Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14

Reflection:

What does heaven look like?  Jesus never gives a direct answer.  Instead, he compares it to something earthy, something real, as he does in today’s gospel.  “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” And Jesus continues his parable.  All have been invited.  But, strangely, some respond with indifference, others seem to resent the intrusion of the invitation, and even respond with hostility and violence.  Sadly, tragically, in rejecting the royal invitation, they have rejected the king and his son.

Nevertheless, the king does not give up.  Why?  Because as Isaiah tells us in the first reading, God generously wants all to share in his eternal banquet.  And so, Jesus continues with the parable about the kingdom.  Off go the servants, to the highways and byways “and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.”

Even so, like some in the parable, there may be times when we refuse the royal invitation to the banquet.  Why? Because we are too wrapped up, consumed by our consumerism and the need to accumulate material goods.  We may be distracted by our busyness, our wariness.  We may be indifferent to matters of the soul, of the ultimate purpose of our existence of who we are – abiding in God – we lose sight of what is eternal.

How have we responded to God’s invitation to the banquet – the Eucharistic banquet of bread and wine, of celebration and community?  That is the challenge Jesus repeatedly gives us.  That is what Jesus preached throughout his earthly ministry; that is the good news.  “Get ready!  The Kingdom of God is at hand.”

What does heaven look like?  The closest we can get at an answer is this: The kingdom is here among us, but not yet.  It is somehow earthy, but not quite.  And when we accept the royal invitation, when we gather at the table of the Lord, we will catch a glimpse of the kingdom.  We will experience a foretaste of the royal celebration, the Messianic banquet in the Kingdom.  It is around the table of the Lord, in community, that we will find our deepest identity, of who we truly are.  The kingdom of God looks like that.

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

Scripture:

Joel 4:12-21
Luke 11:27-28

Reflection:

In the prophet Joel’s account, we can choose to find ourselves grateful for God’s glorious design of the earth and the earth’s climate.

• The harvest is ripe.
• The wine press is full.
• Vats overflow.
• The mountains shall drip new wine.
• The hills shall flow with milk.
• The channels of Judah shall flow with water.
• A fountain shall issue from the house of the Lord to water [valleys].

The psalmists deliver similar poetry.

• The mountains melt like wax before the Lord.
• Light dawns for the just.

Let us lift our eyes from those pages and thank our heavenly father for another day to absorb his presence in the natural world that surrounds us.

Other messages in today’s readings ask us to observe the word of God. If we do, God will protect us from our enemies, and we will be blessed.

We can’t help but think of our Hail Mary prayer when Jesus asks us to “hear the word of God and observe it” rather than dwell on the praise of saying, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” How many times have we repeated, “Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus”? Providentially, we immediately repeat “Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” Is it possible that the ecclesiastical authors of the final draft of that prayer knew we needed Mary’s intercession to pressure us to observe God’s word?

Jack Dermody is the editor of the CrossRoads bulletin for the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission for Holy Cross Province. He lives in Glendale, Arizona. 

Scripture:

Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Luke 11:15-26

Reflection:

Both of today’s readings express a sure and solid belief in God’s providence for his people. God’s power is mightier than an invasion of locusts or an unclean spirit. God is on the side of humanity—our advocate.

We hear only four verses from the prophet Joel and taken out of context, we might assume that it’s the usual prophetic lament for repentance resulting from another infraction against God. Joel writes after the exile in a time of restoration and celebration. It was a time of peace for the inhabitants of Israel. The darkness and gloom refer to a locust invasion—a natural disaster. These locusts are like military might, too numerous to count. It affects every part of their lives. From food and water to their animals’ survival, and even their temple rituals; all are at risk. The verse just before our text says, “Yes, our joy has withered away from among mankind”(v.12c). It is a catastrophe of epic proportions that robs their joy and puts fear in its place. Joel likens this situation to the end of the world. “The Day of the Lord.”

He calls upon every section of the population to do penance as an offering to God for their safety and survival during this invasion. Later in the book, we hear about God’s providence in restoring the land and their lives. They celebrate God’s blessings and saving help. His power is mighty.

The text from the gospel of Luke is situated within the same chapter as his version of the “Our Father” prayer (v.1). Jesus then invites his disciples—and us—to pray for what we want, “ask and you will receive; seek and you will find…” (v. 9-10).

Just before our reading, Jesus drives out a demon from a mute person. When this person speaks, the crowds are amazed (v.14). We take up the story as Jesus is accused by “some” to be working for the powers of darkness—Beelzebul. Luke states that Jesus’ power is mightier than evil. It is stronger than the man who “guards” his home. In chapter 3, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as “one mightier than I” (v. 16). We must place our trust in the power of Jesus to overcome every obstacle for our good. However, this does not happen without our consent. Like the one who finds healing from an unclean spirit, we must fill that empty space with God.

In hearing our scriptures today, what do they offer to us? The prophet Joel tells of a catastrophe befalling the people; can we relate to that situation? Perhaps it is not an invasion of locusts, but real challenges are happening today. In our world, in our communities, and in our families. Wars in Ukraine and Israel, violence in our cities, and the pain of broken relationships only break the surface of our troubles and crosses. All these situations can bring us down and usher in hopelessness. Joel doesn’t succumb to those tendencies; he names them as potential disasters and invites the people to offer penance. Would that we could do the same. Luke further invites us to reflect that true power sits in our prayerful relationship with God and united faithful communities. Division will only break us down.

May our joy never wither and may fear be stripped away by faith and trust.

May the power of Christ fill the empty spaces within each of us and spread out to all the world. Amen.

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Malachi 3:13-20b
Luke 11:5-13

Reflection:

Once again Jesus is trying to teach his disciples (us) that God cherishes persistent prayer.  “He will get up and give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.  Jesus reminds us that we should pray every day, and every day, and every day and every day just as he did.  What a compelling example he set for us.

But many complain that “God never hears nor answers my prayers.” Don’t we hear that frequently?  That is unfortunately a self-indulgent attitude.  The fact is that God’s will is not the same as my will.  God is God and I am who I am.  God knows my needs far better that I do.  Isn’t the true power of persistent and daily prayer the transformation of my own will to make it more compatible with God’s will?  Only in that way can my prayers be answered. 

We should also challenge the idea that God does not answer prayers, even in our own lives.  Faith informs us that God consistently answers prayers; however, perhaps in ways that we do not understand or realize.  Consider for example. the miracles that he performs in our lives every day.  Do we pay attention to those miracles?   Perhaps an encounter with an old friend who we have been thinking about lately; perhaps an unexpected delay in a meeting in Oakland, CA that prevented us from being on our scheduled return to a hotel on the Nimitz freeway which collapsed during the 1989 San Francisco earthquake; perhaps an unexpected call from an estranged child, as happened to my wife and myself yesterday; the list goes on and on. Those who appreciate those daily miracles understand that God is responding to their prayers every day, perhaps by answering a specific request, such as the cure of an illness or the healing of a relationship, or perhaps in ways that we don’t expect but are nonetheless beneficial to us.  Obviously, God isn’t going to ring a bell every time he interacts with us in our daily lives.  We must pay attention.

Should we not also await answers to our “persistent” prayers more patiently?  It takes time for God to conform our wills to his; not because he cannot do so more quickly but perhaps because our own wills are more inflexible than we think they are.  

So let us continue to pray persistently and patiently every day and every day and every day and every day.  We know by faith that he will hear and answer “all” of our prayers: “ask and you will receive; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you.’    

Bill Berger has had a life-long relationship with the Passionist Family.  Bill and his wife, Linda, are currently leaders of the Community of Passionist Partners (CPPs) in Houston,Texas.

Scripture:

Jonah 4:1-11
Luke 11:1-4

Reflection:

The Other Lord’s Prayer

We are all familiar with the Lord’s Prayer – the “Our Father” – in the Gospel of Matthew.  His is the prayer we pray at Mass, in the Liturgy of the Hours, in the Rosary, and in so many other moments of worship.

There is, however, the other Lord’s Prayer, a less familiar version.  This is the prayer in the Gospel of Luke.  The “Our Father” in his gospel is shorter, and quite frankly, not as memorable as Matthew’s.

The two prayers do share similarities.  As with Matthew’s prayer, Luke’s consists of praise and petition, and for the coming of God’s kingdom, God’s reign.  Both are prayers of community.  Both are eschatological prayers.

Luke’s version, however, contains a significant difference.  Where Matthew’s gospel reads “Forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Mt 6:12 NAB), Luke employs clearer and more explicit language.  “Forgive us our sins,” the gospel strongly petitions, “for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us” (Lk 11:4 NAB).

Luke’s prayer makes a powerful point.  Just as Christ died in forgiveness of our sins, so too, are we to forgive others.  Therein lies the Good News in the other Lord’s Prayer.  We who have been forgiven know first-hand the need for forgiveness.  Pray like this, Jesus tells us.

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

Scripture:

Jonah 3:1-10
Luke 10:38-42

Reflection:

I travel for work, facilitate support groups, offer trainings and retreats, and write. I have three adult children and four grandchildren I long to spend time with, and I am responsible for a home, yard, and garden. My life is busy!

Yet the scriptures remind me of an old Paul McCartney song: Someone’s knocking at the door/ Somebody’s ringing the bell/ Do me a favor/ Open the door, and let ‘em in. With my extensive “to-do” list, I can block the sounds of God constantly knocking and ringing. Or I acknowledge it with: “Yes, God I’m so grateful you’re there. Thank you for never leaving me alone. But hold tight for a minute. I just need to do these couple of things before I sit down to pray. I’ll be right there.” The next thing I know, I’m lying in bed exhausted with only the energy for a quick “Thank you, God” before I drift off to sleep.

The things I feel such compulsion to accomplish are very good and necessary, and often help me advance the reign of God. But if I don’t take time to sit and pray first, to stay deeply connected, to LISTEN, then I’m acting under my own power, trusting my own wisdom, perhaps acting out of my own hurts and insecurities, and bound for burn-out. In prayer, God can work within me to heal the wounds, to stretch and mold me, to help me discover gifts I’ve been given (even those hidden within pain), and to become the whole and centered person I was created to be. Therefore, I need to pray early in the morning before I get started on my to-do list, to ensure that I make daily time to open the door and let God in.

When I begin with prayer, I carry it into my day, centered in the love of God and putting into practice what God is accomplishing within me. I can turn again and again to my Divine sources of wisdom, strength, and guidance, and undergird my many actions with the love of Christ for those I serve. It can also keep me from listening to other voices that run counter to God’s message. It gives me strength to speak when I’m afraid and wisdom to know what to do. It helps me recognize and confront words of intolerance, judgment, and dismissal of another, especially when they come out of my own mouth. In short, spending time as Mary did at the feet of Jesus allows me to go into my Martha day in a way that brings the light, love, healing, and peace of God acting within and through me.

That is such a worthy goal, and one that we desperately need in our personal, professional, corporate, and political lives. So today, I recommit to hearing the bell and answering the knock by starting my day, every single day, with opening the door and letting God in. Will you join me?

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s website: http://www.corgenius.com/.

Scripture:

Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11
Luke 10:25-37

Reflection:

Could Today’s Lawyer be a Relative of Jonah the Prophet?

We begin this week with a holiday, Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, and we begin it with two stories from the lectionary. Courage was required to cross the ocean, and no less in coming face to face with an unknown people. What do Jonah, the lawyer and ourselves hear about the courage to go beyond barriers that life sets before us?

Jonah is like a boxer in the ring with God. He takes a lot of quick jabs right in his stomach. But he is tough. He gives right back to God by his stubborn actions that contradict God’s good plans.                                                                                                            

What a unique prophet. A man of few, well-chosen words; only eight of them. We know the results. The king decrees that every person and animal do penance; all the people are to turn away from their evil ways! Mission accomplished. Sort of well done, Job.

Contradictions abound. Jonah, who is intimate with God, does not do what God asks of him; he tries to do the opposite. Pagan sailors are God fearing. Jonah loses his fight with God, so no victory lap around the ring, but he doesn’t even rejoice at God’s mercy and the conversion of the evil empire! Jonah, exhausted, rests on a hill above the city waiting to see what will happen, probably hoping for fireworks, and falls asleep. A plant sent by God gives him some protection, but it will shrivel as the sun rises, and Jonah he is exposed and unprotected. When God asks him if he is upset that the plant died, he replies, ‘I am angry enough to die’. His protest is a bit dramatic, but includes his feelings about everything God has done, including revealing his own smallness. He doesn’t see the knock down punch coming. Lying on the ground, probably wondering how he will get home, he is stunned by God’s words: Jonah they a less than babies who know neither left nor right. I am God. You are one of the chosen to show the light of my love to the world, to draw the nations to me. Wake up Jonah! Get a life!

We are reading the minor prophets for three weeks, of which Jonah is one. They speak of Israel’s return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The book of Jonah pleads with the people not to live in fear of God’s surprising ways, not to live behind a wall that separates them from a world and people who appear to be frightening. Israel must not lower their expectations of the surprising love of God. Yes, it can be frightening.

And too in the gospel, a lawyer knows the power of the commandments. The law is communion with God, it is life. In following the commandments, we love God and we experience God’s love as we love our neighbor. Jesus does not box with the lawyer, he sort of whams him all at once. He says, ‘can you imagine the commandments holding you back from reaching out in love, even to an enemy? Or doing the good you deeply feel instead of hesitating because of a restriction that weighs so much less when put on a scale? The law is life, indeed, pulsing, growing, exploring, not to be lived in a vacuum but with neighbors. Jesus gently says what God yells at Jonah, ‘Get a life’. Go and do. Be intimate with the God of surprises. Break a rule when you hear God’s call to love! Love drives out fear. Do not be afraid.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Community in Jamaica, New York.

Scripture:

Isaiah 5:1-7
Philippians 4:6-9
Matthew 21:33-43

Reflection:

Jesus…Today!

Today we are challenged by another of Jesus’ encounters with the religious leaders of his day.  Matthew shares Jesus’ parable of the owner of a vineyard who seeks a return on his investment from the vineyard-workers.  The parable unfolds with tales of multiple unsuccessful attempts to get the owner’s share of produce at vintage time, resulting in repeated violent acts – climaxing in the murder of the owner’s son who was sent to obtain the produce!  Jesus shared the parable to highlight the building resistance to his challenging message of metanoia, conversion, and unconditional love … His presence, His words and deeds were being ignored.

It’s our wake-up call as well:  do we recognize and respond to Jesus in our day?  Our faith says that Jesus is present to us in the Scriptures, in the Eucharist — and in one another, especially those in need and those on the margins…the “least, the last, the lost”.

The Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ public life was challenging, even controversial.  In his birth in Bethlehem, He was an immigrant, a foreigner.  In His ministry, He had compassion for the poor, the sick, those treated unjustly; He helped and healed them.  He went against the “rules” of His day, even doing good deeds for others on the Sabbath!  Some accepted His words and deeds, others rejected Him and walked away; some even helped spark a frenzy that led to His ultimate rejection and the capital punishment of crucifixion and death. 

The words of Isaiah join the words of Paul to the Philippians to encourage us to seriously look at our daily lives and our response to Jesus today.  Do we see Jesus present in the young and the old, sick and the healthy, the imprisoned and the free, the poor and rich, the criminals and the law-abiders, people of all races, strangers as well as family members…??  And our response to them?  Does our faith in Jesus make a difference?  Do we draw close and reach out in love, or turn away in indifference or fear?

Jesus challenges us to “stretch” and generously respond to His presence and His transforming Message of Good News.  May we follow the example of those who have gone before us– and lead lives of faith-filled humility, gratitude, and service.

Amen!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.