Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

During the first days of Holy Week, we are directed to the Book of Isaiah the Prophet and his meditations on the Suffering Servant theme. These are inspiring readings which we hear throughout the year yet are more lively as we approach Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This Suffering Servant offers his own life for others. The Suffering Servant represents the finest qualities of one who fulfills the will of God. Sometimes this Suffering Servant is the community of Israel; at other times the Suffering Servant is a particular individual. The Church has always applied this theme and the characters of the Suffering Servant to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our Servant, who knelt down and washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. "For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Jesus comes to bring peace, not loud noises and upheaval. He does not exploit the weak in a show of power but empowers the weak by bringing truth, wisdom and healing. Jesus himself was not weak and did not act cowardly in the face of suffering and death. In his compassion and gentleness, in his willingness to forgive, there was strength, an inner power to reject violence and retribution. "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). What we might see as helplessness and failure, God saw as love and resurrection.

During this Holy Week let us remember that the work of God’s Servant is not finished. The work of God continues in us as servants, at times as suffering servants. We are not here this week to be spectators, even grateful spectators for what the Suffering Servant has accomplished for us. Unfortunate are we if we become like Judas, swayed by greed and self-preservation. We are invited to continue (through our Baptism and the grace of God) the Servant’s work which God inaugurated through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are servants attentive to the needs of our brothers and sisters, and, if necessary, willing to suffer for the sake of love and justice.

 

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province and resides in Chicago.

 

Palm (Passion) Sunday 

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39

Reflection:

Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem.  We more frequently use the names Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday.  Because it is a unique day we also have three variations for the entrance of this liturgy. The first form, preferred for this day, involves a procession.  This is difficult to do in any large parish.  Assembling a large group of people outside of the worship area for blessing and distribution of Palm’s, and then processing into the worship area can be a logistical headache.  However since most of my ministry is in retreat centers, I’ve really grown to appreciate this procession.  The blessing and remembrance of Palm’s resounds with triumphant voices as we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.  We sing our Hosannas to the King while we waive our palm branches.  There’s something gloriously exciting about this moment as we are all filled with anticipation.  However, as our procession moves into the worship space, the mood changes radically.  That electrically charged moment is sobered by readings of betrayal, abandonment, conspiracy, intimidation, suffering and crucifixion.  What happens outside the worship space is set in high contrast with the readings proclaimed inside our space of worship.

The first reading today, from the prophet Isaiah as well as the psalm were both familiar to Jesus.  Isaiah articulates the gift of prophetic speech and the power that he has which comes from God.  Additionally this "Song of the Suffering Servant" highlights the faithfulness of the servant which is founded on the fidelity of God.  Certainly Jesus not only read and prayed these passages, he understood his life and death to be their fulfillment.  Additionally, Psalm 22 would have been familiar to Jesus.  There is nothing in the psalm which makes one feel good.  It’s about faithfulness even in the midst of suffering, loss and abandonment.  Jesus would have certainly been familiar with both of these texts, holding them in his heart and mind.

Our founder, St. Paul of the Cross, used to say that all can be found in the Passion.  Since today we proclaim Mark’s Gospel narrative of the Passion of Jesus, let’s briefly look at some of the plots of this story.  The Gospel begins with a plot to kill Jesus.  It is a story of conspiracy and murder.  Amidst the darkness of this moment the next paragraph illumines the excessive and aromatic abundance as Jesus is anointed.  One can almost smell the richness of that moment in Mark’s writing. Have you ever noticed, in the darkest times of your life, there was some small little thing which was a very bright spot?  Whether Jesus is reclining at table here in Bethany or later in the city of Jerusalem celebrating Passover, food is always a priority for Jesus. (It’s one of those things we always love about him isn’t it?)  And somehow that Passover meal becomes not only a religious act but a pronouncement and celebration to his disciples of how much he loves them.  And just like real life, when everything seems to be going really great, look out!  In the middle of this final meal together, Jesus is now being betrayed by one in his inner circle.

Whether it’s stories of Judas’ betrayal, or Peter’s denial, this narrative is filled with emotional pain.  Additionally, the stories of physical violence including torture and crucifixion revealed the physical pain.

Mark’s passion narrative illustrates the sad reality that the last few hours of Jesus’ life are a place where personal desire meets divine obedience, and personal friendships and relationships crumble.  Misaligned perceptions, false accusation, false testimonies, lies and deception rise to be the judge of truth.  Yet Jesus’ faithful testimony to the truth will be the very thing which leads to the only charge which can be brought against Jesus—blasphemy.  Notice, at no point does Jesus ever separate himself from the accused.

Mark’s passion narrative includes other themes such as being taken where you do not want to go, knowing the authority and power of silence, and the conviction of speaking and testifying to the truth.  Simon of Cyrene reiterates the role of service even when it is inconvenient.  And the two insurgents crucified with Jesus reiterate themes of testimony and belief.

This is a religious story.  One that takes place in a historical religious context, and yet establishes a new covenant.  He is the fulfillment of Scripture and through this story we see a kingdom is established.  Why is it the condemned man is now the king?   Do you see the paradox in this?  And speaking of paradox why is it that the Roman centurion recognizes that Jesus is the son of God, but the chief priests don’t?

This Gospel is written to jar us.  It boldly displays the anguish of Jesus and the cruelty of the process.  It screams of Jesus’ innocence, and frustrates our confidence in structures which we’ve held true for generations.  But ultimately, it drops the bomb right in our lap of that most difficult question, do you believe that good really is more powerful than evil?

 Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is on the staff at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.

Scripture:

Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-56

Reflection:

They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, "What do you think?  That he will not come to the feast?"

Good question, the last verse of today’s Gospel!  It’s Saturday before Palm Sunday, the last day before we begin what is sometimes called The Week of Fire.  Anyone growing up observing these High Holy Days is now beginning to feel it.  The Lenten journey has brought us this far again and we are right at the edge, ready to step over.  The Gospel question is about Jesus but we know the answer to that.  Of course he came to the feast and stayed till the bitter– then glorious end.  But what about the rest of us?  What about me this year?  What about you?   

Some years ago I was working as a psychology intern at a county mental health clinic.  One of my clients was a young man with a serious mental illness who lived mostly on the street.  But he was usually able to ride his broken-down bike to his monthly appointments.  As we began one of our sessions he was more anxious than usual and said, "I think I missed Easter this year."  That sad statement comes back to me every year now around this time.  I don’t want to ever miss Easter.  These days are a precious gift to us as we join the circle of faith.  Some years are easier.  Some are harder.  But it always promises to be a "Week of Fire" for those who dare to enter. 

Let us be strengthened by today’s ancient proclamation from the Book of Ezekiel.  We stand ready and hear the powerful word: "My dwelling shall be with them. I will be their God.  And they shall be my people!" 

"What do you think?  Will he come to the feast?"  Then, what about the rest of us?

 

Fr. Jim Strommer, C.P. is a member of the Provincial Council and lives in Chicago.

Scripture:

Genesis 17:3-9
John 8:51-59

Reflection:

The refrain of the responsorial psalm, "The Lord remembers his covenant for ever" announces the theme for this date’s liturgy: God is faithful.  As we make our way through the final days of Lent and head toward the climactic finish of Holy Week, we will be urged by the readings to focus again and again on God’s faithfulness to His promises.  Our Lenten observance seeks to prepare us for the celebration of Easter – the great expression of God’s fidelity to his Son and Servant Jesus.  As God was faithful to promises made to Abraham and all covenanted with Him in the historical sweep of the Old Testament, so will God’s bond of love and support for Jesus not be broken by death.  In Resurrection, God vindicates the work and suffering of Jesus and validates the message of his great and faithful servant.  The faithfulness of God is an important idea and concept for us, for it is the basis of hope.  As we know, we live in a world and a situation desperately needing hope.  Today’s liturgy reminds us that it is not foolish nor naïve to cling to hope in a better day and in the triumph of goodness over evil.  This was the faith that nourished and motivated the great saints and martyrs whose witness and example continues to inspire us today.

 

Fr. Jim Thoman, C.P. is the director of St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Scripture:

Jeremiah 20:10-13
John 10:31-42

Reflection:

Jesus makes the statement which would have him condemned to die. "I am God’s Son." Are we not reminded constantly that we are God’s image? Well, here it is, Jesus is pointing out to the Jewish leaders, "Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’" "The Father is in me and I am in the Father."

This is a meditation in itself, I am the image of God today, in public. The scandal? The blasphemy? How can the Almighty "fit" in our weak, limited flesh? Is that in itself a "faith question" for me? Do I accept the Loving Presence of God within me? Do I act in the confidence that God is in me, through Jesus’ name? Am I willing to be treated as He is?

But is there something even more significant to what is going on here in the discussion with these leaders? In public, Jesus had just healed a young man born blind on the legally, sacred Sabbath. And then, in public, he describes himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for his flock.  Is that too much to hear and to bear? The willingness to sacrifice all for the other’s sake? The willingness to put others’ welfare before my own?

In taking up my responsibility, daily, to image God publicly, the words of Jeremiah are right on!

 

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
John 8:1-11

Reflection:

Today’s gospel is about a woman caught in adultery.  The people that gathered around her were all set to stone her to death.  They asked Jesus, "What do you have to say about this?"  And with profound wisdom Jesus challenges them, "Let the one among you who has no sin be the first to cast a stone at her."  They all walk away.

"He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must cross."                                                                                  

                                                                                                — George Herbert

Forgiveness begins with self-knowledge.  We look down at our feet of clay and remember the times when we were sinful, and we stood in need of forgiveness.  Realizing that we are less than perfect prompts us to realize that others are less than perfect too.  In fact, imperfect people are all we have here on earth.  How do imperfect people live together in peace?  By the constant use of those two sentences, "I’m sorry," and "I forgive."  With these two sentences weaving in and out of our relationships, we end up with a beautiful and durable fabric of family and community. 

"Could we read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each one’s life, suffering and sorrow enough to disarm all hostility." 

                                                                                           — William Longfellow

Secondly, forgiveness builds on knowledge of the other.  If we knew the troubles and difficulties of other’s lives, e.g. their abusive upbringing, their physical and emotional problems, their temptations, their addictions, their humiliations, their ignorance, or their broken dreams, we would find much cause to be patient and understanding.  Like an umpire, we can call another’s action wrong, but we cannot judge the human heart.  Only God knows what goes on inside the human conscience and how free is another’s choice. 

So Jesus said to the woman, "Nor do I condemn you.  You may go.  But from now on, avoid this sin."  The gospel doesn’t tell us her reaction, but I suspect she thanked Jesus, hugged him, and skipped off with an indelible joy that only the gift of forgiveness can bring.

 

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
John 8:31-42

Reflection:

Both readings today offer examples of truth-telling: The three young men, their lives threatened with a fiery death in the furnace of King Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus, inviting leaders to accept the truth he has learned from God. Each face leaders with power to destroy them. These leaders do not want God’s ways or truth.  They have their own visions of reality and the power to impose them.

Rather than be co-opted by the values of society of their time, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Book of Daniel spoke their truth:  "… O king, we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up." 

 Jesus in John’s Gospel speaks his truth to those Jews who believe in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."   

Where today are we called to speak the powerful truths … "we have learned from God"? (Jn. 8:40).  To whom? For whom? For what issues?  Are we ready to face the consequences of our words and actions because we believe that God calls us all to love one another rather than hate, to work for justice so as to bring about peace and to share our goods so that no one on this planet goes hungry?

Let us join together in prayer:  God of great love and truth be with us.  Speak through us. Act in us.  Make us instruments of your peace and presence to all we meet today.  May we speak Truth to power today.

 

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

Scripture:

Numbers 21:4-9
John 8:21-30

Reflection:

"…Where I am going you cannot come…but you will die in your sin."

Most of us have all heard the expression, "You have nobody to blame but yourself."  You’ve probably used it, I have.  And while that axiom is true in many ways in the natural world, it is also true in the spiritual dimension as well.  When anyone dies in their sins, they have no one to blame but themselves

Jesus told the Pharisees that where he was going they could not come.  The Pharisees incorrectly interpreted his words to mean that Jesus was going to commit suicide, and consequently go to hell where they, as "righteous" people could not follow.  This was a case of incredible irony.  Jesus would lay down his life, not by suicide, but in sacrifice, and he would thereby pass, not to hell, but to the glory of heaven where indeed the "self-righteous Pharisees" could not go because of their sins.

Jesus came to call sinners out of love for them.  He was considerate of the tax collectors, lenient toward the woman taken in adultery, and merciful toward those suffering because of their sins.  Yet Jesus was stern with the Pharisees, and to no one else did he address such words as, "You will die in your sins" (and he repeats this sentiment three times in today’s reading).

We "die in our sin" when we choose to be self-righteous, worldly, unbelieving and to live in darkness. 

Jesus concludes today’s reading; "The one who sent me is with me.  He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.  Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him."  That’s Good News…….What about us?  Are we willing to "do what is pleasing to him?"

 

Deacon Brian Clements is on the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.