Daily Scripture

Scripture:

2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
Psalm: 51: 3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11
Mark 4: 26-34

Reflection:

Adultery, lies, cover-up, murder – the story of King David and the planned assassination of his faithful lieutenant Uriah the Hittite is genuinely believed to be the lowest point of the life of this hero of the Hebrew scriptures. In an overt act of Shakespeare-like betrayal and treachery, David is seen not as the magnificent conqueror king, but rather as a small minded, lustful man whose passion for another man’s wife leads him down a path of spiritual desolation and despair. It is only in the next passage tomorrow that David realizes his crime and begs forgiveness.

In today’s Gospel Jesus preaches parables about the Kingdom of God. He uses language and allusions that most of the common folk can understand. However the meaning behind these messages lies somewhat hidden in these folksy stories. Hidden because it will be only those who truly understand what the Kingdom or Reign of God means who will really be able to somewhat understand the life changing power that this new Reign will bring.

The famous Scripture scholar John Dominic Crossan of DePaul University writes that Jesus invited those who wanted to know what the Kingdom of God was to "come and see" how he and his companions were already living into it. "To experience the kingdom, he asserted, come, see how we live and then live like us."

What was it like to live into the Kingdom? Again Crossan answers with familiar words of Jesus: "Heal the sick, eat with those you heal and announce the kingdom’s presence in that mutuality." Simply put, you live in God’s reign when you do justice and promote mercy together.

So what about all these religious folk who wait for an apocalyptic ending to the world which will inaugurate the Reign of God? What does Jesus say to them? Dr. Crossan, while acknowledging the imminent nature of the coming of God’s Reign particularly in the preaching of John the Baptist and later Paul and other early church writers, seems to think that Jesus understanding of the violence attendant with the coming of God’s reign is less of an emphasis. For Dr. Crossan, Jesus does not represent the warrior Davidic messiah but rather Jesus represented a shift to a nonviolent Davidic messiah. One who’s sovereign God waits for man’s response to the inklings of the Kingdom rather than a God whose power overwhelms human history to the point of altering it (or in some people’s minds) destroying it forever.

In this eschatology the question if not: "When will God act?" but rather it is God who wonders: "When will mankind act?" The shift here is truly dramatic. Our God, mirrored in Jesus, is a God of invitation, of the "still small voice." Our God is not the bull in the china shop, but rather the God who "draws us to himself with cords of love" and respects his creation so much that he uses folksy stories, the healing of illnesses and the eating with outcasts to show us how appealing it will be when we together bring to fulfillment this promised Reign of His Kingdom. God loves us so much that He does not wait to bring the Kingdom to fulfillment in a vacuum; he wants us to collaborate with him to bring this ultimate good into reality.

That takes me back to today’s first reading. Every act of injustice, of selfishness, of treachery, of betrayal, of murder takes us further away from our true calling. It ultimately betrays who we really are in God’s eyes and lessens the power of the Kingdom that is here and coming.

Perhaps today we can learn a lesson from juxtaposing David’s failure and Jesus gracious descriptions of the Kingdom God has in store for us. All we need to do as God’s children is choose and act.

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 18: 15-20
1 Corinthians 7: 32-35
Mark 1: 21-28

Reflection:

My reflection on today’s Scripture passages is all about "listening"; more particularly about listening with the heart.  Our responsorial psalm says it best; "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  I have fairly large ears (or so the evidence would indicate from my childhood photo with a "crew cut" and my favorite Davy Crockett sweater).  However, as I have found out over the years, big ears do not necessarily equate to being a good listener.

Listening takes time, patience and attention.  My life is crowded with noise.  Some of the noise is within my control and some is not.  Unless I make an effort I often find myself giving God and others the "leftover" time.  I can do better.  I should do better.  Listening to God in my everyday life is an opportunity for grace and growth.  If I don’t create space in my own life for the contemplative moments, then I miss out on this grace and growth.

Today’s Scriptures point me towards becoming more attentive to hearing God’s voice in my life from all directions.  It might be as simple as truly listening to another’s heart veiled behind the "small talk".  It might be as intentional as setting aside time for prayer when I still have energy to be present to the Spirit of God.  In any case, I need to think about where I have encountered God’s voice during the day when I put my head (with its big ears) on the pillow at night.  I am convinced this traditional "examination of conscience" is a solid practice if one intends to truly listen with the heart.

God wants to speak to us every day in every encounter with life.  Every moment can become a sacramental moment filled with potential grace.  If today we hear his voice, let us harden not our hearts!

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:
2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19
Mark 3:31-35

Reflection:
Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing  before the Lord with abandon  as he and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts of joy  and to the sound of the horn. (2 Sam 6:12)  

The Ark was a special place for God’s presence. 

"There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel." (Ex 25:22)  David with Divine inspiration and political genius now made his capital both the civil and religious center of the land.   With unbounded elation he dances, literally whirling and shouting war cries, at this great achievement. Indeed what an ecstasy it is to have God in our midst!   God’s presence is the ultimate rapture!

Like David we also can twirl and shout in joy in God’s company.  Today is feast of Francis de Sales.  He spoke often of the excitement of God’s presence.  "In the course of the day recollect as often as you can that you stand in the presence of God.  You will find his eyes turned toward you and perpetually fixed upon you with an incomparable love."   Francis had a great influence on our St Paul of the Cross.  Paul time and time again urged us to live and pray in this exciting nearness of God.  

Paul of the Cross put this electrifying truth in such simple words.  "Keep yourself attached to the Divine Bosom."  "Dwell within yourself in pure faith, without images, with a sweet, peaceful attention to God whom you have within you: you are more in God than in yourself."  "In recollection of heart every good proceeds because this recollection binds the soul to God, the source of every good." 

As with David of old we also have this stirring and exhilarating presence of God made real by the gift of faith.   Jesus promised, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."  If only we beg for the realization of this wonderful truth, our life will be filled with joy.  "In Your presence is fullness of joy." (Ps 16:11)

 

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan.

Scripture:

2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10
Mark 3:22-30

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading, some of the scribes who have observed all that Jesus has done, say, "By the prince of demons he drives out demons." They can’t bring themselves to acknowledge any good coming from Jesus. Jesus shows the folly of their thinking by replying, "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand."

As we continue through the "election cycle," as the pundits call it, it seems that division continues to be the order of the day. There seem to be many issues that readily divide us, some having to do with policy, and others that are part of what are called the "culture wars." And I wonder if much of the division isn’t caused by falling into the same trap that the scribes fall into. Very often, just as the scribes were with Jesus, we can’t acknowledge anything good coming from those who disagree with us.

If we get into a condemnatory stance with regards to others, we need to be careful. Although we need to judge what is right and good, it is not our place to condemn. That is reserved for God alone.

The Church in the U.S. has set this day as a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. We may not understand why this is such a divisive issue when it seems so clear to us. While it is necessary to stand up for life, I’m not sure we help when we are quick to condemn. It seems to me that those who do all they can to help young women in bringing their babies into the world, either keeping them, or putting them up for adoption, have the best approach. I also applaud those who are willing to listen to women who have chosen abortion. If we are to persuade those who believe that abortion is a "right," we need to understand the reason for their beliefs.

Is there a way to be true to our beliefs, and be faithful disciples, and listen to and acknowledge good when it comes from those who do not share our beliefs? Personally, I believe so. There are many instances in the Gospels where Jesus honors requests by those who were not His disciples. Love is still the ultimate commandment. May we follow Jesus in love today.

 

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P. is the director of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Scripture:

Jonah 3:1-5, 10
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

Reflection:

"Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Then they abandoned their nets and followed him."  Mark 1: 17-18

These fishermen left their jobs, their homes and even families when Jesus called them. What do we need to leave behind to follow Jesus? Obviously there are many answers to this question, and I think it’s a good question to ask ourselves from time to time.

When we first begin to follow Jesus, we may indeed leave our families and jobs and even our dreams behind. Growing up I thought I would be a nun, but then I fell in love with Jim, and I realized that the Lord’s plan for me was much different. When we got married, I left my job at Oregon State and my family all in Oregon to relocate to California so he could work for his Dad. When our daughter Julie discerned a call to the Sisters of Life in New York, she left her job at NET and let go of her plan to move back to Oregon to be near her family. She also gave up her dream of marrying and having children. It seems God had a different future for both of us!

Many times our attitudes and patterns of coping need to change. I learned to worry from my Mom, but after I had 4 small children of my own, I started noticing Jesus speaking to me in His Word. Things like, "Don’t be anxious" and "Stop worrying" and "which of you by worrying can add a moment to his life-span?" Hmmm…. I learned that if I keep my eyes on Jesus, I really don’t have to worry. It’s my choice! I can live in peace rather than having ulcers and being upset all the time.

I’ve also noticed that I need an attitude adjustment when it comes to the new translation of the Mass. I miss the wording of some of the prayers and I don’t like some of the new phrases being used, but I need to let it go and embrace the changes. My worst offense, though, is my impatience with our daily Mass crowd who keep saying the old words! In their defense, some of them are practically deaf and blind, and they’ve been saying these prayers for so many years, it may take them awhile to get it! I need to follow Jesus by being more like Him and not letting this upset me.

The bottom line is, do I want my will, or the Lord’s will? God’s will is the best and safest place we can be. Let’s be willing to leave behind anything that keeps us from that.

 

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. Janice also leads women’s retreats. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.jcarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].

Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr 

Scripture:

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
Mark 3:20-21

Reflection:

The lives of many adults are conflicted.  Especially if they entail multiple responsibilities, the possibility of conflict in choosing a proper course of action involves complexity.   As for instance, in today’s Eucharist, as we celebrate the memorial of the virgin-martyr Agnes, accompanied by the biblical readings prescribed by the church for the day, we see this issue at play.

When we listen to the narrative out of the Book of Samuel, we hear of David rising to power in Israel, and consolidating his position as leader and king of Judah.  It entailed a struggle involving arms, combat and warfare.  People died, as the narrative recounts today: Saul and Jonathan perished in battle.  David certainly had to be conflicted by this situation as he fought the constituents of Saul, his predecessor as king, with Saul’s son Jonathan at his father’s side.  How do we assess this situation?  Saul and David as enemies; Jonathan as David’s closest friend; Jonathan fighting alongside his father, Saul.  Was David driven by personal ambition for power?  Was he acting out a divine commission from God that the line of David was to prevail and give rise to the promised Messiah?  What shall we say?  David was certainly not perfect, yet he was beloved of God.

The gospel account simply intensifies this conundrum.  As Mark presents it, Jesus is still early into His public ministry, but has already garnered a reputation throughout the land for His teaching and miracles.   The people flood around Him, so much so that it proved impossible for Jesus and His companions to have time enough even to eat a meal.   His relatives get upset about this situation.  Is this a legitimate concern of theirs?  Is Jesus pushing the button too far, to His own detriment and that of His mission?  Are His relatives acting out of spite or envy at His success?   How shall we evaluate this strange situation?

Then there is the young girl, Agnes, memorialized today as one of the glorious martyrs of the early church.   A beautiful girl with several suitors, she refused them all, intending to consecrate her life entirely to God.  Apprehended for her Christian faith and her adherence to its highest tenets, a victim of the anger of her suitors, she is persecuted, then executed.  Her persecution saw her sent to a house of prostitution.  What shall we say of all this?   Is too much too much, in terms of her own commitment to chaste virginity?  Was she just proving stubborn?

It is difficult to live very long in this life and avoid similar ambivalences about what to say, what to think, what to do, or not do.   Retiring from life and its conflicts is not viable.  Giving up before these problems and adopting an attitude of "who cares" before them is not the path to take.  Trying to do the right and good thing is the Christian way, such as, we believe, David, Jesus and Agnes attempted.  In Jesus’ case, we have no doubt that He always took the right and good course of action.   And it is likely that David and Agnes did too.

But they were human, and mistakes were always possible for them, as for us.  We can’t avoid them, but we can constrain and gradually reduce them.  Remaining close to the Lord in prayer, reading of His Word in the bible, approaching the sacraments are all steps in the right direction.  They help us approach life’s complexity with confidence and an informed conscience.

 

Fr. Sebastian MacDonald, C.P. is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

Scripture:

Samuel 24: 3-21
Mark 3: 13-19

Reflection:

What do you think of shortcuts?  That was the question that arose in my mind as I was reading this morning’s very exciting account of the confrontation between David and King Saul.  David was on the run because King Saul, convinced that David was trying to bring him down, was after him with 3,000 hand-picked men.  As you recall, the prophet Samuel had been instructed by God to anoint David as King of Israel, which, of course, he did.  Saul, the current king of Israel, did not look kindly upon this judgment on his kingship.  In fact, he was convinced that David wanted to do him harm and depose him as king.  So he fully intended to end the threat by killing David.

David, however, had no intention of deposing Saul.  He had a deep love and respect for Saul, and Jonathan, Saul’s son, was David’s closest friend.  So, David had fled with a few men loyal to him and was hiding in the deepest part of a cave.

As fate would have it, it is that very cave that Saul used to take care of his personal need.  It was the perfect chance for David to kill the unsuspecting Saul.  But, David would not kill his good friend so he just cut off a small piece of Saul’s cloak.

After Saul left the cave, David confronted him, showed him the piece David had cut from his cloak, and assured Saul that he was loyal to him and would never harm him.  Saul, realizing that David could have killed him had he wished, became convinced of David’s loyalty.  The wound between them was healed.

David chose not to take a short cut.  He decided to keep his integrity, remain faithful to his good friend, Saul, and trust that God would accomplish His will at the proper time. 

What about us?  Are we willing to be patient and wait for God to set the timetable for us?  Or, are we often looking for a short cut to accomplish our goals?  This story about David and Saul invites us to think about our own willingness to wait for the Lord.  As you know, David didn’t always avoid taking a short-cut.  But, in today’s reading, David shows us how important it is to wait for the Lord.

 

 Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P. is the director the Development Office for Holy Cross Province  and is stationed at Immaculate Conception Community  in Chicago.

Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Mark 2:23-28

Reflection:
"Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart." 
1 Samuel 16:7

"This is why the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." Mark 2:28

There are times when God really frustrates us! The first reading for today’s Mass describes the frustration that Samuel, the prophet, is feeling. Samuel is one of God’s favorites from birth. As a young boy, Samuel confronted his mentor, the prophet Eli, and then grew up to become God’s primary spokesperson in Israel. God charged him with anointing Saul as the first King of Israel and then becoming Saul’s advisor. Saul did well at first, but later allowed his personal failing to overshadow his obligations to God’s people. Then God had Samuel seek out David to succeed Saul as King, but Samuel was afraid of Saul and was reluctant to do what God asked of him. Samuel made excuses, but eventually found David in the small city of Bethlehem. Samuel was ready to crown several of his brothers because he was judging by appearances but not by God’s standards. By the time Samuel got to David, I am sure he was feeling very frustrated with God.

Most of us are good people, and if you are reading this reflection, chances are that you take the Spiritual Life very seriously, especially the task of discerning God’s Will. If you are like me, God frustrates you because my tendency is to allow my opinions, my viewpoints and my feelings to get in the way of God’s plan of salvation. We can work things out to our satisfaction, only to discover that this is not what God had in mind. The same thing happened to the Pharisees in the Gospel reading. They had figured out how to live the perfect life before God and translated that conviction to a series of behaviors that took the heart out of living life.

The heart of the matter is what God wants us to focus our attention on and God will frustrate us until we do so. It is possible to make our religion a heartless exercise of outward gestures and not a life that flows from the heart, the source of love and compassion. It is such a comfort to know that God truly sees the heart and does not judge only by appearances. Our God teaches us to love our enemies, to forgive those who do us wrong, to help those who are living without the basic necessities of life, to heal the hurting, to welcome the stranger and to love one another as Jesus, God’s Son, has loved us. If we do that, then we will not only appear to be good, we will be good. Our heart will give humanity to our appearance and allow our faith to be life-giving.

Throughout Samuel’s life, he had to learn the lesson that God was truly in charge and not him. Even into his old age, he struggled with this reality. Yet, he did not abandon God’s Will and God did not abandon him. It is a good thing that we struggle to discover God’s Will. It means that God is still in charge. Let us ask our God, who sees our hearts, for the grace to beyond appearances, even our own.

 

Fr. Clemente Barron, C.P. is a member of the General Council of the Passionist Congregation and is stationed in Rome.