Daily Scripture

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.

Scripture:

Sirach 2:1-11
Mark 9:30-37

Reflection:

God’s Love for little Ones.

"And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms…" Mark 9:36

Two times Jesus is said to take someone in his arms in the Gospels.  Both of them were with little children. We must become like children to feel this embrace of Jesus.  Children have not lived long enough to have accomplished anything. We have a tendency to think that God has to be impressed with our accomplishments before He can love us.  We forget a mother or father is head over heals in love with their babies.

od primarily loves us because we are his babies.  Little children do little for their parents except to demand total attention and service. Still they have the total love of their father and mother.  And so it is with God and us.  We are his children.  He desires our obedience and being conformed to the image of His Son.  But always at the heart of his affection for us is that we are his children.

This is the basis of his love for us.   At Baptism we were made his children in a very special way. George Burns and Gracie Allen wanted to adopt a child.   They were shown a room full of healthy, beautiful babies.  They had their choice of any one they wanted.   One of the babies was terribly ill and for three months they were not sure if it would live or die. George Burns when he first saw it said it was the ugliest baby he had ever seen.  He said it looked like Winston Churchill.  

Long after Gracie’s death, George said Gracie picked their son Ronnie rather than the other healthy babies in the room because he was the one that needed her the most.   Maybe, at the heart of God’s love for us, is our terrible condition.  Humility draws God’s love to us, whereas our pride and arrogance repeals God.  "He took the children in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them." Mark 10:16

 

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

Scripture:

Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Mark 2:1-12

Reflection:

…your sins I remember no more. IS 43: 25

God’s love is so amazing. He offers us His mercy brand new every morning! He even says that He doesn’t remember our sins! Never doubt God’s forgiveness. He always invites us back with open arms. This is a story of that gift.

Just as I was starting my freshman year of college, I found out I was pregnant. I had dated one guy all through high school and right before I left for college, we got drunk and I slept with him (3 years of firm resolve out the window in one night). We went to Planned Parenthood because I didn’t know how to tell my parents. We were told it was just a blob of cells and that my problems would be over quickly. I didn’t see any other option, so I shut off my emotions and just went ahead with it. Little did I know that the "quick fix" would cause many other problems, which would last for years.

The weekend after we aborted our baby I went home with my roommate. Her mother was ranting and raving and threw a magazine down on the table for us to see. It was the picture of an aborted baby at 10 weeks. It was a picture of my baby. I almost got sick. I couldn’t believe what we had done. I went straight to confession, but I didn’t feel forgiven. I just couldn’t believe that God could forgive such a horrible thing. I was convinced that He would never forgive me and that no one could love me if they knew what I had done.

After that, whenever the topic would come up, I would spiral into a place of self-hate and fear of God’s judgment. Finally, eight years later, when I went to a priest for the umpteenth time to confess my sin, he explained to me that God had forgiven me the first time I went to confession. He said that I just hadn’t forgiven myself. He read me this verse from Isaiah and helped me to believe that God could and did forgive me. It was the beginning of my healing and of finding peace. What a wonderful day that was!

I think it’s very important for people to be careful how they talk about this subject. Let’s help women (and men) find healing, not heap condemnation on them. Many people believe that God can’t forgive the wrong they’ve done, but He can and He will and He does! Don’t let your past or present mistakes rob you of God’s total forgiveness and love for you. Believe the truth and let it set you free!

 

Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. Janice also leads women’s retreats. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 2, soon to be 3.

Solemn Commemoration of the Passion

Scripture:

Isaiah 53:1-12
I Corinthians 1:18-25
John 19:17-30

Reflection:

Today we Passionists celebrate a very special feast, The Solemn Commemoration of the Passion.  This is the titular Feast of our Congregation and we celebrate it each year on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.  St. Paul of the Cross instituted this feast as a celebration of the great love that Christ has for us as witnessed by His self gift in the Passion.  We are forgiven our sins and have eternal life with God because of Christ’s great love for us.

The first reading, taken from the Prophet Isaiah, describes how complete was the Suffering Servants self gift.  "He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem."  Ultimately, he is destroyed.  Yet, because he was innocent and had given his life for others, God, recognizing the love at the heart of his sacrifice, overcomes the guilt of us all.

Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, testifies to the power of Christ’s sacrificial love and reflects on how different the wisdom of God is from that of men. 

In the Gospel we hear again the stark re-telling of the final events of Christ’s life: his painful struggle to Golgotha with the burden of his cross, his crucifixion and death on the cross, the witness of the soldiers and the gift of his Mother to us.  The final brutal death accepted with gentle love that expresses so eloquently Christ’s desire to bring all of us to life.

The details are hard to hear, but the overwhelming message of God’s love for us shines through clearly.  How grateful we are to be so completely loved by our saving Lord.

 

Fr. Mike Higgins, C.P. is the director of lay formation for Holy Cross Province and lives in Chicago, IL.