Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Acts 13:26-33
John 14:1-6

Reflection:

What’s troubling you?  What are you anxious about? What do you fear? What are your worries?

 

Jesus tells us today, "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Have faith in God and faith in me." 

Yes, we have faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and second Person of the Trinity.  But when Jesus tells us to have faith, I think he is talking about more than our intellectual assent to the creed.  I think he is telling us, "Have faith and understand how much I love you."

In the sixteenth chapter of Matthew’s gospel, Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah.  But that intellectual belief didn’t help Peter during Jesus’ passion.  Peter denied that he knew Jesus and then hid.  It was only after the death and resurrection of Jesus when Peter and the other apostles grasped how total was Jesus’ love for him. But grasp it they did.  They become fearless.  Most of them died as martyrs.

How fear is conquered?  In the words of Sigmond Freud, "How bold one gets when one is sure of being loved."

After the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles were sure of being loved. In the Acts of the Apostles we read, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and James and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered: and they recognized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

When we are troubled, we need to look at the crucifix of Good Friday and believe in Jesus’ absolute, unconditional and forever love for us.  Then we need to look at the empty tomb of Easter and realize that Jesus is alive and with us right here, right now.  St. Paul might have said it this way: "Trouble, where is your victory, where is your sting?  We have Jesus."

 

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.  http://www.alanphillipcp.com/

Scripture:

Acts 14:19-28
John 14:27-31a

Reflection:

PEACE IN BOLDNESS

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27    A wise person once said that sadness looks to the past, and fear to the future, but faith to the present.    Christ is the Prince of Peace.  His peace extends to our past, present, and future.  

Peace in the New Testament is treated some 92 times and is often found in the words of Christ.  Some scholars feel that the root meaning of peace in the Greek is "to join".    One of the basic meanings of peace is that we experience harmony when our relationships are right.  "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other" Ps 85:8

A deep association with Christ brings great peace.   We find peace with our troubled past because of Christ’s forgiveness.    We find this same peace in future anxiety because  He will never leave us: "I will be with you all days".   

As for the present  Jesus says don’t let your hearts be troubled or literally, be shook up.  Jesus often exhorts his apostles to be bold: "Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. "Mt 14:27   The word for courage in Greek NT is tharseó.   It has a strong connotation of boldness, "bolstered because warmed up,"  Jesus uses this term seven  times in the Gospels.   As strange as it seems peace is often the result of boldness.

Jesus tells us "don’t be afraid".    The word for fear in today’s gospel is deiliaó which means to be timid (fearful), living in dread.   The word never has a positive meaning.    Jesus is saying we will truly have  peace only if we are bold and without timidity.  Thousands of years ago the psalmist said: "In peace I both lie down and seep, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in bold confidence." Ps 4:8

 

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

Scripture:

Acts 13:13-25
John 13:16-20

Reflection:

"Amen, Amen I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." John 13:20

 

I am very aware that I have been sent by Jesus by reason of my priesthood, my vocation in this life. I have truly been blest because I feel that I have been received with great hospitality in all of the places I’ve been sent, whether it has been in the Philippines, where I am now, or in Vietnam or Korea or Venezuela, to only name a few countries I’ve visited. No matter whether I speak the language or not, I am welcomed into homes, Churches and assemblies and feel that I am being welcomed as Jesus is welcomed.

When I started praying the Scriptures that we read for today’s Mass, I began to ask myself how welcoming am I of other people, those people who enter into my life for some reason or another? I am not so sure that I always welcome all the people who come into my life as I welcome Jesus. And more importantly, I question, sometimes, whether it is Jesus who is really sending these people into my life. Some of these people are truly offensive. I have sat down next to individuals on long flights that were so smelly that I had to turn my face in another direction in order to breathe some fresh air. I’ve had people approach me in the street that demanded that I give them something in ways of alms. I’ve been at some meetings (very few) where the ones attending were so irritated and upset with the Church or with the Passionists that they raised their voices in anger to make their point. These are just some examples of when I have felt that I didn’t welcome people as if they were sent by Jesus.

When I reflect upon those moments, I can reason that Jesus really doesn’t send people into my life to make my life more uncomfortable or miserable. An easy way to deal with these kinds of people is to dehumanize them, to say that they are not really human beings, they are really not my brothers and sisters in the Lord. I can create within my Spiritual frame of reference an image of the type of people who Jesus should send into my life. They will always be clean-cut, they will always be respectful and courteous, they will always obey the law, they will always behave like "proper" human beings. If they do not conform to my understanding of the kind of person who Jesus sends my way, then I don’t have to receive them, I don’t have to pay attention to them.

Unfortunately for me, the Scriptures do not leave me much choice. I either believe that everyone that God has given life to is sent by Jesus or else, I can believe that there are two kinds of people in this world, the ones I can accept and the ones I can reject. I can reason that Jesus was using a metaphor, a figure of speech, or else truly believe that He laid down his life for all people, for those who accepted Him and for those who rejected Him and offered each one of us redemption, that is, Everlasting Life.

Alas, I also have to come to terms with something else that Jesus said in today’s Gospel: "Amen, Amen I say to you, no salve is greater than his master or any messenger greater than the one who sent him." Please, Lord, give me the grace to receive you in all those you send into my life.

 

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

Scripture:

Acts 12:241-13:5a
Responsorial Psalm 67
John 12:24-13: 5a

Reflection:

"Jesus cried out and said, I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. "  (John 12 :46)

Remember the incident of Jesus with the disciples when He spoke to them of his future:  "He  began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."  Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "God forbid, Lord!  No such thing shall ever happen to you."  Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!  You are an obstacle to me.  You are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do."  (Matthew:  16: 21-23)

Jesus‘ words are very clear.   It is interesting that these very words of Jesus predicting His passion and death would come to mind  as I read those words of His referring to …"I came into this world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness."  We all need light to see the whole picture of life which includes a loving Jesus who would never dream of abandoning you or me.  Sickness can be a veil of darkness if we let it.

I have as part of my priestly ministry to celebrate Mass and anoint the sick at several Nursing Homes.  I don’t begin to vest for Mass without first going to each person and giving them a "hello" and "I’m so glad you are here with us this morning!"  It is such a delight to see them smile and return the greeting.  Mind you, most of them are in wheel chairs.  I will kid with them during my homilies.  Most of all I try in different ways to let them know that they are loved at this time in their lives.  One of my favorite reminders is:  You are loved for who you are.  Many of us see our worth in what we can do.Family members still remind them about their great gifts and talents.  Darkness could block out those gifts simply because they can’t do those things anymore.  Well, who says that that means they are bankrupt.  Oh, how precious is their gift of "thanks" for the many kindnesses shown them by family and fellow friends in the Nursing Home, along with the staff, the doctors and nurses and  even the priest who loves to celebrate with them. 

I’ve shared with them some of my limitations now, too.  I love watching tennis  on T.V.  But I have to admit it was a sad day a number of years ago when I had to give up my own tennis racquet.  I laugh now as I can recall when during a tennis match my eyes told me when and where to get over quickly to a spot to hit the tennis ball, but my legs simply said, "Huh…?"I used to be so proud that I was in good health and needed no pills.  Hmm, now I think I keep a few pharmaceutical companies in business at this time in my life.

Where can Jesus bring you light to overcome your darkness?  Do you find yourself looking back at the "good ole days" when you were able to do so much and were in control?  Are you finding peace in being loved at this very moment for who you are?

 

Fr. Peter Berendt, C.P. is on the staff of Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, Houston, Texas.

 

Scripture:

Acts 2:14a, 36-41
1 Peter 2:20b-25
John 10:1-10

Reflection:

At this moment of the Easter season the question to us is do we hear the voice of the true shepherd? Do we hear Jesus calling us by name? Do we see him walking ahead of us? Do we follow him? Do we realize that only he is the gate to God’s blessings? Have we come to know that he leads us to green pastures and restful waters?  Yes, he spreads the table before us, anoints our head with fragrant oil, and our cup overflows.

Even when there is pain, disappointment and struggle (the dark valley) he gives us the courage and strength to get through it. By his wounds we have been healed. There is nothing to fear for he is always at our side. He is the guardian of our souls.

All this is summed up when Jesus said: "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.  

In twelve more days, May 27^th, I will thankfully remember fifty years of priesthood. It will be a quiet and reflective day. Yes, there will be public celebrations on other days, but this day will mark the milestone. So many times preaching God’s word, so many Masses offered, so often being an instrument of God’s forgiveness, administering baptisms, celebrating weddings, and the anointings of the sick.  Truly, an abundant life is offered to all. Count your own blessings.

 

Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P. is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthias, the apostle who, after an election by about 120 women and men, was chosen to take the place of Judas, the betrayer.  Matthias must have been deeply admired.  Certainly he was well known since, as the sacred scriptures tell us, he was one who had accompanied the apostles the entire time that the Lord Jesus was present among them, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which Jesus ascended into Heaven.  Matthias was elected and is now recognized as one of the Twelve Apostles.

When I think of St. Matthias on this day, however, my thoughts fall to another person with the same name and the very same love for Jesus Christ.  As a young and very impressionable novice I was privileged to live in our novitiate house in St. Paul, Kansas.  There was not much in St. Paul, mostly cattle, a few hundred people, and a very brown, muddy river that ran through it called the Neosho.  Our life was extremely regimented, a veritable boot camp for aspiring young religious, and one that tested us in many ways.  We fasted frequently; had a very demanding horarium (schedule) of prayer and meditation; and, most of all, lived in a cloistered environment, all of which was designed to lead us to the ultimate moment when we would be privileged to take the four vows that all Passionists take, namely, poverty, celibacy, obedience, and a firm desire to keep alive in the hearts of the Faithful the sacred memory of the Passion and Death of Christ Crucified.  I loved this novitiate year, I really did, huge extrovert that I am.  I found the regularity and solitude to be one of the greatest gifts I could have ever hoped for.  The other great gift was Fr. Matthias.

Fr. Matthias was originally from England but somehow or other ended up in the United States where he met the Passionists and became a priest.  He was one of the "senior professed" in our novitiate community and possibly chosen to live in this desolate Kansas town in order to inspire and edify the young novices, myself included.  And this he did, especially at the end of the day when he would practically float into the Chapel!  (We novices were quietly saying private night prayers before turning in to our beds.)  Eyes fixed on the beautiful, life-sized Crucifix above the altar, Fr. Matthias would reach the first step below the altar and would drop to his knees.  Anyone watching him was convinced that in just a moment he would surely levitate and be raised up in an extraordinary and miraculous manner!  All the time his eyes were fixed on the Crucifix with an amazing look of love, almost as if he and Jesus were forever the very closest of friends.  Though I almost never had the chance to speak with this remarkable man, just the image of his nightly visit inspired in me a desire to seek the same passionate, intimate love with Jesus Crucified.  Fr. Matthias is now with the Lord, has been for many years.  But on this, his feast day, I will always be grateful for that dear man who so loved the Lord and who quite unknowingly implanted in my heart a deeper love for the Crucified Lord.  Thank you, Fr. Matthias, and a very happy feast day to you!

 

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:
Acts 9:1-20
John 6:52-59

Reflection:
Fine, I’ll admit it. I have always been a skeptic of so-called "miracles." Marian apparitions: I’m skeptical. Unexplained recoveries from illnesses: I’m skeptical. Destiny/fate: I’m skeptical. Yeah, go ahead and say it, "You are a scrooge!"

The logic of my skepticism has always rested in a belief that our God does not need extravagant miracles. In other words, I have always been content in knowing that our God must remain somewhat invisible to us.

Why? The answer is rather simple. If the existence of God was made absolutely certain to us, then where would our freedom go? Where would our faith go? Would we not become slaves to God?

Now, despite the fact that I am such a doubter of miracles, the miracles embedded in today’s readings cannot help but stir my heart in an incredible way. I simply cannot brush them aside. Sure, many of us have read about Saul’s conversion hundreds of times, and sure, many of us have become quite familiar with the notion that Jesus’ flesh is "true food" and his blood "true drink." But have we really experienced the miracles present in each of these readings? Allow me to reflect a little bit.

In regards to Saul’s conversion, the miracle appears to be quite obvious

– there is a flash of light, someone being thrown to the ground, and a mysterious voice. Sounds like a rather extravagant miracle, does it not?

But was that really the miracle that led to Saul’s conversion? Is it not possible that the actual conversion took place deep inside Saul’s heart?

Is it not possible that the blinding light Saul experienced was the light of Jesus shining forth through another person – a person in love with Jesus? Is it not possible that Saul was thrown to the ground in awe when he witnessed an act of service done in the name of Jesus? And is it not possible that the voice Saul and the others heard was Jesus speaking through the loving words of someone else? After all, isn’t this how we are called to experience Jesus after his physical departure from this world? Why would it have been any different during Saul’s time?

In regards to the miracle present in today’s gospel, I am also very much in awe. Jesus, in his foreshadowing of the Eucharist, illustrates exactly how we can and always will be able to intimately unite with our

Creator- through real food and real drink. Indeed, the idea that we can consume our loving God through simple bread and wine is a miracle in itself. Is it an extravagant, attention-seeking miracle? Not at all. In fact, it is a miracle which demands our deepest reflection and contemplation. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" This is the question we must all ask when we process up the aisle at Mass to receive our Lord. The answer will knock you off your horse.

 

Tony Cortese is the Youth and Young Adult Minister for Newman Catholic Community at Sacramento State University, Sacramento, California.

 

Scripture:

Acts 8:1b-8
John 6:35-40

Reflection:

We hear the first of seven "I AM" sayings in today’s Gospel.  It reminds us of the Burning Bush story.  When Moses asked God his name, God replied: "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you."  The Israelites hungered for freedom from Egyptian slavery.  But Moses didn’t want to go.  He wanted stay home and tend his sheep.

Today’s first reading in Acts describes two starkly different events.  In the first, the community is lamenting the death of Stephen, the first martyr.  Men and women are being dragged from their homes and imprisoned for their faith.  The church is suffering persecution.   The scene then shifts to those who are proclaiming the word of God, healing the paralyzed and crippled amid cries of joy.

I know what I’d rather do.  I would rather tend to my job and family than deal with stubborn, ungrateful people.  I would rather preach the good news than face mourning families or persecution.  Wouldn’t we all rather stay in our cul-de-sac of safety and familiarity than to face the discomfort of struggle?

But Scripture reminds us over and over again that it’s not a matter of our choice.  It’s a matter of God’s choice.  It’s not a matter of our comfort.  It’s a matter of the needs of others.  The same "I AM" who called Moses is the same "I AM" who declares himself to be the Bread of Life to a hungry people – hungry for comfort when loved ones die, hungry for companionship when they’re frightened and lonely in a hospital room, hungry for the Word of God that gives them meaning in life, hungry for the spiritual nourishment that only the Bread of Life can satisfy.

"I AM’ calls us to go, not where we want to go, but wherever people are hungry.

 

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