Jesus said to his disciples; “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.  So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.” 

Welcome home my Son.  Thank you Father……it is finished.

Bill Berger has had a lifelong relationship with the Passionist Family. He and his wife, Linda, are currently leaders of the Community of Passionist Partners (CPPs) in Houston.

Scripture:

Acts 18:23-28
John 16:23b-28

Reflection:

“Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.”  

That verse sounds as if God has given us a blank check to ask anything of him.  We know, however, that prayer is not a matter of snapping our fingers, dictating our will to God, and presto, getting whatever we want.

The verse that clarifies and breaks open the Good News in today’s gospel is this: “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may complete (16:24).”  The word “joy” is chara in Greek, stemming from charis, which means grace.  In other words, joy is produced by God’s grace, God’s gift.  Joy is as strong as steel and as tender as the heart.  God’s joy is durable in good times and in bad.

I recall, during my student days as a Passionist seminarian, the words of a wonderful priest, Father Randal Joyce, C.P., at Mass on a Sunday morning: “Joy is the unmistakable, infallible sign of the presence of God.”  I have never forgotten those words from this holy man of prayer.

Real prayer then is prayer that completes our joy.  It is prayer that leads unmistakably to communion with God.  Prayer is a humble and heartfelt attitude of dependency on God who loves us and wants only the good for us.  True prayer begins in conforming our will to the will of God.  And in that moment, Jesus promises us, our joy will be complete, full, and perfect.

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

Scripture:

Acts 18:9-18
John 16:20-23

Reflection:

I remember what labor was like for me – long and intense. Despite what it says in the Gospel, once my son was born, I didn’t immediately forget the pain; it was too real. Over time, I thought of it less and less though, and I knew my child was worth the price.

Then when my young husband died, I was plunged into the incredible pain of another type of labor. It took a very long time and much work for the pain and grief to lessen, my heart to heal, and new life to emerge. Yet when people ask whether I would’ve married John if I knew he’d die that soon, I always reply, “Absolutely! I struggled through a depth of pain I didn’t know was possible, but John was worth the price, and I am a better person because of his life, his love, and even his death.”

In John’s Gospel, Jesus acknowledges the anguish his disciples will experience when he was crucified, and then the repeat of their anguish when his physical presence disappeared from the earth. Yet, just as the hard labor of his death culminated in resurrection, their pain would eventually turn to joy that no one can take away. Just as with his crucifixion, the price would be worth it.

Jesus taught that nothing of this world is permanent. Loss and deep pain are absolutely inevitable and are so often a necessary labor for our growth into deeper life. Yet we blindly run from pain. We avoid learning about, facing, or accepting illness, death, broken heart, disability, and more. Instead, we convince ourselves that we “own” the things and people we love or can command their continued existence. Sooner or later, though, we lose what we held so dear and are thrown into the labor pains of grief.

Perhaps one key is to recognize impermanence rather than denying it, and to truly appreciate the wealth of gifts – people and things – we’ve been given in our lives right now, knowing they can disappear in an instant. Then let’s also commit to a prayer practice that places us and all we have into the hands of God, who is the only permanence and the only true source of healing and joy. Because of Jesus, we know that no matter what we go through, God will companion us in our labor and bring us to resurrection and new life.

What “labor pains” are you enduring now, or are you likely to experience? What circumstances in your life would break your heart and shake your foundations to the core? When it does, can you work through the pain of your personal crucifixion hand-in-hand with Jesus, until new life can emerge? It’s not an easy task! But it’s worth the price.  

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.corgenius.com/.

Scripture:

Acts 18:1-8
John 16:16-20

Reflection:

The Church of Jesus with Signs Following!

The daily readings for this week speak of Church building: the home of Lydia, a prosperous dealer in woven and dyed cloth becomes the house church of Philippi. We can see her at the loom weaving a new Church into creation. Paul speaks eloquently in Athens, but with no tangible results. He goes then to Corinth where working with Aquila and Priscilla over time, a solid community is established before he moves on.

In the diocese where I live we celebrate the Ascension today, most will celebrate Sunday. The celebration today fits well today with the theme of Church building, the work and response to the Spirit’s invitation, and being witnesses to the ends of the earth.

A mother due to give birth later this summer reflects about the natural world as an orderly liturgical procession for a feast day, a day like the Ascension. ‘Crocus acolytes lead the forsythia choir, followed by the shrubbery deacons, azalea to lilac, attending the fay and jolly magnolia, cloaked in the finest vestments, spun with white and gold thread’.

She goes beyond seeing the colorful display of life in nature adding that she was born into a sacramental world of initiation, healing, and vocation. In the quiet times of life there is always something to celebrate, the ordinary is packed with feast days. Nature is partnered with the cycle of the sacraments, and together help us to see ourselves with such hope, with dignity and beauty. This expectant mother ends by saying that next spring she will see the spring differently, along side her child, another witness to the Resurrection.

Augustine as poet speaks of the gifts that are ours in Jesus, ‘The one who made us has become one of us; the Ruler of the stars nursed at a mother’s breast. Yes, he became one of us – Bread hungered, Drink thirsty…’ At the heart of the Church is the Eucharist, Jesus present with us; the Way, the Truth and the Life, Healer. Each of these gifts are given through suffering, something not foreign to nature, even beautiful nature. When Adam slept Eve was given life. Bone of my Bone, he said. On the Cross the New Adam gave birth from his wounded side to the New Eve, the Church, His Body.

The Ascension shows us the Risen Lord enthroned in glory, now watching over us. We are to be witnesses to the ends of the earth and the Holy Spirit is with us, our companion and guide. We are laden with the surprises and gifts that Jesus gives us to bring life into the world. We do this often with suffering, which ought not surprise us, that is what Jesus endured, what a mother giving birth endures. It is our price that we pay so stand with others as witnesses of the Resurrection.

Pushed from the nest by the loving, nurturing Spirit to soar like the eagle, may the indescribable wonder/thunder of the Ascension shake us to a witness that comes from our oneness with Jesus, our desire for the Father.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.