Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17
Mark 7:14-23

Reflection:

With every new RCIA class, someone always asks the question:  "What was so bad about Adam and Eve eating an apple that would cause God to punish them so severely?"  A variation on that question is: Are Catholics who disobeyed the Church many years ago by eating a hotdog on Friday really burning in hell?  The corollary is this: Who can love a God (Church) who is so unjust as to level the same eternal condemnation against cruel, evil people and on hotdog eaters?

The answer is, of course, that there nothing inherently wrong in eating apples or hotdogs; and God is not petty and unjust.

God gave Adam and Eve breathtaking freedom in the Garden of Eden.  But this was not unlimited freedom, another word for anarchy.  With their freedom came limits.  God asked our first parents – and us – to obey him and respect those limits.  When we disobey, we suffer the consequences; we punish ourselves.

True freedom is found only in God; outside of God, there is no freedom.  To use our freedom outside of God is fall into the slavery of sin.

Simple example: In the United States, I am free to go anywhere I choose.  But when driving on the highway system, I am not free to disregard traffic laws simply because I don’t feel like stopping or slowing down.

Viktor E. Frankl said it well: "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

Neither apple nor hotdog defile us.  All foods are clean.  Rather, it is in our response to Christ that we grow and find true freedom.

 

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

Scripture:

Job 7:1-4, 6-7
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39

Reflection:

During this jubilee year of Paul the apostle today’s second reading gives us great insight into his person. The Gospel was precious to Paul. He was not ashamed of this good news. He knew personally the power and wisdom of its message. Like Jeremiah of old, the Gospel becomes a fire in Paul’s bones and he is compelled to proclaim it. I remember studying the Scriptures in Israel, Greece and Egypt as a part of my Masters degree at our theologate, the Catholic Theological Union. While visiting Egypt, the Egyptian children used to run up to us shouting, "backsheesh!" This is an Arabic word for begging that literally means, "share the wealth." Pope Paul VI in the Magna Charta of evangelization Evangelii Nuntiadi wrote, "The Gospel is not something we impose on people. People have a right to hear good news." The late Holy Father saw the Gospel as an eternal treasure that people have a right to. Paul, also, was desperate about making the Gospel known because all deserve its riches.

Paul so wanted people to know the riches of the Gospel that he became "all things to all people." Some would consider this people pleasing or being codependent. Paul was simply behaving how ever he could to work with people beginning at their level of understanding and approach to worship so that they could "be saved." As a missionary I meet liberals, conservatives, traditionalists, charismatics, Marianists and every other brand of Catholics that exists. My role is not to change them into what I am, but to find common ground with them. Then the door opens to inspire them to be the best they can be. Often this requires that I swallow my spiritual pride and lay aside the "flavor" of Catholicism that I adhere to. Missionaries are invited to accept and identify with people as they are for the sake of the Gospel. This is a great challenge, but has borne fruit.

Mark’s Gospel tells us that Peter’s mother-in-law went from fever to fervor because of the touch of Jesus. She went from being passive to a passionate servant. Because of Jesus’ touch we too have a new energy, a new fire, and we are compelled to share the treasure that is Jesus. If we listen closely, we will hear the world crying out, "backsheesh!, backsheesh!" Paul gives us a wonderful example of how to share the Gospel effectively and fervently.

 

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 12 books and creator of the TV program Live with Passion! airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:1-8
Mark 6:14-29

Reflection:

I was driving in the neighborhood recently and a large sign on the front lawn of a church caught my attention. It was a very uncomplicated, one-word sign: WELCOME. I know people who say they go to a particular church because the pastor is an outstanding preacher or because the church community is very welcoming. Even if there is a church closer, they will drive further to be with a community where they feel welcomed.

The author of Hebrews tells us, "Do not neglect hospitality…" The biblical demand for hospitality is clear in both Old and New Testaments. In the Scriptures God has welcomed us, who are aliens and strangers, into the "household of faith." Now we are required to offer hospitality to others. Hospitality makes room for the stranger, especially those in most acute need. This is more than social entertaining and is not based on self-interest and does not expect anything in return.

The characters in our gospel story today are positively removed from a spirit of hospitality. Rather, they are frozen in their own self-interest. Herodias harbored a grudge against John the Baptist. Herod didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of his guests so he reluctantly decreed the beheading of John the Baptist to save face.

Hospitality is not about me. When my ego gets involved, I am definitely missing the primary reason for hospitality. John Ruskin, a poet of the 19th century, writes, "When a man is all wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package." That certainly describes Herod and Herodias.

If you want to extend compassionate hospitality, consider talking with a person who is often ignored by others, comfort the grieving, share your faith with someone searching for meaning, speak an encouraging word to the weak, visit the sick, host neighbors in your home for the sole purpose of getting to know them, respond to those in a crisis, provide food for the homeless or support a food pantry, offer a kind word to the beggar at the street corner, visit a widow in your neighborhood on a regular basis, reach out to those who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse in their homes, have lunch with your obnoxious or agnostic co-worker, invite someone to Sunday Mass with you.  

As Jesus welcomes us as strangers, may we have the grace to welcome the stranger into our life and community.

Today is the feast of the Martyrs of Japan. Paul Miki, age 35, along with 25 other Japanese Catholics, was crucified on February 5, 1597. All were canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862. Let us remember their heroism and, through the intercession of these martyrs, pray for the Catholic Church in Japan.

 

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

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:1-4
Mark 5:21-43

Reflection:

When ever the Gospels tell of Jesus crossing in the boat "to the other side" we know that we are about to experience something beyond our control. Such an experience is described in the Second Step of AA. "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." We know that insanity is "making the same mistake over and over with the same results." When Jesus arrived in the room of the apparently dead daughter of Jairus, he proceeded to put out of the room those who were weeping and wailing, as well, as those who were laughing at him. The "same results" would not happen here in Jesus’ presence. His facing into the appearence of certain death or hopelessness is met with a breakthrough of life and hope. When I put my fears, resentments, and disappointments into God’s hands, I experience the "other side" of faith. This experience of putting one’s life (or death to self) into the hands of God brings about a transformation  that is not necessarily felt. Such experiences of letting go strengthen us to continue to "run with perseverance the race that is set before us," that is the human race of compasion and mercy and justice.

 

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

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Mark 6:30-34

Reflection:

"Come by yourselves to an out-of-the-way place and rest a little".  The Apostles were not only cherished friends of Jesus, they were part of his mission of salvation.  We know how he encountered and attracted seven of the twelve!  Our reading tells us of his delight with their first mission.  .  He prepared them well.  Only after they had watched and shared the preaching and conduct of the Lord did he give them detailed instructions on their first independent mission.  Now they are back and elated at their successes in curing and driving out demons.  It had been exhausting work and the Lord wanted to give them a rest.

It was not to be!  Jesus had the twelve take a boat and head for the rest spot.  The crowds who had assembled knew of a short cut and were waiting for Jesus as they landed.  Jesus would meet their need and spent the day teaching.  As evening approached, 5,000 and more were fed on a few loaves and fishes. The apostles were employed as servers!  Not much rest!  Ministry came first!

Then and now the apostolate of Jesus involves the assistants he inspires.  Vatican II tells us that in our day: "Lay people have the right and duty to be apostles."  Jesus cherishes today’s apostles as truly as he cared for his first twelve.   Today, some spend themselves in churchly functions, others fulfill their calling by serving the common good of humanity.  Today’s apostolate can be as demanding as was toil up and down the hills of Galilee.  We, too, would appreciate hearing "Rest a little.." 

Apostles in every age have known the stress of ministry.  St. Paul of the Cross reflected: "For us the saying is not ‘Rest in peace.’    For us there is work."

But it is the Lord’s work, he has chosen us and is at our side to strengthen and bless.  He loves his apostles of years long past and today.

 

Fr. Fred Sucher, C.P. is retired and lives in the Passionist community in Chicago.  For many years he taught philosophy to Passionist seminarians.  

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Mark 6:1-6

Reflection:

Going Home

In the past few months, many of us have either longed to or actually "gone home".  Holidays and wintertime dreams often encourage a trip "home", to familiar surroundings, family and friends, and even with some time to relax and be refreshed.

Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus going home, along with his disciple-friends.  No doubt he enjoyed being with his family and with his disciples.  Being "The Man of Prayer", He prayed and taught in the local synagogue…to the distress of the home-town folk!  "We know him, his family; where did he get this wisdom and power?…"  What a homecoming!  No wonder Jesus was unable to share any mighty deeds there, amazed at their lack of faith.

Which leads me to a simple reflection on family and "home".  No doubt we can so easily take things and people for granted, even home and family!  All too often we miss those everyday dimensions of personhood and place, how we feel welcome and appreciated, how loved one’s words and deeds help form our lives and surroundings. 

These days the retail stores are helping us gear up for Valentine’s Day by their displays and offerings of cards and candy — helping focus our love and attention for one another , the love that is based on Jesus, making us family and giving us life.  Perhaps… today’s Gospel passage can encourage us to really open our hearts to one another, to the life we share which is "home".  Perhaps… we can set aside the quick judgments that often stifle a deeper appreciation of God’s presence in one another, especially our family.  Perhaps… we can more readily appreciate the blessings which are our homes and our families — and tell them so!

May God bless us, day by day, with all our families and friends!

 

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the local leader of the Passionist community in Louisville, Kentucky. 

The Presentation of the Lord

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40

Reflection:

Today’s Feast of the Presentation echoes the great Advent and Christmas themes of waiting and fulfillment.  In the Gospel, holy Simeon gives thanks that he has seen, at last, the promised "light of revelation for the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel." 

We celebrate this Feast while still deep in winter.  Spring is far off; this is the time when ‘cabin fever’ takes a deep hold!  The message of today’s Feast and our seasonal impatience are meant for one another.  Our world and our own ways of being make us impatient for the coming of good, for the arrival of beauty and warmth.  In the realm of the spirit, however, it is hope-kindled patience that sets the pace.

Holy Simeon is lifted up as our guide and model.  His patient waiting for the coming of the Light was fulfilled. His life captures the grand sweep of faith found in the Old Covenant:  the Light will come for God has promised it.  We can depend upon what God promises.

Life often places us in winter.  Ill, we yearn for healing and release from anxiety, pain and discomfort. Grieving, we yearn for reconnection with loved ones and the stilling of the heart’s empty ache.  Discouraged or doubtful, we become frantic for the electric spark of certainty and conviction.  Darkened by sin, disappointment and hurt, our gloomy spirits search squint-eyed for the Light that brings renewal and healing.

In all these moments we can only wait in hope.  Like the coming of Spring, God’s spirit gifts come gradually.  Sunrise cannot be rushed nor the dawning of renewal, life, hope and joy.  May holy Simeon quell our impatient anxiousness; like him, may we trust in the certainty of the Light’s rising.

 

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

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28

Reflection:

Few prophets are remembered for saying to God’s people: "Have a good day!" or "Go with the flow!"  Certainly not the Hebrew Prophets!  In the Hebrew and Christian tradition, the prophets are the ones who are not afraid to go face to face with God and to fight the demons within individuals and in the community. 

The promise made by Moses in the first reading is fulfilled and surpassed in Jesus, who in the gospel reading, is beginning to teach and act with authority and hold his listeners in the synagogue spellbound. The prophets of old prefaced their remarks "… Thus says the Lord."  But Jesus begins: "I say to you…" and His words are effective.  They cast out the evil powers and bring healing, revelation and the saving power of God. 

In the letter to the Corinthians today, Paul would like all to be free of anxieties in their relationships. He gives advice to those who are married as well as not married. In evaluating the situations of his own time in Corinth, he is careful to distinguish between what the Lord commands and what he, Paul is recommending.  His perspective is that the end is coming soon, and as we heard in last Sunday’s reading, "the world as we know it is passing away."  (Cor. 7: 29-31)  However, Paul is trying to suggest what he thinks is best for the Christian community, without imposing his interpretations on them. 

We still need prophetic voices in our time today to help us integrate the teaching of Jesus in whatever the circumstances of our lives are today.   

Take some time today to ponder: 

Who speaks to us with authority?  To whose voices do we listen?  Whom do we trust and follow?  To whom do we go to educate and form our conscience so that we might be able to recognize in the depth of our being, -the gospel teaching of Jesus, and the will of God for us? We cannot to this all by ourselves without help from others in our community of faith. 

Who will act with authority in our life?  Who will exorcise the demons of our day- demons that are as powerful as those Jesus confronts in the Gospel readings?  

In closing:  Let each of us pray our Responsorial Psalm for all who come to this website today.

 

Sr. Marcella Fabing, C.S.J. is on the staff at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.