• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

  • Laudato Si’
    • Making Room: Lent Reflection Series
    • Celebrating the Season of Creation
    • Passion of the Earth, Wisdom of the Cross
    • Ways to Live Laudato Siˊ
    • Small Grants to Implement Laudato Siˊ
    • Statement on Texas Elementary School Tragedy
  • Pray
    • Daily Reflections
    • Prayer Request
    • Sunday Homily
    • Passionist Spirituality and Prayer
    • Video: Stations of the Cross
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
  • Grow
    • The Passionist Way
    • Retreat Centers
    • Passionist Magazine
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Journey into the Mystery of Christ Crucified
    • Celebrating the Feast of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Subscribe to E-News
    • Passionist Ministries
      • Preaching
      • Hispanic Ministry
      • Haiti
      • Parish Life
      • Earth and Spirit Center
      • Education
      • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Ways to Live Laudato Siˊ
    • Vision Fulfillment Newsletters
    • Sacred Heart Monastery
      • History of Sacred Heart Monastery
      • A Day in the Life of Senior Passionists
      • “Pillars” of the Community
  • Join
    • Vocation Resources
    • Father Phillip Donlan, CP, Ordination
    • Are You Being Called?
    • Passionist Brothers
    • The Life of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Discerning Your Call
    • Pray With Us
    • Passionist Vocation Directors
    • World Day for Consecrated Life
    • Lay Partnerships
  • Connect
    • Find a Passionist
    • Passionist Websites
    • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Passionist Alumni Association
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Monthly Giving
      • St. Gemma Circle of Giving Intentions
    • Leave a Legacy
      • Giving Matters
      • Ways to Give
      • Donor Relations
      • Testimonials
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
    • Privacy Policy Statement
  • Learn
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • Our Founder
    • History
    • The Letters of St. Paul of the Cross
    • The Diary of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Mission and Charism
    • Saints and Blesseds
    • FAQs
    • Find a Passionist
    • STUDIES IN PASSIONIST HISTORY AND SPIRITUALITY
  • Safe Environments

Daily Scripture, April 6, 2017

Scripture:

Genesis 17:3-9
John 8:51-59

Reflection:

In this time of Lent, we accompany those in our midst who journey toward Easter Vigil, when they will be washed in the waters of baptism. Part of that journey involves engaging in three Scrutinies – prayerful rites aimed at helping the Elect break down the obstacles that block them from God.

It is very easy to sit back and observe this process as if it doesn’t affect me. If I do so, I join the religious elite of Jesus’ day, sure of their own righteousness and their role in leading others to deeper faith, yet unable to see the logs in their own eyes. The Scrutinies are not just for those approaching baptism, but for every one of us.

I may, for instance, try to follow the “Lenten rules” precisely and scrupulously – making sure I fast on Fridays, giving more of my money and material possessions, and never missing my parish’s evening prayer services. Perhaps I go even farther – reducing my food consumption throughout the season, giving away enough that it hurts, and committing to increased daily prayer. All of these things are good, they yield great fruit, and we should absolutely do them. But following the rules, however sincerely, is not enough. In fact, Jesus dares to tell the religious leaders that despite their faithful devotion to the law, they do not know God. The covenant requires more.

Like the Elect approaching baptism, I need to invite God into the deepest recesses of my heart. I need to probe the hurts that lurk there unhealed, particularly those that cause me to act out, hurt others or hurt myself. I need to critique my sense of self-righteousness, especially with people I refuse to fully forgive, those I dismiss without taking the time to truly see them, or those I too easily pass judgment on. I need to see where prejudice or discrimination has subtly woven its way into my actions and attitudes. In all my relationships, including with people I love most, I need to determine how I can be less controlling, more lavish with praise, and more honest in my words.

Above all, I need to see more clearly what stands in the way of deeper intimacy with God. Often these obstacles, too, arise from my hurts, lack of trust, fear of losing control, and lack of time for silence and prayer. I need to strip away the masks and excuses, and once again humbly place my sinful yet beloved self at the feet of the merciful Lord to surrender my life and will. There is no law, rule, or precept that will profoundly affect my relationship with God like this kind of self-examination.

It is scary to undertake. It requires courage, integrity, and commitment. But that is what God seeks. We were created for the covenant, not just for the rules. This Lent, can we unlock our hearts and discover the Source of life in newer and deeper ways? If so, then as the waters of baptism splash down and envelop the Elect, those same waters will course anew through us, flowing freely where the Spirit wills, as together we joyfully proclaim the salvation of our God.


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/.

Footer

Facebook Feed

Support the Passionists

Contact the Passionists

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
660 Busse Highway | Park Ridge, IL 60068
Tel: 847.518.8844 | Toll-free: 800.295.9048 | Fax: 847.518.0461
Safe Environments | Board Member Portal | Copyright © 2023 | Log in