The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

Daily Scripture, May 3, 2013

 

The Feast of Ss. Philip and James, Apostles

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:1-8
John 14:6-14

 

 

Reflection:

The Word of Life

Each day, as we reflect upon the Word of God, how do we actually create the space for prayer? I think it is good once in awhile to step back and just look at what Kind of space I am creating to be receptive to God’s Word and God’s Will. Basically, we are talking about reading the prophetic messages of God’s spokespersons, psalmists’ inspirations from following God, accounts of the early Church (the Acts), letters from Paul and other apostles, and Jesus’ words and activities.  So I get settled in a place, (know how much time I have), offer some expression of gratitude to God, take some deep breaths, accept the feelings and thoughts that are flowing though me, and then, bracket it all as best I can to concentrate on the Word of the day. "To what Lord do you want me to pay attention?" The fact in 1 Cor. 15  I am being saved?   Am I open to the "appearance of Christ" today, as is described in various ways in the same reading? Do I believe when Jesus says, "the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father." So, for what am I asking Jesus, and am I open to "the answer to my prayer?" And, finally, understanding "that the Father may be glorified in the Son."  What is "Glory?" When someone is in their "glory" their wishes, desires, hopes and plans have been fulfilled. You may be in your glory because you are a new grandparent, you got the last child through college or married off to someone, or, your favorite sports team has won it all. The Father /God is in glory when THE Plan to transform the world, one person at a time is a happening, through our prayer and intentional works. That is "thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Give "glory to God," by carrying out his Will. This prayer method can help.

 

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

Ash Wednesday

On March 2, the Church celebrates Ash Wednesday. 

Most of us learned early in our Catholic lives that Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, and that is a time of special sacrifice in preparation for the Easter celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection.

Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving…. These words of Pope Francis, taken from his Lenten Message of last year, 2021, and echoing the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, can still inspire our answer to the question: “What am I giving up for Lent?” 

We can draw our Lenten sacrifices out of our daily life: 

Share our faith in God’s presence by sharing in prayer with our family or with those in our parish community.
Share our hope in God’s promises by encouraging positive and respectful dialogue in our family circle and among our friends. 
Share the charity God has bestowed on us in the Passion of Jesus, with those whose sufferings are ignored or aggravated.

Let us pray for one another as we enter the season of Lent. Our Passionist “motto” can be our daily prayer during Lent, “May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.”