• 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, September 22, 2022

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Luke 9:7-9

Reflection:

So few lines in the gospel today, but such a huge lesson!

Pride made Herod arrest John the Baptist because the Baptizer was openly calling his marriage incestuous, sinful and unworthy of a King.  He has John dungeoned to quiet the irritating prophet who was damaging his standing in the community.   Pride.

It is Pride again when Herod makes a boastful promise in front of a group of guests.   Rather than look weak or foolish, he orders John’s murder.   Later, troubling rumors reach the Court that cause him to fear that John may have risen from the dead and is now performing powerful miracles. H 

I tell my young grandson that “bad decisions cause things to not go so well, while good decisions cause good actions which bring us happiness. Not listening to parents usually means trouble of one sort or another.  Making good decisions, like doing what Momma asks, usually brings smiles and good consequences. 

Why is it that I can help him see the lesson, but it is so hard for me to internalize it?   False steps are built on stairways with false steps building on one another.  Herod imprisons John because of his Pride, then his pride forces him to behead the prophet, Pride being the motivating factor in both actions.

When I listen to myself or others before I listen to God, bad things happen. Obeying God’s law is not a burdensome roadblock, but a guide from a loving Father to the road to real happiness.  I must strive harder to listen to God and obey His law.

 Day by day, oh dear Lord three things I pray;
              To see Thee more clearly,
                 Love Thee more dearly,
               Follow Thee more nearly day by day.

“Day by Day” from the musical “Godspell” 1972

Ray Alonzo is the father of three children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jan for 45 years. He is a USN Vietnam Veteran, and a 1969 graduate of Mother of Good Counsel Passionist Prep Seminary. Ray currently serves on the Passionist Alumni Council.

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