Sunday, July 8, 2007 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 66: 10-14; Psalm 66; Galatians 6: 14-18; Luke 10: 1-12, 17-20
Isaiah is a poet, detailing with rich description, all the material blessings God offers Israel, as well as the comfort a mother offers a child. In the gospel, Jesus directs the disciples to go on mission with no provisions but the peace that they offer each household they visit. Paul goes further: “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” The Jews believed that earthly success and prosperity signaled God’s approval. Jesus says peace is enough blessing from God. Paul is willing to surrender status and power if only he might know Christ crucified. It may be difficult to admire the sweaty, bloody nobody from Nazareth as he shoulders the cross. Here is the triumph of failure.
How do you look on your own successes and failures? Jesus is not playacting when he is stripped on Calvary, even of God’s felt presence: “Why have you abandoned me?” Crucifixion is not God’s plan, but the outcome of preaching peace, acceptance and mercy to the little ones of Israel. God’s plans are for shalom (Jer 29:11), and shalom means integrity as well as peace. Sit quietly in admiration of Jesus’ integrity in putting flesh on God’s peace, acceptance and mercy. Can you comfort him?
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have brought peace and mercy to our world. Thank you for staying faithful to your mission, and give us the grace of fidelity and integrity.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Genesis 28:10-22; Psalm 91; Matthew 9: 18-26
Jacob has a dream promising him prosperity and descendants, and that God will never leave him. He sets up an altar on the spot and vowed that the Lord would be his God. Psalm 91’s first line: “O God, you are our refuge,” in the original language is “O God, you have always been our home.” There is comfort in altars and homes, but in the gospel we see Jesus diverted. He is heading for the home of an official who wants Jesus to lay hands on his daughter who has just died when a woman in the crowd touches his garment and is healed. Jesus turns around and commends her faith. The mourners at the official’s home ridicule Jesus because he claims that the “girl is not dead but sleeping.”
What is dead or sleeping in your spiritual life? Tell Jesus what you need. Let him take you by the hand. What needs healing in your life? Reach out and touch him. Where do you find comfort? How is God your home? Feel God’s surrounding and penetrating presence. Rest in that security.
Truly, you are in this spot, as Jacob knew. Help us to see you in all the events of today, in the people whom we meet, the work we do, the home we make in you and for others.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Genesis 32: 23-33; Psalm 17; Matthew 9: 32-38
Jesus heals every illness, taking pity on the people, “troubled and abandoned” who mill around like sheep without a shepherd. He looks at these people and says, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers.”
Let us also ask God to send more people into wrestling matches with God as well, so that, like Jacob, we and they might acknowledge, “I have seen God face to face and have lived.” Let us pray for one another that we might know God personally, intimately, face to face and heart to heart. Is there something in your life now that you want to wrestle with God about? Don’t hesitate. In wrestling, we get very close.
At the sight of the crowds today, Jesus, who people our world, living in poverty, hunger and thirst, let your heart go out to them through some action of ours today.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Genesis 41: 55-57, 42: 5-7, 17-24; Psalm 33; Matthew 10: 1-7
Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, now governor of Egypt, receives his brothers in their starving state but hides his identity from those who sold him into slavery. Jesus summons the Twelve and gives them authority over unclean spirits and illness. Benedict, whose feast we celebrate today, attracted many to a monastic way of life, based on humility, hospitality and prayer. From slavery to authority, from authority to humility, and for all—hospitality. Jesus puts flesh on the hospitality of God.
Meditate on the hospitality of God. How do you discover God’s welcome? What form does it take? What do you need to be even more comfortable with God? Will you let God wash your feet, feed you, house you in God’s heart? And if so, how will you do that today?
Gather us in, the poor and the haughty, gather us in the starving and satisfied. All are indeed welcome in your love, and we ask you to expand our hearts for those in need of hospitality—in our workplace, family, nation, world.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Genesis 44: 18-21, 23-29, 45:1-9; Psalm 105; Matthew 10: 7-15
Matthew continues to spell out Jesus’ missionary instructions: we are to take nothing for the journey but the peace of God; we are to depend on the hospitality of those who welcome us and to shake the dust from the feet of those who reject us. Joseph, instead of rejecting those who enslaved him, sent his attendants away and with loud sobs made himself known to his brothers. “Come closer to me,” he invites them, and assures them, “It was really for the sake of saving lives [from the famine] that God sent me here
ahead of you.”
Paul wrote that all things work together for good; Joseph of Genesis seems to be saying much the same: God brings good out of even the heinous evil of fratricide. Where sin abounds, grace more abounds, Paul insists. How is that true in your life? Pray for grace to abound in war torn lands, in refugee camps, among modern day slaves who are trafficked. Pray for reconciliation in families as torn as Joseph’s.
O God, give us the grace of reconciliation in all areas of our lives. Thank you for choosing us as ambassadors of reconciliation. Let us see and act on some one way to effect unity and peace today.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30; Psalm 37; Matthew 10: 16-23
“Brother will hand over brother to death…children will rise up against parents,” Jesus promises, but when we are dragged before the authorities we need not worry about what to say for “You will be given at that moment what you are to say.” In Goshen when the brothers, who did hand over their brother to death and are now reconciled, watch their father and Joseph embrace and weep, they don’t speak but Jacob/Israel announces that now he can die in peace. “I have seen for myself that Joseph is alive.”
What is that you long for so much that were it granted you could say with Jacob, “At last I can die…” Share your deepest desires with God/Jesus/Spirit. For what justice do you hunger and thirst? How much do you want peace in our world? How can you promote reconciliation and unity today? Ask the Spirit to show you. Listen.
We do take delight in you, Jesus, and so you will grant us our hearts’ desires. We pray always in your name and in the power of your Spirit.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Genesis 49: 29-32, 50: 15-26; Psalm 105; Matthew 10: 24-33
We celebrate Kateri Tekakwitha today, a woman both of what is now Canada and the United States. In our first reading, Jacob dies, and the brothers become frightened that with Jacob gone, perhaps Joseph harbors a secret grudge against them. They say as much to his face and Joseph bursts into tears and refuses their offer to be his slaves, saying “Have no fear. Can I take the place of God?” Jesus assures us too that we have nothing to fear, for the God who cares for the smallest sparrow will surely attend to us. “You are worth more than many sparrows.”
What is it in so many of us that we fear retaliation, whether from someone we have wronged and/or especially from God? Pray for a true evaluation of your self worth, for you are more than many sparrows and God would give whole worlds for you (Isaiah).
Pray for the gift that his brothers offered Joseph: speaking face to face about their fear of him, and asking forgiveness (no more “mistakes have been made”!) Imagine God bursting into tears when we grovel before God. If Joseph’s forgiveness is so generous, how much more God’s!
Truly, your mercy endures forever. May your mercy today reach into the recesses of our wounded hearts and offer healing, the healing of your continuing forgiveness.
Return to top
Sunday, July 15, 2007 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 30: 10-14; Psalm 69; Colossians1:15-20; Luke 10: 25-37
If human beings had not sinned, would Christ have come? Most Christians think it was sin that drew the Son of God to earth as our redeemer, made satisfaction for sin as St. Anselm would explain. Because in the early middle ages the Dominican teachings of theologians Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas dominated, the Franciscan theologians, Bonaventure and John Duns Scotus, were overlooked. The very good news they offer us is found in our reading from Colossians (and will be continued in next Sunday's selection too). Yes, Christ would have come to be among us, the Franciscan school teaches, because he is "the firstborn of all of creation. In him were created all things...he is before all things and in him all things hold together..." Christ is the model on which all of creation is based, all that God found "very good." In Christ "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." All creation is modeled after him, and he himself "is the image of the invisible God." Our world needs reconciling, not so much with God who has never stopped loving us, but among ourselves. Thus it is peace that Christ made "by the blood of his cross." Not blood because God needs to be satisfied for sin, but blood, the very life of a man who is neighbor, as was the Good Samaritan, to us all, Christ the Word who is so very close, on our lips and in our hearts.
Ponder Christ as the image of the invisible God. What do you know about God, the indescribable Mystery, from looking at Jesus in action? Can you believe that God has never stopped loving human beings, and perhaps, just looking at Jesus’ behavior, holds us closer when we are sinning. Ask to believe this, to trust God’s love, and to trust Jesus.
Jesus, may you who humbled yourself to share our humanity keep drawing us closer as we come to share in your divinity (from the Offertory prayers).
Monday, July 16, 2007
Exodus 1: 8-14-22; Psalm 124; Matthew 10: 34-11:1
Exodus opens with a description of the brutality of Israel’s oppressors and the order to execute all Israel’s boys. Jesus says that the peace he offers is not easy, but will set families in opposition. “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Then he concludes his missionary sermon with good news. In the early church there was division between “prophets”, those free spirits probably evangelized by Paul and friends, and the “righteous,” the Judaizing Christians for whom the Law retained its import. Jesus urges us to welcome both the law abiding Christians and those who are free from Law, and in that way we “receive their reward.” Welcome, do not cast out. We all are not called to be missionaries in Latin America, but when we welcome them, we “receive their reward.” We are not all called to wield power in board rooms and legislatures, but when we welcome the powerful, we receive their reward. Not that we are into rewards, but since we can’t do everything we might desire, welcoming those so called lets us participate in their mission, expands our horizons, makes us one.
Whom in our church community do you admire? Whom would you join in their work, ministry, mission if only you could? Imagine them serving and join them in imagination, “welcoming” them. You might make this prayer for them concrete by writing or phoning them to say how much you appreciate all they do to build up the Body.
Thank you, Jesus, for the many gifts and the many works that make your Body an attractive sign of God’s love in the world. Help us to welcome each person in your name.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Exodus 2:1-15; Psalm 69; Matthew 11: 20-24
First we hear of Moses’ birth and his rescue as an infant from death by the quick wits and courage of his mother and sister. Moses, reared as a prince, had a strong streak of justice however. Did he know he was watching a kinsman being beaten by an Egyptian, or just an anonymous slave? Moses killed the oppressor, and then was on the run from Pharaoh. God will choose a murderer to lead the people. Jesus sounds murderous in his set of “woes.” Woe to three cities of Israel, including Capernaum, where Jesus chose to live when he left home in Nazareth. He like Moses lives among the enslaved and the sinful.
Consider where you live. Among whom do you live? Pray for our cities and those enslaved by greed, fear, drugs, alcohol, sex, and…. Consider your sense of justice, your rage at injustice. How far will it lead you? Is it God’s anger that you share or your own? Ask to live out of only God’s justice, and to be saved from useless wrath.
Lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. Help us to see the beam in our own eye before judging others, and to be wise in our doing justice.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Exodus 3: 1-6, 9-12; Psalm 103; Matthew 11: 25-27
When Moses is chosen to know God, to hear God through the burning bush, he cries: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?…” Who is he? A shepherd, a murderer. Jesus explains that God is pleased to reveal God’s own self to the little ones, hiding the mystery of God from the “wise and intelligent.”
Who are you that you should know God? How do you know God? How do you experience with mind and heart and feelings, imagination and memory the One whom Jesus reveals? Tell Jesus all that you want to know and experience of God.
“Father, such is your gracious will” -- that we who may be wise and intelligent are also simple and sinners. Thank you for Jesus’ revealing to us your love and faithfulness.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Exodus 3:13-20; Psalm 105; Matthew 11: 29-30
Moses receives God’s self-description: “I am who I am.” Jesus describes himself too as meek, gentle and humble of heart. “Come to me all you who are weary, carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…Learn from me…”
To learn from Jesus is to be a disciple (from the Latin for learner). What do you need to learn from him? How does God’s name given to Moses sit with you? Psalm 68: 19-20 calls God our burden bearer: “You bear our burdens day after day; you a God who saves.” Rest, letting Jesus bear your burdens. If you fall asleep while praying, not to worry. Therese of Lisieux saw that as a sign of great trust.
We do cast our cares on you, Jesus, our footwashing savior. Teach us to be gentle and humble in our relationships. Refresh us so we can help carry the burdens of others.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Exodus 11:10-12:14; Psalm 116; Matthew 12: 1-8
Jesus defends his disciples against the legal judgments of some Pharisees, and shows them how little they understand God who says: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”
In the Exodus reading we have the lengthy description of the night of Passover. Throughout all generations, Israel, scattered around our world, remembers and gives thanks for this saving act of God.
What exodus have you had in your own life? When did God lead you out (exodus in Greek) into freedom? What had kept you enslaved, and now you are free? Pray with the psalmist: What return shall I make to our God for all the good God has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation…I will offer you thanksgiving…”
You do desire mercy, our saving God. Give us the gift of mercy. Remove far from our hearts judgment, contempt and fear of others. Mercy on your people! Mercy in and through us!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Exodus 12: 37-42; Psalm 136; Matthew 12: 14-21
Pharaoh is out to destroy Israel who hurries away with livestock and unleavened bread after 430 years in Egypt. God kept a vigil for them, and so to this day, the Jews keep a vigil of thanksgiving for their freedom. In the gospel, some Pharisees are out to destroy Jesus. Like Israel, “he departed.” Matthew loves to locate passages from his scripture, the Jewish scriptures, to underscore how Jesus is in union with God. Here the evangelist quotes Isaiah who gives God’s servant, anointed by the Spirit, a mission: to proclaim justice to the Gentiles, a gentle, non-violent justice, so that “in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Ask the Spirit to anoint your memory, and ask when you have in the past stayed to work through a difficult situation, and when you chose wisely to “depart.” Stay quiet and see what bubbles up. Pray for the trust to accept what you cannot change, the courage and creativity to change what you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Jesus, we pronounce your holy, powerful name. Bring hope to all us Gentiles, especially Arabs; bring hope to all Jews. Heal our divisions and make us one, please!
Return to top
Sunday, July 22, 2007 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 18: 1-10; Psalm 15; Colossians 1: 24-28; Luke 10: 38-42
We return to Colossians where last Sunday we let the Franciscan theologians turn our understanding of the Incarnation upside down. Jesus does not need to satisfy God because we have sinned. God, in infinite generosity, needs to create a beautiful universe patterned on the beauty of God’s Son. This mystery has been hidden for generations, our author assures us, but now to the Gentiles God makes known the riches of God’s glory, “which is Christ in you.” God is so hospitable that God welcomes us all into the very Body of God’s Son. The hospitality of God is embodied in Abraham’s hospitality to three strangers, as well as in Martha’s welcoming Jesus into her home. Mary offers Jesus another kind of hospitality, one open to us even if we cannot cook. We can listen, listen to Jesus, and listen to the Jesus in each person whom we meet today, tomorrow…
This Mary who models listening is not Mary of Magdala, whose feast is usually celebrated today. Mary of Bethany is a disciple, a learner; Mary Magdalen is an apostle, one sent to tell the apostles that Jesus has been raised. With whom do you identify, the listening disciple or the running apostle? This story of Martha and Mary lends itself to Ignatian contemplation, inviting you to enter the home in Bethany with Jesus and see for yourself what happens. Or--the Colossians reading could sink for years into your consciousness: the mystery of God’s glory is Christ in you. You are like Mary of Nazareth, a God-bearer.
Thank you, Jesus, for taking flesh, becoming incarnate, living among us and now in us, living deep within us. Keep us alert to you and your work in us and through us.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Exodus 14: 5-18; Exodus 15; Matthew 12: 38-42
Pharaoh is pursuing Israel with an army in chariots and the people are terrified. Moses warns them to “keep still” and trust that the Lord will handle it. As we know, God does lead them through the sea. The responsorial is the praise Israel’s women offer God as a warrior. In the gospel, Jesus is angry with those who want proof, “a sign.” As we remember the aftermath of 9/11, we in the United States did not keep still, we did not let God lead. We demand a sign. In fact, some people believe that God could have and should have reached down “from the sky” and plucked those planes out of the sky. This is not faith, trust. This is superstition.
Consider God as a warrior. How does God make “war” in our day? Ask God to show you. Listen. Against what does God call you to war? Show your “battle plans” to God and see what God has to say. Listen.
Today we want to hear your voice, our God. Do not let us harden our hearts against any one. Keep us pliable, docile, learning from Jesus who is gentle and humble of heart.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Exodus 14: 21- 15:1, 20-21; Exodus 15; Matthew 12: 46, 48-50
We are told that Pharaoh pursues Israel in order to enslave them again. But God
“in the pillar of fire and the cloud” watched out for the panic stricken Israelites. Whether a strong wind blew the Reed sea dry or whether walls of water swept up to make a way through the sea, they passed through and the sea, the mud clogged and swamped Egypt’s chariots. Moses sings, Miriam takes a tambourine and all sing and dance in thanksgiving.
War, death, destruction. Yet Jesus says that those who do the will of God (which we know is shalom) are “brother and sister and mother” to him. What to make of this paradox? Israel was passive; God led them through the water. Jesus urges us to be active: DO the will of God. Yet it took courage to walk through a swamp, or between walls of water. Israel DID God’s will, for shalom also means wholeness, health, well-being and integrity.
When have you felt about to be enslaved in your life, your personality? Where was God in that? How were you set free? Where in your life do you need freedom now? Ask for the gifts of freedom, of shalom, of being closely related to Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, for drawing us to yourself, gathering us, creating us a new family of God. Now we are your kin. Your kin-dom come, God’s will be done!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - Feast of James, apostle
2 Corinthians 4: 7-15; Psalm 126; Matthew 20: 20-28
James, son of Zebedee, is the first apostle to be martyred. His mother sets him up for later beheading, as she pleads for her sons to sit next to Jesus in the kin-dom. All Jesus can ask James and John is whether they are willing to drink the cup of suffering and martyrdom. They might have gone forth weeping, but they come back with shouts of joy, these apostles and martyrs. They carry treasure in clay vessels, as Paul knows. “We are always being given over to death so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in this mortal flesh of ours.”
What is your experience of having your tears turned to joy? What is your experience of carrying treasure, Christ himself, in your very weak flesh? When has God’s power been strong when you felt weakest? What return shall you make?
Please, Holy Spirit, make the life of Jesus visible in us. Let everyone whom we meet today look up and see no longer us, but only Jesus. Be our power today. Thank you!
Thursday, July 26, 2007 - Feast of Anne and Joachim, grandparents
Sirach 44: 1,8, 10-15; Psalm 132; Matthew 13:16-17
“Sing the praises of our ancestors!” This first reading is sometimes used in funeral Masses of the elderly. Their bodies are buried in peace, Sirach continues, but their names and wisdom live on forever. Jesus points to the blessing of his generation (and ours) because we have been able to know the very human and alive-forever Lord, Jesus. To “know” for the Hebrews can mean sexual intercourse. The Jews believe that when husband and wife make love on Friday night to welcome the Sabbath, the Shekinah (the cloud of God’s glory in the Sinai desert) overshadows the couple. Mary gave her DNA to Jesus, and Anne and Joachim, in a burst of God’s glory, gave theirs to Mary.
What is your attitude toward sex? How is it like or unlike the Jewish understanding? Have you ever had a conversation with Jesus, the very human and sexual Jesus about sex? Today may be the day to try it. If that is too difficult, you can always pray in gratitude for your ancestors in the human family and in the faith.
Dear Anne and Joachim, thank you for rearing Mary to be so open to God, so willing, so courageous and strong. More than her DNA, thank you for shaping her character so beautifully.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; Matthew 13: 18-23
Jesus offers us the parable of the sower of the Word. God through Moses offers the Jews Ten Commandments. Psalm 19 lauds the Law. Word, commandment and law might mean the same thing to the Jews, but for Christians, the Word is Jesus. We are set free from Law, from the 637 laws of the Jews. We are to be receivers of the Word who shapes our hearts. One way then to pray Psalm 19 is to change words like precepts and decrees to the word “Word,” remembering that the Word puts flesh on God’s will.
Michael Crosby, Capuchin, starts his workshops on the Beatitudes by asking his audience to list the ten commandments, which all usually can do. Then he asks them to write the Beatitudes and their corresponding promise, which very few can do. Moses returns from Mount Sinai with Law for the Jews. The new Moses gives a new way to live in his sermon on the mount: Blessed are you, happy are you….
Which of the Beatitudes attracts you? (They are found as the opening verses in Matthew 5). Picture Jesus speaking that blessing directly to you. How is he looking at you as he addresses his living word to your heart? Which Beatitude is most difficult to receive (for these are invitations, not commandments)? Ask for the grace of being open to receive the blessing and to be fruitful.
Make us rich soil, Jesus, ready to receive your Word. Let it fall deeply into our being. Let us bear fruit today, some way to feed the hungry in whatever their need.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Exodus 24: 3-8; Psalm 50; Matthew 13: 24-30
In gratitude for God’s Law, Moses offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Although the parts of Psalm 50 chosen to respond to the Exodus reading do correlate, the main theme of the psalm is that God does not delight in the smell of blood and smoke. God, according to Jesus, does not even want us to judge ourselves. If we are Jews keeping commandments, maybe we can take our spiritual pulse. But if we are growing in the word, then the parable of the man who sowed good seed speaks to us. An enemy comes to sow weeds throughout the crop. The servants want to pull up the weeds (and don’t we want to?! In our own selves and in the people and society around us?!) The master instructs them to let weed and wheat grow together until harvest. Then it will be easy to separate the two.
Can you stop judging what is wheat and what is weed? Can you trust Jesus to separate it all out at the end without your gouging at yourself and others? “If you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat along with them.” Ask Jesus to remove condemnation and contempt from you and fill you with mercy for yourself and others. Ask for the gift to trust him. As the communion antiphon prays:
“It is good for us to be with you, Lord, and to put our hope in you.” We do believe, we do trust! Help our unbelief. Help us to learn that “You desire mercy, not sacrifice.
Return to top
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Genesis 18: 20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2: 12-14; Luke 11: 1-13
God comes to check out the inhospitable Sodom and shares a plan of destruction with Abraham. “Then Abraham drew nearer,” and began to challenge God not to sweep away the innocent with the guilty. He works the numbers of innocents living in Sodom from 50 to ten, and God promises that if ten innocent people are found there, God will not destroy the city. What boldness in our ancestor and what intimacy between the two!
In Luke, Jesus first teaches his friends how to pray. First we pray in praise, and in hope of the kin-dom. Then we are to ask for our daily needs, especially forgiveness. We promise to forgive others and beg not to be put to the test. Jesus then uses an image of a man bothered in the middle of the night because his neighbor has a need. Even if friendship doesn’t call a response from him, just to quiet his neighbor he will give him what he needs. Finally, Jesus asks what we give our children? Can’t we count on God to do likewise? “If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit.” Luke changes Matthew’s “every good gift” to “the Holy Spirit.”
How do you pray? Are you bold in your asking? Persistent? How do you feel asking for your daily needs? Sometimes we are “distracted” during prayer and find ourselves planning the day. Is that not asking for our daily needs? How is the Holy every good gift for you?
Holy Spirit, be enough and more than enough for us. Thank you for living deep within us, bubbling up your wisdom, peace and joy, precious fountain of living water.
A PS—if this were not Sunday, we would have the feast of Martha who was bold enough to ask Jesus to rouse her sister to help her! She was praying.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Exodus 32: 15-24, 30-34; Psalm 106; Matthew 13: 31-35
The kin-dom of God is tiny, Jesus says in parables, as small as a mustard seed or bit of leaven, but how it grows. As the mustard seed grows to harbor birds in its branches and leaven rises to nourish us with bread, so our relationships with God and one another (the kin-dom) grow. The kinship between Moses and his brother Aaron is severely tested. While Moses is on the mountain, Aaron assuages the fear of the people by having them contribute all their gold to fashion an idol, a calf. Moses’ “anger burns hot,” yet he pleads with God to spare the sinful people. His bonds are so strong that if God will not forgive the people, then Moses too wants to be blotted out of the book of life.
Bring all of your relationships to God today. With the eyes of God, look at each person whom you will meet or contact today. Then review your most loving relationships and finally, your most difficult relationships, always looking with the eyes of God. What do you notice? How do you feel?
Your kin-dom come, your will, your deep desire for our unity and peace, be done!
Clean out any idols we may have hidden in our hearts, in our church, in our society.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Exodus 33: 7–11; 34:4-9, 28; Psalm 103; Matthew 13: 36-43
The disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable of wheat and weeds; they evidently understood seeds and leaven. The personal explanation on Saturday gives way to Jesus’ explanation on a societal level. Both have the same end: we are not to judge. In the end, the righteous will “shine like the sun”. In the parts missing from Exodus we have some of the same. Moses, who learned in Exodus 3 that God’s name is I AM, asks to know the beautiful name of God. God sets him in the cleft of a rock to steady him, so great is the glory that will pass before Moses. In today’s reading, God calls out the beautiful name: “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and kindness….” Psalm 103, other psalms and frequently in Isaiah do we hear of God’s kindness and faithfulness, hesed and ‘emet. The new word in this passage is rchm which when pronounced rechem means womb or uterus; and when rachum, means compassion. God’s is a womb-compassion.
One way to rest in God is to imagine yourself in the womb of God, this universe. All beings in the universe are truly your siblings, your kin. A child in the womb doesn’t think or worry but just is, is safe and nourished and rocked and warmed. Enjoy God’s womb-compassion in some minutes of quiet now, and return to the womb when life gets pressured.
Thank you, gracious God, for your beautiful name and your faithful mercy to us all. We look on your glory, your beauty, and thank you for helping us too to shine like the sun.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Exodus 34: 29-35; Psalm 99; Matthew 13: 44-46
To belong in the kin-dom of God is like finding buried treasure, like discovering a pearl of great price. To belong to God’s kin and community is to have our own faces shine like Moses’ when he would converse with God face to face. Coming down from Mount Sinai, coming in and out of the meeting tent, the skin of Moses’ face was so radiant that the people were terrified. So he would cover his face with a veil until he entered the tent to speak to and listen to God once more.
“Oh that our faces may be radiant with joy!” (Ps 34). Ask the Spirit to remind you of times when your face was radiant with joy. Savor those experiences. Ask to let joy radiate from you hour by hour today. Whom will you meet, converse with? Ask to be an attractive sign to others of your kinship and communion with God.
Thank you, Jesus, that you have found for us great treasure, a pearl of great price. You have found all that we could ever need and have offered it to us, free of charge: union with our God. Thank you!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-38; Psalm 84; Matthew 13:47-53
Jesus offers yet another parable of what the kin-dom of God will be like: a net dragging in all the treasures and all the junk from the bottom of the sea. So we, with our radiant faces, mill about among the dead and smelly fish until the end. That is a way we share in Jesus’ self-emptying, the incarnation. “He did not consider being divine something to be clung to….” but came among the likes of us. “How lovely is your dwelling place,” the psalmist cries, in response to Moses building the Dwelling Tent in which to place the Ark of the Covenant. The cloud and the pillar of fire filled the Dwelling with glory. And so the Incarnation: Jesus filling all of creation, the dead, the smelly, the junk, the beauty-full, the radiant, the holy with his very presence.
“Mill about?” you cry. “Why, I love, I minister, I have a purpose-driven life!” All is grace, all is free gift, the radiant face, the love, the ministry – all is grace. Ask for the gift of emptying yourself, gradually, of any need to win, stand out, glory in yourself and your achievements. Ask to be given a gentle, humble heart, the dwelling place of Christ.
Fill us with your glory, God. Not to us the glory, but to you. Fire us with your love; surround us with your cloud of mystery so we stay humble and in awe. To you the glory, our God!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Leviticus 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37; Psalm 81; Matthew 13: 54-58
When people want to read the whole Bible they mistakenly start with Genesis and plow through Numbers (which is about numbers) and Leviticus (which is about the minutiae of ritual). After the instructive stories of Genesis and Exodus, we are pressed to find meaning in much of this book. Notice how our liturgists skip around to find verses that can communicate today. Listed here are some of the more important feasts of the Jews, with Passover as first. The fiftieth day, feast of Pentecost, is the first harvest feast, with the second one in September, the feast of Booths. Because of the mild climate, Israel can manage two harvests each year. The Day of Atonement too calls for a “sacred assembly” and no work. Not just animal sacrifice but cereal offerings, sheaves of wheat, all first fruits are to be offered to God. And the Law about these festivals is spelled out in Psalm 81: Make music! Jesus’ experience, however, dampens our joy. His own townsfolk take offense at him.
How do you celebrate “the festivals of the Lord?” How do you celebrate the Sabbath? Can you, as another verse from Psalm 81 urges, “put down your workbasket?”
Ask for the grace to incorporate rest and leisure and music and celebration into your week. At Sunday Eucharist gather all the fruits of your work and give them to God.
Thank you for commanding us to make music, our God! We worship you, we praise you for your great glory. We offer you all of our work, our joys, sufferings, play and rest.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Leviticus 25: 1-8-17; Psalm 67; Matthew 14: 1-12
God in Leviticus details the year of jubilee, seven times seven years when all are to return to their own land. Israel is to let the land lie fallow for a year. How just God is, making sure that everyone is fair in returning land to its original owners, teaching us to pro-rate our investments. How unjust Herod is in the gospel, how fearful of public opinion as he yields to human respect and gives Salome her wish: the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
In the year of jubilee, the land is to lie unplowed, unplanted. Ask the Spirit to light up your interior landscape. What parts of your life are fruitful, what lies fallow? What do you want planted so it can spring up next year? Open dry and empty pieces of your interior to the sun of Christ and the watering of the Spirit and wait. Breathe deeply and wait.
Harvest us home, God. Bring in all the fruits that you have planted, all the good wheat. Separate us from whatever weeds and insects do us harm. Deliver us from evil.
Return to top
Sunday, August 5, 2007 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ecclesiastes1: 2, 2:21-23; Psalm 90; Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11; Luke 12: 13-21
All four readings call us to a new perspective. “All is vanity!” is the trumpet cry to open the first reading. Psalm 90 of which we often hear the first part now focuses on the final verses in which we pray: “Teach us to number our days aright, so that we may gain wisdom of heart.” Colossians reiterates the need to put on the new self in the image of the Creator, for our worldly distinctions do not matter; “Christ is all in all.” Finally, Jesus tells a parable that no first world citizen can ignore. Who is not guilty of counting how much we have gained, earned, accumulated? “I will build larger barns” to house all the gain. Then we have to worry, having worked with anxiety and grief –“….even at night his mind is not at rest” (Ecc). And God says quite clearly: “You fool. Tonight you die.”
Let’s look first at our society with all its riches and resources to protect. How does that wear on our spirits, our generosity? What fears lurk that our lifestyle will be blown away by terrorists? Then look at your personal “possessions.” “Take, Lord, and receive all I have and possess.” What illusion, even in the prayer of St. Ignatius. Ignatius knows it is illusion. What do you fear God will take? Talk it all over with God or Jesus or the Spirit.
Give us only your love and your grace. That is enough. And if it is not enough, help us to hold all lightly, as your gift, not our possession. Save us from foolishness and give us wisdom and perspective, please.
Monday, August 6, 2007 - Feast of the Transfiguration
Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9: 28-36
In Daniel the depiction of glory belongs to the Ancient One, presumably an image of God; the attribution of authority belongs to the Son of Man, applied to Jesus by the early church. We know the story of the transfiguration, and Luke adds that Jesus was going to accomplish “his exodus in Jerusalem,” that is, his passage into freedom and glory. So we turn to a seldom noticed book, Second Peter. Its imagery is apocalyptic, somewhat frightening.. This piece today however, combines the Daniel and the Luke scene (the good news, kerygma) and then adds the exhortation ( parenesis). The format of sermons in the early church was not a harangue, but included two parts: first, the good news, followed by how we should respond. How should we respond to the glory and authority of Jesus? “Be attentive…to it, a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Use your imagination and see Jesus as a lamp. Perhaps an Easter candle. Go with him to all the dark places of our world and pray for the people who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Then see the darkness in your own life. We often use the image of the Spirit as the fountain of living water bubbling up from deep within us. Today use the image of Jesus as the morning star slowly dawning, rising in your depths.
We praise you for your glory, Jesus, and give you all authority over us. Help us to be attentive and discerning, seeing what you desire and moving toward your hope for us.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Numbers 12:1-13; Psalm 51; Matthew 14: 22-36
Not long ago we heard the story of Joseph’s forgiveness and generosity toward the very brothers who sold him into slavery. Today is another story of sibling rivalry. “Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses.” Surprisingly, the narrator says that Moses “was the meekest man on the face of the earth.” He was also large-hearted, for when God punished Miriam with leprosy, Moses prayed passionately: “Please, not this! Pray, heal her!” The gospel tells of Peter, certainly not the meekest of men, testing Jesus on the stormy waters. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” “Come.”
Let that “Come” echo in your heart. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, not on the waves and wind that is buffeting you. He looks at you, holding out his hand in greeting, saying, “Come.” What frightens you? Where/why/when do you take your eyes off Jesus? Then what happens? Talk these things over with Jesus in the calm of the boat.
Pray, heal us! Forgive us, gracious God, our sins against our siblings, each of your children that people our world. Make us large-hearted that we may forgive even as you forgive us.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Numbers 13: 1-2, 26-29,34-35; Psalm 106;Matthew 15: 21-18
Forty days scouts explored the promised land, but so discouraging were their reports that the people were terrified, “broke out in loud cries…and wailed.” So God punished their mistrust by keeping the first generation of freed slaves in the desert for forty years. After an initial dismissal Jesus, however, listened to the cry of the desperate Canaanite woman. He was headed for Tyre and Sidon, along the coast; perhaps a beach vacation. His disciples were peeved and he agreed with them. The woman “did him homage” and pleaded for her daughter. When Jesus warned that “dogs” could not have the children’s food, she raised his consciousness with her comeback: “even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Matthew has Jesus say, “For your great faith,” but Mark’s Jesus demonstrates how she has pricked his conscience. In Mark he says: “Woman, for saying that….” and her daughter is healed.
What do you do when you are terrified? How do you pray? How does God hear the cries of the poor when the poor and desperate one is you? Can you give God a comeback if God’s way is not to your liking? Can you trust that our God does not punish but admires honest expression? Ask for the gift of saying anything to God and trusting God’s mercy.
Thank you, Jesus, for being like us in all things. You absorbed the bigotry of your society without meaning to. You needed vacations as we do. Thank you for our vacation time, and please come with us.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Numbers 20: 1-13; Psalm 95; Matthew 16: 13-23
These are painful readings. Miriam dies, and the people grumble against Moses. They want grain, figs, vines, pomegranates, and they don’t even have water. Moses doesn’t even ask God for water, but with Aaron, falls prostrate before God. That gesture is plea enough. God tells Moses to strike the rock and water gushes forth, but in striking it twice, even Moses falls afoul of God, who will prevent him from leading Israel into the promised land. Peter falls afoul of Jesus who calls him Satan. Jesus has just asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter is then named Rock and immediately afterwards, Satan.
How do you think Jesus and Peter reconciled? Enter the scene in which Peter tries to dissuade Jesus from walking into danger. “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me!” Ask Jesus about his anger, his fear. Offer him your understanding and compassion. Then see in your imagination how the reconciliation happened.
Let our every gesture of love today, good God, be a plea for justice and peace in our world. Keep us reconciled with our friends. Make us humble enough to say we are sorry.
Friday, August 10, 2007
2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112; John 12: 24-26
We know we have a major figure when the continuous reading gives way to special passages. Lawrence, a deacon, was ordered to hand over the riches of the church. He called the poor together and proclaimed that they are the treasure of the church. For this he was martyred. For this he is remembered in our first reading as one who gave bountifully and gladly for the needs of the poor, and in the gospel he is the grain of wheat who died so as to bring forth much fruit.
Ask Jesus to sit with you and examine your attitudes toward the poor. Ask him to deepen your generosity and joy in giving. Ask that wealth on this planet be distributed more equally, not according to merit but according to need.
What have we that we have not received? Thank you for your abundant and joyful giving, God our creator, our supplier, our true treasure!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Deuteronomy 6: 4-13; Psalm 18; Matthew 17: 14-20
Although there are no special readings for the feast of Clare, how well the first reading fits her. Moses calls us to love God with our whole heart and strength, and to proclaim our love. Then God will give us everything, nothing that we deserve, but God’s generosity poured out. In the gospel, Jesus heals a child who throws himself in fire or water, “a lunatic” the boy’s father calls him. Jesus is disappointed that his disciples cannot heal the child because of their little faith. Jesus should know that faith is a gift!
Has your faith, your trust in God/Jesus/Spirit, ever moved a mountain? Ask for that kind of faith so that you might be a more effective healing force in the world. Ask for the gift of wholehearted love of God and the courage to proclaim it.
Thank you for the gift of faith, Giver of all good. Help us to believe that with you all is possible and that you, so much more than we, want all things to work together for good.
Return to top
Sunday, August 12, 2007 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 18: 6-9; Psalm 33; Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19; Luke 12: 32-48
The first reading is a bit bloodthirsty, but the second and the longer gospel reading continue our theme of simple living in faith. The psalm ends with our longing for God and God’s kindness, our hope. Then Hebrews begins with a description of faith as the making real that in which we have hoped, but without seeing. The author recounts the faith of Abraham and the other ancestors, all hoping for a homeland which is not a piece of property but a homeland which is God’s own self. Jesus urges us not to be afraid for we are inheriting (not meriting) the kin-dom. “Sell your belongings and give alms…for where your treasure is there your heart will be.”
Homeland security? We have it in Jesus’ constant comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Ask him to remove all fear from your heart, to align your heart with his, to make his love your only treasure. Is there some particular “treasure” you could give away today as a gesture of love and trust?
O God, you have always been our home (Ps 90:1). Help us to relax, to rest, to enjoy tastes of our inheritance now. Calm our striving, our anxieties, and the world’s fear.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Deuteronomy 10: 12-22; Psalm 147; Matthew 17: 22-27
Often in the gospels Jesus’ enemies, rather than facing him directly, attack his disciples. When Peter is questioned about the temple tax, Jesus tells him to take a coin out of the mouth of a fish to pay the tax both for Peter and for himself. Moses would say, rightly so, for only God is our glory. What more do we need, “for the Lord was so attached to your [ancestors] that God chose you.” Moses continues: “Hold fast to God.”
The psalmist adds the promise: “God grants you peace in your borders; with the best of wheat God feeds you.”
If God is truly our glory and God’s attachment to us is so strong, no wonder Jesus always preached: “Do not be afraid.” Picture yourself in the events of today holding fast to God. What does that look like? Imagine peace within your self as you picture each person you will meet/have met today. How has God fed you today? How will you respond?
Thank you, God of glory, for choosing us to possess the glory of Christ Jesus and the power of his Spirit. Help us to be peace and bring peace today.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Deuteronomy 31: 1-8; Deuteronomy 32; Matthew 18: 1-5,10,12-14
Moses is not allowed to lead Israel into the promised land, and as he admits, “I am now 120 years old and am no longer able to move about freely.” He urges the people and again, Joshua himself, to be brave and steadfast; have no fear. Jesus explains that we have nothing to fear from our God who asks us to be like children, humble, willing to be cared for. More than shepherds care for sheep, so God cares for children.
How will you use the Spirit’s gift of humility today? How will you be “meek and humble of heart,” as Jesus urges in the Alleluia verse? How have you, paradoxically, become more like a child as you age? Moses admits his limits and frailty. How do you handle your own aging?
O God, let our hearts at least move about freely even if we are slowed by age, illness, depression, even laziness. Fill us with your Spirit of freedom that we may play before you with the abandon of children.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - Feast of Mary’s Assumption
Revelation 11:19, 12: 1-6, 10; Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-27; Luke 1: 39-56
The doctrine of the Assumption of Mary means that she was taken up, body and soul, into heaven. Neither contemporary philosophers nor theologians split body from soul, as two separate entities. Like Jewish theology teaches, the human being is whole, an enlivened body, the indivisible self. So what can we make of this celebration? As the gospel says, we rejoice that God has done great things for her; that the queen takes her place, as the psalmist comments; and that as the first disciple of Jesus, Mary can be imagined as clothed with the sun with the moon at her feet, to quote Revelation. Paul theologizes about the meaning of dying and rising. Christ is the first of those who have died and been raised, and after him “all shall be brought to life, but each one in proper order.” The first “one who belongs to Christ” must surely be his mother, not because of her physical childbearing, but because she continued to bear the word, treasure the word in her heart, her home, her life. She learned (discipula) from him. This feast calls us to bear the word, treasure the word, and look forward to the raising of our whole person in glory when we, like Mary, die.
How do you bear Christ in your own body? How do you listen and learn from him? Take some time now to be silent and listen. How do you want to die? What would a happy death be for you? Share that with Mary.
“Mother beloved, of God and of us, here at your feet, faithful we meet. Comrades of Mary, redeemed by your Son, keep us who love you in all things one!”
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Joshua 3:7-11, 13-17; Psalm 114; Matthew 18: 21-19:1
God uses the Ark of the Covenant, housing the commandments and carried through the Jordan by the priests, to cause the flowing river to back up so that Israel could cross into the promised land. The psalm commemorates both the parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan river as well. Jesus then tells a “hard” parable in response to Peter’s question: “How often must I forgive?” To illustrate his answer: “Seventy-seven times,” Jesus tells of a king who shows mercy to a servant in his debt. The one whose debt was forgiven then threatens those who owe him money. When the king hears of this injustice he hands the one he first forgave over to the torturers. Jesus concludes: “So will my heavenly Father do to you unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”
This parable works on a personal level, and on a national level. What we often call “justice” for those who do wrong smacks more of revenge.
Pray for administrators of justice in our nations. Pray for all those whom you find hard to forgive, and ask for the grace of forgiving, for it is God’s gift, not our will power. Remember all the times you have been forgiven, and ask to hand on the same mercy to those who hurt or annoy you.
Your mercy is so abundant, our great God. We praise and thank you for lavishing mercy on us more than seventy-seven times. Make us instruments of your mercy, we pray.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Joshua 24: 1-13; Psalm 136; Matthew 19: 3-12
God speaks through Joshua, who assumes leadership once Moses has died. God reminds the people of their covenant by reciting all that God has done for them. The Psalm reiterates the mighty deeds of God on behalf of the people. Then Jesus speaks of another covenant: marriage. We need to understand the context of his hard saying. In Jesus’ day a man could divorce his wife for the most minor cause, such as putting too much salt in his food. A woman could never divorce her husband. So when Jesus is so adamant against divorce, he is protecting women of his time from arbitrary dismissal, rather than setting a new commandment, cast in stone. Not only is that new teaching, but he continues by accepting the renouncing of marriage itself “for the sake of the kin-dom.” This too is new, for marriage was highly regarded as the only possibility in Judaism. Notice that once even we (following Paul) said that unmarried people can devote more of their energy to the kingdom. Has this made women and men religious workaholic? For the sake of the kin-dom, however, emphasizes our sisterhood and brotherhood, a sign of the reign of God.
Whether you are married, single or in a religious institute, how do you describe your covenant? When did you make it? What were your motivations? How have they changed? How has your heart expanded because of your faithfulness to that covenant?
Share all your memories with Jesus. Ask for healing, courage, faithfulness.
“Your mercy endures forever,” we sing with the psalmist. Thank you for your mercy, for your enduring faithfulness no matter how we weaken our covenant with you and with each other.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16; Matthew 19:13-15
Two days in a row we begin with “Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem…” Joshua is a gatherer. Yet he stands out as leader when he calls the people to serve God, not the gods of the neighborhood. “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” When the people protest that they too will indeed serve God who has done so much for them, Joshua pushes back: “You may not be able to serve God.” Oh indeed we will, they cry. So Joshua makes a covenant with the people, setting a stone as a sign of it at Shechem. Jesus gathers people too, a strange lot: children. Children were valued by the Jews because they would carry on the family, but were treated almost as slaves in the household. Jesus says: “Let the children come to me…for the kin-dom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Are you able to serve God? How? Why? How is your service childlike? Hold up each child whom you know to Jesus that he might lay hands on the child. Pray for the children of our world, especially those without love, resources and education.
Jesus, thank you for gathering the children of the world in your arms, holding them, blessing them. Heal parents who neglect or even reject their children.
Return to top
Sunday, August 19, 2007 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53
Jeremiah speaks unpopular truth to the people, demoralizing the soldiers, so the leaders lower him into a cistern where he sinks into the mud. A court official persuades the king, weak as he is, to rescue Jeremiah, who is pulled out. The psalm echoes that rescue: “You drew me out of the muddy pit and set my feet upon a rock.” Not that we can sit around, basking on the rock. Hebrews urges us to throw off any burden or sin to which we cling and enter the race with Jesus our pioneer taking the lead. We are to keep our eyes fixed on him so that do not grow weary or discouraged. Courage, Luke’s Jesus, cries, because I have come to cast fire on the earth. The peace Jesus brings is built on justice, and it may well set families on edge. He is leading us into new relationships, the kin-dom of God.
When has God drawn you out of a muddy pit? How? What is your response? Suppose you do feel weary and lack courage. What will get you racing with Jesus again?
Ask for whatever it takes, and keep your eyes fixed on him.
Free us, Holy Spirit, from all that we cling to and fix our eyes on Jesus. Help us know the truth that sets free and give us the courage always to speak that truth.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Judges 2: 11-19; Psalm 106; Matthew 19: 16-22
This passage from Judges demonstrates a cycle to be found in many Jewish scriptures. The people sin, God punishes with disaster, the people repent, God blesses them; the people sin, God punishes, and so on. God raised up judges to lead them “but when the judge died, they would relapse and do worse…” In the gospel we meet a young man who keeps the commandments. Jesus varies the order of them, however. Jesus puts “You shall not kill” first and ends with “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The man asks, “What do I still lack?” In Mark’s gospel, Jesus first looks at the man (woman) tenderly and says….
What does Jesus say to you, today? What do you lack? How is Jesus looking on you? Even in your lack? Ask the Spirit if there is anything in your life that you have to give to the poor. Then sit quietly and listen.
Take, Lord, receive all that we are and possess. You have given everything to us, and to you we return it. Give us only your love and your grace, your tenderness. That is enough.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Judges 6: 11-24; Psalm 85; Matthew 19: 23-30
Gideon exemplifies the Alleluia verse: “Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich…” Gideon is from the lowliest family and he is its most insignificant member. So how can he trust this call to lead Israel? “Give me a sign that you are speaking to me,” Gideon pleads. What criteria can we use today to know whether it is God speaking? In the psalm, God proclaims peace, and so inner peace may be a good indication. Justice, kindness and truth meet when God calls. In the gospel, Jesus proclaims peace; he promises that nothing, especially our salvation, is impossible with God. Power and riches do not make us worthy of God’s call. Trusting God makes salvation (yesh: freedom; salus: health, wholeness) possible.
Whom in the human family do you trust? Is there anyone who knows all your secrets? Does Jesus? Hear Jesus proclaim peace directly to you. Let his peace, not as the world defines peace, flood every part of your being, all your relationships. Imagine his peace flowing out into the desert….
Keep our ears and eyes open for your call, Jesus. Deepen our trust in one another, as persons and as nations. Help us to presume the good will of others, but give us the gift of seeing wisely.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Judges 9: 6-15; Psalm 21; Matthew 20:1-16
Our major readings offer a reflection on leadership. The first is a parable about who should lead the trees. One by one the trees refuse to give up their fruits to go “and wave over the trees.” They have so much more to offer than “waving.” In the gospel we find an all too familiar parallel in our own cities: day laborers are eager to be hired to work. All day long, the owner of the vineyard keeps looking for more workers. He even hired some at five in the evening. And paid them for the whole day, much to the disgust of those hired first. The owner, in the face of their grumbling, exerts true leadership: “I am generous.”
Who has the ability to lead you? What do you want from a leader? Looking at God as the vineyard owner and yourself as a day laborer, when were you hired? Dialogue with Jesus about work, generosity, leadership. Why do you work when God hires you? What do you expect?
We five o’clock workers, Jesus, are so grateful to be hired. Thank you for showing us in the flesh how generous God is, to us the least of those at work with and for God.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Judges 11: 29-39; Psalm 40; Matthew 22: 1-14
If there is a theme today it might be obedience. Jephthah maintains his vow to make a burnt offering to God of whatever, whoever first meets him on his homecoming. The warrior destroys his enemies, of course attributing this victory to God’s will, and then stays constant (not faithful) to his vow, sacrificing his only child. Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast in which those invited refuse to come, and even kill the king’s servants. The psalmist cries: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God!” Sin is a refusal of an invitation, not the breaking of a rule, a law, a vow. God’s will is not the destruction of enemies or the sacrificing of a child. God invites us to shalom, and how do we respond?
If you had made such a vow to God, and discovered you would have to kill your own child, would you break it? Keep it? Why? Why not? Constancy differs from fidelity. Pray to be faithful, not rigidly constant. As the song puts it: “Trees do bend, though straight and tall, and so must we to others’ call.” When, how, why, and for whom do you bend?
O God, how much we and our world need obedience and fidelity. Open us to hear you in and through others, and to respond to your various invitations with love and joy.
Friday, August 24, 2007 - Feast of Bartholomew, apostle
Revelation 21: 9-14; Psalm 145; John 1: 45-51
In the synoptic gospels, Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve. In John’s gospel it is Nathaniel who is linked with Philip, and so it is the call of Nathaniel of which we read today. Revelation demonstrates how important the number Twelve is, both in Israel and in the new church. We are not among the Twelve, but we are called to be apostles, once we experience Jesus alive and sending us. Before Vatican II we were said to share the apostolate of the Bishops. Now we know that it is the Spirit who calls us to and gives us gifts for ministry.
Who has been an apostle of good news in your own life? What did that person do, say? When did Jesus come very much alive in your life? To whom is Jesus sending you today? Even bedridden, like the Little Flower in her cloister who is patron of the missions, you are an apostle. Thank God for this vocation.
“Your friends make known, O God, the glorious splendor of your kin-dom!” (Ps 145). Help us to make you and your kindness toward all known today.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Psalm 128; Matthew 23: 1-12
What a contrast between the two readings. Ruth takes burdens from Naomi’s life by faithfully staying with her even in a foreign land. Jesus denounces the Pharisees who tie up heavy burdens, lay them on others and do not lift a finger to help. “They preach but they do not practice,” Jesus explains, whereas Ruth practiced fidelity. The women around Naomi proclaim about Ruth, her daughter in law, that Ruth is “worth more to you than seven sons.”
For whom, with whom would you allow yourself to be uprooted as Ruth was to stay with her mother in law? What dis-locates you in your daily life? Take a trip in your imagination around our world and see the millions who are dislocated by war, domestic abuse, desertification or floods. Even if you can’t physically be with them as Ruth was, let them find a home in your heart and try to stay linked with them all day.
O God, help us to keep choosing our one Master, Christ. Deepen our love for him so that we may “see him more clearly, love him more dearly, follow him more nearly day by day!
Return to top
Sunday, August 26, 2007 - Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 66: 18-21; Psalm 117; Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13; Luke 13: 22-30
The liturgy teaches us about immigration, such a hot topic in the U.S. God “sends fugitives to the nations” to “proclaim God’s glory among the nations, bringing all your brothers and sisters” to Jerusalem. Jesus warns that when the likes of us make demands to enter and complain, “But we ate and drank in your company,” we will be cast out. Instead, people from each of the four directions will “recline at table in the kin-dom of God.” The last will be first and the first will be last. God tries to discipline us, the author of Hebrews writes, tries to train us in God’s ways. If we accept the discipline (that is, disciple-making activity) we eventually receive “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Righteousness in Hebrew and in Greek also means justice.
How much stock do you put in being “number one,” whether personally or nationally? How do you look upon and treat foreigners? those different in any way from yourself? Do you count up all that you deserve from God and make demands? How has God been trying to retrain you? What discipline does God use with you?
Have mercy on us, O God! Please invite us to recline in your new family among the least, for we acknowledge our sin, our fear of others who are different. Heal us, we pray.
Monday, August 27, 2007
1 Thessalonians1:1-5, 8-10: Psalm 149; Matthew 23: 13-22
In what is believed to be his first letter written, Paul is gentle and encouraging of the young community. He too is encouraged by them; remembering them leads him to prayers of thanksgiving. Paul, like the psalmist, sees the faithful exulting in glory. Jesus, on the other hand, sees the hypocrisy of some Pharisees. “Woe to you,” he cries, and enumerates their sins: locking people out of the kin-dom and making converts as rigid as themselves.
Who encourages you in your work, your Christian mission (small though it be)? Give thanks for their support. Who angers you for the way they lock people out? Instead of crying “woe”, cry a blessing on them, that God may soften and open their hearts. If the Spirit calls to your mind anyone whom you have locked out, pray for God’s gift of reconciliation.
We give thanks to you, our God, for bringing us into the kin-dom of your Beloved. Thank you for the works of faith, love and hope which we do in your service.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - Feast of Augustine, bishop and patron of SSND
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139; Matthew 23: 23-26
As angry as Jesus is, scolding the Pharisees for neglecting “the weightier things of the law: justice and mercy and fidelity,” so is Paul gentle. He compares himself to a nursing mother caring for her children. His affection so overflows that he is determined to share not only the gospel but his very self with the community. Augustine too is noted for his gift for friendship, sharing not only his brilliant mind but his heart’s affections with his friends.
With whom do you share your very self? How did that come to be? How do you grow in relationship? Pray for yourself and those with whom you share your very self that you all may grow in justice and mercy and fidelity. Please pray for the SSNDs that our friendships may deepen.
Thank you, Jesus, for filling us with your gifts of justice, mercy and faithfulness. Make us your instruments of peace and unity, and let our affection for one another grow.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - Death of John the Baptist
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139; Mark 6: 17-29
The gospel depicts the martyrdom of John following the dance of Salome and Herod’s impression management. However, the continuous reading of 1 Thessalonians and Psalm 139 leads us to ponder Paul’s work (“toil and drudgery,” not just teaching) on behalf of the community, and God’s constant presence and guidance, even in dark times. Paul gives thanks to God continuously because of the faith with which the Thessalonians received the word of God as power that works in and among them. The Word of God does what it says, such is its power.
What parts of the Word of God are powerful in your life? A whole book? A psalm? A verse? How does this Word energize you? John preached a word of critique to Herod, trying to correct his adulterous marriage. When has God’s word come to you as critique, as challenge, as comfort?
Give us courage, Jesus, to see the truth, speak the truth, do the truth, no matter the consequences. Please help us discern that it is YOUR truth we speak. Put your word in our minds and hearts and on our lips.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
1 Thessalonians 3: 7-13; Psalm 90; Matthew 24: 42-51
Today’s gospel opens with words of Jesus: “Stay awake!” As we stay awake to Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians, we learn how this sometimes brash missionary needs the consolation of their reassurance. He feels joy in them, prays night and day for them, thanks God for them. Especially Paul prays that their love for one another increase and abound. Perhaps he used this verse from Psalm 90: “Fill us with your love and we will sing for joy…Fill us at daybreak with your kindness.”
What do you need to be filled with today that would make you sing for joy? Share your desire(s) with Jesus. Perhaps your desire will console Jesus and he will console you, a mutual encouragement that Paul shared with the Thessalonians. With whom are you mutually affectionate, kind, of service? Ask for the grace of expanding your loving relationships.
Expand our hearts, Jesus, as we open them to an ever widening circle, near neighbors and far neighbors. We are already, thanks to you, one in you; awaken our hearts to that joyful reality!
Friday, August 31, 2007
1 Thessalonians 4: 1-8; Psalm 97; Matthew 25: 1-13
Again the gospel them is staying awake, being ready, as we march towards Jesus’ endtime on Calvary and our own. The psalmist praises those who are upright; for them light dawns, and gladness. The gladness flows from responding to God’s will for us, according to Paul: holiness.
Ask the Spirit to help you remember all the meanings you gave to the word “holiness” throughout your life. Be still. Let the meanings just bubble up. Then discuss them with Jesus. What can you and he agree is the meaning of holiness for you today?
What do you want? Share your desires with him, and listen to his desires for you.
Here we are, Lord! We come to do your will. May your will, your dedication to our holiness touch our hearts with tenderness. How you love us, any which way we are! Thank you!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Psalm 98; Matthew 25: 14-30
Today Jesus tells the parable of the talents, which has scared many a Christian into a works-righteousness, and/or workaholism. Do we believe, as the psalm proclaims, that the Lord rules the world with justice? If so, then the unjust slaveowner is not an image of God, demanding as in the parable that we use the “master’s” ill-gotten gain to make more money. Rather, John gives us the alleluia verse about the one commandment to love; and Paul reassures the Thessalonians and us that we don’t need anyone to teach us about loving, “for you yourselves have been taught by God.” If ever you have worried that you have buried your talent and so God will cast you out, now that in your maturity you know God differently, discuss this parable with Jesus.
Try an Ignatian contemplation. Instead of working, either at your salvation or in ministry, picture yourself doing something that gives you pleasure, relaxation. Let your body feel the fun and let your face relax its many muscles. Now Jesus enters the scene.
What does he say, do, ask? “You yourselves have been taught by God.” What does Jesus want to teach you about work, ministry, priorities, loving well? Ask him to teach you all day long.
If we only receive one talent, Jesus, give us the talent to love well. Give us joy in our loving, peaceful hearts, relaxed bodies as we go about loving and letting you love through us.
Return to top
Sunday, September 2, 2007 - Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sirach 3: 17-20, 28-29; Psalm 68; Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24; Luke 14: 1, 7-14
We have been hearing, “Stay awake.” Today we hear, “an attentive ear is the desire of the wise” (Sirach). An attentive ear is another way to describe obedience, and obedience is closely linked with the humility to which all our readings urge us today. Psalm 68:19-20, explains that the God who is father of orphans, protector of widows, shelter of the poor, is a God who bears our burdens day after day. Our God is humble among the humble. God looks kindly on the helpless, bears burdens, and as Hebrews promises, makes us perfect. We cannot claim any perfection of our own, but following Jesus’ instructions, we choose the lowest place, we invite those who cannot repay us to dinner, we choose the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.
How much do you desire to be wise? What do you think that might entail for you? Discuss this with Jesus. How are wisdom and humility linked? A new book, The Humility of God, has been published by St Anthony Messenger Press. What does the humility of God look like to you? Discuss this with Jesus.
We count on you, God, to give the desolate a home to live in, and we join you in opening our hearts to the desolate, the crippled, those in any kind of prison or pain.
Monday, September 3, 2007 - Labor Day
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 96; Luke 4: 16-30
Labor Day: Genesis 1:26- 2:3; Psalm 90; Matthew 25: 14:30
A pastiche of readings. Just last week we heard from Paul how he worked so as not to be a burden to the Thessalonians, but in today's readings he writes about the second coming of Christ.
Thus the Genesis account of God's laboring to create and share responsibility for creation with human beings is a better fit. So is the Labor Day psalm: "Let your work be manifest to your servants." Although not included in today's piece, psalm 90 concludes with "Bless the works of our hands." The two gospels could not differ more. The Matthew pericope is the parable of the talents; the Lucan passage narrates the beginning of Jesus' work. To inaugurate his ministry, Jesus chooses to read a portion of Isaiah and proclaims that what God does, he does: "bring good news to the poor, release to captives, restore sight to the blind, let the oppressed go free, and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
How do you co-labor with God on behalf of creation? How is God's work manifest IN you as well as to you? What pieces of Jesus' work do you share? How? What do you need? Talk over your needs and desires with Jesus. Pray for those who cannot find work.
Thank you for all your work on our behalf, generous God. Thank you, Jesus, for your ministry, and for calling us to continue it. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving us the talent and energy to contribute in some small way to the earth and its peoples.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27; Luke 4: 31-37
Paul tells the Thessalonians and us that we are children of light and that God has not destined us for wrath but for salvation, living with Jesus. "Therefore encourage one another
and build up each other, as indeed you are doing." Fear of demons was as prominent in Jesus' day as fear of terrorism is in ours. Thus in the gospel, when Jesus casts out a demon, all are in wonder.
They may have prayed today's psalm: "The Lord is my light and my salvation! Of whom should I be afraid?"
First, ask the Spirit to show you your deepest fears. Sit quietly and see what bubbles up. Then pray, perhaps a number of times, with today's psalm: "The Lord is the stronghold (strong hold) of my life; whom should I fear?...One thing I ask: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life and to behold the beauty of the Lord...Be strong! Take courage! Wait for the Lord."
We do wait for you, Lord Jesus! Give us strength and courage, hope and love. Take hold of us, strong one, and give us the joy of your salvation. Make us attractive signs of your authority in our world.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Colossians 1: 1-8; Psalm 52; Luke 4: 38-44
Notice how the letters in the New Testament open with so much affection. Although Paul probably did not write this letter, it still is scripture for us. Its author is delighted with the love the young community shows. "The gospel is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world." Jesus in Luke will not stay too long in any place, because "I must proclaim the good news of the kin-dom of God to the other cities also." What is the gospel? What is "the whole world" or "the other cities" in this age of globalization? Each of us probably has a different idea, experience, kernel of truth.
First, ponder in your heart how you would synthesize the whole of the good news. Then ask the Spirit to show you what is the good news needed in today's world? Sit quietly and see what bubbles up. Could you write a letter or email today, opening with an expression of affection, and sharing what came to you in your "bubble up prayer?"
With Jesus, you send us to proclaim good news to the poor. Thank you for our call. Open us to see, hear and feel with someone who is poor today, materially, emotionally or spiritually poor.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Colossians 1:9-14; Psalm 98; Luke 5: 1-11
Joyful, joyful we adore you! could be the theme of today's readings. The Colossian community is bearing fruit because God has transferred them from the power of darkness into relationship with Jesus. The good news here is that in him we have forgiveness of sin. Psalm 98 is the Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World." The joy in the gospel is how many pressed in on Jesus to hear the good news. That must have delighted him as the huge catch of fish must have delighted the apostles who were fishermen. But not Peter: "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man." Notice in your own life that as you come closer to Jesus, the more you recognize your own sinfulness, not in shame and despair, but in clinging more closely to your savior.
What feelings arise in you when you remember that we have a forgiving, not a punishing, God. When in your life did sin drag you down, make you feel ashamed, rotten? When did you experience that "where sin abounded, grace did more abound?" Now throw yourself on the mercy of God. Stay in God's arms, like a prodigal child.
Make mercy in us, Jesus. Holy Spirit, grow your fruits in us. Replace our self-centeredness with love, peace, joy, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and humility. Set us free on an even deeper level from darkness and sin that we may rejoice in you!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Colossians 1:15-20; Psalm 100; Luke 5: 33-39
Our gospel ends with "the old is good." Ah, but which old? Most of us believe that the reason Jesus came to us as human was to suffer, die and thus save us from sin, placating God. That is an old doctrine. However, while Dominicans taught that, the Franciscan theologians of the middle ages, Bonaventure and Duns Scotus, taught just what Colossians expresses today. Even if we had not sinned, because "Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation, in him all things in heaven and on earth were created..." Jesus would have come among us. "For in him all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell..." and as a byproduct, because he proclaimed the good news with integrity and roused the jealousy of enemies, God was able to draw victory, "by making peace through the blood of his cross." And so we can respond to the psalm of joy with "Come with joy into the presence of our God!"
How do you see the fullness of God dwelling in the body, the person of Jesus? How do you experience the fullness of God dwelling in you? He is the firstborn, Colossians tells us, but we are right behind him. What do you want? How do you want to express the fullness of God in your life today? Share your feelings and desires with Jesus. Listen to his.
Make peace, Jesus, through the blood of your cross, through the suffering of so many innocent victims of war and violence. Let their blood bring peace to their nations, and reconcile us all.
Saturday, September 8, 2007 - Feast of the Birth of Mary
Romans 8: 28-30; or Micah 5: 2-5; Psalm 13; Matthew 1: 18-23
The shorter version of the gospel begins at v. 18; Matthew's gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing back to Abraham and ending, strangely, with "Joseph, the husband of Mary..." Matthew carries annunciations made to Joseph, not to Mary. This gospel too names Jesus Emmanuel. We know nothing of Mary's origins, although apocryphal gospels from the second century contain interesting and farfetched stories. The Micah reading is chosen not only because it mentions Bethlehem, but because of the clause: "when she who is in labor has brought forth." Those who want to deny that Mary experienced labor pains make her less than human. If her son suffered labor pains on the cross, why not she in a real experiencing of motherhood? Romans
emphasizes that God calls and conforms those called to the image of God's son, "the firstborn of many brothers and sisters." Following Colossians and the Franciscan school, Mary is made in the image of Christ, the prototype of all who are justified.
What difference all the above musings? Hopefully to show that Mary is a real flesh and blood woman who probably sang the psalm used today. Let us join her, exulting in her birth:
With delight I rejoice in the Lord. I trusted in your steadfast love.
My heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to you, because you have dealt bountifully with me.
Return to any phrase or word that strikes your heart and let it sink deeply into you, repeating it.
Our hearts rejoice in and with your mother and ours, Jesus. Thank you for such a wonderful
gift. Please let her comfort all those who need a mother, especially orphans and those neglected or abused.
Return to top
Sunday, September 9, 2007 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 9:13-18; Psalm 90; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14: 25-33
Our theme is wisdom. From the book of Wisdom we learn that we can hardly understand what we can sense on earth, so how to know the counsel of God? "Who can discern what God wills?" Wisdom is a gift of the Spirit who teaches us and sets us right, "saved by wisdom." The psalmist writes: "In every age you have been our home." When we contemplate our mortality we grow wise and when we open ourselves each morning to God's steadfast love, we are filled with joy. Paul asks Philemon to take back his runaway slave Onesimus, no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ. "Welcome him as you would welcome me," Paul urges. Jesus urges us to a practical wisdom that might well lead to priorities that pain, the "cross." Nothing, not even our closest relationships, can compete with the home who is God, the leader who is Christ. The unwise start to build, or start a war without calculating the cost. We know what being chosen as a companion of Christ might cost, and what will certainly bear fruit.
The Word of God in the Jewish scriptures is also called the Wisdom of God. Thus Jesus is the Wisdom of God in the flesh. How do you make your home in him? God is not in competition with our loves, but is our loves. The Holy Spirit is the bond of all our loves, the giver of wisdom and courage to prioritize our "possessions." Hold all of what you "possess" in the light of the Spirit and pray: "Take, Lord, receive, all that I am and possess. You have given all to me. To you I return it."
Take our liberty, memory, imagination, understanding, our entire will. You do not strip us, but expand all these, your gifts. Take our hearts and expand them, so that we may welcome everyone as you.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Colossians 1:24-2:3; Psalm 62; Luke 6: 6-11
The author of Colossians is eloquent. He names Christ the very mystery of God, one whom we will keep on knowing forever, discovering in him “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” This author gives us an important lesson in the meaning of suffering. It is never meaningless for the Christian, for we fill up in our bodies “what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” So many in our aging church suffer immobility, pain, aches, loss, and yet that suffering impacts the growth and fidelity of the whole church. The psalmist speaks to those who suffer: “For God alone my self waits in silence.” Our hope is in God, a rock, a refuge who keeps us steady. In the gospel Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, creating an atmosphere of fury.
What part of you is withered? A physical problem? An emotional suffering? A troubled relationship? Hold out your own witheredness to Jesus. Wait for him in silence for a while until you hear him say to you: “Come and stand here.” Stand before him. How is he looking at you? What response can you make?
Deepen in us, Jesus, you who are wisdom and treasure. You give everything to us, and to you we return it –
whether withered or strong, whether suffering or joy.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Colossians 2: 6-15; Psalm 145; Luke 6: 12-19
“Slow to anger and abounding in kindness” is a description of God that threads through the whole of Jewish scriptures, and in today’s psalm. Jesus left the fury of yesterday and today goes up a mountain to pray, receiving the wisdom to call twelve apostles and the kindness to spend long hours healing huge crowds. Colossians calls us to be rooted in Christ for “we were buried with him in baptism and raised with him in the power of God.” God forgave all our sin and all legal demands, nailing them to the cross.
Let us picture God who is slow to anger nailing our sins to the cross, and with them the demands of the Law. God does not nail Jesus, does not need or want his pain, but transforms his pain to set us free and to flood our world with kindness.
When you experience yourself as rooted in Christ, what happens? What do you want to happen? When you are filled with wisdom and kindness, how do you express it?
How do you want to express it? Ask for the grace to stay alert for small kindnesses done to you today, and hand it on.
How can we thank you, our God, for all your goodness, for setting us free from all that burdens us? We will take the cup of salvation, and drink deeply from the springs of your great kindness.
A PS for those affected by September 11, 2001: Colossians concludes that by nailing sin and legal demands to the cross God “disarmed the rulers and authorities…triumphing over them.” Pray for peace, for disarmament, for enemies, for victims of war and violence. Pray that God forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Colossians 3: 1-11; Psalm 145; Luke 6:20-26
If it were not the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, we might not notice that Luke’s version of the Beatitudes fit Jesus’ mother so well: Blessed are you who are poor (the serving girl with no place to give birth), who are hungry (God fills the hungry with good things), who weep (when her townsfolk persecute Jesus), who are hated, excluded and reviled. Colossians too could be affirming Mary as “hidden with Christ in God.” Christ has brought renewal and in that renewal “there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all in all.”
So often we meditate on Mary pregnant with Jesus. Today let us turn it around and see Mary in Christ. How shall you imagine the cosmic Christ? Where shall you put Mary and then all those barbarians, slaves and strangers? Ask for the grace to be poor and with the poor; hungry and working to wipe out hunger; weeping with those who weep, even far neighbors whom you do not know but for the news on TV; bearing with hatred and exclusion, and reaching out to those who feel excluded.
Blessed are you, Mary, among women! Bless us with hearts not only to be with those who suffer but give us the creativity and courage to eliminate, in some small way, the causes of poverty.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Colossians 3: 12-17; Psalm 150; Luke 6: 27-38
Our first reading offers a complete and positive action plan for Christian living, especially in family and/or community; the gospel spells out how important forgiveness, non-violence, reconciliation are as concrete ways to express love. “Love your enemies…do not judge,” exhorts Jesus. No wonder the psalm is a joyful shout of praise.
If we could live by these two readings, what a different world we would co-create with God who labors for our loving well. Not be perfect, as in Matthew, but here: “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.”
Use the Colossian reading as an examen. Slowly savor each gift mentioned and ask the Spirit to show you how well you do, and where you need grace.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience. Bear with one another, forgive one another…Love…let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… Be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Teach and admonish one another … sing psalms, hymns….”
O God, whatever we do in word or in work, we commit to doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to you, our God, through him.
Friday, September 14, 2007 - Triumph of the Cross
Philippians 2:6-11; Psalm 78; John 3: 13-17
Jesus is lifted up. In John’s gospel that is a play on the word “exalted.” In today’s gospel Jesus promises that his being lifted up offers life, as once the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses brought healing. In another place, John’s Jesus says: “If I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself.” This fits with John’s understanding of the crucifixion, not as bloody satisfaction for sin, but as an attractive sign, drawing all the scattered children of God into one new family, a kin-dom (Jn 11:52-53). God exalted Jesus, Paul writes, and gave him a name above all names in creation: Jesus is Lord. The one who humbled himself has been exalted. As the song goes: “Jesus! Jesus! Let all creation bend the knee to the Lord!”
Look at just a plain cross without any figure on it. Now imagine the exalted Lord standing before it in glory, arms opened wide to embrace all those who want life, healing, unity and peace. Picture all kinds of people moving toward Jesus: the young and old, the Muslim and Hindu, the prisoners and the executives, the housewives and career women, the sick, the sinner, the saved. Bring specific people for him to lure closer. What do you want? What attracts you about this scene? Talk it over with Jesus, or just be quiet and observe, contemplate the exaltation of the cross.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world, set all creation free, drawn us into union with yourself and one another. Thank you!
Saturday, September 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows
Hebrews 5: 7-9; Psalm 31; Luke 2: 33-35
This is only a memorial, but the title and the feast make Mary so real that our liturgists have picked special readings. “In the days of his flesh,” flesh that he received from Mary. Jesus screamed in panic in his agony, “loud cries” meaning the cries of wild animals that are trapped. He learned obedience through what he suffered, Hebrews continues, becoming like us in every way, tempted like us to give up, to despair. If Jesus, so Mary. In today’s gospel Simeon warns Mary that she will suffer. What if Gabriel had? Would she have learned obedience? She took a risk with her “Be it done to me.”
All through her life, like all through the lives of most parents, she suffered because of this child.
Imagine some of her sorrows: fear of stoning for adultery, a long journey in the last stages of pregnancy, nowhere to lay her head, a flight into Egypt to escape, a refugee not knowing the language, watching her townsfolk pick up stones to cast at her son…
Choose one of these incidents for Ignatian contemplation. Enter the gospel scene watching Mary or even being Mary. Let the events happen, in Technicolor with soundtrack if possible. Then discuss these events with Jesus and/or Mary. Be sure to share your feelings with them.
Here is our Mother! Thank you, Mary, for enduring all that we do, suffering through the human condition, like us in everything. You too like Jesus are our pioneer.
Return to top
Sunday, September 16, 2007 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14; Psalm 51; 1 Timothy 1: 12-17; Luke 15: 1-32
Our second reading, which is never meant to, enhances the theme of readings one and three, chosen to be linked. The Pastor writes to Timothy: “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me.” Repentance, forgiveness, grace in abundance is our theme. In the Exodus reading, God has a conversion, a metanoia, a change of mind. God repents of the disaster that God was going to bring on the people. The psalm is our repentant response: “Create in me a new heart, put a new and faithful heart within me.” The pastor explains that, all undeserved, he received mercy, the “grace overflowing.” And Jesus caps the delight of God with three stories. God is like the joyful shepherd who finds his lost sheep; God is like the exuberant housewife who finds her lost coin; God is like a father prodigal, spendthrift with mercy running to meet the son who decides to re-turn. (The Hebrew word for repent is to turn). The liturgy of the word thus concludes with joy and partying. Happy Sunday!
When did you find something precious that you had lost? What was your response? How did you express it? When were you yourself ever lost? In uncertainty, in an abusive relationship, in material things, in paralyzing fear? Ask the Spirit to show you. Then ask the Spirit to remind you who “found” you and how that felt. When have you felt found by God? How does God feel? Ask God. Listen.
God, when you were in Christ, reconciling the world to yourself, how deeply you expressed your love for us, even when we were sinners. Thank you a million times over!
Monday, September 17, 2007
1 Timothy 2:1-7; Psalm 28; Luke 7: 1-10
Good news in our first reading! The Pastor assures us: “God our Saviour … desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.” The psalm offers one way to be saved: “In God my heart trusts.” And a prayer: “Be our shepherd and carry us forever.” Saving means allowing ourselves to be saved, letting our hearts grow in trust [biblical meaning of faith], wanting to be carried. Then the gospel demonstrates: a man of faith, a Roman centurion, knows he is not worthy (“come to the knowledge of truth”), but sends first, Jewish elders, and then his friends, to entreat Jesus on behalf of his slave.
Jesus praises his faith. Romans were to most Jews what Muslim jihadists are to many Christians today. Jesus sees his faith and “does good to those who persecute.” Notice that this man of authority comes as a beggar, pleading for a slave. To love as Jesus loves…
What grace do you desire today? To open your heart to the gift of trusting, of being carried? To do good to someone who is hurting you? To plead for the health of the world, including those who threaten and persecute you and yours? How will you love as Jesus loves today? Ask the Spirit to show you.
Be our shepherd, Jesus, and carry us forever. Open our eyes and hearts to know how many others in our circle and around the world need us to plead for their health, their
Shalom.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
1 Timothy 3: 1-13; Psalm 101; Luke 7: 11: 17
The Pastor lists the qualifications for a bishop, then a deacon, and strangely, next exhorts women or wives (for the Greek word, gyne, means either) to conduct themselves faithfully. Then he continues his exhortation to deacons. Money and wine are the temptations mentioned both for bishops and deacons. The antiphon for the psalm expresses the desire: “I will walk with a blameless heart.” Jesus shows it is not enough to be blameless. He gives us a lesson in compassion, not even asking the widow of Nain what she wants. His heart is immediately moved with pity as he touches the bier of the dead young man and orders, “Rise.” The onlookers respond: “A great prophet has risen among us!” Luke does portray Jesus as prophet. Remember a prophet is one so close to the mind and heart of God that he dares to speak for God; in this case, Jesus acts for God.
What is dead in you right now? Who carries you to the burial ground? Who weeps for you? Place you burdens and heavy heart (or if you feel joyful today, the heavy hearts of so many in our world) on that bier and watch Jesus approach. Hear him say to you, “Rise.” What will you do? How can you be at least a minor prophet, close to the mind and heart of God today?
We want to walk with blameless hearts and with hearts of compassion, feeling with others in joy or sorrow. Transform us, Spirit, into Jesus present in 2007.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
1 Timothy 3:14-16; Psalm 111; Luke 7:31-35
The Pastor has incorporated into this letter a hymn praising Jesus:
“Revealed in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels,
Proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world,
Taken up in glory.”
Is this chronological? Perhaps if the first line refers to incarnation, dying and rising; the second line to the present experience of mission; then the last line is not the bodily ascension of Jesus but the glorification of his Body, the church. In the gospel Jesus is accused of gluttony and drunkenness, befriending sinners. Jesus answers his accusers, saying, “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” The early church venerated Jesus not only as the Word of God but also as the Wisdom of God. We the children, by our enfleshing him, dying and rising with him, proclaiming him, continue to vindicate him.
“Vindicated” is used in both readings. We’ll show the rest of the world that flesh expresses God, that befriending sinners is wise—we will vindicate Jesus. How does it feel to acknowledge being a sinner? For many of us, familiar. How does it feel to know that we are therefore special friends of his? Called to proclaim him? How will you let him use your flesh today to proclaim him? Discuss this with him.
Thank you, Jesus, for the glimpses of glory you give us, en-couraging us to sin no more, but to acknowledge that we are indeed sinners, ever so loved sinners! Thank you!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
1 Timothy 4: 12-16; Psalm 111; Luke 7: 36-50
The Pastor urges all of us not to neglect the gift of prophecy, that is God’s gift of drawing us so close to the mind and heart of God that we speak and act on God’s behalf.
“Pay close attention to yourself,” he urges. This is a mark of growth in holiness both Ignatius Loyola and Francis DeSales agree. “In that way you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Rise up in protest! This is how we know Paul did not write this letter. No one saves, in Paul’s experience, but Jesus! Then Luke offers a powerful depiction of how Jesus saves. A woman with a reputation crashes the party at Simon’s to sob all over Jesus’ feet, wipe them with her hair, kiss them, anoint them. Shocking! Such an expression of love (tears enough to bathe a grown man’ feet!) expresses God’s forgiveness as well. “Your faith has saved you,” Jesus concludes. Remember that biblical faith is not getting the doctrines right, but trusting Jesus. It is a personal relationship with Jesus that saves.
Pay close attention to yourself today. How will you speak and act on God’s behalf? Tell God what you want. (And in the evening, review your day). How has God’s forgiveness of you across your years led you to deeper love? Remember and give thanks.
Soften our hearts, Jesus, that we may weep for our sins and the sins of the world. Free us all from trying to save ourselves and harsh judgment of others. Deepen your gift of loving well in us and through us.
Friday, September 21, 2007 - Feast of Matthew, apostle and evangelist
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19; Matthew 9: 9-13
We may abruptly switch from our continuous reading of 1 Timothy and Luke, but today’s readings do not depart from the theme of gifts for ministry given to the sinful and shunned. We are urged to “make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Notice, we are to “maintain.” We cannot earn, merit, deserve or create this unity ourselves. It is given already as God’s gift. When Jesus chooses the hated tax collector, Matthew, and the Pharisees complain, Jesus explains, “Those who are well have no need of a physician…Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’…for I have come to call sinners.”
Where might you discover the unity the Spirit has already created in your family, among your co-workers, in your neighborhood? How does your effort at peacemaking affect the unity that the Spirit has already given? Spend some time learning what it means that God desires mercy, not sacrifice. Ask Jesus to teach you.
Make mercy in us, Jesus. Remove our hearts that judge and condemn and replace them with your heart, your peace, your welcome to all. Thank you, merciful savior, for choosing us too!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
1 Timothy 6:13-16; Psalm 100; Luke 8:4-15
The Pastor must know John’s gospel because “the confession” Jesus made before Pilate was that he came into the world to bear witness to the truth; “and everyone who is of the truth hears my voice” (John 18:37). Notice the Pastor wants us to keep “the commandment,” which again follows John: “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). A single commandment with thousands of facets. Commandment and word are often interchangeable in scripture. Thus, at the end of the parable of the sower and seed, we might substitute “love” for “word” as Jesus concludes: “… the good soil , these are those who when they hear the word hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.”
First pray to be “of the truth” and then to hear Christ’s voice. Be still for a while and see what bubbles up from your depths that might be his voice. After some quiet listening, you might ask the Spirit to show you the fruit of your loving well.
Help us, Jesus, not only to hold your word fast, to hold fast to your love, but also to share it, spread it, live it. Thank you!
Return to top
Sunday, September 23, 2007 - Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Amos 8: 4-7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2: 1-7; Luke 16: 1-13
The day of the Lord is coming and our readings give an early warning. When Christ comes at the end of time, how and where will he find us? In this season of harvest, he will come to harvest us home, and so our readings prepare us. Amos is infuriated as he speaks for God about the greed of the wealthy, who cheat, “buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.” If we are among the poor and needy, so much the better for us, promises the psalmist, for God raises the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap. “Christ was rich,” sings the Alleluia verse, taken from Paul, “but he became poor to make you rich out of his poverty.” Jesus praises a dishonest steward for his shrewd preparations, but concludes: “You cannot serve God and wealth.”
Which will you choose? Then, as you ponder your own poverty of spirit and neediness, ask to keep your eyes fixed more on Christ who became poor. How has his poverty enriched you? What more do you want from him? Tell him. Show him your neediness. Ask. Pray for those still being trafficked and sold into slavery in our day. As your imagination circles the globe, look for the ash heaps and pray for those so hungry, thirsty and abandoned.
Raise them up, loving God. Seat the poor at the table, and us with them. We admit how desperately we need you to nourish us all. We depend on you, not on any wealth or status.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Ezra 1:1-6; Psalm 126; Luke 8: 16-18
During the Babylonian captivity, the leading citizens among the Jews not only settled in, but built bonds with their neighbors. Today we hear how King Cyrus of Persia not only set them free, but sent them home to re-build the temple in Jerusalem. So entwined with the Persians were they, that their neighbor loaded them with valuable gifts, and these Jews in turn revered Cyrus as a savior. Because of their captivity they began to realize that other people besides the Jews were beloved of God. Those who sowed in tears did indeed reap, rejoicing.
When have you experienced what the Israelites did: that what seems so bad, so painful, turns out well? As you remember that time, keep remembering to see whether there are other times. These experiences can teach us to trust that all things work together for good. Ask for the grace of a deepening trust, that if you are sowing in tears, you will reap rejoicing.
Jesus, we want the light that is you in us to shine before all people. Help us to spread, at least by our smile, our eyes, your light, love and peace to all, even to strangers. Today, on the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, let us show mercy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Ezra 4:4-5, 6:1, 6-8, 12,14-20; Psalm 122; Luke 8: 19-21
Although Cyrus sent the Jews back to their homeland, they were thwarted by the Jews who remained in the land when the aristocracy had been led off into captivity. Bribes and other corruption spoiled the building of the Temple until Cyrus’s son, Darius, decreed that the monies to re-build would come from the Persian treasury. Thus the psalm refrain: “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord!” In the psalm Jerusalem is described as “a city that is bound firmly together.” In the gospel, Jesus assures us that it is not blood and family ties that bind us firmly together in a new kin-dom, but rather, hearing the word of God and doing it. We are in the season of Ramadan, when most in Persia will be fasting. “Allies” are fighting against these descendants of Cyrus and Darius, the Iraqi people. Ancient Persia is torn between Sunnis and Shiites; Judaism is divided; Christianity has divisions among divisions. And Jesus longs for a new kin-dom where we all hear the word of God and do it. “That they all may be one.”
Pray for the Iraqi people, for the Jews, for the Christian soldiers who continue this invasion. Pray for all on both sides who are bribed and corrupted. Pray for unity and peace. Join Jesus’ passionate prayer and repeat frequently today: “May they all be one. May we all be one.”
Thank you for the goodness of the “pagans,” Cyrus and Darius, to your people, gracious God. Thank you for teaching the Jews, and now teach us, that your Spirit moves in all people of good will.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - Feast of the North American Martyrs
Revelation 7:9- 17; Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15; Luke 9: 23-26
Canada and the United States are bound together by the blood of these Jesuit martyrs and their lay associates. Not only did they endure torture on this continent but prepared diligently for their mission by learning the language of the first nations. “What does it profit to gain the whole world and lose yourself?” Jesus asks. Jesuits do want to gain the whole world for Christ, but they do not lose themselves. They did not make significant gains in their mission, but were eventually fruitful. As Paul writes, “We bear in our bodies the dying of Jesus so the life of Jesus may be made manifest in this mortal flesh of ours.” As Blessed Mother Theresa, SSND, writes: “The works of God go forward slowly and painfully, but their roots are all the sturdier and their flowering all the lovelier.” And the psalmist: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.”
What do you want to gain? How do you deal with set backs, failure, disappointment? Ask for the gifts of courage and hope as you face the mission, the work of God one day at a time. Pray for those who are dis-couraged in their work, relationships, mission.
“The snare is broken and we are free!” (Ps 124). You are always freeing us so that we might give ourselves, Jesus. Thank you for our sturdy rootedness in you and the flowering of your work on earth.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149; Luke 9:7-9
Herod is sly and cruel and yet he wants to see Jesus, the gospel says. We are much less heartless. However, God says to the people (and to us): “You live in paneled houses while my house is in ruins…you eat but never have enough, you drink but never have your fill, you clothe yourselves but no one is warm; you earn wages and put them in bags with holes in them.” Herod’s sins stem from abuse of power, but the sins Haggai point out stem from greed, or from addictions—that nothing is enough. Perhaps we are not enough.
Ask the Spirit to show you any addiction in your life. What can’t you get enough of? Ask for healing. Ask to have enough, and more importantly, to be enough. The push for perfection is an addiction. Perfection is God’s work in us, not our own striving. Ask God to show you that you are good enough. Rest in God’s love.
You alone are holy, our God. Help us want with all our hearts to see Jesus. Open our eyes to him all day long, in everyone we meet, in all of creation. He is enough for us.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Haggai 2: 1-9; Psalm 43; Luke 9: 18-22
“To move into God is to move into permanent insecurity,” theologian Arthur McGill taught. In Haggai, God says to look at the ruins of the Temple. All will be restored with even greater beauty. Jesus asks who people say he is. Peter responds, “The anointed of God.” Jesus the anointed then announces that all will be destroyed, especially the political hopes of some Israelites, and he himself. He will be a suffering Messiah, not a soldier-king like the anointed David. To move close to Jesus is to have our values turned inside out. Worse, it is to be invited to suffer with him. Only those truly close to his mind and heart may be chosen to suffer. Not that we need to look for extra sufferings, but simply accept what comes day by day as a way to let him shape and re-shape our hearts.
How close do you want to come to Jesus? Be honest with him. He will wait for you and en-courage you – gradually. The ordinary state of the Christian is consolation, Ignatius teaches, but some have become frightened hearing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s lasting spiritual darkness. Ask to be free from desiring either consolation or suffering.
Anointed of God, Jesus, thank you for anointing us in Baptism to be formed in your likeness, dying and rising daily with you. Keep us willing always to move closer.
Saturday, September 29, 2007 - Feast of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Revelation 12:7-12; Psalm 138; John 1: 47-51
Many Catholics and some Christians have devotion to angels. It is thought that they came into Jewish writings and religion because of Persian influence. Angelos in Greek is simply the word for messenger. Sometimes the message or work of God is described as “angel.” “El”, the last two letters of these angels’ names means “God.” Michael is like God, battling evil. Raphael means God heals, as we read the story of Raphael’s healing in Tobit. And Gabriel means God is mighty, the messenger who announced that God’s almighty word leapt down into the womb of Mary. All of our readings depict angels as a band, a heavenly court, rather than singling any out.
If you ever have doubted your purpose in life and wanted an annunciation like Mary’s, or like Joseph’s in a dream, ask the Spirit to show you how, when the message of God came to you at various times in your life. Remember that Jacob wrestled with the angel and that Mary was troubled and asked questions of Gabriel. Tell God how much you want to be open to the various messages and messengers of God.
Let all your messengers praise you, God. Make us messengers of peace and unity to our broken-hearted world. Speak through us, heal through us, be strong in us.
Return to top
Sunday, September 30, 2007 - Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Amos 6: 1, 4, 7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16: 19-31
Only two weeks ago we heard about the father racing down the road to embrace the prodigal, and saying to the elder son: “All I have is yours.” Now in this parable, the rich man who closed his heart and goods to Lazarus the beggar cannot even have a drop of water, let alone a fatted calf! Only note: it is not God who refuses the water but Abraham. Clever Jesus, addressing this parable to “those Pharisees who loved money.”
Amos speaks for God, warning those who eat and drink and loll on beds of ivory, “but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.” Our second readings reminds us that Jesus “made the good confession” before Pilate, that his kin-dom is not of this world. Jesus confesses that riches and luxury and pleasures of this world are not marks of his kin-dom, but rather grief over the ruin of Joseph’s tribe, sympathy for the beggar at our own door.
God gives food to the hungry, sets prisoners free, upholds orphans and widows (Ps 146) and we, who belong to God’s kin, carry on God’s mission.
Would Jesus be addressing you today as one who “loves money”? How do your many and various loves open you to the needy, and how do they close you off? Tell Jesus what you want, and then throw yourself on his mercy. Remember, the master is generous! Rest in his generous mery.
You were rich, Jesus, and you became poor, emptying yourself, so that we might be rich. Thank you for making us rich in relationship—with you, with God, with all your kin, especially those in need.
Monday, October 1, 2007 - Feast of Therese of Lisieux
Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102; Luke 9:46-50
All three of our readings treat of children, perhaps because Therese is known as Therese of the Child Jesus, and her way is the little way, the simple way of children. Zechariah tells of God’s ingathering of Israel, and their establishment in Jerusalem, with “boys and girls playing in the streets.” The psalm assures “a people yet unborn” and promises that “the children of your servants shall live secure.” In the gospel when the disciples are arguing about who is greatest, Jesus places a child in their midst. “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me.”
In your imagination, see and hear all the children of our life, including your own baby-self and child-self, and offer them a welcome. Then picture the children of the world, perhaps going around the world country by country, or paging through a newspaper or magazine, and welcome them.
Teach us, Jesus, to relish the little ones and the little things of life. Help us to find you at work in the ordinary and to love and serve you in the daily happenings of our life.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 - Feast of the Guardian Angels
Exodus 23: 20-23; Psalm 91; Matthew 18: 1-5, 10
Although today’s feast, Therese yesterday and Francis on Thursday are “only” memorials, popular devotion calls our attention. Matthew elaborates on Luke’s simple “welcome the child” of yesterday. Today Jesus urges us to change and become like little children; he warns us not to despise “these little ones for their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” In Exodus God tells Moses that God’s angel will lead and guard the people on their journey. The psalm promises that angels will keep us from harm and thus we have nothing to fear.
What might you need to change in order to become like a little child? What qualities (without romanticizing) do you find in children? Jesus starts us off with “Whoever becomes humble like this little child….” What does that mean to you? Share your thinking with Jesus.
We need so much more faith, Jesus, faith in you, in your protection, for we your little children are too often afraid. Comfort those whose fear is real.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Nehemiah 2:1-8; Psalm 137; Luke 9: 57-62
The psalm laments the exile in Babylon; Jesus calls some to discipleship who want to put off their decision. Thus we turn to Nehemiah to see how a wise man, the re-builder of Jerusalem, makes a decision. Nehemiah, whose name means Yahweh comforts, serves a cupbearer to the King of Persia (Babylon). This particular day, Artaxerxes asks about Nehemiah’s sad face. Nehemiah is afraid to tell the truth, but does, explaining that his native city is in ruins. The king asked, What do you request? First, Nehemiah prays, and then asks for it all. He wants to return home to rebuild. He also wisely asks for letters of safe passage and permission to use wood from the king’s forest. The king granted everything “because the gracious hand of my God was on me.”
Is there a decision in your life that first made you sad and/or afraid? What did you do? When did you have to risk it all to tell the truth? What happened? Where was God in your decision making? When have you felt the gracious hand of God confirming your choice? Repeat often today: “Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps 23).
We do believe, gracious God, that all things work together for our good because you love us and we love you. Help our unbelief, and open our eyes to goodness today.
Thursday, October 4, 2007 - Feast of Francis of Assisi
Nehemiah 8: 1-12; Psalm 19; Luke 10: 1-12
Although there may not be special readings to celebrate Francis, we can find traces of his experience. For example, Nehemiah rebuilds as Francis was told to rebuild the church; when the people have heard the Law proclaimed and weep from sheer emotion, Ezra tells them this is a holy day for feasting, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The psalmist proclaims that the Word of the Lord is to be desired so much more than gold. Jesus instructs that, taking nothing, “no purse, no bag, no sandals,”
his disciples are to proclaim peace to each house and town they enter. Here are the earliest mendicants, receiving what is set before them, and announcing that the kin-dom of God has come near.
What and whom do you value more than money? To whom will you proclaim peace today? How? How will you discover today that the kin-dom of God is very near indeed? Tell Jesus what you want.
Your joy, Jesus, is our strength. Your word is sweeter than honey. Thank you for your word, your wisdom, your humility, your simple life and dependence on God alone.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Baruch 1:15-22; Psalm 79; Luke 10:13-16
The historical Baruch was a companion of Jeremiah’s, and did the writing as Jeremiah dictated in 605 BC. In 597 the Babylonian captivity began. Although this book is not included in the Hebrew or Protestant Bibles, it has a word of God for us, especially this admission of sin, Israel’s neglecting to pay attention to God’s voice. The psalmist details the sin of Israel’s captors and concludes: “Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.” Jesus continues the emphasis on sin, even of his chosen home, Capernaum. Earlier in the week we heard: “Whoever welcomes you …welcomes me,” and today its opposite: “Whoever rejects you rejects me…and the one who sent me.”
Is there anyone in your life whom you reject? Any group of people? Try to let the eyes of your heart be enlightened and see Christ in them, loving them, healing them, helping them. Pray for the speedy compassion of God to heal you and all who reject in this war-torn world of ours.
Give us the grace to acknowledge our sinful condition, Holy Spirit, and to wait with eagerness for God’s compassion and forgiveness. Give us the gift of acceptance, please.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69; Luke 10: 17-24
Baruch, the psalmist and Jesus all overturn our first world values. We are nothing more than sinners who have betrayed God’s love, but Baruch counsels that if we take courage, cry to God and return, God will “bring you everlasting joy with your salvation.” The psalmist offers us the cry: “I am lowly and in pain!” Finally, Jesus thanks God that the mystery of the kin-dom is hidden from the wise and intelligent and revealed to the little ones.
How do you like being weak, lowly, little? How willing are you to depend, that is, literally “hang from” God with no virtue, power or wisdom of your own? Can you name what specifically blocks you from claiming your sinfulness? Ask the Spirit to teach you. You can wait and listen for the Spirit now, but be aware all day of what keeps you “above it all.” Then, before going to bed tonight, try to pray: “I am lowly and in pain.”
Make us like weaned children on our mothers’ laps, and reveal to us, your little ones, all the beauty and goodness, all the justice and peace of the kin-dom!
Return to top
Sunday, October 7, 2007 - Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4; Psalm 95; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17: 5-10
Like the prophet, sometimes we are weary with crying out for God’s power to stop the violence. God responds by reminding us that the proud do not have a right spirit, but we live by faith, that is, trust in and dependence on God. We do lose courage, the Pastor notes in writing to Timothy, until the Spirit living within us rekindles the fire of the gospel, “the treasure entrusted to you.” Those who trust are entrusted. Jesus encourages deep faith, but emphasizes the love that serves, not merely out duty but out of love. After we have done our duty, we are to say, “We are worthless servants.” And look who made himself our servant, washing our feet! Jesus is one with us, all of us “unprofitable servants,” the lowly who care for others.
Picture Jesus as an unprofitable servant. How does that make you feel? He emptied himself to be one with us. He continues his footwashing through our humble serving of others. Although today is Sunday and we are to rest and relax, pay attention to how often today (or maybe tomorrow), you go out of your way, inconvenience yourself in order to serve another (or eight others). Try to be very conscious of this team ministry with Jesus.
We trust; increase our trust! We depend; increase our dependence! We serve; increase the love in our service! We wash feet; send us even the repulsive!
Monday, October 8, 2007 - Thanksgiving Day in Canada
Jonah 1:1-17; Luke 10:25-37 Colossians 3: 12-17; Psalm 113; Matthew 7:7-12
Presuming that everyone knows the story of Jonah’s call and how “he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord,” let us focus on the first reading for Canada’s Thanksgiving Day. The author of Colossians offers a most specific description of community. We who are God’s chosen ones are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness and love. We are to let the peace of Christ rule our hearts and be thankful. We are to let the Word dwell in our hearts, teach and correct one another, and sing hymns and psalms. “Whatever you do in word or in work, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks…” If we could do that, we would know who is our neighbor, as Jesus describes the Good Samaritan in Luke’s gospel. We would know how to pray, as Jesus describes in Matthew’s gospel.
What is your experience of community? Who, what, when, where, why? Colossians gives us the how. What gifts mentioned above do you bring to community?
Who brings those gifts to you? What other gifts are needed to express community?
We are thankful, and want you, Christ Jesus, to rule our hearts with peace, rule our world with peace. We offer you all we do today in word and in work.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130; Luke 10: 38-42
Finally Jonah obeys and preaches repentance to Nineveh; the pagan king declares a fast and God changes God’s mind. The Greek word is metanoia which the New Testament uses for repentance. God repents. The psalm adds: nor does God lay bare our guilt or mark our iniquities. And Jesus, who has just told the parable of the Good Samaritan, noting who is neighbor, now rests at the home of Martha in Bethany. “Martha, Martha, you are distracted by so many things; there is need of only one thing.” What if Jesus means, keep it simple? One thing. A pot of soup is enough. Is listening to Jesus more important than offering hospitality to Jesus? Not according to the parable he has just told. The Samaritan offers abundant service. Perhaps we have a false dichotomy, thanks to preachers showing the “higher” state of the contemplative life. Whatever we do, in word or in work, in listening AND in serving, we do it all for the love of Jesus.
Is there anything God asks us to do that God is not willing to do first? God asks us to repent, and God repents. God asks us to bear burdens and God bears ours. What are you hearing God asking of you lately? Ask the Spirit to teach you how God has done it first. Then be still, listen, and see what distracts you. Jesus says, with great tenderness, “_________, you are distracted by so many things.” And you say to him…
With you there is steadfast love, with you there is power to set free, with you there is forgiveness and fullness of mercy. All praise and thanks to you!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Jonah 4: 1-11; Psalm 86; Luke 11:1-4
Jonah gives us permission to be angry with God, even to the point of wanting to die. Jonah tells all his feelings to God. God shelters Jonah with a bush that springs up, and Jonah was happy about the bush, “very happy.” Then God sends a worm to attack the bush and Jonah is angry all over again, wanting to die. God points out to Jonah that Jonah has become concerned about a bush, so why not God be all the more concerned about a great city of 120,000 people “and also many animals?” The psalmist responds: “Lord, you are tender and full of love.” Jesus teaches his disciples to pray.
And so we pray with Jesus, slowly, savoring each word, each phrase: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kindom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”
You are tender and full of love, no matter how we feel. Whether we are angry, despairing, very happy, you love us and you love the animals. What a marvelous parent you are!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Malachi 3: 13- 4:2; Psalm 1; Luke 11: 5-13
Malachi issues a stern warning from God, especially to those who are arrogant. For those who revere God, however, God keeps a book of remembrance, calling them God’s special possession. The arrogant God will burn up, but for the reverent, “the sun of justice shall arise with healing in its wings.” Interesting that today’s gospel is exactly the opposite of arrogance. A-rogare in Latin means not to ask. The arrogant need nothing, need no one. Jesus, continuing to teach his disciples to pray, offers stories of begging, asking, searching. He concludes, if we know how to give good gifts to our children, “how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask God?”
You are God’s special possession. How does that feel? How does it feel for you to ask others for help? How about asking God for help? What is there in your life now that leads you to BEG? Do it, now, and watch the sun of justice coming to you with healing.
Remove any arrogance that clings to us, Jesus, and deepen our dependence on God, so eager to give to us who ask. Please give us the fullness of your Spirit!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Joel 1: 13-15, 2: 1-2; Psalm 9; Luke 11: 15-26
The day of the Lord is coming, Joel cries, “a day of darkness and gloom.” The psalmist then might console us: “The Lord will judge the world with justice.” Except that the psalm notes that the “nations have sunk in the pit that they have made; in the net they hid has their own foot been caught.” Personally, we may rejoice in and look forward to God’s justice, but when the “nation” is judged? Jesus can cast out the demons, but when he does in today’s gospel he is accused of using the power of the demon, Beelzebul. The Alleluia verse links the readings: “The prince of this world is cast out.
And when I am lifted up, I will draw all to myself.”
First, our eyes on Jesus: ask him how it feels to be so hounded then, and now, hunted and persecuted for being the “wrong” race, religion, gender. Let your imagination take you around the nations. Then, our own nation? What demons do you want Jesus to cast out? Finally, see Jesus lifted up and drawing all people, all creation to himself. Rest in that reality.
Jesus, keep on casting out the prince of darkness. Bring light to those who are possessed by hatred, rage, gloom. Heal us, Jesus, and set us free, personally and as a nation.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Joel 3: 12-21; Psalm 97; Luke 11: 27-28
Joel vividly depicts the horror of the Day of the Lord for “the neighboring nations”, and the abundance that will flow on that day for God’s chosen people. If we had not heard (yesterday) Jesus promise that he would draw all to himself, the reading from Joel might let us feel justified in condemning those who threaten Israel today. The gospel sends us to Mary, the mother of all nations. A woman calls out from the crowd, praising Mary’s body parts. Jesus replies, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” From the first chapter of Luke, Mary has been obeying the word. “Be it done to me according to your word.”
Why do you honor Mary? Speak with her now about the nations, about justice, and about her son’s desire that all might be one, in him, in God.
Thank you, Word of God, for taking flesh in Mary then, and in each one of us now. Help us to hear you from within, and to obey you, especially in all that promotes unity.
Return to top
Sunday, October 14, 2007 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Kings 5:14-17; Psalm 98; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17: 11-19
In the first reading and the gospel, we learn of lepers cleansed, expressing their gratitude. Naaman of Syria, an army commander, humbles himself to obey Elisha and is cleansed in the Jordan. Elisha refuses any material offering of thanks; instead it is Naaman who receives, taking back with him two mule loads of earth, from the holy land.
Ten lepers are cleansed, but only the one who disobeys Jesus, not showing himself to the priest, but returning to Jesus instead with thanks, is praised. And he, a Samaritan, is excluded from the holy land. Some have asked about the author of the second reading, called “the Pastor.” The Pastor is not Paul, but perhaps a disciple of Paul caring for the churches established by Paul. The three pastoral letters are still inspired, although they differ from Paul’s theology and writing style. While at times they contradict Paul’s teaching, they include some gems such as the end of today’s reading: “If we have died with him, we shall also live with him. If we endure, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” Notice. It is only fair that if we want no part of Jesus, he will allow us that free choice. However, if we do not cling to him in faith, he still never lets go of us, because we are him. As Pius XII wrote in Mystici Corporis, we are Jesus Christ, extended in time and space and communicated to people. He is always faithful.
How does Jesus’ faithfulness in your life become evident. Like the Samaritan leper, fall at his feet and thank him for specific incidents. If it is hard to remember, ask the Spirit to call events to mind. Pray for Syria and Syrians, for Israelis, Palestinians, Iranians and Iraqis. Pray for peace in all the holy lands of the Middle East. Pray for all who feel excluded.
Jesus, we do believe; help our unbelief. Thank you for being so part of us that we are your body and you are ours. Deepen this union and help us realize our unity in you.
Monday, October 15, 2007 - Teresa of Avila, Doctor
Romans 1: 1-7; Psalm 98; Luke 11: 29-32
Paul opens his letter to the Romans, which concludes 16 chapters later, listing women as co-apostles, and commending one, Phoebe, an official of the church at Cenchreae. Jesus notes that the Queen of the South who searched for wisdom and Jonah who preached repentance fade in comparison to himself who is Wisdom and whose message is mercy for those who turn to God. Both the search for wisdom and the reform of religious life characterized Teresa. She is a doctor, that is, a teacher of the church. She teaches us that we are never too old to begin again. She teaches us how to love Jesus passionately, how to pray, how to build and lead. She prefers a spiritual director who is intelligent to one who is holy. She teaches the church to honor women for their intellect and wisdom, their courage and stamina.
And you, what church women do you admire? Who of them teaches you? How did they? How do they? Respond with prayer to them, or if they are alive, with a thank you note or call.
We long for you, our God! We thirst for you and for your wisdom-in-the-flesh, Jesus. Fill us with zeal, energy, courage and stamina to build up the Body of Christ.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19; Luke 11: 37-41
Paul threatens those who can see God’s handiwork and yet worship idols. “Claiming to be wise, they became fools, exchanging the glory of the living God”
for images of animals and reptiles. The psalmist agrees: “The heavens are telling the glory of God!” Jesus urges us to look even more deeply, past the exterior to the heart.
“Give for alms those things that are within.”
For you, what tells the glory of God? What do you notice day by day that leads you to find God in all things? What things are within you that Jesus is asking you to give to others? What gifts? Mind, will, imagination, freedom, love, peace….?
Take, receive all that is within us, Lord Jesus. You have given everything to us; to you we return it. Give us your love and your grace; that is enough for us.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Romans 2: 1-11; Psalm 62; Luke 11: 42-46
Paul not only condemns our judging of others but notices that what we condemn in another we ourselves “are doing the very same thing.” A most modern psychological dictum! The psalmist claims that it is God alone that we need, we long for: “For God alone, I wait in silence.” Jesus scolds the Pharisees for their legalistic practices and a lawyer objects. This brings on harsher criticism: “Woe to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them.”
First, sit alone with Jesus in silence. Wait for the Spirit to bubble up and enjoy the free flow of life. Then, share with Jesus what burdens are hard for you to bear. Ask him to show you if any burdens bow you down because you have judged others harshly. Ask for his gift of freedom for yourself and for those whom you judge.
Remove our burdens, loving God, and the burdens others bear which make them hard to live or work with. Set us free to love each other with peace in our hearts.
Thursday, October 18, 2007 - Luke, evangelist
2 Timothy 4:9-17; Psalm 145; Luke 10:1-9
“They shall speak of the glory of your kin-dom, and tell of your power.” That is the mission of an evangelist. We are all called to speak this good news. Power does not mean what first world people might think: control or fixing. God’s power is dynamis in Greek, that means energy; it is one of Luke’s names for the Holy Spirit. According to today’s gospel, Jesus sends us out too, living simply, offering peace to all whom we meet, offering a healing presence and the good news that “The kin-dom of God has come near to you.”
How are you an evangelist? Even if you are housebound or bedbound, how do you hand on the good news? Ponder in your heart a God who does not control or fix but pours spiritual energy into all God’s creatures. Ask for God’s dynamis.
Fill the whole world and us every morning with your faithful love, our God, and with a full measure of your power, energy and Spirit. Give us opportunities to hand on your good news.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Romans 4: 1-8; Psalm 32; Luke 12: 1-7
So much Christian spirituality deals with sin and righteousness, another name for justice. Here Paul lays out a basic premise that Martin Luther laid hold of: “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” There was as yet no Law, no ten commandments, nor the 637 commandments of the Torah, and yet Abraham was saved by faith. Paul writes, “But to one who without works trusts God…such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” At last, over 450 years later, the Vatican agreed with Paul’s and Luther’s understanding that faith rather than keeping the Law brings salvation.
Remember however that faith means, in biblical theology, a trust in God, in Jesus, in the power of the Spirit and not merely correct doctrine.
When you have doubts and questions, like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, what do you do with them? If you have any shame or guilt about them, do not be afraid, for today’s gospel promises, “You are worth more than many sparrows.” Share your fears and doubts with Jesus and then throw yourself, in trust, on his mercy.
Deepen our trust in your mercy, Jesus. Deepen our faith in God’s desire for the salvation of all creatures, especially of us, worth more than many sparrows.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Romans 4: 13, 16-18; Psalm 105; Luke 12: 8-12
Paul captures our attention in this era of Muslim prominence. He states that God’s promise rests on grace, “not only to the adherents of the law, but also to those share the faith of Abraham. God is the father of us all.” Abraham’s eldest son, Ishmael, is father of the Arabs, and Isaac the ancestor of the Jews. Jesus promises that when we are dragged before the authorities (not “if” but “when”) we need not worry how to defend ourselves, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”
First, pray for unity between Jews and Muslims, both children of Abraham.
Pray for peace among all nations and tribes of the Middle East. Then, speaking with Jesus, share with him your feelings about Muslims. Hopefully, praying first for peace and unity will turn your heart and mind more openly toward these who “share the faith of Abraham.” If Jesus sends you, share some good news about the children of Abraham with someone today.
Your grace floods the whole earth, generous God. Help all of us who descend from Abraham to worship you together in unity and peace.
Return to top
Sunday, October 21, 2007 - Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 17: 8-13; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3: 14-4:2; Luke 18: 1-8
Prayer is the theme of the first and third readings today. When Moses holds his hands aloft in prayer, Joshua and the troops of Israel defeat their enemies. When Moses tires, Aaron and Hur hold up his hands. In the gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the unjust judge being badgered by the widow. Too often we have allegorized the parable, making God to be an unjust judge who needs more persistent begging. In understanding God’s option for the poor, however, in understanding how Jesus emptied himself and became a slave, we can now associate God with the widow. Jesus takes flesh in a poor family in the backwaters of Galilee, so why not God being imaged as a needy widow? God is begging us to do justice.
We need the support of others when we pray, Exodus teaches. Who supports your prayer? Whom do you pray with, for, about? “Where two or three agree on anything in prayer….” Whom could you invite to pray with you? And for what, for whom will you pray? Ask Jesus to join his continual intercession before the face of God. Ask him for whom he prays, and join him.
We want to answer your prayer, just God, that we do justice in matters small and great. Open our eyes to where your justice, peace and love are needed today. Thank you!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Romans 4: 20-25; Luke 1 (the Benedictus); Luke 12: 13- 21
Today we respond to Paul’s explanation of the promise God made to Abraham with Zechariah’s hymn of praise when, after the birth of John the Baptist, his father could speak again. Paul assures us that the promise not only applies to Abraham but to us as well: faith is reckoned as justification. We are set right with God through faith in the One who raised Jesus from the dead. Why has God offered us this abundant love? So that we might serve God without fear. It is abundant love which leads to service, not abundant possessions as Jesus attests in his parable of the man who built bigger barns although he would die that very night. We are warned not to store up treasures for ourselves but to be “rich toward God.”
How do you serve God? What have you done for Christ? What have you done for yourself? What acquisitions of power, money, fame were important in your earlier life? And now? How are you rich toward God? Show God your mixed motives and ask for a more single heart.
Thank you, God of abundance, faithful to promises, for calling us to be rich in you. Cleanse us of self-serving motives and show us how to serve you in one another.
Tuesday, October 23, 2004
Romans 5: 12-21; Psalm 40; Luke 12: 35-38
Some of you wonder why in a continuous reading there are some major portions omitted. Today we skip the opening verses of Romans, chapter five, a particularly important passage which describes the Holy Spirit as the love of God poured into our hearts; it also shows the progression of God’s love whether we were weak, sinners or even enemies. Today’s selection is a bit more heady, but does contain this good news: where sin abounded, grace has more abounded. We respond with “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.” Not long ago we heard of the “unprofitable servants” whom the master expects to wait on him; Jesus reverses himself (all in Luke) by promising that if the servants are alert when the master comes, the master will seat them and serve them himself.
When in your life have you known the faithful kindness of God when you were weak? When you were a sinner? In what experiences have you learned that where sin abounded, grace more abounded? How will you respond? Yesterday we prayed for a more single-hearted service of others. How does it feel to have Jesus seat you and serve you?
Today, Jesus, we serve not only alongside you, but we ask you to serve through us. Here we are, you and us together, coming to do God’s will, loving the little ones.
October 24, 2007 - Foundation Day of the School Sisters of Notre Dame
Romans 6:12-18; Psalm 124; Luke 12: 39-48
We who have been praying about service this week are jarred by the word “slaves.” Jesus uses the word in today’s gospel. Paul gives thanks that we who were slaves to sin have been set free by grace and “obedience from the heart…[and] have become slaves of righteousness.” We are in good company. Mary responds to the angel, “Behold the slave girl of the Lord,” and Jesus, according to Philippians 2:7, empties himself and takes the form of a slave. All translate the same Greek word, doulos,a. Handmaid or servant is so much more gentle. However, as we prepare now in daily and Sunday gospels for the startle of the end time, “slave” may shake us awake. Sometimes we can glorify service, but slavery has no redeeming light – except that we are, paradoxically, freely the slaves of Christ. We once may have been trapped in sin but now we are set free to be slaves.
How does being a slave to Christ sit with you? How does it feel? We are adults who can put aside childish obedience. How is obedience a freeing experience in your life? Whom do you obey these days, and where is your heart? Ask the Spirit to teach you an adult obedience like Mary’s and Jesus’.
We want what you want, our God, like Mary, like Jesus. We offer ourselves totally to you, as much as we can give right now. Please bless SSNDs around the world with an even more total dedication to your will for justice, peace and unity.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1; Luke 12: 49-53
Paul continues his reflection on our freedom. Once slaves to sin, now we have been “freed from sin and enslaved to God….The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” In the gospel Jesus shares his “stress.” He has come to bring fire to the earth, he has to be baptized (plunged into) “and what stress I am under until it is completed.” Jesus continues by saying that households will be divided because of him. The household of the church is divided, at least in Canada and United States, by those who see sexism as a glaring social sin of the church. Changing male language for God is a quiet way to change attitudes, and yet some go so far as to change the words of the primary creed of the early church: “Jesus is Lord.” He who is the female Wisdom of God came among us, physically, as the male Word of God; he is truly androgynous, balancing the male and female within himself. There need be no capitulation to address him as Lord.
What stress are you under today? Have you shared that with Jesus? What is trapping you at the moment, where do you need freedom? What divisions in the church trouble you? Share those with Jesus.
Make us true to ourselves, Jesus, even if our piece of the truth creates division. We trust that truth makes free, and that you, Lord of all language, will set everything right.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Romans 7: 18-25; Psalm 119; Luke 12: 54-59
“Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” Jesus challenges us today. Paul seems to internalize slavery to sin, and his personal confession is consoling. He who wants to do good ends up doing evil, and he finds a war within himself. Paul offers the only answer to the question: “Who will save me from this body of death?” Here, by body he means the whole person (Jews did not separate body and soul). “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” In his mind he serves God but in his flesh (and here he means not body but those parts of our person that we refuse to put under the lordship of Christ) he is a slave to sin. He interprets the personal agony of temptation and sin. Suppose, however, responding to Jesus’ challenge, we use a social lens. Who will save the earth from death? Who will save the nations from death? Who will save our nation from death?
What do you need to offer Jesus today for his intercession? Shall he pray for you and the inner turmoil, the stress of your life? Or shall you ask him to intercede on behalf of the earth, the policies of nations, the needs of the poor?
“Let your faithful love become our comfort, let your mercy come to us that we may live. We are yours. Save us, for we have searched for you.” (Psalm 1)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Romans 8:1-11; Psalm 24; Luke 13: 1-9
“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Good news from Paul who continues: “…to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” With the psalmist we can promise God: “This is the people that longs to see your face.” We are a “company” who seeks God. And if we are weary, non-productive, like the fig tree in Jesus’ parable, we won’t be cut down until Jesus has worked the soil around it.
Which sentence above touches your heart? With what emotion? Who belongs to your company? Who seeks God with you on this earth? Who has already found God for all eternity but is still part of you? Set your mind on the Spirit, and rest in life and peace for a while.
“We long for you! Risen Savior, king of glory, come today in mystery. Let us share your death and rising till you come in majesty!
Return to top
Sunday, October 28, 2007 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sirach 35: 15-17, 20-22; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18; Luke 18: 9-14
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” On what else can we count but on God’s mercy? Sirach says that the prayer of the humble pierces the clouds. Psalm 34 assures us that God hears the cry of the poor, is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. The Alleluia verse reiterates God’s passionate desire for our reconciliation: God was in Christ, reconciling the world to God’s own self, and what is more, God has entrusted us with the good news of this reconciliation. Then Jesus gives us the way to receive God’s reconciling mercy: never to count on our own goodness or virtues like the Pharisee in the parable, but to throw ourselves, poor in spirit, crushed, humble, brokenhearted – any which way we are-- on God’s never ending mercy.
Any which way we are, God’s mercy heals and then missions us as ambassadors of reconciliation. First, look at your inner life. How are you before God? What do you want. When God sends you with good news of reconciliation, to whom will you go? Who do you know right now who is brokenhearted, crushed, needing mercy? Pray for them.
We offer you ourselves, merciful God, knowing that you will heal us, set us free, send us to all those whom you love: the lowly, the poor, the crushed. Thank you that we can share this mission with Jesus, in whose name we pray.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Romans 8:11-17; Psalm 68; Luke 13: 10-17
Three powerful readings! First Paul assures us that we are no longer slaves to fear but, led and indwelt by the Spirit, we are adopted by our Abba/Eema God. What is God like? Psalm 68 calls God the father of orphans, who gives a home to the desolate and freedom to prisoners. “Day by day, God bears our burdens; our God is a God who saves.”
Remembering that to be saved is to be set free, we have a dramatic example of God’s freeing power in the gospel, read aloud only once a year. Jesus calls a woman bent for 18 years to come through the male section of the synagogue to himself. “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” “She stood up straight.”
Remember what bends you down, bows you over. Where is your desolation and imprisonment? Let the Spirit lead you to Jesus, passing through all your fears as that woman passed through the legalistic accusers of Jesus. Name your fears, see and hear your fears, and feel the Spirit leading you. You might even walk around a bit bent over to feel it in your bones. Jesus says to you, “______.” Can you stand up straight? (Even a few minutes of being bent can hurt when straightening up.) Like the woman, begin praising God.
When we struggle, Jesus, with our fears and infirmities, we trust the leading of your Spirit. We belong to you and need your healing. You bear our burdens day after day. Thank you!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Romans 8: 18-25; Psalm 126; Luke 13: 18-21
Not only do we personally struggle to be set free, but all creation is groaning. We long for complete freedom, and according to Paul, so does creation wait with “eager longing.” Creation “itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Although we already have the fruits of the Spirit, Paul reminds us, there is a “not yet” as we wait in hope. The promise is as the psalm declares: we go out weeping, carrying the seed, and come home rejoicing, carrying the sheaves. Jesus too uses creation images: a mustard seed growing large, a speck of yeast creating an enlarged pan of dough.
Take a long loving look at creation right outside your room. Hear its groan. Let your imagination roam the planet, looking at creation in all its variety, waiting with us to be charged with the glory of God. What seed are you carrying, do you want to grow within you? Ask God to enlarge your heart.
The world is charged with your glory, O God, energized by your indwelling Spirit. Help us to see your glory in every speck of creation and to hear its cries, the cries of the earth and its peoples.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Romans 8: 26-30; Psalm 13; Luke 13: 22-30
The gospel seems harsh for Luke who emphasizes Jesus’ compassion. “Will only a few be saved? Jesus said, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door’…” Having eaten and drunk with him will not be enough. Who shall save us from this body of death? we might ask with Paul in Romans 7. Here Paul responds: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” Paul continues: we do not know how to pray but the Spirit prays deep within us, putting our unutterable groanings into words. He assures us that for us who love God all things do work together for good. How to respond? With the psalmist: “I sing to you because you have dealt bountifully with me.”
When has it been your experience that all things work together for good? If it is not yet your experience, ask for the gift of seeing that. When has God dealt bountifully, abundantly with you? What response did you, could you make? End your prayer time with some silent listening for the Spirit deep within you, praying out of your weakness, uniting you with God.
Help us to accept our weakness, God, which attracts the Spirit to our depths. Heal us, free us, help us to accept the weakness of others and to deal mercifully with them.
Thursday, November 1, 2007 - Feast of all saints
Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24; 1 John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12
Year after year on this feast we hear the same scriptures. How many of us know the Beatitudes and their promises so well as we know the Jewish Decalogue? Strange.
Law seems more attractive than happiness. Is it true, as the antiphon states, that we are a people who long to see God’s face? To put on the face of God, blessed and radiant with joy, through living a life of beatitude? Here is a mystery of faith: we are already God’s children and what we are to become we cannot even imagine. This we do know: we shall be like God.
Write as many of the beatitudes as you can, and then check. Which did you miss? Get curious as to why. And why did you remember those you did? What do you need from God today to make you like God? Ask, and ask your own personal saints to ask on your behalf all day long.
May we come to share the divinity of him who humbled himself to share in our humanity. We ask this in Jesus’ name and in the power of his Holy Spirit.
Friday, November 2, 2007 - Feast of all the faithful departed
Job 19: 1, 23-27; Psalm 103; I Corinthians 15:20-23; John 12: 23-26
As John’s gospel climaxes, Jesus uses the image of a grain of wheat to calm our most desperate fear: being abandoned, being left alone. “Unless a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it remains alone.” Mother Teresa, the hospice movement are dedicated to staying with the dying. Then comes what we all probably hope for, something of worth to leave behind, a spiritual or moral legacy. Jesus calls it fruit: “If it die, it bears much fruit.” Jesus, according to Paul, is the first fruits of all who have already died. As Jesus, so us.
What fruits are you bearing now? And what fruit do you want to leave your loved ones? Call some of your loved ones who have died to pray with you now. In detail, remember the gifts that they left you.
May your light shine upon them, for you are rich in mercy. Give them eternal rest and joy, for your kindness endures forever.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Romans 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29; Psalm 94; Luke 14: 1, 7-11
Jesus concludes his parable with a paradox: take the lowest place so the host may invite you higher, “…for those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Paul’s attitude to the Jews, of which people he is a proud member, is equally paradoxical. He opines that although the Jews stumble, the Gentiles benefit. “Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, their defeat means riches for the Gentiles, how much more…” grace will abound when they, the Jews, are included. Although the Jews are enemies of the gospel, they remain God’s beloved, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
When has your stumbling meant success, your defeat brought ultimate victory? When have you taken the least, only to have it become the most abundant? Ask to learn from Jesus to be gentle and humble of heart.
You never abandon us, faithful God, even when we stumble, even when we sin. Like a parent with a toddling baby, you scoop us up to your cheek. Your love can never be revoked. Thank you.
Return to top
Sunday, November 4, 2007 - Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 11: 22-12:2; Psalm 145; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10
What wisdom! God cannot detest anything God has made, and yet the whole world is like a drop of dew. “Your spirit is in all things.” The gospel continues yesterday’s theme of humility and reversal. Imagine one of our politicians, a person of some substance, climbing a tree to spy a dignitary passing by. Zacchaeus begins as a joke and ends as a man converted to social justice, not by a scolding or a sermon by Jesus, but simply because Jesus would like to eat with him. Jesus’ desire to be with him inspires Zacchaeus’ generosity; he doesn’t tithe but gives half his possessions to the poor.
You have been eating with Jesus for quite a while. What does that closeness inspire you to do? Take a long loving look at all things. How can you more deeply sense the Spirit inhering in everything, from the grand to the miniscule? Ask for the wisdom to find God in all things.
Give us your priorities, God of compassion. Let us see our world through your loving eyes, and the “sinners” in our lives as beloved by you. Thank you for your love.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Romans 11: 29-36; Psalm 69; Luke 14: 12-14
“The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable…Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” “I will magnify God with thanksgiving!” “When you give a banquet invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, and you will be blessed for they cannot repay you….”
These three snippets from our three readings speak eloquently for themselves. Which phrase or sentence moved your heart? Stay with that Word becoming flesh in your heart and savor it. Breathe it in and out all day long.
We want to be at home in your word, Jesus. We want to learn from you the depth of the riches of God. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Romans 12:5-16; Psalm 131; Luke 14: 15-24
The antiphon for our psalm is “In you I have found my peace.” Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast. In that banquet we find peace and our truest nourishment.
Paul offers almost a reprise of I Corinthians 12 and 13, proclaiming our unity as members of one body, listing our differing gifts, and then spelling out in detail how love behaves.
Love hates evil, loves the good, is affectionate and honors the other. Love is zealous, ardent, serving, rejoicing in hope, patiently suffering, persevering in prayer. Love cares for the community and offers hospitality to strangers, rejoicing with those rejoicing and weeping with those weeping. The most difficult perhaps: “bless those who persecute you.”
In your life, how are love and peace of heart entwined? What is your truest nourishment that enables you to love well? Tell Jesus what you need and want to deepen your love and his peace.
As deer long for running streams, so we long for you, our God! We are thirsting for you, hungering not just for your peace but for your very self. Mercy, our God, mercy!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Romans 13: 8-10; Psalm 112; Luke 14: 25-33
A chapter later and still Paul reflects on love: “Owe no one anything except to love one another…love is the fulfilling of the law.” Jesus too talks about owing and owning, and makes our taking up our cross specific: “give up all your possessions.” What?!?! Why? How can we possess anything when all is gift. Hold all with a light and open grasp, Sister Madaleva, CSC, used to say. Even loving well is a gift. Why let go? Only out of love as the psalmist knows: “they have distributed freely…they rise in darkness like a light…gracious, merciful and just.”
Who in your life “distributes freely?” Where is the law for that person? Where is the cross for such a one? Ask for the gift of loving freely, giving freely.
Thank you for those people in our life who are lights in darkness, who love with freedom and joy, who are gracious, merciful and just. Thank you for the gift of Jesus!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Romans 14: 7-12; Psalm 27; Luke 15: 1-10
Paul holds his own life with a light grasp: “whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” With God as the strong hold, the one who grasps us and will not let us go, “of whom should I be afraid?” the psalmist asks. “One thing I ask of the Lord….”
Jesus, in response to the criticism of his enemies about his table companions, tells two parables. In the first, God is a good shepherd. In the second, God is a housewife. All are welcome, no one need be afraid, and if we are lost, God searches for us and will not let us go.
Of what are you afraid? What one thing do you ask of the Lord? How do you feel about God’s strong hold on your heart? Such a paradox: free, yet grasped. How free are you to say, to pray, “whether I live or die, I am the Lord’s?” Ask to be freed from fear.
We rejoice with you, God, with all those for whom you have searched and found. Hold us carefully and teach us to surrender all to you, little by little, day by day.
Friday, November 9, 2007 - Dedication of John Lateran, Cathedral of Rome
Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46; John 2: 13-22
The reading from Ezekiel promises life and fruitfulness to a barren land as a river flows from Jerusalem’s temple. Psalm 46 seems apocalyptic with its scene of mountains shaking in the heart of the sea (which we have lived through with the people of Indonesia). Yet for that very reason we are told not to fear because “God is our present help in trouble.” We don’t need to fear the day of the Lord because we are the Lord’s.
Although Jesus enraged is not a pleasant sight, we can concentrate on how he responds to his enemies, assuring them that they cannot destroy the temple of his body.
Where is God a present help in trouble? In your life? In the world? Who is trying to destroy the Body of Christ? Pray for those who persecute you, personally perhaps, but surely in various parts of the world.
You are the Temple of God, Jesus. We, living stones, always being formed and shaped more like you, thank you for our call and your gifts. We are yours.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145; Luke 16: 9-15
Many people think Paul is arrogant, but as he concludes this letter he shows just how dependent he is on, how affectionate he is toward his co-workers. Including women: Phoebe (Rom 16:1-3), Prisca, Mary and Junia. All these with him are stewards of the mysteries of God, the revelation which calls for our obedience of faith. Jesus concurs:
“Whoever is faithful in a little is faithful in much.” Jesus concludes, “You cannot serve God and wealth,” and for this wisdom his enemies ridicule him. He has the last word: “What is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.”
What do you prize? What does our society prize? How does God look upon these things? Ask God and listen. To listen is the literal meaning of obey, from the Latin. To listen and to trust, that is the obedience of faith. Ask for that gift to be deepened in you.
You were rich, Jesus, and became poor so that we might be made rich. Help us to appropriate your values, to love what you love, and to be faithful.
Return to top
Sunday, November 11, 2007 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17; 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-3:5; Luke 20:27-38
God is the God of the living, Jesus asserts, “For to God all [our ancestors] are alive.” The psalm’s antiphon might be our theme: ‘When your glory appears, my joy will be full.” The seven brothers in our first reading who are tortured and put to death give testimony to life everlasting as they die. The author of 2 Thessalonians is preparing the church there for Christ’s coming in glory. Even the Alleluia verse reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead.” We are thus directed to the future, but the second reading keeps us rooted in the present: “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”
Speak to your ancestors who have died, to your friends and relatives. Then listen. Be alert for their presence all day, not in signs and wonders, but in memory and imagination. Invite them to pray with you day by day.
God of grace, direct our hearts to your love and kindness, and to the faithfulness and steadiness of Jesus. We stretch forward to grasp hold of him who has already grasped hold of us.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Wisdom 1: 1-7; Psalm 139; Luke 17: 1-6
The book of Wisdom begins with this good news: “the spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world…and holds all things together.” Psalm 139 praises God who forms us and holds us fast. The Alleluia verse carries the same theme: “Shine on the world like bright stars. You are offering the world the word of life.” We know that we are ambassadors of reconciliation, and as Jesus says today, as often as anyone repents, we are to forgive. Not only are we called to be reconcilers then, but also bearers of the light and word of life. We are sent to the whole world, and to discover the Spirit filling and holding together as one all that is created.
How will you offer the word of life today? To whom? Take a long loving look at your own self, shining like a bright star, full of the Spirit, held fast in union with all creation. Pray the whole of Psalm 139 at some point today.
Thank you, God of creation, for your unifying Spirit! Thank you that she fills the world with beauty and truth and sends us to bring light and life to all creatures.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Wisdom 2: 23-3:9; Psalm 34; Luke 17:7-10
Our faith is full of paradox, and the gospel presents one. Jesus who washed feet at the last supper and continues to wash our feet uses the example of the servant merely doing her or his duty. Don’t expect the master to wait on you or thank you. “When you have done all that you were ordered to do, say ‘We are worthless slaves…’” That is the wonder. We have a master who seats us a table and washes our feet. As Wisdom proclaims: “Those who trust in God will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with God in love, because grace and mercy are upon God’s holy ones…” Grace and mercy, not duty and slavery—that is where we abide, deep in God’s merciful love.
Psalm 34 is used again and again in our liturgy, and it forms our spirituality. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and those who are crushed in spirit, God saves.” Savor God’s healing grace and mercy seeping into all the parts of your heart, your life, your relationships which are broken. Sink deep into God’s mercy. Rest there.
You came not to be served but to serve, Jesus, and we want to be more aware of how you serve us moment by moment. Let us share your generous service to those who feel crushed today.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Wisdom 6: 1-11; Psalm 82; Luke 17: 11-19
Today, Jesus offers us the parable of the ten lepers, only one of whom returned to thank Jesus for his healing. The wisdom reading reminds us that God requires much of those who rule, “for the lowliest will be pardoned in mercy, but the mighty will be mightily tested.” The psalmist urges us to emulate God and “give justice to the weak and
the orphan, maintain the rights of the lowly and the destitute.” And we of the first world, supposed mighty among the poor of this planet? We are to remember that all is gift, nothing is our due, as the Alleluia verse proclaims: “For all things give thanks to God.”
Where does your own leprosy lie? What in your being do you find weak and/or repulsive? Take all that to Jesus for healing. What has already been healed in your life?
Give thanks to God.
Give us grateful hearts, God, wise hearts that know that you are the source of all justice and mercy. Open our eyes to the many gifts you give us each day. Help us to gift others.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wisdom 7:22-8:1; Psalm 119; Luke 17: 20-25
“In the beginning was the word… “ John’s gospel begins. Only a few centuries before Jesus, the Jews revered Lady Wisdom as God’s throne partner, an emanation of God who fashioned all things. Wisdom (feminine noun) and Word (masculine noun) were easily interchanged in Jewish spirituality. When John looked at Jesus in a male body however, instead of writing “Wisdom became flesh” he chose the masculine Word. The work of Wisdom and Word is the same. Their attributes, listed in today’s reading, are the same. “She pervades and penetrates all things…can do all things…renews all things…makes us friends of God and prophets.” “She is a reflection of eternal light…
an image (ikon) of God’s goodness.”
Sit relaxed with arms open and ask Wisdom (Jesus) to pervade and penetrate you, renew you, show you how you are a friend of God and a prophet. Look at the face of Jesus (perhaps you have an icon, a crucifix, or your own imagination) and see the glory of God shining through him.
“We behold the glory of God, shining on the face of Jesus. We behold the glory of God, shining on the face of the Son.” Shine, Jesus, through us today. Let us reflect you.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wisdom 13:1-9; Psalm 19; Luke 17: 26-37
As harsh as Jesus is about the last days, so gentle and poetic is the author of Wisdom about God, called the author of beauty. “From the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their creator.” People who love beauty are “seeking God and desiring...they keep searching and they trust what they see because the things seen are beautiful.” So many and various images of God in Scripture. Augustine calls God Beauty, ever ancient, ever new. Yet who can name, define or even describe God? “Past all grasp God,” as Gerard Manley Hopkins reminds us.
How do you image God? Take some time today to contemplate beauty/Beauty, whether it is a plant in your room or the broad stretch of sky. Take a long, loving look at the real and let your heart go. “Flee with a fling of the heart to the heart of the host,” to quote Hopkins again.
“O Beauty, ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you, yet never have I loved until now.” Give us a heart as passionate as Augustine’s and open our eyes to find you in all things.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Wisdom 18: 14-16, 19: 6-9; Psalm 105; Luke 18: 1-8
The gospel about the widow and the unjust judge ends with Jesus’ question: ‘When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” The wisdom reading tells of the all-powerful word of God leaping down to earth, a Christmas motif. Today, however, we learn the context for this lovely image of a leaping Word. The word is described as a “stern warrior, carrying the sharp sword of your authentic command…and filled all things with death.” Then, however, hope! “The whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew…”
Out of death comes life, and our northern hemisphere is experiencing that right now in nature. When have you or yours been filled with death? How did a new creation happen out of this dying? Ask the Spirit to help you remember. Wait, listen, see what bubbles up. Is anything in you dead right now? Feelings, a relationship? Talk this over with Jesus.
Dear leaping Word of God, we offer you all that is sinful, dead, decaying in our world and in our own lives, that you may fashion a new creation. Help us help our poor planet.
Return to top
Sunday, November 18, 2007 - Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Malachi 4:1-2; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21: 5-19
My apologies to those from the United States who have a very different set of readings for November 18. I use a Canadian missalette.
In Living with Christ, (Novalis Canadian edition), the photo that introduces this Sunday’s readings corresponds with the postcard I carry in my issue. It shows a statue of nurses from Vietnam from the Mall in Washington DC. One nurse crouches low, head in hands, like God bemoaning the gift of our free will, capable of choosing violence and war. Another nurse raises her fist to the sky in rage, but her other hand touches the nurse who holds a dying soldier, almost stuffing his heart back into him. Jesus, enraged, calls on God; the Spirit-Comforter holds the dying soldier. An image of Trinita. “The day is coming,” Malachi warns, but so is “the sun of justice with healing in his wings.” In the gospel Jesus warns that the beauty of the Temple will be ruined by war. Earthquakes, famine and plagues, and the persecution of Christians. Where is our hope? In psalm 98 which is the basis for “Joy to the World.” “The Lord is coming to judge the earth with justice”, and so we can “make a joyful noise”. Not to worry, our second reading assures us, if we “do our work quietly.”
How do you do your work in ordinary time? Where is your hope placed? What is your attitude toward the last days? How has that attitude changed over the years?
Help us to trust your justice, Jesus, coming with healing for our world and its people. We entrust ourselves, our quiet work and our joyful noises, to your love.
Monday, November 19, 2007
1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64; Psalm 119; Luke 18: 35-43
We will be reading in very choppy fashion from both books of Maccabees all week. If you enjoy adventure stories of heroes, read both of them through, in just a few sittings. We will keep our eyes on Jesus. Today, a blind man calls out for mercy so loudly that he embarrasses those around him. “Jesus stood still.” When the crowd brings the man to Jesus, he asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Of course he would want to see again, wouldn’t he? Or would he want something for his family, his neighborhood, his country?
Look at Jesus standing still, looking at you, humbly and tenderly. Stand still and gaze at him. Then he asks you, “What do you want me to do for you?” After you have pondered and responded to him, end your prayer with that of the blind man, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus, have mercy on us! Let us see truly, let us keep our eyes fixed on you and our wills in alignment with your will for shalom. Mercy on our planet, Lord!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Psalm 3; Luke 19:1-10
Jesus seldom uses the word “must” for he reveals himself in the gospels as a very free man. In today’s reading, however, he tells Zacchaeus that he must stay at the chief tax collector’s house. This very rich man considers it a profound honor to be noticed by Jesus. He can buy what he wants, but not a good reputation. Jesus gives him that, this son of Abraham. “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
Sons and daughters of Abraham: Jews, Muslims and Christians. What reputation do they/we have in our world today? Jesus must stay in the hearts of Muslims and Jews who are his beloved people, as well as we who bear his name. Picture Jesus going to Muslim villages (only 20 % live in the middle east), knocking on the doors of Jewish homes, coming to us in communion and in the poor. Picture him being lifted up, drawing all of us, the scattered children of God, into one new family.
Stir our hearts, Jesus, as you moved the heart of Zacchaeus to give to the poor. Help us welcome the strange and scary, the foreign and frightening because they belong to you, and therefore to us.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
2 Maccabees 7: 1, 20-31; Psalm 17; Luke 19: 11-28
Although the feast of the Presentation of Mary is only a memorial and has no historical basis, let us look at what meaning her presentation might have for us. The non-scriptural story tells of her parents bringing the three year old to the Temple to give her not only to God but to the care of the priests. Of course Jewish priests, who were not celibate, who did not live in the Temple, were not up to rearing a three year old girl child. Like Scripture itself, this piece of religious imagination does capture an important truth. We are all, from our mothers’ wombs, given to God.
Present yourself now to God as an offering. Then present to God all those whom you love. Make an offering to God of all those who annoy you, disgust you, frighten you. How does God receive these people? What if God presents them to you? How will you respond?
Mary, child of God and mother, we offer ourselves and all peoples with you to God. Present us to Jesus. Thank you for welcoming us all into your loving embrace.
Thursday, November 22, 2007 - Thanksgiving Day in the United States
1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19: 41-44
Yesterday we offered ourselves to God, and today we are urged: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.” We are also invited to enter the gospel scene and offer Jesus our empathy. When Jesus came near Jerusalem, he began to weep. “If only you knew the things that make for your peace!” He then speaks of destruction “because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”
Is Jesus on the Mount of Olives, looking down on the city? Is he climbing the steep hill that is Mount Zion, looking upwards? What is the weather outside, and in his heart? What do his disciples make of his tears, his words? How can you join him? Comfort him? As he finishes crying, how does he pray? How will you join his prayer?
Open our eyes, Jesus, so that we always recognize the time of our visitation from God. Open our hearts that we always accept peace and do what makes for peace.
Friday, November 23, 2007
1 Maccabees 4: 36-37, 52-59; 1 Chronicles 29; Luke 19: 45-48
Once the Maccabees were victorious over those who had defiled the Temple they re-dedicated the altar; Jews today celebrate this as Hanukkah (beginning December 4 this year). In the gospel, Jesus cleanses the Temple. The temple of Jesus’ body soon will be desecrated by his enemies. Neither Jews nor Romans nor we killed Jesus. He had his own enemies: “chief priests, scribes and leaders of the people... kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything that they could do for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.”
Again, join Jesus as his weeping turns to fury at those who were selling in the Temple. Ask him what he might want to cleanse today. Listen. He finishes driving out those who desecrate this house of prayer. How does he look? How does he feel? Ask him. Listen.
Take our anger, Jesus, and purify it. Let our rage over injustice be a share in God’s anger. Please forgive all those who keep on trying to kill your people.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Psalm 9; Luke 20: 27-40
King Antiochus who desecrated the land, tortured and killed the people of Israel, now is deep in disappointment and distress and realizes his sin. Although he was kind to his own people, he abused his power with foreigners. In the gospel, the Sadducees (who are priests) try to trick Jesus with sarcasm. They do not believe in the resurrection of the dead and so they ask if a woman marries brother after brother, trying to keep the family name alive, whose wife will she be in the resurrection time. Jesus takes the opportunity to reinforce that our God is a God of the living, that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are all alive in God.
What is your experience of having power? Paul says he wants the “power of the resurrection.” Have you ever abused power? How? What is the underlying feeling that leads to that sin? What do you really believe about the resurrection of the dead? How do you continue your relationship with your loved ones who have died? Speak to one of them, then listen.
Forgive us our sins of sarcasm, abuse of power, manipulation. Teach us the truth that sets us free, and give us a lively belief in the resurrection, God of the living.
Return to top
Sunday, November 25, 2007 - Feast of Christ the King
2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122; Colossians 1: 12-20; Luke 23: 35-43
We have the advantage of knowing the outcome: the crucified one is raised from the dead and made Lord and Christ. Christos is the Greek word for Messiah which is the Aramaic word for “anointed.” It is fitting to begin the feast then with the anointing of the first shepherd-king, David. Jesus is the perfect ikon or image of God “and in him all things hold together….and in Christ all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell.” That fullness of God made peace through the cross, the throne of the King of creation. Luke has shown Jesus to be God’s compassion in the flesh all through his gospel. How fitting to conclude the life of Jesus with the interchange between him and the “good thief.” Note: that thief did nothing to earn or win or merit “paradise.” He just turns to Jesus and asks.
When you look at Jesus, as at any ikon, how do you enter him to find God? How can you take a small step for peace today? To whom can you wish peace? Pray for peace. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!” If you know the Taize chant, let it resonate through all your activities today.
Jesus, you always remember us. Thank you! You are the ruler of our lives. Please help everyone turn to you to receive your unconditional mercy.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Daniel 1: 1-6, 8-20; Canticle from Daniel, 3; Luke 21: 1-4
Today’s readings offer a theme of wealth and poverty. As the book of Daniel opens we meet him and his companions, handsome and bright young men of Judah, who will not be seduced by the rich food and drink offered them by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. They refuse the royal rations and grow healthy on a diet of vegetables and water. Their wisdom gains the admiration of the king. A poor widow sparks the admiration of Jesus. Rich people put money into the temple treasury, giving, as Jesus points out, from their abundance, “but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
By what might you be seduced? Money, honors, fame, pleasure, leisure? What might help you grow more healthy physically, emotionally, spiritually? Discuss this with Jesus. What is “all you have to live on?” What if you were to surrender that as the poor widow did? Discuss that with Jesus too.
Your plans for us are plans of peace, Jeremiah reminds us today, God of grace and wisdom. Heal us of our greed for anything but your peace. Give us only your love and your grace; that is enough for us.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Daniel 2: 3, 9-10, 27, 31-45; Canticle from Daniel, 3; Luke 21:5-11
So much power accrues to those with money. We have just celebrated the feast of Christ the King, the man made poor that we might be made rich. Daniel interprets the king’s dream, and although Daniel addresses him as the king to whom God has “given the kingdom, the power, the might and the glory,” all that will fail. “God will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.” Jesus listens to people admiring the beauty of the temple and warns of its destruction. “Many will come in my name” he proclaims, but even as the world collapses, we are not to be terrified.
Many things in our lives have failed, have collapsed. Ask the Spirit to remind you of some of the losses in your life when you thought all was finished, destroyed. What happened next? What terrifies you now? Share that with Jesus and ask him to help you believe today’s entrance antiphon: “God speaks peace to the people.”
Lord, we believe; help our unbelief! Remove terror from our hearts, give us your peace and make us instruments of your peace. Heal even our small anxieties and deepen our trust in you.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Canticle from Daniel, 3 Luke 21: 12-19
The handwriting is on the wall. That saying comes from today’ first reading when a mysterious hand interrupts a banquet in which the Babylonians desecrate the sacred vessels of the Jewish temple. As the king watches, his “face turned pale and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way and his knees knocked together.” Daniel is bribed with fine clothes and power, but, spurning the offer, he interprets the handwriting for the king. Destruction! Jesus too promises destruction as the end draws near. Meanwhile we have been using these days the “Benedicite” as our responsorial song between the readings. “Bless the Lord…” and every creature, animate and inanimate, is called on to bless God. Good news. Nothing that God creates will be lost but will be transformed in the new earth at the end of time.
The possibility of the end of the world terrifies many people who take the Bible literally. It saddens and angers those who ponder nuclear destruction and pollution of water and air. What is your fear and/or hope about the end of the world? Ponder the creatures of the earth. You might even take a walk and look at each leaf, cloud, insect, squirrel and make your own “Bless the Lord….” litany.
O God, you are the fountain of life. In your light we are bathed in light. In your life we find our joy, our peace, a whole new world of love. Thank you!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Daniel 6: 11-28; Canticle from Daniel, 3; Luke 21: 20-28
At the end of time, Jesus warns, when even the heavens are shaken, the Son of Man will come on the clouds with “power and great glory.” While the rest faint from fear, we are instructed to stand up and raise our heads because our redemption is drawing near. Daniel’s experience can give us hope. Today we have the story of the lions’ den.
When King Darius sees Daniel unscathed he issues a decree to “all the nations” that Daniel’s God “is the living God, enduring forever.”
When have you pictured Jesus coming on the clouds? How does that scene make you feel? Talk it over with the one who is our ruler, our leader, full of power and glory.
Take another “Bless the Lord…” walk in a different direction and ask every thing you see to bless (that often is translated “praise” but really means surrender) our God.
Our leader, our pioneer, come! Come, Jesus, come today in each person we meet. Come and bless our God through each creature we encounter.
Friday, November 30, 2007 - Feast of Andrew, apostle
Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19; Matthew 4: 18-22
The gospel is Jesus’ call of Andrew and Peter, fishermen. “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Why so fast? Was it Jesus’ promise that he would make them “fishers of people?” A “second career” that would provide more meaning in their life? Many decades later, Paul writes to the Romans that to call on the name of the Lord (and here he means Jesus) brings salvation. But people have to hear the good news before they can believe, and someone needs to be sent to proclaim such good news. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Andrew was sent, and from that first call and sending of the Twelve, everyone who is baptized is called and sent to proclaim that Jesus was raised by God and is Lord of life.
Have you had a “second career?” What led you to change? Ponder that a while.
If you could hear Jesus speak to you now (and you can) saying, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of my people,” how “immediately” would you take up your first career as baptized person with a mission? Ask for a generous heart, to go where Jesus’ sends you, today and each day.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving us, setting us free, calling us and sending us to proclaim good news to your people. Thank you for making us your apostles.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Daniel 7: 15-27; Canticle from Daniel, 3; Luke 21: 34-36
The visions of Daniel grow more bizarre, and Jesus’ words grow more practical. Not only does Jesus warn about the last days but gives us this advice: “Be alert at all times.” He specifically warns against dissipation, drunkenness and worries that weigh down our hearts. The good news is that counting on his strength, we will escape all these cataclysmic events and “stand before the Son of Man.”
As you pray regularly, how is your heart becoming less burdened? As you practice contemplation, that long loving look at all the creatures mentioned in the Canticle, for example, how are you becoming more alert? If there is any part of you still cringing in fear, ask for the grace to stand tall before Jesus who loves you so much. Look at him looking at you, humbly and tenderly.
We are longing for you, Jesus. Focus our hearts so we are not dissipated, let us thirst only for you, and as we cast our worries on you, please give us the trust to accept what we cannot change.
Return to top
Sunday, December 2, 2007 - First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13: 11-14; Matthew 24: 37-44
Happy new year! Today begins the new liturgical year, the year of Matthew in which we will use his gospel in a continuous reading through the Sundays of this year.
As in Lent, all the daily readings remain the same year after year during Advent.
Today it is Isaiah and the psalm response that offer good news, whereas Paul and Jesus according to Matthew continue the theme of the end times, the darkness, and our need to stay awake, alert, attentive to the coming of God. Paul urges us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Isaiah describes the pilgrimage of the nations home to God. Then they will beat their swords and spears into farm tools, “neither shall they learn war no more.” And so we go rejoicing to the house of our God! “For the sake of my relatives and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’”
As you ask for the personal grace this Advent to be more attentive to God’s voice, more alert to God’s action, pray for the nations, for the redistribution of wealth away from war and into farming for food. Especially pray for peace. Today, as you meet each person, say either aloud or in silent prayer: “Peace be within you.”
Jesus, as we await your coming in poverty and in glory, help us to know you are already and always with us and within us, clothing us inside and out with your love.
Monday, December 3, 2007 - Memorial of Francis Xavier
Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122; Matthew 8: 5-11, 13
Isaiah, early in his ministry as prophet, is full of hope and joy. He remembers how God was a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night and promises a similar presence in Mount Zion. So the psalmist goes up rejoicing to God’s own house. The gospel emphasizes Jesus’ word which heals. When Francis Xavier began his studies for priesthood he was not rejoicing. He wanted to desperately to go to the Orient to preach the gospel and his father, Ignatius, told him to share his great desires with God. Great desires give God pleasure. Francis did get to the Orient, but as he stood looking at China just across the sea, he died.
What are we to learn about growth and maturing through the hope of Isaiah, the joy of the psalmist, and Francis’ great desire to bring the healing word to foreign nations?
What are your great desires? What are your deepest hopes? What causes you the most overflowing joy? Share them all with Jesus.
Give us a share in Francis’ zeal to bring the good news to all nations, Jesus. Speak but the word, Jesus, and our hopes and desires will be healed.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72; Luke 10: 21-24
Jesus rejoices and thanks God that the mystery of the kin-dom is hidden from the wise and revealed to little ones. The kin-dom, as Isaiah describes, will be a peaceable kin-dom where every creature will be protected, “nothing hurt or destroyed in my holy place,” says God. The kin-dom is described in detail in the psalm about the coming king.
The poor will receive justice. This king has pity on the weak and needy, saving their lives and redeeming them from oppression and violence.
As you look around the world in your imagination, who needs pity, saving from oppression and violence? Picture them in great detail, in their suffering. Pray for them and for their persecutors. Pray that God’s kin-dom come, and God’s will be done on earth as in heaven.
May your name endure forever, Jesus, and may every nation be blessed in you!
Come, Lord/Love Jesus, with justice and healing for our world.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Isaiah 25: 6-10; Psalm 23; Matthew 15: 29-37
Although we ask for our “daily bread,” today we learn from Isaiah that a great feast is prepared for us, “rich food, well-aged wines.” At that banquet, God “will swallow up death forever”, wiping tears from our eyes. In the psalm, God prepares a table for us, and in the gospel Jesus feeds the multitude with an abundance of bread and fish.
For all who wait for the coming of our God there is plenty now and abundance in the future.
How does God grace you? A trickle? A gushing fountain? A waterfall of grace?
Ask for what you want from God.
You have given all to us! Give us only your love and your grace and that is enough for us! Your all, abundant God, is your whole self, your love, your grace. Thank you!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118; Mathew 7:21, 24-27
Our theme today is something our society needs so badly: steadfastness. Not stubborn clinging to just one way, my way. Steadfastness, Jesus, tells us, is how to build our house (our spiritual dwelling place): on rock, not sand, to be washed away with every turning tide. To experience peace, Isaiah instructs us, is to have a steadfast mind, that is a steady and faithful mind. “Trust in God forever, for in God you have an everlasting (read “steady, faithful” from the Hebrew) Rock.” Isaiah says all will sing:
“Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you.”
How do you hold steady to your commitments? What keeps you faithful? When have you experienced the truth of Isaiah’s song: that a steady mind and trust in God brings inner peace? Share your memory with Jesus and respond.
O God, grant us the serenity and trust to accept the things we cannot change, the courage and creativity to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27; Matthew 9: 27-31
Our theme today is seeing. God promises through Isaiah: “On that day the deaf shall hear…and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord…” Matthew tells the story of two blind men who beg Jesus for mercy. He touches their eyes and they are opened. The entire selection from Psalm 27 is about seeing, with the antiphon: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
The next line is so important in our society, terrified of terrorists, and other random acts of violence. “Of whom should I be afraid.” What does the psalmist want to see? The beauty of the Lord, and God’s goodness.
What might fresh joy be in your life just now? Where is there gloom and darkness? What mercy do you want Jesus to show you? What do you want to see with new and open eyes, new and open heart? Share all this with him.
Let us live in your presence all the days of our lives, that we might see your beauty and gaze on the loveliness of all your creation. You are our light! Thank you!
Saturday, December 8, 2007 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
Genesis 3: 9-15, 20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12; Luke 1: 26-38
In her book, Truly Our Sister, theologian Elizabeth Johnson points out that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is not necessarily a privilege for Mary alone. Our
second reading, and even the gospel story of the annunciation to Mary by Gabriel underlines that. Mary heard “an angel,” a messenger of God, that helped her make sense of her pregnancy, but not without much questioning. Ephesians opens with an exultation that God has blessed all of us with every spiritual blessing, “just as God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.” Twice we are reassured that we are destined for adoption, we “who were first to set our hope on Christ [so that] we might live for the praise of his glory.” That certainly applies to Mary, and applies to us as well.
What messengers of God have entered your prayer or your life? How have you responded? EVERY spiritual blessing? Why not start counting them today? Make an intention right now to set your hope on Christ. What will that mean for you?
Here we are, the servants of you, our God! Let everything you want be done to us according to your Word, Jesus. We trust him, and his mother. In him lies all our hope.
Return to top
Sunday, December 9, 2007 - Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15: 4-9; Matthew 3: 1-12
Our theme today is discernment which leads to fruitfulness, dialogue and peace.
Isaiah opens with a list of God’s gifts to the Anointed, Jesus, Messiah, of course. We too are anointed and with Jesus and in him, we receive the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear (awe) of the Lord. “A little child shall lead them”—lead all creatures into the peaceable kin-dom. The gospel is about John the Baptist scolding Pharisees and Sadducees, warning them that the tree not bearing fruit is cut down. One is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. The chief Discerner will separate wheat and chaff, equipped as he is with wisdom, understanding, counsel. This Anointed one, the psalmist promises, will judge with justice, delivering the needy and poor. Paul counsels: “Welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed you.” We are equipped then to welcome the needy and poor.
What fruit are you bearing? What is wheat in your life, and what is chaff? How do you decide (discern)? Where do you find the Spirit gifting you in ordinary ways in very daily life? What do you need to welcome the poor and needy? Pray for peace and for the peacemakers.
Let us pray with Paul’s words to the Romans: “May the God of faithfulness and encouragement grant us to live in harmony…that together we may with one voice glorify
[God].” O God, give us courage to welcome the poor and needy!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 85; Luke 5: 17-26
Today we have one of the most poetic set of readings in Advent. Try to take some time to read all of Isaiah 35, a description of the Messianic times, the blossoming of the desert, and more importantly, the healing of every ill and sorrow. The psalm describes the peaceable kin-dom in even more detail, as God speaks peace to us. Jesus puts flesh on that promise and peace by forgiving the sins of the paralyzed man brought to him by friends, so full of faith that they climb onto the roof. He says to the paralytic: “Go to your home.”
Where is your home to which Jesus sends you? Ask him. For whom are you willing to climb to the roof that they might be touched by Jesus. Picture them in vivid detail, and beg Jesus for healing and peace for them.
Increase our faith and hope, we beg you, Jesus, in this season of hope. Root out despair from the hearts of those who lack peace. Come, Prince of Peace, come!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96; Matthew 18: 12-14
Ordinarily the first reading and gospel on weekdays do not correspond, but this is Advent. Isaiah ends yet another description of Messianic times with the image of God carrying the lambs tenderly. The gospel is Jesus’ imaging of God as good shepherd, seeking the lost. “The will of God,” Jesus says, “is that not one of these little ones be lost.”
Christmas is so much about children. Pray for the little ones in your life, and include the homeless, starving children who live in war torn areas and refugee camps.
Much of Isaiah 40 is recorded in Handel’s Messiah, beginning with “Comfort ye.” You might pray with that music today, placing the children in God’s arms.
Give us the hearts of children, God of grace, that we might be excited all over again at the coming of Jesus. Never let us tire of welcoming him, especially in the poor and needy.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zechariah 2: 10-13; Canticle from Judith 13; Luke 1: 39-47
How appropriate that this particular feast of the poor and needy comes in Advent. Mary appeared to Juan Diego at Tepeyac in Mexico. The Spanish conquerors renamed the town after Guadalupe in Spain. Our readings serve as a corrective to that imperialism. In the first, God tells daughter Zion (an image of Mary) that God will dwell in her midst and all nations shall join themselves to God. All of Latin America, Canada and United States welcome this mother and this feast. She may be mother, but she is portrayed not so much as a comforting but rather a liberating mother. Judith was a warrior woman. The Magnificat is a song of justice, a promise that God will pull down the mighty from their thrones and fill the poor and needy with good things.
Pray for the people of Mexico, for all Hispanic people who look to Mary for their freedom and to God to fill the starving with good things. Pray for our countries, that hearts may be changed and we, as two rich nations, may welcome those who love Mary.
We magnify you, our God. We want to make you bigger in our hearts, but are helpless. Enlarge our hearts, we beg you, so we better respond to the needs of those we meet today, and include in our prayers those who are looking for a new home.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Isaiah 41: 13-20; Psalm 145; Matthew 11: 11-15
If you appreciated the poetic imagery of Isaiah 35, this chapter continues it, with an emphasis on not fearing because God has hold of us, and not thirsting because God can make water pool in the desert. And so we respond with the psalmist: “Our God is kind and merciful.” In the gospel Jesus speaks of John the Baptist as Elijah returned, another sign that Messianic times have begun.
Water is the most precious commodity of all natural resources. Contemplate your memories of water: ocean, lake, river, bathtub, cooling on a hot day, bringing plants back to life…. Consider all the people deprived of water in desert places, and ponder the plight of people too poor to sanitize their water or purchase it. Then speak to God about God’s promise to the poor and needy: “When the poor and needy seek water,…I will not forsake them.” How are you feeling? Share those feelings with God.
Deepen our trust in you, God who allows us luxuries like computers, while other peoples cannot even find water to stay alive. Straighten out our priorities in this holy season.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Isaiah 48: 17-19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11: 16-19
Isaiah is still contemplating waters, waves, grains of sand, and the psalmist compares good people to fruitful trees planted near running waters. And who are the good? According to Psalm 1, those who obey God’s laws. According to Jesus, being authentic. John the Baptist fasted and was accused of having a demon; Jesus comes eating and drinking and is labeled a drunkard and glutton. Truth will out. “Wisdom is vindicated,” Jesus concludes.
What in your life is authentically you? What parts of yourself are subject to impression management? What parts do you hide away even from yourself? Of what are you ashamed? Discuss these things with Jesus.
You give us the light of life, Jesus. You give us the Spirit to teach us the truth about ourselves and then to set us free. Thank you! Keep us walking in your light and truth.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80; Matthew 17: 10-13
Elijah is expected by the Jews of Jesus’ time to herald the coming Messiah, and so Elijah, his word and work, are highlighted in the first reading. The psalm gives us this cry to God: “Stir up your power and come to save us!” In the gospel we are transported to Mt. Tabor where the friends of Jesus question him about Elijah as they come down the mountain. Jesus claims that John the Baptist was Elijah returned, “and they did to him what they pleased.”
Consider all those who are victims, like John, of unjust policies and policing. Consider, for example, what the United States are doing in Guantanamo and other prisons where “the enemy” is held. What if God did really stir up power to come and save, set free all those of whom we are afraid? Tell God now just whom God need not save, and then listen to God’s evaluation.
Stir up your power, Prince of peace, and come. Let all people see and experience your salvation, your power to set everyone free from anxiety, fear and hatred. Do it, Jesus!
Return to top
Sunday, December 16, 2007 - Third Sunday in Advent
Isaiah 35: 1-6, 10; Psalm 146; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11
What can we expect from the Messiah? Even John the Baptist was confused. Instead of a royal revolutionary, what people could see with their own eyes is that the “Messiah” traveled with the blind, the lame, the lepers, the poor. Could this be he? How did the contemporaries of Jesus miss the description of the Messianic times described by Isaiah and made even more memorable for us in the music of Handel? Why doesn’t the Messiah return in glory on the clouds and clear away the evil in our world? James encourages us to be patient, like the farmer, waiting for “the precious crop from the earth.”
If someone told you the Messiah were coming to your town, what would you expect? If the Pope were coming, and then showed up, not surrounded by bishops but by prisoners, the disabled, the slovenly, how would you feel? What would you think? Talk over many of your expectations with Jesus to see just what needs adjusting.
You set prisoners free; set us free, Jesus, from our prejudices. You open the eyes of the blind; open our eyes and hearts, Jesus. Help us be strong, not to be afraid.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Psalm 72; Matthew 1: 1-17
Matthew traces Jesus’ origins to Abraham, father of us all. Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, in the first reading, blesses his son Judah, from whose tribe the Messianic ruler will come. The psalmist describes the work of this Anointed (messiah in Hebrew; Christos in Greek). He (or she, since we all now are Christ-ed in baptism) will bring justice for the poor and deliverance for the needy. Today we begin the O antiphons for the Alleluia verse. We begin by addressing the Messiah as “Wisdom.” Wisdom is the Word, Jesus, who guides creation with power and love.
Ask for the gift of open eyes to see just how Christ is guiding creation right now with power and love. If you wonder about the power which “allows” such pain in the world, remember that there is a power, not patriarchal which manages and fixes, but a power which stays-with, Emmanuel. Where has Christ stayed with you in your sorrows and pain? How will you respond?
Wisdom of God, come and guide us into the ways of wisdom. Give us the wisdom to see your kind of staying-with power at work in our lives and our world.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72; Matthew 1:18-24
Jeremiah promises a descendant of David who will rule with justice. Yesterday Matthew traced Jesus’ line from Abraham, through David, to Joseph, whom today we hear is a just man. Not a doer of the Law, for then he would have had Mary put to death for adultery, but a just man, so close to the mind and heart of God that he shares God’s values. Justice means holiness in the biblical languages. Joseph trusts, he receives an annunciation through a dream, and takes Mary as wife. The O antiphon addresses God as Leader who gives the Law, but now we salute Jesus as our Leader and pioneer into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
In Luke, Mary is given the name of the child as Jesus, who saves us from sin (yesh means save); in Matthew Joseph receives the same name, but Matthew adds the name Emmanuel, God with us. Ponder in your heart the name Jesus, and then the name Emmanuel. Ask to deepen your trust in both names which describe Jesus’ action.
Come, Leader, to save us from sin, and to deliver the poor and needy. Show us where we today can hand on the good news of your saving power, God-with-us.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71; Luke 1: 5-25
Today our liturgists link the barrenness of Samson’s mother with Elizabeth’s, wife of Zechariah and mother of John. The mother of Samson receives the annunciation of his birth from the angel, with instructions about disciplines which mark him as a nazrite. Samson grew, “and the spirit of the Lord began to stir him.” In the gospel, the priest Zechariah receives the announcement of John’s conception and the same disciplines which the boy is to follow. “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit…with the spirit and power of Elijah…” Although we hear about the ascetism and power of these two boys, the O antiphon calls Jesus the flower of Jesse’s stem (Jesse, the father of King David), “sign of God’s love for all God’s people.”
What is the relationship between power and love? In your experience, who has the most power in your life? How is that shown? Who is the sign of God’s love for you?
How will you respond?
“Come, Flower of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’ love for all God’s people! Save us with out delay!” Set us free from injustice, hatred and divisiveness. Give us your love to hand on.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Isaiah 7: 10-14, 8:10; Psalm 24; Luke 1: 26-38
In Isaiah’s account, King Ahaz does not want to put God to the test, but God gives the king a sign anyway: a young girl will conceive he is promised, and a chapter later, (8:10), the child is named Immanuel, God-with-us. Psalm 24 cries: “Let the king enter!”
As the song continues, “The king of glory comes, the nation rejoices. Open the gates before him, lift up your voices!” The king of glory is the Son of the Most High to whom Mary opens her heart and her body. Mary doesn’t hesitate to put the angel to the test, asking how this can be. Today’s O antiphon addresses Jesus as the Key, the one who opens and sets free.
The angel says: “Rejoice, highly favored one!” and we are used to saying, “Hail! Mary, full of grace.” During the rosary, no doubt for many years, you have pondered the Hail Mary. Do so now, taking into account each word of the angel. And you? What do you hear God (or God’s messenger) calling you today?
Help us not to be afraid when we hear your voice, our God of all grace! Key of David, help us to open our hearts, minds and bodies to your loving presence and action.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Psalm 33; Luke 1: 39-45
We asked to be opened yesterday, and today the prophet assures us that God is in our midst. God rejoices in us, renews us in love, exults over us, and as the song says, “dances for us as on a day of joy!” This is a very ecstatic lover, this God of ours! The psalm continues the rejoicing. Then Luke tells of a child dancing in the womb of Elizabeth. “How is it the mother of my Lord comes to me? At your greeting the child leapt for joy!”
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” Elizabeth says, continuing our prayer, the Hail Mary. She calls Mary the mother of her Lord. What do you call Mary? What does Mary like to be called? Ask her. Listen.
“O come, Emmanuel, God’s presence among us.” You, Jesus, are in our midst, you are the center of our lives, personally and in our church. Help all nations realize that you are the center of our world.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
1 Samuel 1: 24-28; Canticle from 1 Samuel 2; Luke 1: 46-56
From Samuel we hear Hannah’s song of vindication; she has prayed fervently for a child and now in her canticle praises God who “brings low and also exalts.” Most scholars believe that Luke composed Mary’s Magnificat based on Hannah’s song. In her definitive work on Mary, Truly Our Sister, theologian Elizabeth Johnson quotes (p. 269) a Third World theologian on the “Magnificat”. R.J. Raja notes that God will overturn “all satanic structures of oppression, inhuman establishments of inequality, and systems which generate slavery... including those that debase people on account of their birth, caste, sex, creed, color, religion, tenets, weakness and poverty.”
It may be easier to ponder scripture in your heart but theologians share the ponderings of their minds and hearts. Take each piece of Raja’s comment and ask the Spirit to lead your imagination to all those places where God is at work, bringing tyrants low and exalting the poor and needy.
“O King of all nations, source of your church’s unity and faith, come! Save all people, your own creation.” Save the poor and rich, and forgive us our sins as a nation.
Return to top
Sunday, December 23, 2007 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7: 10-14; Psalm 24; Romans 1: 1-7; Matthew 1: 18-24
The psalmist cries to us to open the gates for the king of glory. Who is this king of glory? The entrance song calls him the Just One, the Savior, and Isaiah adds, Immanuel.
Paul calls him Son of God in one of the earliest understandings of Jesus, and Matthew has the angel announce to Joseph, “You are to name him Jesus.” Christology is the study of just who Christ was and is, and there are many Christologies embedded in the New Testament. Not just names and titles, but understandings of his person and mission. Paul tells us that in being raised from the dead, Jesus was declared to be Son of God. The Word is powerful. When God declares Jesus as Son, it comes to be.
What is your understanding of Christ? With Paul, do you think he was made Christ by God’s declaration in raising him? With Mark, do you think he was first anointed when the heavens opened at his baptism? With John, do you think he was the Word of God, pre-existing all creation and in fact, co-creating everything with God?
It took the church 451 years of pondering Jesus before they “defined” him; but you, what do think of him? What helps you love him more? How would you describe him to some one (an adult) who had never heard of him? Ask Jesus, too, and listen.
We beg you to enter, king of glory. We raise our hearts and our whole being to you, we lift up our whole earth for you to rule us, Just One and Savior.
Monday, December 24, 2007
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 16; Psalm 89; Luke 1: 67-79
The missing verses in Samuel can almost be inferred. David frets because he is settled in such a lovely house of cedar while God dwells in a tent. In those missing verses God says God is used to tent-dwelling; had God ever asked David to build a temple? Rather the offspring of David will build the house of God. Historically that task fell to Solomon, but there is a deeper meaning: Jesus will build THE house of God, his own body. Zechariah’s mouth is opened when John is born and, filled with the Spirit, he sings of the tender mercy of God breaking in upon us like the dawn, bringing light and hope, “guiding our feet in the way of peace.”
Use your imagination and picture God tenting with the people on the journey to the promised land, loving the simplicity of being in the camp, near the people. How does a tenting God attract you or repulse you? Speak with God about it. Remember the tender mercy you have experienced as God’s dawn breaking into your life. How will you respond?
“O come, Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice! Shine on those lost in the darkness of death!” Mary, you too are dawn, and Christ the sunny day.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - Christmas
Isaiah 9: 2-4, 6-7; Titus 3: 4-7; Psalms 96, 97, 98; John 1: 1-18
Three celebrations of the Incarnation today, so we take one reading from each of the three. Note that the Psalms are sequential, joyful, and the basis for “Joy to the World.” The very first song of the first Eucharist, midnight Mass, is “True peace has descended from heaven.” Isaiah continues with a theme of light and calling the child “born for us” the Prince of Peace. At dawn we hear from Titus that not by any good works that we have done, but according to God’s mercy we are saved. And more! Abondanza! We know Christmas is God’s gift to us of Jesus, but Titus also says God pours out richly the Spirit upon us. Finally, John’s gospel opens with a hymn to the Wisdom of God, through whom God created and through whom come life and light.
“From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace upon grace upon grace upon grace….” The computer didn’t stick. The Greek word for “upon” means a continuing forever. Law (and its works) came through Moses, we are told, but grace and truth.
(God’s unconditional love and faithfulness) came through Jesus Christ. “No one has ever seen God, but the one who is closest to God’s own heart, he has made God known!”
Remember specifically and give thanks for grace upon grace upon grace upon grace…. Ask for a deeper faith, a trust “that not by any works of justice which we have done but according to God’s mercy God has saved us.”
O God, may we come to share the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share our humanity. Make us fully human, fully alive!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - Feast of Stephen, martyr
Acts 6: 8-10, 7: 54-59; Psalm 31; Matthew 10:17-22
We are jerked from our knees before Baby Jesus and his parents and spirited into the community of the Risen Christ. Perhaps there was an intuition among the early liturgists that sentimentality cannot last long and martyrdom, witnessing to the adult Christ who invites us to the cross, is our daily duty as Christians. Not that we need be killed. Stephen’s cross seems to include the forgiveness of those who persecute him. Stephen sees Jesus in glory, and when stoned, prays, again in missing verses 60-61: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Will you leave the crib long enough to look at this particular cross: forgiveness?
Ask the Spirit to bring before you every person who has hurt or ignored you, and ask Jesus, “Lord, do not hold this sin/fault/idiosyncracy against them.”
Thank you for coming that we might love more fully. We ask for a love that includes willingness to forgive. Even when we feel it is impossible, Jesus, you forgive them, we pray.
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - Feast of John, apostle and evangelist
1 John 1: 1-4; Psalm 97; John 20:2-8
The Incarnation is a central mystery of faith, as John’s first letter points out. How wonderful that through Jesus’ humanity we can see, hear and touch God. That focus on the Word of life made flesh brings us into communion with each other and with God. However, THE mystery of faith which we proclaim at every Eucharist is that Jesus who was killed, was raised and made Lord and Christ. Thus, so close to Christmas, we hear of the disciples—Mary Magdalen, Peter and John—running to an empty tomb on Easter. Two such powerful mysteries, and more yet to come as the communion antiphon promises: “Out of his [Christ’s] riches we have all received.”
“Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” Ponder that in your heart and ask to believe it more deeply. What of Christ’s riches have you received? Be specific and respond.
Beloved friend of Jesus, thank you for writing of your love for him. Let all that we write, by post or by email, convey our love to those we contact; let each word be a prayer of love.
Friday, December 28, 2007 - Feast of the Holy Innocents
1 John 1: 5-2:2; Psalm 124; Matthew 2: 13-18
The gospel describes Herod’s rage and Joseph’s flight with his new family. Although there is no basis for such a slaughter of babies in historical sources, there is truth for our salvation, all that Scripture can offer us. (Remember, we don’t put our trust in the history, geography or science etc. we find in the Bible, but in the person, the Word). The truth we are taught is that Joseph is obedient, even at great cost to himself, moving into insecurity. We are taught that many mothers’ sob over the loss of their children to tyrants and to structures of injustice, in war torn areas and refugee camps.
John reassures all who suffer: “God is light…if we walk in the light we have communion with one another…”
What does it mean to “have communion with” all those who grieve for the injustice their loved ones suffer? Ask the Spirit to teach you. The holy family are refugees, migrants. Ask them what and how they endured.
The angel of the Lord declared unto you, Joseph, and you responded with trust and obedience. Holy Spirit, keep us open and obedient to all your promptings.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2: 22-35
God is light, we heard yesterday, and today Simeon teaches us that this child is “the light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people, Israel.” John writes about old and new commandments. The old commandment taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The new commandment? To love as Jesus loves, even to love our enemies,
Because “whoever hates…walks in the darkness.”
Is there anyone whom you hate right now? From the past? You may as well admit it to Jesus. Then what will you do? If you conscience doesn’t lift up any hatreds, why don’t you open your arms as Simeon did and receive this infant. Hold him. Gaze at him. Don’t quote Simeon, but what will you say to the baby, to his parents?
Now, Lord, you may let us go in peace, for our eyes have seen and are always seeing your salvation. Send us in peace to be peacemakers.
Sunday, December 30, 2007 - Feast of the Holy Family
Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3: 12-21; Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-23
In a patriarchal society it is surprising in the first reading to find advice about how to treat one’s mother as well as one’s father. Such a link to today’s growing number of elderly: “Even if their minds fail, be patient with them.” So many do make great sacrifices, personal and financial, to care for their frail parents. Although Colossians offers a fine mission statement for a Christian community, the smallest community is the family, who could indeed frequently read together the shorter reading. It spells out specific ways of living well together: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, peace, thankfulness and wisdom. The Word of God and songs
nourish the community/family.
Pray for the frail elderly, not just in our countries, but in those nations where they do not receive basic services nor respect. What do you need to live well with others? What needs healing yet in your family? Pray for reconciliation.
Jesus, help us to live as your holy family. You died to gather us all, so scattered, into one new family. Make us one in respect, joy and peace.
Monday, December 31, 2007
1 John 2:18-21; Psalm 96; John 1: 1-18
The last day of 2007. John offers good news: “You have been anointed by the holy one and all of you have knowledge.” Psalm 96 is an outburst of joy in new songs: heaven, earth seas, fields, trees shout for joy!
Return to top
istening
to the Spirit: