Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
Matthew 7:7-12

Reflection:

Seeking, Asking, Knocking,

In my youth I had a very genuine gift of prayer.  Anything I asked for I got.—-Anything!  I remember an itinerant missionary priest came to our parish in my preadolescent years and preached a parish mission. Even though I was perhaps ten years old I remember him saying that God says "yes" to every one of our prayers.  He gave four impediments to this "yes" which I committed to memory and ended up writing down on a 3 x 5 card.  Over the next 30 years I discover how God does truly say "yes" to everything I ever asked.  Moreover, I also discovered that God delights in my saying "yes".

Since my ordination I discovered a "hierarchy" that some live by.  People frequently ask me to pray for them, not because of my gift of prayer, but because I am a priest. There are always those who believe that God hears the prayers of priests, religious sisters or brothers, before hearing their own prayers.  In this mindset the priest is above the laity, the bishop is above the priest, the pope is above the bishop.  If we continue this, then above the pope we have the communion of saints, Mary, Jesus, and finally at the top is God our Father.  The rationale, seems to me that people expect God to answer my prayers because I am closer to God in the hierarchical order. The image I’m left with is that of launching paper airplanes.  It is almost as if we write our prayers on the wings of paper airplanes and toss them upwards so that somehow our prayer will get high enough and closer to God.   Perhaps someone higher up will receive this paper airplane and toss it up to a new level. And somehow if this prayer gets high enough, God just might be able to hear it.  This really is a frequently used image but the problem with it is that it neglects the authority of Christ and the beauty of the incarnation.  The incarnation is Christ saying, "I dwell in your midst!"  It is the Christmas story.  When we continue to perceive God as being distant or at the top of the hierarchical chain how lonely our spiritual life must be.

In the first reading Esther would not have a chance of God hearing her prayer if she believed in the hierarchical chain.  She was a woman living in a patriarchal world. She was outside of the chosen land. She did not quote the Torah nor did she follow the prayer formula.  What she does is she speaks directly to God out of her desperation and she trusts.  And God heard her!!!

One of the things life has taught me is that if I focus my eyes to hear and listen to how the birds sing then I become attuned to the numerous varieties of songs, rhythms and chirps.  When I spend considerable time drawing and sketching that I begin to see lines and shading in the world around me that is always there just beyond my daily perceptions.  If I focus my attention to how God answers my prayers, then I become attuned to how God truly participates in my asking, seeking, and knocking.  Indeed, we all choose those things in life which we focus on.  Perhaps a good exercise for this Lenten season is to be more attentive to God’s "Yes".  As I began seeing how God truly answers prayers, my enlightened understanding causes faith and trust to grow.  And Lent has become a time of greater spiritual growth.

Oh, and by the way, what were those four impediments to God’s "yes" which I wrote on that 3 x 5 index card when I was only 10 years old? Selfishness, serious sin, wait, and of course, God’s way not my way. To expound on these four, prayers are frequently not answered when the motivation is selfish or when there is serious sin.  Frequently God may say, "Wait, now is not the right time".   And lastly, we have to be open to allow God to answer our prayers in the way which is best for us not necessarily in the way we want them answered.

My prayer for you today is that through your asking, seeking, and knocking you may grow in your awareness of God’s delightful, "Yes" in your life.

 

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

Feast of St. Katharine Drexel

Scripture:

Isaiah 55:10-11
Matthew 6:7-15

Reflection:

"From all their distress, God rescues the just."(Ps34:18b) Doing the work of justice receives encouragement from the Word today, and from the remembrance of St. Katharine Drexel. Coming from a wealthy background she sowed the seed that God entrusted to her generously. When she died in 1955, at the age of 96, her life had spanned the era of slavery and the Indian wars to the dawn of the civil rights movement.  In 1878 during a private audience with Pope Leo XIII she begged him to send priests to serve the Indians.  He responded: "Why not become a missionary yourself?"

She searched for a congregation corresponding to her own sense of mission. Finding none she established the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored people in 1891

Moher Drexel in her lifetime established 145 Catholic missions and 12 schools for Indians and 50 schools for Black students, including Xavier University.

Doing justice is the establishing of right relationships at every level of society. Doing justice is the constant willingness to use our time gnerously for the sake of changing structures which inhibit the development of right relationships. This generous use of time for the sake of others can be squandered and missed.  Recently, I heard a presenter challenge a group of which I was a part, to willingly change 10% in order to further the "good" of whatever mission we were undertaking.

After reading the gospel, ponder the words of Mother Drexel: "Resolve: Generously and with no half-hearted, timorous dread of the opinion of church and men to manifest my mission….You have no time to occupy your thoughts with the complacency or consideration of what others will think. Your business is simply, ‘What will my Father in heaven think?’"

 

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

Scripture:

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection:

Lent is just begun.  Today is the first weekday of our annual spiritual observance that leads towards the festivity of Easter.  The spiritual reflection and self-scrutiny we are encouraged to embrace in the Lenten seasons urges us to consider how we might give ourselves more generously to God and how we might more effectively ‘do God’s will.’ 

Today’s readings offer an extended reflection on these perennial Christian concerns.  They are really a gorgeous, and challenging, meditation on the meaning of ‘holiness’ as understood in the Jewish and Christian traditions.

For the good Jew, the test or proof of faithfulness to God’s covenant was found in right conduct.  Faith and obedience to God’s law led to just conduct, to respect for the dignity and rights of others, for generous and supportive outreach to the needy and marginalized.  In this respect, Judaism was much more concerned with proper, upright behavior than with right thinking or ‘orthodoxy’.

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew’s famous ‘Last Judgment’ scene, Jesus echoes the ancient faith code of his own people. Going a step beyond, he proposes his own, stunning standard of judgment for his disciples:  ". . .whatever you did for one of these least ones, you did for me!" 

In the spirit of Lenten self-scrutiny, we are encouraged to ask ourselves the tough questions:  how do I measure up to Jesus’ standard?  Do I pass the test?  Is my behavior reflective of my belief?  Do my relationships with those around me mirror my Christian convictions?

 

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

Scripture:

Genesis 9:8-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:12-15

Reflection:

In the mind and faith vision of the biblical writers, the beginnings of human history was a time of growing and deepening process of human wickedness.  In the story of Genesis proclaimed today, God decides it would be better to start over again.  The waters of the flood return the earth to the chaotic conditions from which it first emerged, but what comes out of the flood is something new and greater, the first explicit covenant of God with his material and human creation, a covenant extended to all, by which God binds himself to keep the process going, not todestroy God’s creation again.

The early Christians, to whom the first letter of Peter is addressed, are experiencing a time of crisis and trial.  They are dispersed through the pagan world, living in small communities, threatened by persecutions. Peter reminds those who are suffering, that as Jesus suffered and was put to death on the cross, he also rose from the dead. Today, as in Peter’s time, we too are reminded that as we share in the cross of Christ, we will also share in His resurrection. 

Today’s gospel reminds us that Jesus went out into the desert to take time in solitude and prayer in order to confront difficult choices of his life and the reality of evil, yet he remained in the sustaining presence of God. 

If even Jesus requires this time in solitude, how much more do we! Very few of us can find the time and opportunity to endure even one desert day, Yet, somehow we need to find time to be alone with God, to be totally present to God in prayer, to reflect, to reassess where we are before our God and just spend time with our loving God. 

On this first Sunday of Lent, let us together pray with the words of today’s responsorial psalm, "Your ways, O Lord, make know to me;teach me your path, guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my savior."

 

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 58:9b-14
Luke 5:27-32

Reflection:

Today’s reading from Isaiah tells us to honor the sabbath.   Keeping the sabbath means giving up our ways and giving back to God.  The beginning of our Lenten journey is a good time to think about what we want to give back to God and how to do it.  Isaiah instructs us to not have somber demeanor and long faces, to instead "call the sabbath a delight…" and to not follow our own ways.

It seems clear when we look at our lives that God’s way is a way of delight and joy. Every time we think only of ourselves and look to "fulfill" ourselves or find ourselves, we come up empty.  When instead we turn to God’s ways – when we do God’s works, when we feed the poor, and love our neighbor – we are filled with the delight that Isaiah speaks about. 

Who do you think of when you call to mind someone who is filled with delight in the Lord?  For me, I call to mind the smiling face of a woman I know who finds the world delightful, filled with blessings and opportunities for good. With her quiet demeanor, she reaches out to those in need, and loves all with whom she comes in contact.  Perhaps you might call to mind Mother Teresa, who no matter how severe the poverty and destitution she saw, was filled with joy and always had that beautiful, slight smile.  Or maybe you think of soon to be canonized, Damian, who found joy in the Lord through his work with lepers. With these people and others who spend their lives giving to others, we see true joy!

Whenever we try to find happiness in getting "more" for ourselves, relieving our own "suffering" or finding ways to always be more "comfortable" – we fail.  On the other hand, when we do God’s work, when we care about others, we too can be filled with happiness and joy in the Lord!

Luke reminds us to repent.  Maybe one of things we should repent this lent is our somber demeanor and long faces and seeking only our self-interest.

Let us enter into this season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving filled with delight in the Lord!

 

Mary Lou Butler is a former staff member and is now a member of the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center Board, Sierra Madre, California. 

Scripture:

Isaiah 58:1-9a
Matthew 9:14-15

Reflection:

We are just a few days into the Lenten Season.  As is customary during this period of spiritual preparation, many of us have made the commitment to give up something pleasurable for the 40 days until Easter arrives.  Such a decision should be a personal, meaningful promise between each individual and our God. 

But, I wonder how many of our co-workers and friends already know what great sacrifice we are making?  In how many instances have we already complained of having to do without this comfort, whether it be some food or other superficial luxury like television or coffee?  Or perhaps even worse, what sort of bargain have we secretly made with ourselves that in giving up one thing we may over-indulge in something else?

Today’s readings reflect common themes in Jesus’ teachings, but ones that are particularly relevant as we prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord.  In Isaiah, the Israelites are dutifully offering penances and observing days of ritual fasting.  On the surface, such supposed respect and devotion might seem like the mark of a pious and faithful people.  But the prophet tells us that while making these offerings, they are constantly looking for recognition from above, "Why do we fast and you do not see it?  Afflict ourselves and you take no note of it?"  We might ask how righteous could the intent of their actions be if they are so preoccupied with the reward?

Lest we think we can somehow fool our Lord by these outward signs of devotion, we must remember that our hearts are fully known to Him.  While the Israelites offer up rituals and fasts, they also "quarrel" and "fight," oppress their workers and exploit the poor.  They make sure that their sacrifice is known to their neighbors by hanging their heads and adorning themselves in "sackcloth and ashes."  But this is not the type of offering that our God asks of us. 

Clothe the naked.  Feed the hungry.  Shelter the homeless.  Care for your family.  Free the unjustly imprisoned.  Thus says the Lord, "This is the fasting that I wish."  Lent is far more than mere observances on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  It is healing the "wound" of our sinfulness by living our faith of love, compassion and respect.  Only then will our light shine, will we be vindicated and will our Lord answer resoundingly, "Here I am!"

In the Gospel, Jesus admonishes those who question his disciples’ failure to fast, saying ""The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they?"  The disciples do not fast because God is in their midst.  The time for fasting will come when "the bridegroom is taken away."  With these few words, Jesus reveals the true intention of such ritual offerings-searching and longing to be closer to God. 

Perhaps the greater lesson here then is about where we find Jesus-where is he present?  He is not present in the hypocrisy of showy, outward acts of piety with no substance.  He is in the pain and suffering of the sick, the naked, the homeless and all those in need.  This Lent, let us seek to find him there.

 

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

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Luke 9:22-25

Reflection:

In this world of possibility that we live in today, we often find it appealing to believe that we have many choices.  We are told, "the world is at your fingertips" or "sky is the limit."  But, then a crisis comes along, and things begin to crumble.  Choices of the past painfully effect the present and future. 

This year, I believe that we need Lent more than ever.  In Lent, we simplify.  In Lent, we go back to basics. In Lent, we walk with Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem and follow the Way of the Cross.  In Lent, we get honest and face our struggles and pains and embrace the heart of our faith as revealed in through the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

In today’s reading from the Gospel according to St. Luke, we join Jesus as he begins his journey to Jerusalem.  Jesus explains to his disciples from the outset that he must endure great suffering and rejection before he is killed, and then he will be raised on the third day.  Jesus was not telling them that he might, could, or should endure this painful journey, but that he must. 

Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem also points the way for our lives as disciples. During Lent, we too realize what we must do. We too must walk the road to Jerusalem and accept our suffering.  Ultimately through embracing the passion and death of Jesus Christ, we too are invited to new life-in this world and beyond.  We must die to our selves that we may know this new life. 

Life through death…this is the choice that Jesus presents to us.

What will you choose this day and throughout this Lenten Season?  Will you choose life by confronting your struggles, conflicts, misunderstandings, betrayals and suffering?  Will you place your faith and hope in the Lord that this journey-often filled with disappointment, pain and obstacles-will ultimately lead to greater peace and a new union with God and everlasting life?

The choice is ours and as disciples we must follow. 

See you on the road to Jerusalem.  It is nice to have companions on the journey!

 

Angela Howell is a retreatant and volunteer at Mater Dolorosa Passionists Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.

Ash Wednesday

Scripture:

Joel 2:12-18
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Reflection:

In this passage Matthew has Jesus emphasizing the religious practices of Alms, Praying and Fasting.  Jesus teaches motivation is what counts, not doing these practices for merit.  Christian life is lived for God, not for others. 

To give alms or mercy is an act of God.  The word "mercy" comes from the word "womb.’  The disciples are to extend mercy, and thus be as close to like God as possible.  It is a preeminent act of religion.  We are to offer alms modestly.  It preserves the dignity of the person who receives alms, and insures the authenticity of the Christian. 

Fasting is to be done as not to draw attention to one’s self.  The practice of not oiling one’s hair, leaving it uncombed, or not washing one’s face were practices that the whole person was engaged in the act of fasting.  Jesus says by all means fast, but don’t attract attention to yourself.  He says the "hypocrites" do this.  The word for hypocrites is "actor" one who receives a "reward" for what they do.  The word for "reward" is a commercial term meaning "receipt."  In other words they have been "paid in full."  The Christian’s reward will be given by God.  Therefore, "rend your hearts and not your garments."       

These instructions on Christian piety are appropriate as we enter into Lent.  The Law of Moses required people to fast on the Day of Atonement.  Pharisaic practice increased the practice to Mondays and Thursdays.  In the early Christianity fasting was observed 24 hours then 36 hours before Easter.  Eventually this extended to every Wednesday and Friday of the year, and then to the six weeks of Lent. Lent became such an important preparation for Easter that law courts were closed, hunting was forbidden, and even wars were suspended during this holy season. With this tradition in mind let us embrace this season and all the blessings it brings to us, so that we can rejoice whole heartedly at Easter. 

 

Fr. Kenneth O’Malley, C.P. is the archivist at Catholic Theological Union and lives with the Passionist community in Chicago, Illinois.