• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

  • Migration
    • Statement from Passionist Leadership Regarding Current United States Immigration Policies
    • The Global Migration Crisis: What Can a Retreat Center Do?
  • Laudato Si’
    • Laudato Si’ 2023-24 Report and 2024-25 Plan
    • Ways to Live Laudato Siˊ
    • Sustainable Purchasing
      • Sustainable Purchasing Guide
      • Hints for Sustainable Meetings and Events
      • Sustainable Living Hints
    • Passion of the Earth, Wisdom of the Cross
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Celebrating the Season of Creation
  • Pray
    • Daily Reflections
    • Prayer Request
    • Sunday Homily
    • Passionist Spirituality and Prayer
    • Video: Stations of the Cross
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
  • Grow
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • The Passionist Way
    • Retreat Centers
    • Passionist Magazine
    • Passionist Ministries
      • Preaching
      • Hispanic Ministry
      • Parish Life
      • Earth and Spirit Center
      • Education
      • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Journey into the Mystery of Christ Crucified
    • Celebrating the Feast of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Subscribe to E-News
    • Sacred Heart Monastery
      • History of Sacred Heart Monastery
      • A Day in the Life of Senior Passionists
      • “Pillars” of the Community
  • Join
    • Come and See Holy Week Discernment Retreat
    • Are You Being Called?
    • Province Leadership
    • Vocation Resources
    • 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
    • Our Passionist History: Webinar Series
    • 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, November 10, 2021

Scripture:

Wisdom 6:1-11
Luke 17:11-19

Reflection:

It says in the Book of Wisdom, and is repeated throughout scripture, that those who have little may be pardoned out of mercy, but “for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.” That’s a discomforting thought, because I have a good job, healthcare, a decent house, a 3-year-old car, plenty of food, abundant water, air conditioning and heat. I have the advantages that accrue to an able-bodied, white, Christian, suburban American. Despite the abundant losses, transitions, and challenges of my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good! How much gratitude is due for the riches I have been given? How often do I fall on my knees in thanks?

Yet in light of the Gospels, I realize gratitude is not enough; it is only the first step. For instance, consider Jesus’ admonition to the rich young man to sell all he has and come follow. Ouch! Reading that and knowing how much I have, I feel convicted, uncomfortable, and guilty.

I don’t think Jesus wants us to feel guilty, though. I believe he wants us to feel responsible. Guilt paralyzes. Responsibility acts. Note that Jesus didn’t tell him to sell everything for the sake of selling it. He told him to sell it and give it to the poor, to serve others. Those of us who have much do not actually “own” it at all. We don’t “deserve” it nor have we “earned” it. It is not “ours” to use just for our own pleasure. We are called to be grateful that we have this tool, these abilities, this health, these advantages, so that we can use them to be instruments of God’s mercy to others. What we do with them determines how we will be judged. God’s scrutiny awaits.

Examples: I have abundant food. How much can I give to food pantries, shelters for abuse victims, a Catholic Worker House, or the homeless people within my own area? I have more clothes than I need. Can I give professional clothing to underemployed people interviewing for a job, and other clothing to places like St. Vincent DePaul or Goodwill? My garage holds things I haven’t used in years; could someone else use them? I have too many books; who else needs them?

Every room of my home contains things I don’t need and could give away. The only question is: Where do I start and when? How long am I going to put it off while others are in need? Scripture is clear. Jesus is calling. Will I walk away sad, or will I get busy and live out the faith that saves 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/.

Footer

Support the Passionists

Contact the Passionists

Name

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 © 2025 | Log in