Daily Scripture, June 4, 2025
Scripture:
Reflection:
More Than Good-bye
As summertime unfolds for those of us in the northern hemisphere, many of us will embark upon summer vacation trips of various lengths, perhaps briefly visiting some relatives or an interesting vacation destination. Some of us will move to a new residence; others will be on the “receiving end” of such comings and goings. In each, there is a hello…and a goodbye. Today’s Scriptures invite us to ponder: What thoughts and feelings are included as we say “good-bye”?
Our two scripture readings relay some famous “good-byes”: the Acts of the Apostles has the apostle Paul saying good-bye to the Church at Ephesus, which he had served for years. He exhorts the leaders to be faithful shepherds, humbly serving the needs of the congregation as they likely faced many trials: “…keep watch…be vigilant…remember…” In John’s Gospel selection, we peek over Jesus’ “shoulder” as he prays his final prayer for his disciples, asking the Father to protect them from the evils of the world. He asks the Father to keep them united and joyful, praying that they be consecrated to the truth of God’s Word. Truly, both readings add touching brushstrokes to the human dimensions of our goodbyes to those close to us.
Our goodbyes can convey all sorts of deep feelings: comfort, reassurance, encouragement, challenge, advice, forgiveness, love. No doubt Jesus and the apostle Paul had those same feelings flowing from their hearts as they “moved on” in fulfilling God’s will in their lives. Jesus’ good-bye prayer for His disciples reveals His all-embracing love for us and thus becomes a supporting guide for our close relationships.
As we say our good-byes to the beauty of this recent Easter Season, and with Pope Leo XIV look forward to the gift of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, may we hear Jesus’ words addressed to us as 21st century disciples: “…may they be one as We are one…may they share My joy completely…keep them from the Evil One…consecrate them in truth….” Jesus’ love for each of us continues to grow and deepen, and we are challenged to accept and witness that love in our daily lives. In a very real sense, our “goodbyes” are transformed by Jesus into messages of dynamic unity, joy and welcome.
To which we eagerly say: Amen! Alleluia!
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.
Scripture: Genesis 3:9-24 Mark 8:1-10 Reflection: Genesis 3 presents the story of how evil entered the world. After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve’s tranquil garden comes unraveled and » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25 Mark 7:24-30 Reflection: At first glance, today’s readings seem an odd coupling. What does God’s creation of humans and their subsequent joining as one flesh have to » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17 Mark 7:14-23 Reflection: I’ll Make Me a World Can any word express what it means to be present at an act of creation? Reverence or wonder » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 1:20-2:4a Mark 7:1-13 Reflection: Everywhere I look, I see the creativity of God. When I go to visit my mom in Florida I always walk along the beach » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 1:1-19 Mark 6:53-56 Reflection: The scientific world is awaiting what the Hadron Accelerator can tell us of the physical beginnings of the universe. The opening word of the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:7-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Matthew 5:13-16 Reflection: The Gospel today follows immediately after the Beatitudes, which was proclaimed last Sunday. This positioning of the readings implies that the Beatitudes » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 Mark 6:30-34 Reflection: Mark’s Gospel has a real tender side which we can be appreciated if it is read slowly. Just to sit with some of » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24 Mark 6:7-13 Reflection: Today the Gospel of Mark reveals the early invitation to evangelization, as Jesus sends out his Twelve. I’m always a little amazed at » Continue Reading.
Scripture Hebrews 12:1-4 Mark 5:21-43 Reflection In our gospel today Mark shows us Jesus with a large crowd gathered around him, setting out to heal the daughter of Jairus but » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-40 Mark 5:1-20 Reflection: Do you ever feel driven by forces that seemed beyond your control? In today’s gospel, a man driven mad by the evil force of » Continue Reading.