Daily Scripture

The Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Scripture:

Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14
John  1: 47-51

Reflection:

On May 8, 1959 I was enrolled in the St. Michael’s Junior League.  Today, I still have my enrollment card and the special medal in honor of Saint Michael sitting on my desk.  Over the months and miles since my enrollment, I’ve always experienced the angels, including Michael, Gabriel and Raphael as a source of "comfort" in my life.  Whenever debates about the theology of angels came up, (or the simple question "How many angels really could fit on the head of a pin"), I still could never forget their presence and meaning as comfort in times of stress and sorrow.  In the haunting melody of Sarah Mclachlan I recall, "You’re in the arms of the angels, may you find some comfort here."

When I reflect on the comforting nature of this feast I think not only of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.  I also think about the "angels" I encounter here in our Passionist Family in Louisville.  I see these angels providing comfort to those who are at the foot of the Cross.  I see the kind smiles of Father Albert and Father Leon providing comfort to seniors they visit.  I hear the stories Sister Mary Ann shares of her ministry to the elderly.  I listen to Capper Rademaker reflect on her ministry of care to those who are suffering with illness.  I thank God for the healing ministry of Father Bernie.  I take pride in the ministry of Father John and Brother John, caring every day for those in our Assisted Living community.  I watch Jim Williams offer comfort to wounded veterans in his social work at the VA Hospital.  I witnessed the smiling generosity of Bill Hash and the comfort the community has provided his family, friends and each other since his untimely death.  I rejoice in the faithful prayer ministry of our whole community.  Passionists all, angels all, they comfort the suffering at the foot of the Cross.

Today I take comfort in the sung prayer of The Stanley Brothers from the movie "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"  "Oh come, angel band.  Come and around me stand.  Oh bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home." 

Let us pray and reflect together on today’s Alleluia verse from Psalm 103, "Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will."

 

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

 

Scripture:

Nehemiah 2:1-8
Luke 9:57-62

Reflection:

If you haven’t yet done so, take a few moments to read today’s readings.  Read them aloud.  They are truly beautiful, poetic readings with rich and interesting messages for us.  The first reading tells us the story of Nehemiah choosing to leave his comfortable position to return to his ruined ancestral city of Jerusalem to help rebuild it – a task that would involve hardship and many risks.  He has to take a chance in even asking for permission to do this. Nehemiah throughout the passage, prays to God, and then voices his faith that it was God’s favorable hand that led the king and queen to say yes to his request.  What a reminder to us to pray for God’s help and then to recognize God’s favorable hand!  And then psalm reminds us that we, like the psalmist, are to always remember Zion – the kingdom of God. 

The Gospel at first reading seems to tell us not to care about or take care of the needs of our family.  Of course, Jesus is not really telling us to disregard family!  There are many other scripture passages that speak of our roles and obligations as family members, and we know that we are called to fulfill these obligations.  

Maybe the best way of looking at today’s reading is to see them as reflecting the radical nature of being true to God’s call. All of us at some time have to make a decision about following God.   Sometimes it is going to cost us dearly.  We will have to give up things that we may value deeply.  We have to ask ourselves if this cost is more than I am willing to pay. The enthusiasm for beginning is there, but what are we willing to give up to stay the course?   I think we often forget that it is a radical move when we follow Jesus.  It’s not the way of the world, it’s not the easy path.

Today’s Gospel shows us that Jesus is calling us to put following him as our top priority.  Nothing else, not burying your dead, tending to your crops, or any other task can ever be more important than following Christ.  As true disciples we must accept that following Christ requires a commitment that is always our highest priority, and we must be willing to pay the cost.

 

Mary Lou Butler is a long-time friend and partner in ministry to the Passionists in California.

 

Scripture:

Zechariah 8:20-23
Luke 9:51-56

 

 

 

Reflection:

I am starting to think that God has divinely intervened to give me the particular passages I am assigned each month.  I can’t help but approach all of these readings with the hope that God’s word will shed some light on the current realities and struggles we all face daily.  Today’s gospel resonates with me for many reasons.

Luke tells us that Jesus has set his course for Jerusalem.  In anticipation of this journey, He sent some of his disciples ahead to the area inhabited by Samaritans, "to prepare for his reception there."  We are told, however, that the Samaritans would not welcome Him.  I can’t tell you whether this was simply because they rejected Jesus and his teachings, or as the reading might suggest, because he was destined for Jerusalem (and the Samaritans and Jews were historically enemies).  That debate, I will leave for the scholars and philosophers. 

What strikes me is the response of the disciples to the Samaritans’ rebuff: "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?"  In other words, let’s show them what they get for rejecting us!  It almost makes you wonder if the disciples have been paying attention to Jesus at all.  Of course our Lord "rebuked" James and John for this, and instead journeyed to a different village.

I think the lessons here are endless-first of all, you don’t return evil for evil or judgment for judgment, hate for hate (you get the point).  Jesus didn’t come to judge.  Let me say that one more time, because it’s important.  Jesus didn’t come to judge.  He came to save us.  I’m not sure how many different ways Jesus can say this.  He literally proclaimed it from the mountaintops, and yet we still don’t seem to get it 2000 year later. 

Perhaps even more poignant, we need to look at what Jesus did when the Samaritans rejected his arrival.  He simply moved on.  He didn’t brood or wonder about it.  He didn’t weep and seek pity.  He didn’t throw up His arms and gnash his teeth and proclaim their day of reckoning.  He continued on his journey without hesitation or  uncertainty.

You know, people have turned the phrase "what would Jesus do" into a sort of pop-culture joke.  But I think this is one perfect example where we can take Jesus’ model and make it real in our lives.  How many times have we had experiences where we knew we were on the side of right and yet we were rejected or ignored or even persecuted?  This could be as simple as having the right-of-way in traffic or standing up for something we believe in. 

But when we meet such opposition, how much energy do we waste in feelings of contempt or superiority or anger?  How often do we just move on in our lives?  It’s so easy to become stuck in wanting acceptance or recognition that we miss out on other opportunities.  Sometimes the best thing we can do is move on.  And that’s ok.  Even the Samaritans came around eventually.        

 

Marlo Serritella is on staff at the Holy Cross Province Development Office in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Zechariah 8:1-8
Luke 9:46-50

Reflection:

The other day I was writing in my journal.  Usually months go by between entries. I remind myself, again, to try to write a bit more frequently. 

 

But when I do take a quiet moment to write, I tend to first look back and re-read prior entries.  Usually I am amused at how easily past experiences are brought to life again simply by remembering them.  But I am also a bit saddened.  I realize how easy it is for me to move ahead in life and leave behind wonderful events and encounters…until I read about them again in my journal.  I really should write more often.

For me, the words of the prophet Zechariah are incredibly reassuring: "They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice."  The prophet in today’s reading is intending to encourage the people of Israel, to give them heart that Jerusalem will again be full of life.  He wants people to remember God’s promise, especially during the hard times.

No matter what, God will never forget us. I suppose the challenge is not God forgetting us, but when I forget God.  Maybe "forget" is the wrong word.  "Oblivious" is probably more accurate.  I am too often oblivious to God’s love.

Looking back in my life, I am able to confidently echo Zechariah’s prophesy.  When I reflect on the darkest moments of my life, I can now see how God was walking with me, giving me gifts of love and friendship.  With time and distance to offer me perspective, I am able to tell the story of God’s faithfulness to me.

I just wish I could be more aware of God’s love right now at times in my life when I am busy with work and at home, or when I am struggling with sorrow and loss. "They shall be my people, and I shall be their God."  Maybe this could be a mantra that can help me be more aware.  I think I’ll write about this in my journal.

 

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and is the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Ezekiel 18: 25-28
Philippians 2: 1-5
Matthew 21: 28-32

Reflection:

In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells the parable of two sons who say one thing and do another.  "He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’  He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went.  The man came to the other son and gave the same order.  He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir, ‘but did not go.  Which of the two did his father’s will?"  Following their encounter, one son experiences regret for his words and fulfills his father’s wishes, while the other does not follow through on his good intentions.  As a mother and daughter, I have experienced this same defiant and rebellious attitude, as well as unfulfilled intentions by my children -and as young women, dispensing the same to my own parents, having to live with the consequences following such choices. Living up to the expectations placed on early family values is often difficult.  But when fulfilled can bring great peace into the vineyard of life.

The same is true when we follow through on our commitment to God. Intentions alone are worthless, even good intentions for good reasons, simply aren’t sufficient. It takes action to accomplish authenticity. We must strive to put our intentions into action.  Acknowledge our faith in words and deeds, always responding "yes" to the requests of our Father.

 

Angela Kwasinski is the Director of Planned and Major Gifts for The Passionists of Holy Cross Province Development Office.

Scripture:

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a
Luke 9:43b-45

Reflection:

"They did not understand." Luke 9:43

Driving along a road in the National Gettysburg Park you pass a simple sign reading "The Wheatfield." Most people pass without stopping because they don’t understand what happened here July 2, 1863. In this 20 acre wheat field one of the most fiercest battles of the Civil War took place. In two hours the field was taken and retaken six times. 20,000 men were engaged and ended with 6,000 casualties! We don’t appreciate what we don’t understand.

In today’s Gospel we are told three times that the apostles did not comprehend what Jesus was saying when he told them "that the Son of Man was to be handed over to men".  They were afraid to know how deeply Jesus was to be involved in our lives!   The stark reality of the Crucifix will sober any rational person.   When someone loves us this much we can hardly remain indifferent or neutral.  The ancient Greek work in the Scriptures for fear is phobos.  It means to flee, or to avoid. The awesome act of our Father’s love in the voluntary sufferings of his Son can make us flee from such intensity. It intrudes into our lives so that we find we can no longer live for ourselves but for Christ!

St. Paul of the Cross meditating on the Scriptures that greater love than this no one has than to give his life for us was totally convinced that the Cross central to knowing God. We must never flee from this dominant message of the Gospel in our prayer or ministry. The Holy Spirit must inspire us to keep up the intensity of God’s love in the Crucified!

 

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

 

Scripture:

Haggai 1:1-8
Luke 9:7-9

 

 

 

Reflection:

"The Lord takes delight in his people."

Jim and I just got back from Newport where we went to my 40th high school reunion. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have gone by since I graduated! We’ve already lost 23 of our 160 classmates – mostly to cancer. Those of us who came felt very fortunate to still be here and to be able to reconnect with old friends.

Many have suffered greatly since high school. One of the most touching was a man who lost both of his adult children to Hodgkin’s. One at 28 and one at 30. They were told after their daughter died that their son wouldn’t get it too. But he did. I can’t even begin to imagine losing one of my children, let alone losing all of them. I asked him how he has managed and he said "by faith". He knows he will see them again one day, and then he said "so many have suffered much more than I have." Wow. I believe God delights in Owen’s testimony.

Two of the people in our class dated all through high school and got engaged the year after we graduated. Eventually, they broke up and each married another. But these 2 couples now enjoy each other’s company, attend the weddings of each other’s children, and pray for each other. The world says they shouldn’t be friends, but God’s ways are different than the worlds’. I believe the Lord delights in their forgiveness of each other and in the witness they give to the rest of the class showing what God’s love can accomplish.

On Sunday morning 9 of us showed up early to share a time of praise and worship and to pray for each other. The prayers were beautiful and anointed. What a joy and privilege to share with other believers!!! And again, I believe that the Lord delights in his people whenever they gather to worship and to lift each other up, especially when they all belong to different denominations!

May we all be a cause of delight for the Lord in our thoughts, words, and actions.

 

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 5 (almost 6!). Visit Janice’s website at http://www.jcarleton.com/ or email her at janice@frcedric/org

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:1-7
Matthew  9:9-13

Reflection:

During  the last few years, especially  with the pontificate of Benedict XVI,  there has been considerable discussion about the continuity of  the Second Vatican Council with the councils preceding it.  It is a matter of harmony of doctrine.  This converges with similar concern about the faith-cohesiveness of church membership, that is, whether  the body of beliefs to which all Catholics should adhere is becoming diluted.  Is the faith understanding of the contemporary Catholic  in continuity with the belief of earlier generations   of Catholics?

As we recall the memory of St. Matthew today, the church suggests some biblical references for us, that  suggest  he has relevance for us, in view of the above remarks.   One set of these comes from a letter  of St. Paul to the church in Ephesus, in which he urges its membership to bear with one another, to preserve its unity, to recognize the diversity of graces given by God to the church membership, to see this working out in a variety of vocational activities such as those of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc., until, as he says, all attain the desired unity, thereby indicating that it hadn’t been achieved yet.  Not everyone saw eye to eye in Ephesus.

And then the church has selected a few biographical snippets from the life story of Matthew, recalling that he had been employed as a customs official (presumably working for the Roman authorities), and that, having accepted Jesus’ invitation to be His follower, he threw a banquet at his home, probably to celebrate his good fortune at this honor conferred on him by Jesus, with its potential to counteract his unsavory reputation among his Jewish compatriots because of his previous occupation.   And whom does he invite to this meal (together with Jesus) but his long-standing friends and companions (tax collectors and sinners, which were apparently interchangeable terms), thereby provoking criticism from tax-paying Pharisees: why does Jesus (and Matthew), eat with these folk?  So Jesus used this occasion to clarify His mission: "I did not come to call the righteous but sinners".   There was an inclusion problem that concerned Matthew:  early on, his inclusion in the Jewish community, later on, his desire to show a certain continuity and similarity between the Jewish and Christian communities.

The gospel of Matthew preserves this snippet in the gospel bearing his name, highlighting that he had been one of those less than desirable people.  More to the point, the author decided to record this incident  with an eye to those Jewish persons who had their problems with Matthew in his wayward days, trying to account for the growing opposition between what Jesus was about, and what traditional Judaism stood for.   Perhaps he wanted to save his Jewish associates of earlier days from experiencing disapproval from the new Christian way that Matthew had earlier received from them.  If so, this would be  a helpful lesson for us all.

 

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