Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Matthew 15:29-37

Reflection:

I received an e-mail recently, with this subject: "Tell me how he did it, and I’ll give you a thanksgiving turkey."  The "it" was a video of a card trick that was truly amazing; it seemed to nullify any effect of shuffling the cards, which were dealt out in an obviously pre-arranged order.  But, like any card trick, there was a skillful manipulation of cards and audience in order to make something appear to be what it was not.  The e-mail made me consider how easily we pass from "wonder" at our observations, to the skeptical, "tell me how he did it". 

Today’s readings (Isaiah 25:6-10a and Matthew 15:29-37) are like that.  We read in the Gospel of Matthew that Jesus cured persons who could barely walk, whose eyes did not work, whose joints were misshapen, and whose speech was held back.  "They placed them at his feet, and he cured them."  In Isaiah’s passage, the mortality of the people, the sentence of death under which we all live, is cancelled; "the web that is woven over all nations" and the "reproach of his people" will be removed.

Our human curiosity and desire to know drive us to ask "how did Jesus do that?"  How does Jesus bring healing into our lives?  How did Jesus satisfy the hunger of thousands on the Galilean mountainside overlooking the Sea of Galilee?  Surreptitiously, we pass into the skepticism that makes us want to know "how".  Perhaps if we only knew how Jesus performed his saving miracles, then we might be better positioned to share in his healing, in his satisfying of our hungers, in his gift of everlasting life.  Perhaps if we knew "how" Jesus performed these wonders, then we might better believe that he is truly "the Son of God."

The truth of the life-giving work of Jesus is not found in the knowledge of "HOW he did these wonders".  It is in our faith’s insight into the fact "THAT he did these wonders".  The "how" may tantalize us, but the "that" of Jesus as our Savior has saved us.  Let us remember the conversation of the women on their way to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning, "Who will roll the stone away?", of Mary at the sight of the one she believed to be the gardener, "If you took him away, tell me where you laid him."  These questions and doubts are erased by the conviction THAT Jesus is raised, he goes before them.  May we find in today’s Scripture, the encouragement to place our faith in what God, through Jesus, does for us daily; and in the conviction that God will continue to heal, comfort and nourish us forever.

 

Fr. Arthur Carrillo is the local leader of the Passionist Community in Houston, Texas. 

Scripture:

Isaiah 11:1-10
Luke 10:21-24

Reflection:

In today’s readings, Isaiah announces and names the gifts and work of the Spirit of the Lord and in the gospel, Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit.

Both readings lend themselves to prayer in what St. Benedict describes in Lectio Divina as: "…The ability to listen deeply with the ears of our hearts…"   So, today we are invited to open ourselves to be drawn into the presence of the Holy Spirit and open to the Spirit’s work in transforming our own lives and hearts.

Let us read these scriptures slowly, take time to ponder them in prayer… enjoy  a long, loving look at the source and meaning of the traditional names of the gifts of the Holy Spirit…the gifts that rest upon us in the Spirit of the Lord: 

A Spirit of wisdom and understanding;

A Spirit of counsel and of strength;

A Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord….

Isaiah goes on to describe peace… safety… for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord… 

We may want to read and ponder the whole passage… and reflect on its meaning in each of our own lives what wonderful Advent gifts – to give and to receive!

At the end of today’s gospel, Jesus turns to his disciples and to each of us …He tells us that  we are blessed because we see and hear what many of the prophets and kings desired to see, but did not see or hear what we have been gifted with.

As we conclude our reflection and prayer today, what have we heard with the "ears of our heart" that we want to share with another today?

 

Sr. Marcella Fabing, CSJ, is on the staff of Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

Romans 10:9-18
Matthew 4:18-22

Reflection:

There are two words that the Lord used frequently in the Gospels.  The first word is "Come."  "Come, follow me." "Come and see." "Come, take up your cross." "Come, all you who labor and find life burdensome…." In today’s gospel Jesus says to Simon and Andrew, "Come after me and I will make you fishers of men."  They came.

The second word that Jesus used frequently is, "Go."  "Go in peace."  "Go and show yourselves to the priest."  "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard."  "Go tell my brethren they are to go to Galilee…"  "Go into the whole world and preach the gospel."  Our first reading today reminds us how beautiful are the feet of those who go forth to announce good news.

There is no sense in coming to Christ, if we just sit there and go nowhere with the gifts he gives.  And there is no sense in going someplace, if at first we don’t come to Christ to be taught and nourished.  So each Sunday we come to Holy Mass.  We come to listen, to give thanks, to be fed, and to support one another.  And then we go.  We go out into the world to be fishers of people, to serve Christ in our neighbor.  We come in need. We go forth empowered.  The weekly rhythm of our coming to Mass and going forth from Mass gives meaning to the statement that that the Mass is the "source and the summit" of our spiritual lives, lives that are centered on Christ. 

We might compare our participation in Sunday Mass to those precious moments that the apostles spent with the Lord when the returned from their missions.  It is at Mass where we are healed of our failures, where we celebrate our successes, and where we gain insight to face the challenges ahead.  Our constant coming to Christ and being sent forth continues the work of St. Andrew whom we remember today.

 

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P., is a member of the Passionist Community of Sierra Madre, CA.  Visit: http://www.alanphillipcp.com/.

 

Scripture:

Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Reflection:

Happy New Year! Or perhaps you think I am a bit confused with this greeting…but in reality, the First Sunday of Advent marks the first day of the Church’s new liturgical year. These next four weeks are meant to be weeks of intense prayer and longing for the joyful return of our Savior Jesus Christ. So why do the Church’s readings this first day of Advent focus on the end of the world? Why is the Church being, to use the vernacular, "such a party pooper"???

Most people, even some Christians, think of the days leading up to Christmas as simply a time which reaches its climax on December 25^th, the day Christians celebrate the historic birth of Jesus, God in the Flesh. The time is often marked by a succession of parties and gift-giving which truly lighten both mind and spirit – a time of joyful celebration! And while there is nothing wrong with parties or gift-giving, Catholics know that there is much more to Advent then just the celebration of a historic person’s birthday, even if that person was God. The other element that is often missing in secular society is the element of intense longing – longing for the coming again of our Savior Jesus the Christ. And yes, this second coming is meant to be joyful!

For the faithful, Advent is not just a time to remember the wonderful event of God’s Son coming among us as a poor babe in Bethlehem. It is also a time to wait in anticipation for the Son’s second coming, not as a babe but as a ruler. This Jesus, this Christ, will make all things new and establish a Kingdom of Righteousness for all of the faithful. Therefore those of us who will be privileged to experience this coming again of our Lord have no need to fear, no need to run and hide, no need to stock up on supplies, but rather to welcome this Christ with joy and love in our hearts. My friends, this will truly be the apex of our existence, both as individuals as well as a species. That is why the Church’s focus today is on the end of time – not as a time of catastrophe, but rather as a time of our personal redemption as well as world transformation.

So Jesus tells us today, this first Sunday of Advent, not to go out and start digging a bomb shelter in our backyard or hoard a year’s worth of can goods or quit our jobs and sail around the world…no. Jesus tells us simply to be "vigilant," to "pray" and to "stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."

Now that’s a reason to party! 

 

Patrick Quinn ([email protected]) is the director of Planned Giving at the Passionist Development Office in Chicago.

Scripture:

Daniel 7:15-27
Luke 21:34-36

Reflection:

This time of year fills me with energy.   So much is happening; activity seems to abound! The scriptures for this time of year are intense and filled with action.   Last Sunday, we celebrated the feast of Christ the King, then on Thursday we gave thanks to God for His many gifts.  Tomorrow we begin a season of hope, love and light. It will be Advent – our Savior is coming.  All will be right with our world. 

Ah, but for today, today we have Daniel. 

Theologians and scholars debate much about the Book of Daniel, but its message for us seems pretty clear.   Trials and tribulations are going to happen; things may get worse, worse than we can even dream – but in the end, God will reign.  God will save his people. In Daniel we see again the tension that is so present in scripture.  Our gospel reading also reflects that tension.  We are told to beware, be vigilant, pray for strength.  But know by these signs that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Daily living also speaks to us of this tension.  There is often sorrow and tribulation whether it be illness, death, loss of a job, or financial concerns.  But as Christians, we know that God is with us.  We have hope that tomorrow will be a time of love and laughter, a time of resurrection.

This week concludes the church’s liturgical year. Over the past months, the Scriptures have walked us through the public life and ministry of Jesus. During this last week, starting with the Feast of Christ the King, the Church’s liturgy has spoken to us what might be called the last word. And that last word is Jesus’ gospel message. No matter what our current circumstances, no matter what tribulations we may be suffering, we know that all will be well because the Lord reigns!

We are called to be Christians, to accept this reign of Christ –
by having faith – faith that embracing Jesus’ message will change our lives.
by having hope – hope that our Savior will come.
by having love – love by living out Jesus’ message to serve others.

Let us pray that we may greet the new liturgical year with hearts filled with faith, hope and love.

 

Mary Lou Butler ([email protected])is a former staff member and is now a member of the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center Board, Sierra Madre, California. 

Scripture:

Daniel 7:2-14
Luke 21:29-33

Reflection:

These are strange times.  The world is suffering.  I’m certainly not going to try and dissect the economic and political reasons for why our country is experiencing record home foreclosures or sky-rocketing unemployment.  But, it seems to me that one way of looking at it is that much of our current problems stem from something rather basic-broken promises. 

We elect officials on the promises of their campaigns (and we all know how that goes).  We invest our money with savvy business types because they assure us they know better than we do on how to protect our financial future.  Jobs that were once safe and secure suddenly show signs of vulnerability no matter how many years we’ve put in, how much dedication we’ve shown. 

Remember when people used to say "I give you my word"?  It seems we have lost faith in that word.  When I go to my neighborhood parish for Mass, I see many empty seats in the pews.  I think perhaps many of us are lost.  The future appears uncertain when so much of what we were told to believe in is failing us.  And so we look at the priest, perhaps, as just another person with promises that sound too good to be true. 

But in today’s parable of the fig tree, I am reminded of something truly revolutionary, something that I may have forgotten in all my worry about tuition and car payments-Jesus does not break his promises.  We cannot lose faith in his Word.  Jesus told his disciples that upon the appearance of certain signs, we shall know "the Kingdom of God is near."  Our salvation, then, comes from the promises of Christ.  It doesn’t waver or change or fluctuate like the stock market.  It isn’t revoked if we miss one payment.  The promise is strong, unshaken and solid.  In fact, if you listen to the parable, Heaven and earth are frail and insubstantial in comparison to our Lord’s word; "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."  This promise is more sure and certain than the very structure of the world.

Our lives are constantly changing, oftentimes not for the better.  How easy it is to get caught up in the very real suffering we experience not only in our own lives, but all around us.  But what we must remember is that God is not to be judged by the character of the world.  If we turn our attention back to Him, we can find that His love remains constant.  His promise, unwavering.  And, remember, the promise is the Kingdom.  So fill those pews back up, the return on this investment is a guaranteed winner.

 

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

Scripture:

Daniel 6:12-28
Luke 21:20-28

Reflection:

Today in America we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving.  Family and friends gather from near or far to spend time with each other and of course, eat.  Thanksgiving is always center around the feast.  But we also take time to reflect on those things, big or small, which are important in our lives.  I have been preparing for Thanksgiving for over a week now since everyone will gather at my house.  The logistics of the day are all in order: the house is clean, the turkeys are bought, I have my list of who is bringing what to share.  To me, Thanksgiving is always so much more than the dinner.

Every year I am always thankful for the big things: good health and happiness. I am married to a good man; I have two wonderful, healthy teenage sons who are growing into fine young men.  I have a good job with wonderful coworkers, and most importantly, I know my faith in God is strong.  

I wanted to take a different approach this year to what I am thankful for in my life. There are so many people who won’t be celebrating with their families today; whether they don’t have anywhere to go or they cannot travel to be together.  I especially think of the young men and women in our military who are serving in the war and may not have a Thanksgiving dinner.

This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to travel to Kentucky to help a parish community prepare CARE packages to ship to our soldiers in Afghanistan.  They collected an abundance of items that all had to be boxed, forms had to be filled out and the truck had to get loaded.  Two soldiers came from a nearby base to help and you could just see the gratitude in their eyes and hear it in their voices.  They told of how much these packages are appreciated by the soldiers who receive them.  As I drove home I had plenty of time to think about what I was a part of.  I really felt good.  I think about our soldiers and try to envision how happy they will be when those packages arrive.   That is what I am truly thankful for this year; that I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of some of our soldiers.

I wish you all a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

 

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

Scripture:

Daniel 2:31-45
Luke 21:5-11

Reflection:

"Watch at all times!" Luke 21:36.   Jesus often in the Gospel warned us to keep alert.   There are many stories in history about people falling asleep and getting into trouble.   Union General Stoughton was asleep when Confederate Mosby slapped him on the back side to wake him up and said:  "General, ever hear of Mosby?"  "Yes", he said, wiping the sleep from his eye.  "Did we finally catch that scoundrel?"  "No, but he caught you!"  

The Greek New Testament word for "watch" is agroopneho which means without sleep.

Jesus comes to us when we least expect Him.  We must always have the guest room

ready and in good order.   We live in a world of distractions that take our focus off the presence of Jesus.   Little things that happen take on enormous importance far beyond actuality.  We neglect the wonderful reality of the presence of Jesus who is with us all days even to the consummation of the world.  Our values can be practically known by how much time we spend on them.  A man might say he loves his children, but spends very little time with them.  I think we would seriously question his sincerity.

The words in today’s Gospel "at all times" in the original Greek New Testament are "in

every critical hour (kairos)".   It is especially important to be sleepless during the crises of our lives.  Maybe this is why the Lord allows so much trouble.  He gets tired of our neglect and sets us running to Him for help.  We spend millions of dollars in this country on medication to put us to sleep.  I think one of our biggest problems is that we sleep too much!   Jesus is our doctor to make us sleepless in prayer.

 

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