Daily Scripture

Scripture:

1 Timothy 1:15-17
Luke 6:43-49

Reflection:

I was with several members of my very large family this summer when one person criticized individuals who dress in a certain way.  A chorus of groans rose up as one after another proclaimed the indecency or idiocy of "those people". I was tempted to jump right in, knowing the fun of participating and finding myself already entertained as examples flowed (sometimes with a tinge of exaggeration for effect). Besides, I had lively stories of my own to tell. But before I spoke, I sat back and listened. How judgmental we sounded!

Jesus says, "From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks." Were the things coming out of our mouths reflections of the good stored in our hearts? Were people who dressed in a style we didn’t understand really bad people? Was it right to find entertainment value in denigrating them? I shuddered, took a deep breath, and said something positive about a person I knew who dressed that way. Several people snapped their heads around to look at me, someone made another comment, and then the topic moved on to other things. I don’t know that I changed the minds or attitudes of any of my family members, but at least I stopped the stream of nastiness in its tracks.

Not long afterwards, I read a book whose author suggested a practice of saying things ONLY if they meet three criteria – true, kind, and helpful. At times, of course, a bit of information may be unkind, yet absolutely necessary to convey – for instance to aid the police, report child abuse, correct injustice, etc. But those instances make up an infinitesimal portion of daily conversation. The author’s point is to be mindful of my everyday speech and habit patterns, especially when I am tempted to indulge in conversations that are not quite true, or that are unkind or unhelpful in the present context. With the taste of the family conversation in my mouth and Jesus’ words in my mind, I decided to adopt that practice immediately. I was not prepared for how hard it is!

Some things I want to say cannot be verified as true. If there is any doubt, I try not to say them.  Some things are indeed true and I know it, but if they are not kind (or at least neutral), I try not to say them.  Still others are true but they are not helpful – saying them would serve no purpose beyond feeding my desire to possess a "juicy" bit of news or to make a point at someone else’s expense – so I try not to say them. This practice is particularly difficult when discussing politics, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, parish leadership, pop music, business colleagues…oh heck…it is particularly difficult in most of the contexts of my life.

Even in my struggle to implement this principle, I’ve noticed the benefit of its reciprocal effect. The more I pause to tap into the goodness of God in my heart before speaking, the more true, kind, and helpful my speech.  The more true, kind, and helpful my speech, the more the goodness of God can grow in my heart. And when I stop judging and criticizing people, I am open to the goodness of God reflected in them.

Yet at the same time I relate all too well to St. Paul when he says he is the foremost of sinners and Christ has to practice tremendous mercy with him.  And I fit too easily into the parable Jesus tells about the person who hears his words but does not do them. I have been so deeply socialized into un-Christ-like habit patterns of speech. 

So relying on divine mercy and forgiveness, I keep trying. I pray I may be a tree that bears good fruit and a disciple whose actions and words shine as examples of God’s goodness.

 

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.amyflorian.com/.

Scripture:

Colossians 1:1-8
Luke 4:38-44

Reflection:

They tried to prevent Him from leaving them.  But He said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God because for this purpose I have been sent."

The Gospel today talks about four different events;  the cure of Peter’s mother-in-law, the cure of many sick people,  the prayer of Jesus in a deserted place, and His insistence on the focus of His mission.

Scripture has a way of helping us to learn about how to live life.  In the first reading, Paul models for us how to be grateful for all of the people who come into and go out of our lives, many of whom leave footprints on our hearts. (Developing an attitude of gratitude!)

The Gospel reading begins with the story of Jesus curing Peter’s mother-in-law.  After her cure, "She got up immediately and waited on them." (Developing an attitude of service!)

After the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, the people brought to Him all who were sick with various diseases and He healed them also. (Developing an attitude of preferential treatment for the poor and marginalized !)

It is interesting to note that Jesus spent time in prayer before and after. "He left the synagogue and went to a deserted place, "bringing healing and wholeness into peoples’ lives. (Developing an attitude of prayerfulness!)

The crowds wanted Jesus to remain, but He reminded them that He must continue to move on and stay focused on the mission given to Him by His Father. (Developing an attitude of discernment!)

Reflecting on Scripture helps us to develop attitudes and skills that help us each day to live out Jesus’ two great commands: LOVE GOD AND LOVE GOD’S PEOPLE.

 

Deacon Brian Clements was formerly on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California

Feast of Blessed Dominic Barberi, CP

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Matthew 25:1-13

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the feast of Passionist Blessed Dominic Barberi.  Orphaned as a small child, Dominic was raised by a maternal uncle and aunt and learned to tend sheep.  As a young man, Dominic experienced his true calling: join the Passionist Congregation and someday set up a Passionist Mission in England. 

Dominic Barberi truly felt the word of God at work in his heart.  After years of ministries in Italy and then Belgium, Blessed Dominic was finally able to fulfill his vocation; in 1842 he was sent to establish the first Passionist residence in England.  During his time in England, Dominic Barberi preached missions and received many converts to Catholicism including Anglican John Henry Newman.  Dominic lived his life as a son of the Gospel, proclaiming the word of God to all.  He was a true believer and lived his life as God’s will; when people saw and heard him preach, it was evident he spoke from a spirituality deep within. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the "foolish virgins."  The five wise virgins brought extra oil and were prepared as they waited for the bridegroom, ready to enter the feast.  The five others were foolish and were not prepared with extra oil, they had to go off and get more and were late in returning.  Because of their foolishness, they were not allowed to enter the feast.   They proved themselves unworthy of entering the eternal feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.

How are we preparing ourselves for the day when we will enter God’s Kingdom?  Will we be ready to greet him, or will we be foolish?  How can we, as spiritual and moral followers of Christ, learn to glorify God with the gifts he has given us and share those gifts?  It does not have to be in the form of a call to religious life as Dominic Barberi received. Maybe these readings can help us to remember to let our trust in God be the center of our lives and to put our labors to good and loving use.

Read more about the life and Mission of Blessed Dominic Barberi, CP.

 

Claire Smith ([email protected]) is on staff at the Holy Cross Province Development Office in Chicago, Illinois.

The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist

Scripture:

Jeremiah 1:17-19
Mark 6:17-29

Reflection:

Today we recall the story regarding the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist.  The movie versions of this story always spend a disproportionate amount of time on the dancing skills of Herodias’ daughter, the gleaming blade of the executioner, and the grizzly dinner party scene with Saint John’s head on a platter.

The evident point of the story, if you limit the time you spend reflecting on the details, is that if you stand up for the truth as God wills, you might not be the most popular guest at a dinner party!  However, if you boldly proclaim the word of God, you will be blessed!  In fact, according to the verse from Matthew in the Alleluia proclamation today, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."

I find myself asking today, how many times have I been persecuted for the "sake of righteousness?"  I fear it hasn’t happened very often!  I wonder how many of us have ever been persecuted for standing up and proclaiming gospel values.  Not many of us will find ourselves in a drama like the one in today’s gospel, but all of us at some time will have opportunities to "stand up for the sake of righteousness."

Today’s feast at once seems to be both a tribute to the faith of Saint John the Baptist and a prophetic reminder of what true faith can lead us to; the foot of the Cross!  As Christians we certainly are called to stand up for righteousness.  The story of John the Baptist should make us uncomfortable, knowing the consequence of proclaiming our faith in word and action.  The story should also inspire confidence.  In the words of today’s reading from Jeremiah, "They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord."

 

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

Memorial of Saint Monica

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 4:9-11
Matthew 25:14-30

Reflection:

Today we remember St. Monica, known as the mother of St. Augustine, but also famous in her own right.  It was her motherly care and constant prayers that moved her son to embrace the faith.

Saint Monica was born in North Africa in 333. Her parents were Christian, however, there is very little known about her childhood. We do know more about her married life. She was married by arrangement to Patritius, a pagan official in North Africa, who was much older than she, and although generous, was also violent tempered. Monica’s new mother-in-law lived with them and was equally difficult, which proved a constant challenge to Monica.

Monica’s marriage, perhaps predictably, was an unhappy one. Monica and Patritius had three children, two boys and one girl. Her husband would not allow their children to be baptized. When her older son, Augustine, became very sick, her husband agreed that he could be baptized. However, when Augustine regained his health, her husband withdrew his consent.

St. Monica was very concerned about Augustine’s lifestyle and his bitter temperament. She prayed for him daily. When he was sent away to school, he chose to become a pagan like his father. Through her patience and prayers, she was finally able to convert her husband and his mother to the Catholic faith. Her husband died a year later. Perpetua, her daughter, and her second son, Navigius, entered the religious life. St. Augustine was much more difficult, as she had to pray for him for 17 years, begging the prayers friends who, for a while, tried to avoid her because of her persistence at this seemingly hopeless endeavor.

Monica followed Augustine to whatever town he traveled. She visited the local churches continually begging for prayers for her son’s conversion.  She appealed to Saint Ambrose to intercede, which he did and finally Augustine became a Christian. He was baptized in the Church of Saint John the Baptist in the town of Milan.  Later that year (387) on their way back to Africa Monica died at the age of 54.  Augustine later became Bishop of Hippo and served the Church for forty extraordinary years.

This simple woman who cared and prayed so much became the patron saint of married women, mothers, housewives, widows, alcoholics, abuse victims, difficult marriages, and disappointing children.

In today’s Gospel the faithful servant who was given a gift of five talents, through hard work turned it into ten.  In response his master said, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy."  Let us pray through the intersession of St. Monica for family members and loved ones who are in any special need.  The powerful prayers of St. Monica have been at work for centuries in the Church!

 

Fr. Jim Strommer, C.P. is stationed at Christ the King Retreat Center and community in Citrus Heights, California.      

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Matthew 24:42-51

Reflection:

"Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

 

Today’s Gospel speaks about the coming of God at the end of time and strongly urges us to be prepared.  Every day of our lives, we spend time and energy preparing for one thing or another.  Parents prepare to send their children to school, families prepare for their end of summer vacations, and yes, dare I say it, over the weekend I was in a store preparing for Christmas.  We are in a constant state of preparedness for events that will be over before we realize it.  In just about every article in the paper today, people around the world were told to "prepare for…" you can fill in the blank.

For centuries people have speculated about how and when our lives here on earth will cease to exist.  The end of the Mayan calendar in December 2012 has long given rise to theories and conjecture.   In the late 1990’s the media inundated us with stories about how the Y2K bug was going to wreak havoc, and urged us to prepare for the worst.  The truth is we just don’t know.  As we journey through each day preparing for our earthly survival, we also need to be vigilant in our preparations for our eternal life.  Our time spent here is but a flash in the pan compared to what awaits us.  We do not know what hour to expect the Son of Man, but we certainly can be prepared by showing boundless love for one another and for Him.

 

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

 

Feast of Saint Bartholomew 

Scripture:

Revelations 21:9b-14
John 1:45-51

Reflection:

Jesus loves sincerity!   He says Nathaniel is a true Israelite.  The word true in Greek is  alēthōs and means unhidden.   What you see is what you get.  How consoling to meet someone without fearing to step on a concealed land mine.  A sincere person sparks confidence and trust. 

Jesus adds to the word truth the observation that Nathaniel is without guile.   The word guile in the original Greek New Testament means a bait to exploit someone.  It reminds me of when I was young putting a nice big fat twisting worm on a hook to catch a Channel Catfish in Mississippi river.  Guile means advertising the bait and concealing the hook!   A deceitful person is one out to take advantage of another.   In effect it is the opposite of love.   Far from serving another I am out to use them for my purposes. 

Jesus was deeply distressed by insincerity.  He often uses the word hypocrisy to describe duplicity.   This word is taken from the theater and means a mask.  You are lying to people pretending to be someone you are not.  Lawrence Olivier said a great actor is a great liar!  We find Jesus using the strongest language in New Testament condemning duplicity.   Whitewashed tombs, dirty cups, devourers of widows, corrupting corpses are some of the choice words He uses.

This feast day of St Bartholomew gives us the opportunity to examine ourselves.  Am I a sincere person?   Am I an imitator of Jesus who said He has come to serve and not to be served?  Am I wearing a mask to take advantage of others?   Am I a duplicitous person out to use others for my personal gain?  If we are brutally honest with ourselves, we might see some disturbing things about ourselves that distress Our Lord.

 

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

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 23:23-26

Reflection:
In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus pronouncing "woes" on the scribes and the Pharisees. He calls them hypocrites because they pay greater attention to the details of the Law than to the more important parts of it: "judgment and mercy and fidelity."

The Pharisees’ sin is not that they obey the Law. It is not that they know the Law through and through. The sin of the Pharisees is that they use their knowledge of the Law not to help people, but so that they can pass judgment on them.

We have to be careful that we don’t have the same attitude as the Pharisees to whom Jesus was speaking. We, too, can get caught up in our knowledge of this or that, and "puff up" ourselves, in order to look down on others (1 Corinthians 8:1).

Rather than have the attitude of the Pharisees, we are called to have the attitude of St. Paul, and his companions Silvanus and Timothy, which we find in our reading from 1 Thessalonians. At the end of our reading St. Paul writes: "With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us."

Giving of ourselves is the best way to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. If we were to simply focus on the externals, our message wouldn’t go very far, and people would find it very hard to believe in the Gospel. Our challenge is to let the love of God in Jesus Christ enter our hearts, and then to share that love with the world. The more love we share, the more the Gospel is proclaimed, and the more the world knows that there is a reason to believe, to hope, to love, and to live.

May God continue to bless us, and purify us in order to do His will.

 

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