Sunday, January 13, 2008 - Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10: 34-38; Matthew 3: 13-17
To name this feast the baptism of the Lord instead of Jesus is the first and primary act of faith in the early church. Jesus is Lord! Once we celebrated three manifestations or epiphanies of Jesus: to the wise men, at the baptism, and at Cana. From today’s readings we learn a lot about the adult Jesus and his mission. He is the one in Isaiah who will be en-spirited in order to bring justice to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind and to bring out prisoners from the dungeon. In the second reading, he is the one anointed with Power (the Spirit) to go about doing good and healing. Finally, in the gospel the heavens open and God’s voice proclaims over the waters of the Jordan: “This is my Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased.”
Ask the Spirit to bring world history to mind and remember how Jesus has brought justice to the nations, has set prisoners free, has healed and reconciled tribes and nations. Where shall you ask the Spirit to send his freeing, reconciling power today?
Worship him in silence as Lord of all nations, of all creation, God’s Beloved and your own.
Thank you for anointing us in our own baptism with the power of your Spirit to be peacemakers, reconcilers, healers of relationship. Keep us free, with eyes and hearts open.
Monday, January 14, 2008
1 Samuel 1: 1-8; Psalm 116; Mark 1: 14-20
We begin two continuous readings in Samuel and Mark. The first sets the scene for the birth of the last judge and first prophet of Israel, Samuel, whose mother, Hannah, we learn today, had been barren. In Mark, Jesus calls us out of our own barrenness to repentance: “Believe in the good news. The kin-dom of God has come near.” So, the psalmist asks, With such good news, what return can we make to our God? We offer a thanksgiving sacrifice, taking up the cup and calling on the name of our God. (NB: sacrifice does not necessarily entail pain and blood).
Where in your life do you feel barren, empty? Where in the world is there emptiness and alienation? Good news: we are called to a new kin-dom, a brotherhood and sisterhood where we need never be alone. Emmanuel does not disappear when we put away the crib set. What return will you make to God?
Lead our world, Jesus, away from the emptiness of so much of our first world culture. Open our hearts to people who live in the desert, the actual desert or the desert of loneliness and fear.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
1 Samuel 1: 9-20; Canticle of Hannah, 1 Samuel 2; Mark 1: 21-28
In our first reading, Hannah models how to pray fervently. Her tears are judged by the priest Eli as drunkenness. She responds: “I have been pouring out my heart to the Lord…speaking out of my great anxiety.” She wants a baby, and Samuel is given to her. The Canticle she sings in her joy is the model for Mary’s Magnificat: God listens to the lowly and puts down the mighty. Mark’s gospel more than the others is concerned with Jesus’ power to cast out demons, and here is first demonstration. He who teaches with authority is supported by this exorcism in the synagogue. “He commands and even the unclean spirits obey him,” the congregation exclaims.
What do you want so badly that you pray with tears? What do you want Jesus’ power to do for you? What unclean spirit do you need cast out? What unclean spirit does our world need cast out? Can you pray for that with Hannah’s fervor? Try.
Give us great desires, Jesus! Please both deepen our desires and broaden them to include all your desires for us and for our world. You command; we obey.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20; Psalm 40; Mark 1:29-39
Hannah who so desperately wanted a child sends him to minister at the shrine in Shiloh. In the night the boy hears his name called, and asks the priest Eli what he wants.
Eli assures him he had not called. Finally Eli instructs Samuel to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Psalm 40 reminds us that God does not need our sacrifices but an open ear, a willingness to say: “Here I am,” available to God. Jesus demonstrates that open ear when, after praying all night, Peter finds him and says, “The whole town is looking for you” to heal them. Instead, Jesus wants to move on to other towns, “for that is what I came to do.” He leaves to preach and cast out demons.
Which voices to listen to? The whole town’s, Peter’s, one’s own inner spirit, the authentic vocation? For about five minutes can you pray: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”, and then listen? Then another five minutes saying: “Here I am,” leaving time to listen again. Thirdly, “What do you want me to do?” (whether just today or major choice), and again, listen.
Speak, Holy Spirit, and help us to listen all day long. Thank you for continually praying within us, putting our unutterable groanings and desires into words that God understands.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
1 Samuel 4: 1-11; Psalm 44; Mark 1: 40-45
“Our enemies have taken the spoils,” the psalmist wails, in response to the narrative of the first reading. In it the Philistines engage in war with Israel (Palestine derives from the word Philistia; they are very ancient enemies!). Israel sends to Shiloh for the Ark of the Covenant, which first frightens the Philistines, but they encourage each other and not only Israel falls, but the Ark is captured. In the gospel, Jesus heals a leper who challenges him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” “I do want to,” Jesus responds, and touches the leper.
Challenge, courage. What is challenging you right now? Will you have the courage to say to Jesus, “If you want to”? For what do you ask? Remember that Jesus stands before the face of God continually making intercession for us. Be bold in your asking and know that he will continue your prayer.
You do want to, Jesus! There is so much you want: God’s glory, God’s will to be done, your people fed their daily bread, forgiveness, unity and peace. Let us share your great desires.
Friday, January 18, 2008
1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22; Psalm 89; Mark 2: 1-12
We are not the only culture to keep up with the Jones’. Israel wants a king because all the other nations have one. God warns that a king will oppress his own people, “you shall be his slaves.” The psalm, a royal psalm, fits better with the gospel, the story of the friends who lower their paralyzed friend to Jesus through the roof. ‘Stand up,” Jesus commands. Everyone is amazed and glorifies God. Could they have sung today’s verses from Psalm 89: “Happy the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance…You are the glory of their strength.”
With whom do you identify? Are parts of your life paralyzed? Are you longing for a leader other than God? Are you a friend who will go to all lengths? Are you someone full of praise and festal shouts? Let your prayer today be simply praise, and perhaps a walk, in gratitude that you can walk.
Help us to obey you, Jesus, our leader and Lord. Help us to stand up. Stand tall for justice. Stand steadily for compassion. Stand strong in our trust of you. Stand for peace.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21; Mark 2: 13-17
Saul is introduced, tall and more handsome than any other Israelite. Not surprising the Lord should choose him for Samuel to anoint as king. The psalm responds: “You meet him with rich blessings, set a crown of gold on his head.” All this meets our expectations of royalty. Except that Jesus, the anointed, the messiah, the christos, the king, is found in today’s gospel eating with sinners. He emptied himself, he chose footwashing as his way to lead. He is the physician come to tend the sick and the sinful.
In his day, so many were scandalized by Jesus’ choice of dinner companions. And ourselves? Would you rather associate with those well thought of, clean, well-educated? Would you invite a rich dictator to your table, or a homeless woman? Consider those with whom you eat. Ask for an even more open and hospitable heart.
Why do you eat with us, Jesus? Here we are, always sinful, always sick, always needing you. And you are always faithful, always forgiving, always welcoming. How can we thank you enough?
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Sunday, January 20, 2008 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Week of prayer for Christian Unity
Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6; Psalm 40; 1Corinthians 1: 1-3; John 1: 29-34
This year we will have only three Sundays in ordinary time before we enter Lent on February 6. Even as we savor the ordinary, with the rush of Christmas behind us and the crib packed away, we return to the baptism of Jesus. The Alleluia verse recaps the season: “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.” In Isaiah we read of the call of God’s servant who is given as a light to all nations. In the psalm, we cry “Here I am! I come to do your will…telling the good news of salvation in the great assembly!”
Paul writes of his call in common with the call of all the baptized community, called to be saints. The call, the mission, the light are all ours too, to hand on.
Ask the Spirit to teach you how you might, during this week of Christian unity, promote a bit more unity and peace in the world. Perhaps you are not called to proclaim to the great assembly, but who are the people who need to hear good news from you? Ask the Spirit to teach you, be still and listen.
Thank you, Jesus, for calling us to share in your baptism and your mission, your passionate desire that all may be one. Here we are! Let us be your light today.
Monday, January 21, 2008
1 Samuel 15: 16-23; Psalm 50; Mark 2: 18-22
Saul has hardly been king when he disobeys God. Samuel reminds him that God doesn’t want sacrifice but obedience. Obedience, Samuel tells us, and thanksgiving the psalmist tells us, is the sacrifice that God wants. Jesus teaches that there is no need to fast when the bridegroom is with them; rather we are, according to the Alleluia verse, discernment, to choose wisely in obedience as the Word, living and active, opens the heart and its intentions.
What did obedience mean when you were young? What does it mean now? What were the sacrifices of your youth? What do you find sacrifice means now? The bridegroom is still with us, so if you fast, what does it mean now?
We do bring you thanksgiving as our sacrifice, God of grace. Everything you give us you make holy, and you give us everything, especially your own Self! Thank you!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 89; Mark 2: 23-28
Although afraid of Saul’s wrath, Samuel obeys the Lord and goes to anoint one of the sons of Jesse in Bethlehem. As each young man is brought to Samuel, God is not satisfied. Finally, Jesse admits he has one more boy, tending sheep. When David comes, “ruddy, with beautiful eyes and handsome,” Samuel anoints him as king. A back-bencher we might call young David, for Saul continues on in public as king. David will become deeply entwined with his God, a man of great desires. A man free to enter the house of God and eat the Bread of the Presence. Jesus uses this favorite king to teach the Pharisees that the Sabbath was made for people. Persons take priority over ritual.
What did freedom once mean to you? What does it mean now? How have you grown in freedom, in wisdom and grace over the years? What more do you want? Share that desire with Jesus.
You have found us, God of grace, as once you found David. You have anointed us in baptism as you once anointed him king. Thank you for counting us your servants.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
1 Samuel 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51; Psalm 144; Mark 3: 1-6
We wrestle in our time with war and peace. Jesus asks his enemies, as he heals a man with a withered hand, whether it is lawful on the Sabbath to save life or to kill? He then looks at them, grieved at their hardness of heart. Yet every Christian child who has heard Bible stories has heard of young David killing the giant Goliath with his slingshot.
When to kill, and when to save life?
We have been praying about wisdom, discernment and obedience all week. Let us pray the Alleluia verse: “Jesus preached good news to the people and healed the ones who were sick.” With that ringing in your ears, ask the Spirit to teach you about war, peace, and what to do about enemies.
Help us to be obedient to your Spirit, Jesus. In this week of Christian unity, open us not only to Protestant and Orthodox Christians, but to Jews, Muslims, Hindus—all those who worship God. Keep our hearts softened!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
1 Samuel 18: 6-9, 19:1-7; Psalm 56; Mark 3: 7-12
God had warned Samuel and the people about the dangers of having a king, and here Saul is overwhelmed with jealousy and rage because the women sing more about young David’s glory on the battlefield than Saul/s. Saul confides in his son Jonathan, “who took great delight in David” and who arranges for David to overhear his father’s plot. Jonathan’s pleading on behalf of his friend temporarily wins Saul over. The psalm is consoling: God keeps count of our troubles, saving our tears in a bottle. As the crowds in the first reading came out to praise Saul and David, in the gospel the multitudes, including those from Gentile areas, surround Jesus, pressing against him so that he has to “escape” to a boat off shore.
Let’s take a look at jealousy (regarding a person) and envy (regarding possessions) in our own lives. Ask Jesus to show you any unhealed parts of yourself, any sin that still clings to you. Press against him in hope. He will not escape from you. Picture him collecting each one of your tears in his heart. How will you respond?
Thank you for accepting all parts of us, Jesus, taking our angers and jealousies into your heart for healing. Give us your peace, and make us instruments of peace.
Friday, January 25, 2008 - Feast of the Conversion of Paul
Acts 22: 3-16 (or the first account: Acts 9:1-22); Psalm 117; Mark 16: 15-18
Three times in Acts Luke tells the story of Paul’s conversion; the first account (ch 9) has a bit more detail. The psalm is short and worth memorizing (we will use it for our prayer). The gospel pictures Jesus sending out his friends to preach the gospel to all creation. Jews and Gentiles, male and female, rich and poor, inanimate and animate, stars and seas—all creation is to receive good news.
How do you describe the good news? If all Bibles disappeared, what gospel (verse or verses) is written in your heart, indestructible and always motivating you? Sit quietly and see what the Spirit bubbles up from deep with you. Savor that good news all through the day.
Praise the Lord, all your nations! Extol God, all you peoples! For great is God’s steady love for us, and God’s faithfulness endures forever!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
2 Timothy 1:1-8; (or Titus 1:1-5); Psalm 96; Luke 10:1-9
While these two men, Timothy and Titus, who worked with Paul are only accorded a memorial (rather than a feast), they do have special readings. Not written by Paul, these instructions are from the Pastor, probably a disciple of Paul writing much later. They are still the Word of God for us. Today’s double readings give practical direction to the early church, but with warm affection. Jesus gives practical advice for the mission as well. Wish each household peace, Jesus urges, and say to them “The kin-dom of God has come near you.”
Travel in your spirit around the households with whom you have connection and wish them peace. Don’t forget to include the households in famine stricken, war violated lands. Remember when and how the kin-dom has come near you and respond.
We give you thanks day after day for choosing us, Jesus, and sending us to bear fruit. Help us to notice the fruits of today, and where your kin-dom breaks into our lives.
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Sunday, January 27, 2008 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 9: 1-4; Psalm 27; 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17-18; Matthew 4: 12:-23
As Lent fast approaches, light is still a theme: light at Christmas, to welcome the new year, to manifest the baby to the nations, to illumine Jesus’ baptism, and now, to prepare us for Lent. Lent no longer means hardship, for Isaiah promises that gloom and deep darkness will give way to light. The psalmist hymns God as our “light and salvation.” The gospel announces that Jesus is such an attractive light that four fisherman give up everything –immediately-- to follow him, to be with him. And to the Corinthians, Paul preaches the foolishness of the cross which indeed is the saving power of God.
No sense in giving up everything during Lent unless we can fall in love with Jesus as his first four friends did. “Fall in love, stay in love,” Jesuit General Arrupe writes, “and it will decide everything.” The cross is power? It looks like ultimate weakness, pain and death. If power means rescue and fixing, the cross is foolish. If power means,
as we have been pondering the last two months, God-with-us, then the cross establishes God as deeply embedded in our losses and sufferings. Gaze on the crucifix and ask to fall more deeply in love.
You, Christ our light, are the stronghold of our lives. Of whom could we be afraid? Free us from fear, we beg you, so that will clear eye and ready heart, we may behold your beauty.
Monday, January 28, 2007
2 Samuel 5: 1-7, 10; Psalm 89; Mark 3: 22-30
Samuel had anointed David king when he was a boy, but now the people come to David as leader and shepherd and they anoint him. He led Israel to victory over the Jebusites and established Jerusalem as the city of David. The psalmist tells us neither Samuel’s nor the peoples’ anointing, but rather God’s anointing David affirms his leadership. In the gospel Jesus is accused of being demon possessed and casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Although Mark puts a rational argument in Jesus’
mouth, how that must have cut him. No wonder he promises that sin against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.
Let us pray today for those who exercise leadership locally or globally. Let us pray that those who oppose leadership can find rational ways to critique, not the name calling that Jesus endured. Let us pray for those countries fractured by racism, tribalism, factions of any kind. Let us pray for justice and the peace that flows from it.
Forgive us, Jesus, for our name-calling, our dismissing of whole groups of people.
Heal our church and make us instruments of your justice, peace and unity.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
2 Samuel 6: 12-15, 17-19; Psalm 24; Mark 3: 31-35
David showed strong leadership in leading the Ark of the Covenant into the holy city, dancing, sacrificing animals and feasting with his rejoicing people. David blessed the people in God’s name. Jesus blesses us all in today’s piece of Mark’s gospel. His is not only a kingdom of God, God’s reign of justice and peace, but a new kin-dom available to all God’s children. Who are his mother, brothers and sisters? “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” We are all kin.
What is the will of God that you will “do” today so as to be in deeper relationship with Jesus and all of his people? “Whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of Christ Jesus to the glory of God.” Just today. Plan your day, leaving space for surprises. Know that in those surprises and in your plans rest the will of God for you.
Here we are, God of glory. We come to do your will, to give you glory. Thank you that we belong to Jesus and your new family. Thank you for being with us always.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
2 Samuel 7:1-17; Psalm 89; Mark 4: 1-20
The US version of the first reading omits the context, which the Canadian version spells out. David is worrying because he is living in luxury while the Ark stays in a tent. God is not complaining. As Jeremiah and John’s gospel put it, we have a tenting God, moving with us. God has no complaint against David with his house of cedar, and goes on to promise him much more, a “house” of descendants. The psalmist praises God’s faithfulness. Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the seed.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen,” God says to David. What covenant have you and God made? How have you experienced God’s fidelity? Ask the Spirit to help you remember. Be still and know your God.
Thank you for making us your chosen, for anointing us, for placing us with Jesus in your new family. Help us to hear your word and to bear fruit today. Move with us and within us today.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
2 Samuel 7: 18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132; Mark 4: 21-25
David listened to God’s promises and “went in and sat before the Lord, saying, ‘Who am I, Lord God?” David is overwhelmed that God will build him a house and asks for God’s blessing. Jesus tells a parable that is more proverb than the usual story with a punch line. We don’t put lamps under beds or bushel baskets, (imagine the resulting fire!) but on the lampstand to light up the house. He continues: the more we give the more we get.
Like David, day after day you go before the Lord and your computer and sit with all your feelings. What are your feelings today? Show them, give them to God. God is blessing with you, handing over to you all that God is. Overwhelming! Where have you put the light that you have been given?
So often, we experience that the more we give the more we are blessed. We believe; help our unbelief, our trust that you want to give us more than we can ask or even imagine.
February 1, 2008
2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17; Psalm 51; March 4:26-34
Jesus speaks of the smallest of seeds, the mustard seed, which becomes the greatest shrub of all. Small sins can often mushroom into heinous injustice. It is bad enough that David spies on the beautiful Bathsheba, and abuses his power “to get her” and in fact gets her pregnant. To cover his sin he brings Uriah her husband home from the battlefront so that all will think Uriah is the father of the child. Uriah, in solidarity with this own men, will not take comfort in his wife. From adultery, David moves directly to murder, although again, covertly. Because tomorrow is a feast we break our continuous reading and will not hear the confrontation between David the sinner and Nathan the prophet. Please continue to read from 2 Samuel for a classic piece of literature and a most successful “speaking truth to power.”
Psalm 51 is thought to be David’s confession of sin and begging for mercy. “Have mercy on me, O God according to your faithful love…A clean heart create in me, O God, and a steady spirit renew within me. Do not take your holy Spirit from me. The bones you have crushed shall rejoice. Give me back the joy of your salvation.” Pray this prayer as a personal cry for kindness, and then change the pronouns to first person plural. For whom do you speak when you pray, “…create for us,” etc?
Only you, you alone, our God of grace, can forgive the horrors humankind has rained down on the poor, the voiceless, the hungry, the outcast. Give us a steady spirit!
Saturday, February 2, 2008 - Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3:1-4; or Hebrews 2: 10-11, 13-18; Psalm 24; Luke 2: 22-40
We know the story. We have questions. Where did the family go after the manger that homeless night? Where did we get the idea Simeon is an old man and a priest at that? We have verses that cling to our unconscious, “Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant,” surfacing when everything is just over the top! The real piece for our pondering is from Hebrews. Jesus became like us in everything so that through his death he might destroy death and set free (yesh) “those who all their live were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
When, where, why, how are you afraid of death? In the freeing process that Jesus came to effect, how far along are you? Tell him what you need, and want. As you look around for a special Lenten practice, the slow and prayerful reading of Hebrews might offer an experience of Jesus, weak and suffering all that we do.
Save us who are bathed in comfort and security from the fear of death, Jesus, Lord of life and death. Clear away at least some of our distractions this Lent that we might face our fears with courage
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Sunday, February 3, 2008 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13; Psalm 146; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5: 1-12
We conclude our brief “ordinary time” with a reminder of what constitutes the ordinary holiness to which we are all called and for which we are all gifted: the Beatitudes. The blessings. When God blesses us we receive all that God is. As we listen, we are receiving, foundationally, the blessing of God’s weakness, foolishness, lowliness in that first beatitude: happy are the poor in spirit. “God chose what is low and despised in this world…” Paul reminds us. Happy are we to share in God’s work, delineated in the psalm; happy are we, receiving all that God is, when we are one with Jesus in his weakness, his humility and meekness.
The psalm is Jesus’ mission statement: do justice, give food, set free, open eyes, lift up, care for strangers, orphans and widows. Don’t ask what Jesus “would do” in your life today. He is doing it, through you. Where can you foresee that you will be called on
to share his mission today, this week? Is there anything/one (don’t forget footwashing) to which you and he can reach out, united in serving?
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts one with yours. Help us to lift up those who are bowed down in any way. Please give us opportunities to encourage and serve.
Monday, February 4, 2008
2 Samuel 15: 13-14, 30, 16: 5-13; Psalm 3; Mark 5: 1-20
The pain of it all. These readings are preparing us for Lent. Absalom, David’s son, has risen in rebellion against the king. “David went up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, head covered and barefoot.” He is cursed, and stops his men from beheading the cursing one, for David acknowledges that if his own son wants to kill him, he can endure this curse. In the gospel we read of one of the most tormented persons in the gospels, a man who gashes himself with rocks, whose fury allows him to tear off his shackles, who lives among the tombs,“ howling and bruising himself.” Jesus casts about 2,000 demons from the man.
If anyone whom you have loved has betrayed you, you might try to enter David’s pain. If you have ever been tormented, you might come howling to Jesus for help, remembering your mental and emotional suffering. Pray for those who are in such agony anywhere in the world. Pray for the deepening of your com-passion.
How much you have done for us, Jesus, how much you have already healed us. Thank you for your compassion and mercy. Make us instruments of your kindness today.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
2 Samuel 18: 9-10, 14, 24-26, 30-19: 3; Psalm 86; Mark 5: 21-43
It would be worth your while to read all of 2 Samuel, but the gist is that Absalom has been killed by David’s general Joab. Instead of being relieved, David wishes it were he who died. “Absalom, my son, Absalom,” he wails. In the gospel Jairus is pleading for the life of his daughter and Jesus responds. Would he have healed the girl’s illness had not a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years stopped him? All things work together for good. Not only is the woman healed, but Jesus does an even mightier work in raising the girl from death.
When have you been afflicted for a long time? Or felt the sharp pain of grief like David’s. Was it physical, mental, spiritual, emotional suffering? Did you have the courage to stop Jesus, for your own healing? When did you beg him to heal your loved one (s)? How did/does he respond?
Jesus, we bring you all the pain of the world, our own, our loved ones’, and all our sisters and brothers around the world. Thank you for “bearing our sickness and enduring our suffering. Alleluia.” [that is the Alleluia verse today, the last time we will sing it until Easter!]
During Lent, in which we use the same readings year after year, we will try something different for our prayer, focusing on only one word or phrase from each day’s readings.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - Ash Wednesday
Joel 2: 12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Turn, return. These two words could sum up all 40 days of Lent, a time of turning or “conversion” from the Latin. “Version” means turning, but we do it “con”, with. With whom will you turn this Lent? We do not do this alone. Jesus turns toward the desert, and invites us to journey with him. What will have to change if we venture into the desert? Conversion in Greek is metanoia, and in Hebrew is shuv. “Metanoia” means a change of attitude. Is there any attitude which you hold that God might want to melt and mold, reshape? “Shuv” means turning. To whom might God want to turn you toward this Lent? We are indeed dust and we are returning not only to dust but to God, closer and closer each day. Tell Jesus how that feels.
Imagine yourself lying next to Jesus on the cold desert floor in the middle of the night. Look at the stars with him. Consider the universe and all that God has made. What feelings and desires arise as you lie next to Jesus? Share them.
Clean hearts create in us, O God, and steady spirits make strong in us. Give us the joy of your salvation, and help us to trust your turning us to yourself.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Luke 9: 22-25
Choose life. Although this urging is attributed to Moses, it is easy to hear God’s voice to each of us. Jesus, paradoxically, reminds us that to save our life we must choose to lose it. Life is God’s great gift to the universe. Muslims believe that even inanimate objects are given life. Most of us probably would not choose death, but the psalm reminds us that we might simply wither. What is withering now in your life? What is less sturdy, less hopeful? Share that with Jesus who himself must be fainting with hunger, and the extremes of heat and cold in the desert. Ask him where he finds the courage to choose life. How might you share his experience?
Imagine yourself in the desert with Jesus, hungry and thirsty for what? You are planted near the source of living water himself. Watch your union with him send fresh life into all that is withering in you. How will you respond?
We are rooted and planted in you, Jesus, source of our life. Send our roots rain that we may grow sturdier in our trust and hope this Lent.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Isaiah 58: 1-9; Psalm 51; Matthew 9: 14-15
The fast that God chooses. Why do we fast when the bridegroom is with us? Jesus is always with us and within us. What does fasting mean to you? Now let us see what fasting means to God: loose the bonds of injustices, break every yoke, share your bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into your house, cover the naked, do not hide from your own kin. “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a spirit broken and contrite.”
Imagine yourself in the desert with Jesus, fasting. How can you do “God’s fast” out there in the wilderness? Do not hide from Jesus, your own kin. What secret sin might you have to talk about with him? Offer God the sacrifice of your contrite heart.
Cleanse us from our unknown faults. Let this be a time of being aware of, praying for and serving the poor rather than giving up “stuff.”
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Isaiah 58: 9-14; Psalm 86; Luke 5: 27-32
Hesed. God abounds in steadfast hesed, the Hebrew word that we translate as steady love, kindness, mercy, tenderness, a love that is abundant and unconditional. It is another name for God, found in Exodus 34: 6 as the “beautiful” name for God, found in most of the psalms and all through Isaiah. Jesus puts flesh on the hesed of God as we read today in the call of the tax collector, Levi, who then gives a great feast, inviting his tax collecting and sinful friends to honor Jesus. It is mercy, hesed, that God wants, not sacrifice.
You are in the desert with Jesus, talking about God’s hesed in your life. What stories will you tell Jesus? What stories might he tell you? Listen.
You, O God, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love for us who call upon you. Answer us for we are poor and needy.
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Sunday, February 10, 2008 - First Sunday of Lent
Genesis 2; 7-9, 16-18, 25, 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Romans 5: 12-19; Matthew 4: 1-11
Temptation. From our origins we have been tempted, and not by serpents but by our own personal desire to be “like God, knowing good and evil.” Jesus’ temptations in the synoptic gospels are so dramatic. How could we ever be tempted by “all the kingdoms of the world?” No, we are more tempted to judge either ourselves (either negative, denying the God within, or puffed up), or others (Jesus always warns about that). Nor, Jesus says in the gospel today, are we allowed to test God. We call those who test their relationships neurotic. Sometimes we call temptation to sin sin itself. Who will save us from all this? Paul’s response is always: grace, God’s life and action within us, and abundance of grace.
What good and evil do you want to know? When do you want to be not only like, but be God? If kingdoms don’t tempt you, what does? When have you blamed God for testing you? We were once taught that even to think about or begin to want something sinful was already to sin. Or is that temptation? Who are you judging harshly right now?
Ask for an abundance of grace.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” and from judging the motives of those we consider evil. Deliver us from all useless anxiety and deepen our trust in your saving grace.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Leviticus19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19; Matthew 25: 31-46
Be holy. For the Jews, being holy meant keeping the Torah, the Law. Paul said he was perfect in keeping the Law (Philippians 3) and he didn’t mean just ten commandments but the 600 plus laws of Torah, some of which are noted in today’s first reading. Paul, after coming to know Jesus, counted his perfection so much garbage. For Paul, the Spirit has set us free and our obedience to the Spirit cannot be measured. For the Christian, today’s gospel might only serve as a new Law by which we measure ourselves: how we care for the least of this world. There is no way to measure how we are doing in God’s eyes. We cast ourselves on God’s mercy to be made holy, not counting on our achieving “holiness.”
A paradox: we are not, Genesis teaches us, to try to be “like God” (cf yesterday), but we are to be holy, for God is holy. “For” is a key word, for any holiness of ours can only flow from God’s. Holy in Hebrew means just. Pray for the gift of justice, for God is just. Pray for the gift of knowing where the Spirit leads, and for the gift of obeying the Spirit.
We pray today, Holy God, for all the people of this world who, no matter what their religion, care for the least among us. Make us all holy, for you are holy.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Isaiah 55: 10-11; Psalm 34; Matthew 6: 7-15
Broken-hearted. Jesus warns us not to “heap up empty phrases” when we pray. God’s word penetrates our hearts and does not return to God empty. Let us examine today’s psalm closely to see if we really believe what we are praying.
How do you magnify the Lord, be transparent so that people can see God in and through you, make God’s glory greater? When have you experienced that when you called on God, you were delivered from fear? When have you looked to God and your face (and/or heart) became radiant with joy? When were you broken-hearted and felt God present and active? When were you crushed in spirit and knew God’s love? How will you respond?
God with the powerful Word, speak peace to all those broken-hearted and crushed in our world. We believe your Word does what it says; help our unbelief.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Jonah 3: 1-10; Psalm 51; Luke 11: 29-32
A review: turn, repent, temptation, broken-hearted.
Repetition in prayer lets God’s grace sink in more deeply. Today’s readings tell of Jonah’s calling Nineveh to turn from their evil ways, and shows God repenting, turning away from fierce anger with the city. Jesus calls his generation evil because they are always asking for a sign, tempting God. We too sometimes ask for proof from God. So the psalm is our cry for God’s “abundant mercy”: “A broken, humbled heart you will not scorn.”
Ask the Spirit to point out to you all the situations since Lent began when you have experienced God’s abundant mercy. If you started Lent with zeal and slacked off, pray for mercy and the grace to begin again today, praying “Put a new and steadfast spirit within me.”
Grant to us, O God, a heart renewed. Recreate in us your own mercy, God. Make us instruments of mercy, especially to those who are broken-hearted.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Esther 14: 1, 3-5, 12-14; Psalm 138; Matthew 7:7-12
Ask. “Queen Esther, filled with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord, and prayed…” Jesus begins his teaching on the hillside with “Ask, and it will be given to you…” and continues with two vivid examples. If your child asks for bread, will you give him a stone, or if she asks for fish will you give her a snake? In Hebrew there is no other word for pray than ask. Catholics know about petition, intercession, ranking it lowest among other forms of prayer such as adoration, thanks, and contrition. Yet Jesus lives to make intercession for us, Hebrews assures us, so it cannot be such a low form. In fact, on Valentine’s day, we might consider the intimacy stemming from the root of the Hebrew word for ask. It means to stroke the face of God.
Use your hands in this prayer. With one hand cupped, offer all the deadly anxieties, fears and panic situations of your life to God, and with the other, stroke the face of God. Breathe deeply and try to keep your mind quiet. If some thing intrudes, let it rest in your cupped hand as an offering to God, and return to the quiet.
We stroke your face, dear God. We love you with all our hearts. Be our valentine! Rain your love down on the desert parts of human hearts and desert places in our world.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130; Matthew 5: 20-26
Be reconciled. Pelagius whom Augustine argued against centuries ago keeps rising up in Catholic life. Today’s Gospel Acclamation: “Rid yourselves of all your sins
and make a new heart and new spirit.” Only God can recreate our hearts and spirits. What we can and must do, Jesus urges us, is to leave our gifts at the altar and go, be reconciled with those who have something against you. Note, not with those whom you have something against. That is taken for granted. Re-conciliare from the Latin means to talk again. If the dialogue breaks down…
If you have something against someone, what do you do? Say? When you suspect that someone has something against you, what do you do? Say? Perhaps you have tried to talk again and have been rebuffed. Jesus doesn’t urge nagging. Talk about these folk with him and ask him to guide you.
Reconcile us, Prince of Peace, nation with nation, women with men, rich with poor, native with immigrant. Help us respect, and talking, listening, learn from one another.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Deuteronomy 26: 16-19; Psalm 119; Matthew 5: 43-48
Love your enemies. What!?! With today’s gospel concluding with “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect,” we will not be urged to perfection!? What is perfection according to this piece of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew? It is precisely to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Not bomb them, not sanction them. The Qur’an has quite the same injunction: Muslims are to love their enemies. So who is perfect? Only God. God makes sun shine and rain fall on the just and unjust alike. God loves God’s own enemies and takes pains to let the enemy know it.
Many of us do pray for our enemies, those on an international scale and sometimes those in our own families or neighborhoods. Today, let us pray for ourselves that we might be open to talking and learning from those we consider enemy. In other words, ask for the grace to be reconciled.
Today you call us your treasured people, gracious God. It is not that we are strong and powerful that you treasure us, but because we are weak and needy. Thank you
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During Lent, in which we use the same readings year after year, we are trying something different for our prayer, focusing on only one word or phrase from each day’s readings.
Sunday, February 17, 2008 - Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17: 1-9
Transfiguration. Commentators often note that the story of Jesus’ transfiguration is meant to give us hope for the long journey ahead. Another possibility is that what has happened to Jesus is meant to happen to us. Lent is a time for our transfiguration. The second reading notes that “not according to our works, but according to God’s own purpose and grace,” we are called to receive the revelation of our Savior Jesus who “brought life…to light.” We behold the glory of God shining on the face of Jesus. And on our own. “May we come to share the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our humanity.”
Look for life coming to light throughout your day to day. Look for the glory of God shining through every creature in your path today. Ask for the grace of coming ever so slowly to share Jesus’ humanity and divinity. Ask yourself: how might that happen?
Then ask the Spirit to teach you.
May we be transformed from glory to glory. Such is the influence of your Spirit (I Cor 3:18), Lord Jesus, king of endless glory. Help us to surrender to your Spirit’s power.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Daniel 9:3-10; Psalm 79; Luke 6:36-38
Forgiveness. Daniel, so loved and protected by his God, pleads for his people in exile: “Open shame falls on us.” Then he reminds God that “to our God belong mercy and forgiveness.” Forgiveness characterizes God. So Jesus challenges us to “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful…Forgive and you will be forgiven.”
Who needs your forgiveness this Lent? With whom will you attempt reconciliation? Pray for your people: your family, community, parish, nation, church, world, admitting how “open shame falls on us” and how we need God’s mercy.
Enfold us in your mercy, God of ultimate and everlasting forgiveness. We know Jesus loves sinners, and so we trust that you love us ever more deeply through him.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, 27-28, 31; Psalm 50; Matthew 23: 1-12
Thanksgiving sacrifice. (US translation: sacrifice of praise) Of course, the word “thanksgiving” in Greek is euchariston, and many of us are making an extra effort to celebrate Eucharist during Lent. We celebrate Eucharist, not just the priest. This sacrifice to which God refers in the psalm comes from our hearts, our daily lives. Again from the Greek, Jesus reminds us that we are not to call anyone “rabbi” because he is our teacher, “and you are all “brothers and sisters.” Nor are we to be called “instructors” because Christ is our “leader” in the Greek. Jesus seems to be downsizing the hierarchical structure of his community and ours. He berates those who lay heavy burdens of guilt on others. There is, in his Body, no power over, but rather service of.
Are there any on whom you lay burdens of guilt and shame? Beg for Jesus’ help to respect and, like him, to share their burdens “and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2).
Who is your leader? Whom are you willing to follow, and how far will you go? Ask for the grace to go anywhere Jesus leads.
We offer you thanksgiving and praise, Jesus, for your coming among us, leading us, teaching us, and leaving us your Spirit. Help us to continue your mission of sharing the burdens of our brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Jeremiah 18: 18-20; Psalm 31; Matthew 20: 17-26
Servant. Just yesterday we reflected on service rather than power over, and here comes the mother so James and John to ask Jesus for thrones. Jesus has just promised nothing but torture, mockery and death, and still those sons of Zebedee let their mother plead for them. How often Jesus must have sighed in frustration! He teaches all over again: if anyone wants to be great, he or she must be a servant, even a slave. The Son of Man, he concludes, that glorious figure hoped for in the book of Daniel, comes “not to be served but to serve.”
What would “being great” look like to you? How much do you want that? How willing are you to serve the other(s) in that quest? When have you experienced that when you are weak, God’s power is strong? Savor those memories and ask for open eyes to see where you might serve today.
You are our servant, Jesus. You are a suffering servant, and still you march through the desert, through nights alone in prayer, and now to Jerusalem. Let us serve you along the way.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Jeremiah 17: 5-10; Psalm 1; Luke 16: 19-31
Trust. “Blessed are those who trust,” Jeremiah exclaims, he who was himself a suffering servant, so persecuted. He knows that the human heart is devious and perverse, he himself a victim of it. And yet those who trust in human beings are like those in desert places. In the gospel parable, poor Lazarus could not trust the milk of human kindness in the man by whose door he languished. He evidently trusted God, and flourished in the next life, while the rich man thirsted in agony in the flames. “Jesus told this parable to the Pharisees who loved money.”
And how do you feel about money? About the poor languishing at your door? About the poor languishing at “the door” of the rich nations, especially Canada and US?
Pray about your personal attitudes toward money, and write a letter to your government about forgiving world debt. Trust that your small effort will help.
Forgive us our closing our eyes so often to the poor among us and across the seas.
Thank you for entrusting to us the care and service of the helpless ones in your Body.
Friday, February 22, 2008 - Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23; Matthew 16: 13-19
Shepherd. We in no way worship chairs, but we do honor the early Christians of Rome who remembered their dead on this day, especially “their” apostles, Peter and Paul. When their feast was shifted to June 29, Romans continued to celebrate their bishop who holds “the chair of Peter.” The gospel’s question by Jesus: “Who do you say that I am?” is always relevant, but today we focus on another title of Jesus: Shepherd. When Jesus spoke of shepherds in the synoptic gospels he was referring to God, but in John’s gospel and here in 1 Peter, Jesus is called the “chief Shepherd.”
How do you experience Jesus? Who do you say he is for you? Servant? Leader? Shepherd? Other titles? Namely, ______. Shepherd in Latin is pastor. How is he your pastor? How are you called to continue his work of pastoring, even without ordination?
Pray for pastors, clerical and lay, in our church and other Christian churches. Pray for vocations to pastoring: priests, lay ecclesial ministers, women and men religious.
Jesus, chief Shepherd, let us share your mind and heart. We are your kin, not a flock, but one with you and each other. Help us help you call all to your kin-dom with you as our one Shepherd.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Micah 7:14-15, 19-20; Psalm 103; Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
‘Emet. Very often in the Hebrew text of the psalms and Isaiah hesed (cf. February 9’s reflection) and ‘emet are linked. Indeed today collects many of the words we have been pondering since Ash Wednesday: turn, shepherd, forgiveness (the prodigal son parable), trust. Trust is one possible translation for ‘emet. It also means steady, faithful, everlasting, enduring, and today in the psalm, “steadfast love”. Like the father in the parable, God’s love is enduring and steadfast, always waiting for our return. Micah promises us that God will cast our sins into the depths of the sea, and the psalm, that God will crown us with steadfast love and mercy.
Psalm 103 is a long meditation on God’s steady and unconditional love. Why should God’s love be unconditional and faithful? Because, unlike ourselves who can be deluded into thinking we are “somebody,” “God knows how we are made, God remembers that we are dust.” It is worth looking up and praying this entire psalm, choosing a verse to memorize, letting it sink in, learning it “by heart.”
How can we ever thank you for such faithfulness to us, when we are so often unfaithful to you and our kin? We take the cup of salvation and call out our thanks to you!
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Sunday, February 24, 2008 - Third Sunday of Lent
Exodus 17: 3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8; John 4: 5-42
Living water. Living water, with an endless source, is much prized in a dry land. Moses strikes a rock and water gushes out into the desert. Paul writes of the love which God has poured into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises the Samaritan woman “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman responds: “Sir, give me this water!”
Open your eyes to the water around you. Open your memories to the larger waters you have seen, tasted, floated in. Now look deep into your own heart and ask to experience the living water, the love of God who is the Spirit, gushing up, softening your heart, refreshing your desert places. Pray for all those who find praying a desert, and for all those who must live in a physical desert.
Today we do hear your voice, and thank you for your love which softens our hearts. Thank you for your grace, your own life, which is an endless source of joy.
Monday, February 25, 2008
2 Kings 5: 1-15; Psalm 42; Luke 4: 24-30
My heart and my flesh sing for joy. This sentence is from the entrance antiphon. We continue reflecting on the power of water which restores the flesh of Naaman the Syrian leper. “As the deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, O God,” cries the psalmist. There is no joy in Nazareth however as Jesus reminds the people that God loves those outside Israel, like Naaman and the widow of Zarephath.
The Word became flesh “and his own did not receive him,” we hear in John’s prologue.
And we, how do we accept our own flesh, and the weak and mortal flesh of Jesus?
Lent is a good time to search for any trace of leprosy in our own lives. Don’t examine your conscience but ask the Spirit to show you your sick, sinful or diseased places. Sit quietly and see what the Spirit bubbles up from deep within you. Let the Spirit show you what needs cleansing, healing. Repeat as a mantra all day: “My heart and my flesh sing for joy!”
We long for you, O God! Jesus, come today in flesh, let our hearts and flesh sing
in union with yours. Your heart and your flesh sing for joy!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Daniel 3: 25, 34-43;Psalm 25; Matthew 18: 21-35
Heart. “Heart” is used over 800 times in the Jewish scriptures. It is the center of the human person and it is the source of God’s love. From the fire into which he was thrown, one of Daniel’s three companions prays: “Now with all our heart, we follow you….” The gospel acclamation is God inviting us through Joel: “With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender and compassionate.” Jesus concludes a parable about forgiveness with this warning: “So will my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Jesus’ Father will turn us over to the torturers if we don’t forgive? Shocking! Yet, that is how important an authentic, forgiving heart is to God and Jesus.
Forgiveness is not a virtue we can practice, not an act of the will. It is God’s gift to be begged for. Where is your heart hardened against someone? If you cannot think of any person in your personal circle, how about in your government, our church, our world? Beg to forgive, and pray for your “enemies.” Ask for a new heart as God’s Easter gift to you.
Grant to us, O Lord, a heart renewed. Recreate in us your own Spirit, Lord! With all our heart, we follow you, Jesus! Make us tender and compassionate, we beg.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Deuteronomy 4: 1, 5-9; Psalm 147; Matthew 5: 17-19
Fulfill. Moses tells the people that they are a “wise and discerning people” because they have a God who is close, and cares enough to give them Law. Jesus says he did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. We are not bound by Jewish Law, which was the first way in which God revealed God’s own self. The most perfect revelation of God’s own self is Jesus, who makes the Law full and gives us his Spirit to guide us into truth, justice and love. When we Christians come across a psalm which praises the Law, we can simply change the words for Law -- statutes, ordinances, commandments etc to Word. Meaning Christ. The gospel acclamation does that: “Your words are spirit and life.”
Paul writes that children need law, which is like a tutor, but when we grow up we are free. “For freedom, Christ has set you free” (Gal 5:1). Yet we do let other things fill us. We can become satisfied when we see how well we keep the law. If we need law to keep us in line, then Paul writes: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Ch rist.” There no way we can finish doing that. Think of those whom you will meet today. What are their burdens? What can you do for them? Think of the people around the world who are heavy burdened. What can you do for them?
Christ Jesus, you are spirit and life for us. Fill us full of your Spirit to teach and guide us. Let us be so full of your Spirit that we overflow with care and compassion.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Jeremiah 7: 23-28; Psalm 95; Luke 11: 14-23
Hardened hearts. “Heart” has been woven all through this weeks readings.
First God accuses the people of stubbornness, stiff necks and lack of attention. The psalmist urges us: “If you hear God’s voice today, harden not your hearts.” Once again the gospel acclamation tells us of God’s heart: “Turn to me with all your heart, for I am tender and compassionate.” In the gospel, Jesus is attacked. How painful it must have been for him to be accused of using the power of Satan to cast out demons. How did he keep from hardening his heart against his attackers?
Ask him. Listen. Ask him to show you any parts of your heart that are hard. Beg him to soften you with his own tenderness and springs of living water.
We do hear your voice today, tender God, and offer you our hearts just as they are. Transform them into the compassionate heart of Jesus, we ask.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Hosea 14: 1-9; Psalm 81; Mark 12: 28-34
Hear. As a boy, Jesus surely learned the shema by heart. “Hear, O Israel!” (Deut 6:4-6). The second commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. To love God means to listen, and to love our neighbors means often to listen to them. To love ourselves we need to listen to our bodies, our desires and feelings. For the Jew, listening was the way to contemplate. And listen to God’s poignant cry, God’s desire in Psalm 81:
“Oh how I wish you would listen to me! I would feed you with finest wheat and honey from the rock.”
How can you listen to God today? Ask the Spirit to show you any blocks to your hearing. How will you listen to those whom you meet today? What do you need from God to listen more care-fully? Ask.
We do love you, tender God, with our whole heart, our whole being, mind and strength. Help us to listen today to our neighbors, and also to the cries of the poor.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hosea 5: 15-6:6; Psalm 51; Luke 18:9-14
Knowing. Our selection from Hosea concludes with another of God’s desires: “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
We respond in Hosea’s words: “Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.” Jesus tells a parable to show us how important it is to know ourselves as we come to know God more deeply. A Pharisee marches to the front of the temple to tell God how good he is. The tax collector stands far away, praying, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” This is the true self-knowledge which opens the way into God’s heart.
Even if we cannot point to specific sins, we are sinners. How does that feel to you? Pray for the gift of rejoicing in your sinfulness, so that you may all the more praise God’s kindness and steadfast love.
We know your kindness and your faithfulness, our God. Remember us, your people, and have mercy on us, God. Make us instruments of your mercy.
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During Lent, in which we use the same readings year after year, we are trying something different for our prayer, focusing on only one word or phrase from each day’s readings.
Sunday, March 2, 2008 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
1 Samuel 16: 1, 6-7,10-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5: 8-14; John 9: 1-14
Seeing. In the A Cycle of readings all of us hear the good news that the RCIA catechumens and candidates hear. Today Jesus tells a man born blind to wash in the pool of Siloam, which John adds, means “Sent.” In this gospel Jesus is the one Sent; go wash, be immersed in Jesus and all creation will look so different. Samuel will see that God has chosen David, the psalmist and we will see as we “walk through the darkest valley, and according to Ephesians, we ourselves are light. For the Jew, to know God is to hear; for the Greek, it is to see. Contemplation is that long, loving look at everything we encounter day by day.
How has the gift of seeing more deeply, more clearly, more honestly been growing in your life? What, whom do you want to see? Praise, thank and adore the one Sent to light us up from within, so that we may be an attractive sign of his presence and work in our world.
Our valleys are very dark, our deserts full of refugees, our cities darkened by crime. How we need you, Jesus, our light! Come and let us see you at work in our selves and our world.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Isaiah 65: 17-21; Psalm 30; John 4: 34-54
New creation. Although we don’t hear the gospel of water into wine during Lent, that sign of Jesus is alluded to in today’s “second sign,” the healing of an official’s son, simply by the word of Jesus. Jesus’ signs in John’s gospels are not ordinary miracles. Rather they put flesh on God’s word through Isaiah: “I am creating new heavens and a new earth….I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy.” God’s word, Jesus’ word is creative.
What new creation do you need/want in your life? What/whom do you want healed? Jesus work continues, as does God’s creation continue. Where has God turned your “mourning into dancing,” as the psalmist claims? Ask the Spirit to show you.
We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, our creating God, and ask you to re-create the hearts of all who live in the Middle East. Re-create us too, and make us instruments of your creative love.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; Psalm 46; John 5: 1-16
Water. Ezekiel sees water flowing from the temple, which becomes a mighty river; the river is alive with fish, and nourishes trees “whose fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Jesus encounters a man who longs for the healing waters of the pool at Beth-zatha but when Jesus asks him, literally “Do you want to be made whole?” the man never really answers, so discouraged and self-absorbed is he by his long years of suffering. Jesus heals him anyway, and the man reports him to his enemies.
Hear Jesus ask you, “Do you want to be made whole?” How will you respond? “Do you want to be fruitful?” What will the fruit in your life look like?
We come to you, Jesus, you who stir the healing waters and stir our weary hearts. Give us courage and energy. Make us whole, make us fruitful in your service.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Isaiah 49: 8-15; Psalm 145; John 5: 16-30
Work. “My Father is still working, and I also am working.” The attacks against Jesus are escalating, and he responds by stating that he only does what he sees God doing. Isaiah says that God works like a mother as well, feeding and leading and never forgetting “the child of her womb.” The psalmist reminds us that God continually works justice.
When have you seen God at work in your life? God labors, Paul and Ignatius assure us, that Christ be formed in us. Imagine God as a woman in labor, agonizing in hope that this child-world will emerge in peace and justice. How will you help God work
today?
We praise you, our God, for all your works are wonderful! Thank you for calling each of us to work with you for justice and peace. Show us, lead us, nourish us, we pray.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Exodus 32: 7-14; Psalm 106; John 5: 31-47
Witness. A witness sees and speaks. God tells Moses that God has seen how stiff-necked and idolatrous the people are, and God speaks with red hot fury. In John’s gospel the translators use “testify”, but in the Greek, the word is “bear witness,” and is
martyro. Jesus does not witness about himself but “the Father who has sent me testifies on my behalf,” and Jesus’ own works testify to him.
The Father sees Jesus and speaks. Look at God looking at Jesus, tenderly. What can you hear God saying to Jesus, about Jesus? Listen. Now look at God looking at you tenderly. What does God say about you?
Forgive us, tender God, for our own stubbornness, our choosing so many things before choosing you. Today we re-commit ourselves to you. Let us see you today.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Wisdom 2: 1, 12-22; Psalm 34; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30
Discern. Wisdom begins: “The ungodly reasoned unsoundly…” and concludes, “they did not discern…” The gospel tells of the people’s confusion when they see Jesus preaching openly without interference from the authorities. Is he the Messiah? Jesus cries out that the one who sent him is true, and they do not know God. Then they try to arrest him.
When have you been confused, wondering whose voice you are hearing as you try to make decisions, judgments? To reason soundly is God’s gift of discernment. Ask for it. Ask 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.
Today’s prayer: “God, our source of life, you know our weakness. May we reach out with joy to grasp your hand and walk more readily in your ways.”
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Psalm 7; John 7: 40-53
Judgment. Jeremiah reminds God that it was God who showed the prophet the evil deeds of the people. If he is persecuted it is because of God’s judgment. The psalmist begs God to judge him. After more confusion among the people, with even the Temple police refusing to arrest Jesus because “Never has anyone spoken like this!” the Pharisees call the crowd “accursed” because they do not know the law. Nicodemus who had come to Jesus at night in John 3, now speaks up in the Sanhedrin: “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing…”
We have to judge deeds as good or evil if we are to exercise our prophetic vocation, given in our baptism. We don’t, however, judge people as “accursed.” Who are we to read someone’s heart? Again, pray for the gift of discernment, of listening to what God says. If there is no clarity, best “not to judge lest we be judged.”
O God, grant us the trust and serenity to accept the things we cannot change; the courage and creativity to change the things we can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
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Sunday, March 9, 2008 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
Ezekiel 37: 12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8: 8-11; John 11: 1-45
Come out. Jesus commands Lazarus to come out, and he moves slowly, still bound with the winding cloths of burial. God too opens the graves in Ezekiel. The psalmist who opens his lament with “Out of the depths I cry to you!” is invited to come out. While Paul contrasts Spirit with flesh, but we must remember that Paul is not commanding us to leave flesh, our mortal bodies, when we “come out.” Flesh for Paul means those parts of us, those “depths” which we refuse to let the light of Christ, let the Spirit heal.
Hear Jesus say to you, Come out. Perhaps he addresses a piece of your flesh—an addiction, a relationship, a sin—that you have buried, hiding it from his healing touch. Out of the depths of you, he calls you into light and life. How will you respond? Slowly? He will wait. Needing help from others to unbind you? He will send them. Ask.
As Martha came to you, enraged that you didn’t come when called, help us to come to you the minute you call. Whether in tears, in anger, in deadness, you want us as we are. Reach into our depths, heal us.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Daniel 13; Psalm 23; John 8:1-11
Without sin. How we may wish we were without sin! Susanna is without sin, although falsely accused. The woman taken in adultery is with sin, and yet Jesus receives her and protects her from stoning. “Has no one condemned you?” he asks the woman. “Neither do I condemn you.” We are with sin, we dare not cast stones, and yet we too are received and protected.
Have you ever committed a sin deserving of death? Can you believe that Jesus still would have welcomed you and protected you? Pray to put down all your stones and to rejoice in such astounding mercy.
Let us see our sin, Holy Spirit, that we may be freed from our judgments of others. Don’t let us deny the truth of our weakness and even sin. Help us trust Jesus’ mercy.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102; John 8: 21-30
Lifted up. Numbers tells the story of the bronze serpent which healed Israel in the desert, still the symbol of the medical profession. But THE healer is Jesus who is lifted up. When you have lifted up the Son of Man, he tells his accusers, then you will know that I am he. Later in John’s gospel, the lifting up of Jesus is a play on words: lifting up on the cross and exalted—both the same word in Greek. Jesus mounts the cross as a throne, and lifted up, draws all the scattered children of God into one new family.
Pray for the new family which Jesus has created, especially those most in need of healing. Pray that all might be one in this new family. Pray for harmony among the tribes of Africa, Jews and Arabs, all the splinter groups of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Make us one in you, Jesus, you who have given every drop of your blood for that unity, that peace which the world cannot give. Thank you, healing Love!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Daniel 3: 13-20, 24, 49-50, 91-95; Daniel 3 (the canticle); John 8:31- 42
Free. The passage from Daniel tells how the three companions were freed from the fiery furnace. Jesus speaks perhaps the most quoted words from John’s gospel: “The truth will make you free.” What is not so well known is what leads up to that promise. The whole verse (31) reads: “If you make my word your home, you will be my disciples; you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” Most translations say “If you abide in my word…”
What translation do you prefer? How are you becoming more and more at home in the living Word of Jesus in scripture and sacraments and Spirit? What more do you need to learn (discipulus/a means learner) from him so that you know the truth and experience the freedom? Tell him. Wait. Look for his Word throughout the day.
You are our true comfort zone, Jesus. Only in you do we really find a home. Thank you for calling us to learn from you and be at home with you.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105; John 8:51-59
Keep my word. “Whoever keeps my word will never see death.” In the Genesis passage and in the psalm we learn of and celebrate the covenant word that God speaks to Abraham and his descendants forever. God keeps God’s word, and Israel tries to respond. Then Jesus makes a promise even better than the word to Abraham. Not a long line of descendants but life forever. To “keep” Jesus’ word shares the same root as Mary’s “keeping” all in her heart (Lk 2).
How do you keep God’s word, Jesus’ word in your heart? “Treasuring all these words,” “pondering all these things,” are other translations of “keeping.” Where do you find God’s word, and where might you find it today? What will you do with it? Ask for help.
We want to keep your word, Jesus, and after treasuring it, savoring it, we ask for the opportunity to hand it on, hand on your good news, to all whom we meet today.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Jeremiah 20:7, 10-13; Psalm 18; John 10:31-42
Entice. This word which Jeremiah uses to accuse God of seducing him, luring t God entices Jeremiah into a role which brings persecution, and yet, like all the psalms of lament, Jeremiah concludes his lament with a shout of praise and trust. Perhaps that is what Jesus was doing when his attackers came too close. He disappears, as though God were enticing him into the desert across the Jordan from where he was baptized.
How might Jesus pray as he rests in the desert? Ask him. Listen. When have you been enticed, lured, seduced by God? What happened? Share your experience with Jesus.
“You have seduced us, O Lord, and we let ourselves be seduced.” Thank you for the beauty, the goodness and the truth of you which so attracts us to intimacy with you.
Saturday, March 15, 2008 - Solemnity of Saint Joseph
2 Samuel 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 4: 13, 16-18, 22;
Matthew 1: 16, 18-21,24
Save. Our first three readings highlight the covenants God made with David and with Abraham. The gospel underscores the covenant God makes with us. In Matthew’s gospel it is Joseph, not Mary, who has the annunciation of Jesus’ conception, birth and name. His name is Jesus because he will save us. For many Christians, being saved means getting to heaven. However, from the Hebrew, yesh, the root of Yesh-ua, to save, means to be set free. The Hebrews coined the word when they experienced God’s saving action in leading them from slavery in Egypt. We often think of Mary as a kind of mediator of Jesus’ saving action, but here it is Joseph who is the conduit of good news to us.
What devotion do you have to Joseph? When do you pray to him? You might try taking the Angelus and substitute Joseph for Mary, viz, “The angel of the Lord declared unto Joseph. He took Mary and her child into his home,” etc. Revise the Hail Mary to focus on Joseph: “Hail Joseph, full of grace,” etc. How does that feel to you?
Thank you, Joseph, for rearing this child, for protecting him from Herod, for finding him in the temple. We owe so many of his values to your modeling and teaching him how to be a Jewish man, and to reverence women. Thank you.
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During Lent, in which we use the same readings year after year, we are trying something different for our prayer, focusing on only one word or phrase from each day’s readings.
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - Passion (Palm) Sunday
Isaiah 50: 4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2: 6-11; Matthew 26: 14-27: 66
Emptied. The fullness of joy as the people, waving palms, greet Jesus as a hero gives way to his cry of abandonment in the psalm and the hymn to the one who emptied himself. Because of his obedience God gave him the name above every name. Because of his obedience he could, emptied, let God “morning by morning waken his ear to listen as those who are taught.” Obedience from the Latin means to hear. He who knows suffering in his bones and his spirit is “given the tongue of a teacher that he might know how to sustain the weary with a word.”
What word do you hear from Jesus today that sustains you in your weariness? What do you need to be obedient, to listen more carefully, more deeply? Tell Jesus.
What do you need to be emptied of self-absorption, to be humble?
May we come to share your divinity, Jesus, you who humbled yourself to share our humanity. Thank you for opening yourself to the fullness of God’s love. Help us.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Isaiah 42: 1-7; Psalm 27; John 12: 1-11
Anointed. In the gospel, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, “for his burial.” In Isaiah’s portrait of God’s anointed servant we recollect how Jesus has acted through his public ministry: bringing justice, not breaking the bruised reed, being light to the nations, opening eyes that are blind, and bringing out of prison those who sit in darkness. “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom should I fear?
What do you fear? What do you need? What actions during Jesus’ brief ministry spoke to your heart, to your need? Although by the end of the week he will be dead, his action continues, so share with him all your fears, your feelings, your desires.
We do believe we will see your goodness in the land of the living, Anointed One,
our Messiah, our Christ. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Isaiah 49: 1-6; Psalm 71; John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Coming in, going out. God promises through Isaiah that we will all be gathered to God’s own self, so “that my salvation might reach the ends of the earth.” This is the gathering of all the scattered children of God, John’s “reason” why Jesus was lifted up, died to bring into one new family all the scattered children of God (11:52). Will it all be thwarted because Jesus in today’s gospel tells Judas to go out? Judas “immediately went out. And it was night.”
Where is “night” in your life right now? In the life of the nations, in the life of our planet? Will God’s salvation be thwarted because of evil? This is a week to focus on evil and to pray mightily that “the savior of the world” will prevail, that all creation will be gathered to God.
Jesus, strong to save, be our Rock of refuge. Cleanse our own hearts, our own communities from any sin. Cleanse our world of betrayal and evil, we pray.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 69; Matthew 26: 14-26
Speech. Jesus heals so many mute people that we have to marvel at the great gift of speech. Isaiah lauds it: “God has given me the tongue of a teacher that I may encourage the weary with a word.” The psalmist cries: “I will praise the name of God with song.” Then Jesus at table with his friends is asked who will betray him. Judas’ distorts speech with his, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus uses the same phraseology as with Pilate later in his “trial”: “You have said so.” To teach, to comfort the weary, to sing, to betray, and tomorrow we will sing “Pange, lingua.” Sing, my tongue!
Consider your speech. How do you value the words of your mouth? How do you value the words of scripture? How do you value the Word? Ask forgiveness for your sins of speech and ask God to put a new song in your mouth.
Oh God, so many are so weary right now, perhaps grieving already in anticipation of Friday’s pain. Heal us, and make us instruments of peace to those who grieve the evil of this world. Grieve with us, God.
Because these following days strike us speechless, let us listen to a simple prayer of Jesus' and respond....
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Jesus says: “Stay here and keep watch with me. Watch and pray.”
And we respond:....
Friday, March 21, 2008
Jesus says: “I thirst.”
And we respond….
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Jesus says:
And we respond: …
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EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2008 ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
Jesus says: “O give thanks to our God, for God is good!”
And we respond:….
Monday, March 24, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 2: 14, 22-33; Psalm 16; Matthew 28: 8-15
Jesus hopes to set us free from striving, to show us that it is all God’s work. Notice how often in Peter’s sermon Jesus is passive: “God raised him up….You [God] make me full of gladness in your presence…This Jesus God has raised up…” What can we do but “come to him, take hold of his feet, and worship him” as did Mary Magdalen and the other Mary who meet him on the road?
How is your balance of activity and passivity? In your various relationships? In your relationship with God? Could you let go and let God raise you up? What might that look like? What needs raising in your life? Could you cling to Jesus? If so, what change might that effect today in you?
“Our hearts are glad, our bodies rest secure….You show us the path to life, fullness of joy in your presence.” Let us let you raise us, change us, rest us, fill us. You are Lord.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Solemnity (Annunciation: March 31)
Acts 2: 36-41; Psalm 33; John 20: 11-18
God continues to work on Jesus, according to Peter: “God has made him Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified.” Our question echoes the question of those who heard Peter speak: “What should we do?” Peter’s response then, and Jesus’ call now, even amid the joy of Easter, is “Repent.” We always need to change our take-charge ways. Then Peter says: “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
If you really did receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, what might happen in your life? What would be changed? What do you want? Share your great desires with Jesus.
As you spoke Mary’s name in the garden and she recognized you, Risen Christ, help us to hear you call our own name throughout the day. Help us to respond to you as the Spirit leads.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 3: 1-10; Psalm 105; Luke 24: 13-35
Peter and John give what they have to the lame beggar: the name of Jesus. Jesus continues to receive. As he walks with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “he walked ahead as if to go on. But they urged him strongly, saying: “Stay with us because it is almost evening …
So he went in to stay with them.” He who would wash feet now is himself cared for. He who would include everyone in his new kin-dom is now included in their supper.
What are you strongly urging Jesus to do now? What is Jesus urging you to do, to give, to receive? If you really knew that he stayed with you, what would change in your life? How would you let him tend you, and how would you tend him?
We are foolish and slow of heart, Jesus. Open our minds to your wisdom, and fire our hearts with your Spirit. Make us zealous in loving and receiving love.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 3: 11-26; Psalm 8; Luke 24: 35-48
God does the work: “God has glorified God’s servant, Jesus…the Messiah appointed for you.” According to this earliest understanding of Jesus (Christology) Jesus is the appointed Christ but will not operate as Messiah “until the time of universal restoration.” In the gospel, Jesus asks for some fish and then explains the Scriptures to his friends: “The Messiah is to suffer…” God did not need or want Jesus to be tortured in a classic abuse of power, but to be fully human, to love his brothers and sisters so totally, Jesus “had to” experience this kind of injustice in his dying, as so many continue to do today.
Ask Jesus to open your mind and explain the Scriptures to you. How is Jesus, in the last 24 hours of his life, like us in all things? What does it mean for him, not to cling to divinity, but to empty himself? What about you, your self absorption and your self emptying? Talk this over with Jesus.
“May we come to share the divinity of Jesus who emptied himself to share our humanity.” Help us to be human in the face of this world’s inhumanity. Make us instruments of peace and unity, we pray.
Friday, March 28, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118; John 21: 1-14
In the gospel, Jesus comes to find his own lost sheep, the apostles who return to “normal” by fishing all night and catching nothing. This story is replete with details. First, a call, “It is the Lord,” by one who is beloved and so very attentive. Then, a naked Peter jumps into the water. Finally, a charcoal fire with fish and bread on it (can’t you just see Jesus fumbling with flint, scaling and gutting the fish, digging deep into his bag for bread to toast?). Then he invites: “Come and have breakfast.” Instead of foot washing, which most of us in our culture won’t have a chance to offer, he makes a meal. Whatever it takes to serve, that is our master, leader and lord!
Every gospel invites us to get involved, to participate in the action. Are you someone who frequently recognizes the Lord? Are you impetuous, so eager to get to him that you jump into the sea? Are you so identified with Jesus that you find various ways to be of service to friends and “sinners” alike? To be “in” this scene is to be “out” of your self and its self-absorption. It is totally to identify with, or to keep your eyes and heart on Jesus. That is contemplation. Enjoy him. Eat his fish and bread and sit with him on the beach a while. Listen.
Great meal, Jesus! Thank you for all your services throughout each day. Open our eyes to the services others might need, and give us generous hearts, quick to love.
Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 4: 13- 21; Psalm 118; Mark 16: 9-15
Throughout the week, the psalm refrain has always been Alleluia. Our solemnity, our week long celebration is coming to a close. The gospel reminds us of all the weeping the friends of Jesus had been doing when Mary of Magdala is sent to them with good news. It is the reading from Acts of the Apostles, however, which issues us a challenge, not only to pray for our governments, but to stand fiercely in opposition to laws which oppress the poor, the marginalized, and minorities. Peter and John have been forbidden to use the Name of Jesus in public and Peter boldly asks: “Whom shall we obey, God or human beings?” That is the question.
Ask the Spirit to show you whether like some of Jesus’ friends, you sit mourning the injustices in our countries and in the world, or whether you could challenge in public some of the policies which threaten our children, people of color, the hungry and have-nots. Wait. Listen. See what bubbles up. What is the Spirit enlightening you about? What to do? How to do it? Beg for wisdom and courage to change the things you can. Can you locate a group who have long thought it was better to obey God and struggle for justice and peace?
O God , grant us the serenity and the trust that you too are hungry for justice, the courage and the creativity to join you in changing what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
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Sunday, March 30, 2008 - Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
First, fear and a locked door. Then Jesus came, stood, spoke peace. Jesus showed them his wounds and spoke peace to them again. (They still don’t get it!). But then! Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit...” According to this passage from John, on Easter night, we have a first coming of the Spirit. “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again” is the mystery of faith, the core of baptism, eucharist and the gospel. Actually we should profess: on Easter night, Christ HAS come again and remains with us, the Holy Spirit living deep within us, continuing to speak peace, to forgive, to mission us as peace-makers and reconcilers in a divided and divisive world.
What do you need from the Spirit deep within you in order to make peace and unity in the world, in your nation, in your family, in your workplace, among your neighbors? Ask for what you need. Then let go, trust. What would delight the heart of Christ more than that you should join him in “making all one,” gathering into one new family all the scattered children of God?
Although we do not see you, we trust you, Jesus. Make us more devoted to the community, to the breaking of bread, to prayer. Add more and more people to our number, we ask.
Monday, March 31, 2008 - The Annunciation of the Lord
Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1: 26-38
One acclamation links our readings: “Here I am! I come to do your will.” And Mary’s, “Be it done to me according to your word.” In Luke’s gospel, Mary is open to the word of the angel; in Matthew’s gospel she is obedient to the announcement Joseph offers her, after he dreams of Jesus, the savior. We usually do not converse with angels, but find God’s will in more ordinary circumstances. We are called to obey reality, our bodies, our families, our communities, our doctors.
In all that frustrates you, in all that enlivens you, try to say: Here I am! I obey your will! Look at the circumstances of yesterday and see how the Lord was announced to you. Look at today and tomorrow. How might it be done in your life according to God’s word?
O God, grant us the serenity and trust to accept the things we cannot change. Help us to find your Word, Jesus, in all the circumstances, all the reality of our daily lives.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Acts 4:32-37; Psalm 93; John 3: 7-15
“The community of believers were of one heart and one mind...” (Acts 4:32). Being of one heart and one mind includes dialogue, speaking one’s truth in community. To become one mind, one heart is the Spirit’s work. We, however, cooperate with the Spirit when we put our needs, wants and hopes (not expectations) before the community. Then the Spirit can lead us all into honest dialogue and to wise decisions that prosper the community. Like the wind, as Jesus instructs Nicodemus, the Spirit blows where it will, and sometimes blows in new and surprising ways. That is why every voice, every mind and heart is needed to contribute to building or uncovering community truth.
In what ways do you/can you foster dialogue in your family, parish, community? Ask the Spirit to show you any block to speaking your truth, and to give you the courage to contribute to the wisdom of the group. Ask the Spirit to share the Spirit’s own creativity with you.
Make us one in heart and mind, Risen Christ. You promised that all would be drawn to you when you were lifted up. You are raised so please draw us. Make us one with all creation.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Acts 5: 17-26; Psalm 34; John 3: 16-21
Our gospel for today has unfortunately become an almost mindless slogan, draped over stadium walls: John 3:16. We “insiders” recognize “God so loved the world...” but what is our understanding of God’s “giving” Jesus to the world? In this season so close to the Passion we might think of God as handing Jesus over to torturers to pay for our sins. We need continually to rethink our faith and our understanding, our images of God, Jesus and what salvation means. God gave Jesus to us in the whole of what incarnation means. We did not torture him.
What do you believe in so strongly that you -- like the apostles who were jailed in today’s first reading, and eventually martyred -- would be willing to die for? Are there any beliefs so strongly rooted in you that you would risk excommunication, for example, rather than recant? Where does such faith come from? Ask for a deepening of faith.
Draw us more closely to the light that we may live in truth. Let all our works bear fruit for your glory; may our works “be clearly seen as don in [you].” God of grace and glory.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Acts 5: 27-33; Psalm 34; John 3: 31-36
Our two readings are linked today by the theme of obedience. Peter and the apostles tell the Sanhedrin, “We must obey God rather than human beings.” In John’s commentary we are told the source of our obedience: the Spirit. “God does not ration the gift of the Spirit...” Obviously filled with the unlimited outpouring of the Spirit, the apostles’ courage impels them. They conclude their defense before this gathering (of what would be bishops to us) with this boldness: “We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey the Spirit.”
All Christians are bound to obedience. All of us are made prophets in baptism, called to speak in the Spirit, to comfort the afflicted and to critique unjust structures in both society and church. We probably are more comfortable comforting, perhaps even critiquing society. But to obey the Spirit, to use prophetic wisdom, also means to critique the unjust structures we find in the church. Ask the Spirit to open your eyes, ears and mind to see where any injustice may lie. Ask the Spirit to give you the wisdom and creativity to change what you can, even in some small way.
You are close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit, you save. Thank you for sharing that ministry with us. Free your Spirit in us, Jesus, that we may speak the truth.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Acts 5:34-42; Psalm 27; John 6:1-15
We see prophetic courage and wisdom in the flesh. The Sanhedrin is so “infuriated they wanted to put them (the apostles) to death.” A Pharisee, Gamaliel, “respected by all the people”, suggests that this ruling body do nothing to the apostles. If their movement is from God nothing will destroy it, and if it is not from God, it will destroy itself. While agreeing with Gamaliel’s rationale, the Sanhedrin vented their violence by flogging the disciples. The apostles however rejoiced to be found worthy to suffer dishonor, and even more boldly kept proclaiming that name, Jesus.
Violence. Jesus. All around the world, in so many nations and in so many homes--violence. Jesus’ name heals and sets free. Picture all the situations of violence which the Spirit will call to your mind and, bowing your head, pronounce the powerful name of Jesus over each situation.
You are our light and our salvation, Jesus, so whom should we fear? Remove the barriers that our fears create so that we can appreciate all people, all nations, all religions. Give us peace.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; John 6:16-21
Our alleluia verse proclaims: “Christ is risen...and has shown mercy on all people.” Within that framework, we look at the dissension within the early Christian community. Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews, who believed in Jesus as Messiah) complained against the Hebrews (Aramaic speaking Jews, also believing in Jesus as the Christ), and particularly the Twelve. The Hellenist widows were being neglected. The Twelve did not want to “wait on tables”. Jesus was one who indeed waited on table, washed feet, cooked breakfast on the beach. Now the “deacons” (because diakonia in Greek means service) would work and the apostles pray. Soon the community organized the widows into the “order of widows” to serve the daily needs of the community. Just a few years after the Jesus is raised as Christ, he needs to show mercy to the widows, the minorities, and the apostles who had once again forgotten his teaching and example!
Do you have trouble balancing work and prayer? Ask the Spirit to bring to mind all the dissensions in our Christian community: locally, diocesan, world wide church. Then ask the Spirit which groups are being neglected. What can you do to reach out, in service (diakonia) to someone who may feel neglected in your family, your circle of friends, your parish?
As you filled the seven chosen to wait on table with the Spirit and wisdom, fill us and free our hearts from egoism, self-serving and elitism. We serve you in the least.
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Sunday, April 6, 2008 - Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2: 14, 22-28; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1: 17-21; Luke 24: 13-35
The letter of Peter tells us that we are exiles. However, Peter in Acts reminds us that as Jesus was freed from death, we too will not be abandoned. Peter is quoting Psalm 16 and applying it to Jesus. According to that psalm, like Jesus we will not see “the Pit,” for God is our inheritance. God is our chosen portion and our cup. Like the disciples en route to Emmaus we can drink deeply of God’s presence as Jesus explains the scriptures to us along the way. “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening.” Now we are Jesus’ chosen portion; he stays with us, not just for one Sunday evening supper, but always.
Remember a time or times when you did feel like an exile, abandoned, as disappointed as the disciples on the road. Recall it in as much detail as possible. Invite the Risen Christ into that situation now. How is he with you, for you? How will you respond. Pray for all those exiled, in refugee camps, running for their lives, abandoned spouses and children.
Thank you for staying with us, day after day, Jesus. May we see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly day by day. Live in us and through us, we pray.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Acts 6: 8-15; Psalm 119; John 6: 22-29
There is an apparent tension in our readings. The communion antiphon portrays Jesus’ blessing us with peace that the world can not give, yet in the first reading with Stephen is accused of disturbing the peace, speaking against Moses, the temple and the Law. Stephen is supposed to have said that Jesus “will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” How the leaders of the Jews hate change, like many of us. Where is Christ’s peace in Stephen who seems to be tearing down? Yet Stephen is described as “full of grace and power...his face like that of an angel.” The word for power is, in Greek, another name for the Spirit, and the Spirit of peace fills him even as he utters “Change!” In the gospel, Jesus announces that “God has set God’s own seal” on Jesus. “Seal”, too, often refers to the Spirit.
It is never too early to begin preparing for Pentecost. Ask to be full of grace and power today. Ask for Christ’s peace in your self, in your family, in your nation, in our church, and in our world. Ask that Christ’s own power be poured out. Ask to treasure the seal (we used to say “indelible mark before Vatican II changed our customs!!) of your baptism and confirmation. You might sing at various times throughout the day “Peace is flowing like a river...” The deserts of the Middle East and Africa certainly need the peace and power of the Spirit.
Fill us with your peace, Christ Jesus, and we will be your instruments. Take our anxieties and deepen our trust in you, in the Spirit who makes all things work for our good.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Acts 7:51-8:1; Psalm 31; John 6: 30-35
Today Acts sets before us that classic choice: life or death. Choose life! We see Stephen accusing the Sanhedrin of a culture of death, which he symbolizes in those biblical terms: “uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit!” Circumcision is not about knives and pain but about the One to whom we belong, women included. Then, after his summation of the history of Israel, with the leaders enraged and grinding their teeth at him, Stephen gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. He chooses life, or rather God chooses to fill him so deeply with the Spirit of Jesus that he expresses Jesus’ own attitude as they begin to stone him to death: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Life is forgiveness, even as we are dying.
Today first pray for all in our tortured world who are filled with death, rage, revenge and ask God to rid you of any such attitudes as well. Then ask mercy for those who are killing Iraqis, Israelis, Palestinians, so many in African countries that we don’t even hear about. Look at Jesus standing with God in glory, continuing our prayer and our hope for healing and forgiveness, our hope for justice and peace. Gaze silently on him as he radiates glory and peace to our world. In various moments of quiet during the day, let your gaze be on his glory.
We do choose life, thanks to your grace, our God, and the power of your Spirit. Give us the grace of inner peace, the grace to extend your mercy and forgiveness even to our enemies.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Acts 8:1-8; Psalm 66; John 6: 35-40
It is interesting to note that Stephen, a Hellenist (Greek speaking Jew) is killed and those like him are expelled from Jerusalem. However “all except the apostles” (Aramaic speaking Jews); they are spared persecution. Speculation is that already the Greek speakers had a concept of a divine son of God of which the Hebrews, who had recently died (during the Maccabbean period) for their monotheism, could not yet conceive. A Christological controversy? But interesting theology does not always lead to prayer. More important today is Jesus’ explanation in the gospel of God’s will: “This is the will of the One who sent me: that I should lose nothing of all that God has given me, but raise it up on the last day.”
When were you given to Jesus by God? When did God claim you? You CANNOT be lost then, for it is Christ, the ruler of the universe, who holds you close. All creation will be raised up, and surely you will be, you who are held fast. This is God’s will for you. How will you respond? Can you sing, dance, laugh? If you are worried about the salvation of someone in your family or circle of friends, even your pet or your garden which dies every year, give them all to the cosmic Christ to hold and to raise up. Alleluia!
Thank you for finding us, Good Shepherd, and for holding us fast. You cannot, you will not lose us. Help us to trust that you hold us close and are already raising us up to God.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Acts 8: 26-40; Psalm 66; John 6: 44-51
Our two readings highlight the two sacraments found in the New Testament and celebrated by all Christian churches, the Easter sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Philip the deacon is seized by the Spirit to evangelize an Ethiopian Jew, who asks, after hearing Philip’s good news, “What is to prevent me from being baptized right now?” “If you believe with all your heart,” Philip responds, “you may.” In the gospel, Jesus gives us his flesh as bread: “Whoever eats this bread will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” We can get so accustomed to eating the bread of life, and can take the flood of the Spirit in baptism for granted.
When Philip asks you, do you believe with all your heart? --what do you believe? Ask the Spirit to show you in whom you place your trust, your life, your loves. Ask for life in our world, not death; for love, not hatred and revenge; for freshness of faith, not clinging to customs. And thank, thank, thank!
Let all the earth cry out with joy! Let all of us, the baptized and the nourished, the unchurched and the hungry, cry out for you! We praise you, Savior of our lives!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 117; John 6: 52-59
Acts tells, and will tell twice more, of the conversion of Saul. There is no horse, no changing of religion, no vision, but a powerful auditory experience of Jesus speaking to him. Not only is Saul’s heart and all his attitudes changed, (especially his reliance on the Law), but the persecutor comes to believe that what he is trying to do to the least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters in Damascus he is doing to the risen Christ himself. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute ME?” The overarching belief that Paul hymns in all his writings is that we are the Body of Christ. Whether we are persecuted or in consolation, whether we are small or important, we are all gifted, en-Spirited, one in this Body which lives forever.
Jesus can speak directly to your heart. How have you heard Jesus speak to you? If nothing leaps to mind, ask the Spirit to teach you. Listen. Wait. If you think you have never heard his voice, ask to hear it, to know in your gut and whole self that he is alive, raised from the dead, your leader and Lord. Listen. Wait.
With all the nations, we praise you, Risen Christ! Great is your faithful kindness toward us all, your Body. Help us to reverence each other more deeply.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Acts 9: 31-42; Psalm 116; John 6:53, 60-69
The work that God wants is that we believe in the one whom God sent. Today’s passage can be painful to any who have risked sharing their inner life with another. Jesus does so, makes himself vulnerable, and his “saying is too hard.” Who can eat his body and drink his blood? Many disciples murmured, “returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him.” Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks if they too want to leave. His question is not a test. We who know how totally human he is understand that he is not play-acting. This question must tear him up inside, for if these close friends leave too, he is friendless on this earth. He does not know how they will respond. He waits.
Console Jesus today by often repeating Peter’s words of assurance: “Master, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life.” When making a decision, asking Jesus directly, “to whom should we go?” may help you discover the mind of Christ in your choice. Thank him for being so vulnerable in his self-disclosure.
We do believe in you, trust you, want to befriend you all our lives, Jesus. Turn our doubts into dancing. Open us to listen well to “hard sayings” from our church or our friends.
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Sunday, April 13, 2008 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2: 14, 36-41; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10
This is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday, although the readings do change from year to year. While the Synoptic gospels dramatize God/Jesus searching for the lost sheep, John uses “a figure of speech with them.” He calls himself the “gate.” It is through him that we all enter the one fold. With an allusion to Isaiah, Peter reminds us that we like sheep were going astray, but now, returning to the Shepherd, and the gate to God, we are healed, paradoxically, by his wounds.
Picture the Risen Christ before you. Instead of asking to put only your hand in his wounded side, ask to enter his wound and come close to his heart. In your imagination feel the healing rays of light and warmth encircling you. Rest in him.
Besides restful waters you lead us, to refresh our drooping spirits. We do stray, get lost, weary, distracted. Keep us and all your people close to you, dear Shepherd.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Acts 11: 1-18. Psalm 42, John 10:1-10
Abondanza! In the gospel Jesus tells us just why he came and why he stays, God-with-us: that we might have life in abundance. He comes not to test us, correct us, even guide us, but so that we might know God’s love and faithfulness in great gushes of life! Not a trickle from a faucet, not an eight ounce glass, not gallons, but a never-ending fountain of living water from deep within us: the Spirit. “As deer long for flowing streams, so we thirst for God” (Ps 42).
Our sequential reading of Acts shows us how the early church made its decisions. The conversion of the Gentile Cornelius and his household is told today in Peter’s own words, when he is confronted by those who would exclude Gentiles from the early church. After Peter is rebuked by God (“That which God has made clean, you may not call unclean.”) he is called by messengers from the Gentile Cornelius. Peter explains to his accusers: “The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating.” Peter asks, when the Spirit acted independently of custom and human law and falls abundantly on Cornelius’ whole household, “Who am I to hinder God?”
Ask the Spirit to show you whom you may call “unclean,” any “discrimination” or prejudice that lurks in your heart. Be still. Listen. Ask the Spirit to heal your fear of those people, and to replace the fear with acceptance and love. Pray for those whom you might wish to exclude.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for choosing us Gentiles to receive your abundance. Pour out your healing, unity, and peace on all peoples of this world. Make us instruments of your unity.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Acts 11: 19-26; Psalm 87; John10:22-30
Today we hear of Antioch, a center of missionary activity for the new church. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to encourage (his name means Son of Encouragement) that new community. Antioch was the first community to welcome Paul too, and it was there that we were first called Christians. This community, the church, Jesus says in the gospel cannot be taken from him, because we are given to him as good shepherd by God. We in the States who especially since 9/11 look for security can know ultimate security “in the Father’s hand,” in Christ’s hand. Yes, the church is full of sin and sinners, and yet we are held, just as we are, in one hand, a wounded hand. Psalm 87 concludes: “All shall sing in their festive dance, ‘My home is within you.’”
Ponder the name “Christian” in your heart. What has it meant and what does it mean for you? Share your feelings with Christ. Would you be willing to die for that name, or rather the experience of Christ behind that name? If not, ask for that grace. What feelings about the church are you carrying? Who is church for you? Who is wounded and held in the wounded hand? Are you “at home” in the church? Share your feelings with Christ.
Jesus, help us to be ever more at home in your wounded hand, your wounded heart. We love you and thank God for making us truly secure in you. We ask and thank in your name.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Acts 12: 24-13:5; Psalm 67; John 12: 44-50
The Entrance song proclaims: “I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers and sisters.” And where will we get the energy and courage to do so? The opening prayer calls on God who is “life of the faithful, glory of the humble, happiness of the just....fill our emptiness with the blessing of this.”
How will you, wounded or humble, empty or flooded with justice (another name for “grace” in the ancient languages), witness today in the world? “Blessing” means the entire life and glory and joy of God poured into us. Just as Jesus poured his whole self into bread and wine, into dying and rising, so God pours God’s whole self into us. Stay with that for a while. How might you be a blessing to those whom you meet today? Ask for the grace. And thank (eucharisto) God for all the blessing in your life.
Bless us, O God, and bless our weary, warring world. Pour your life into all the wastelands among the nations, among families and neighborhoods. How much we need you!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Acts 13: 13-25; Psalm 89; John 13: 16-20
Today’s first reading gives us an example of Paul’s missionary style. First he turned to the Jews and proclaimed the good news of all that God did in and for Israel, and in and for Jesus.
The psalm hymns King David, but of course he, the anointed, is the forerunner of the truly Anointed (Messiah, Christos) Jesus. God has found a Servant, David; and at the last supper, after washing his friends’ feet, Jesus, the true Servant, sends his disciples to serve as he does.
When have you been anointed? What does it mean to you now? If you were anointed for sickness, how will you serve in your health? You were anointed in baptism and confirmation, anointed for service. Remember God’s faithful love in your life and in your service.
Your faithfulness and steady love are always en-couraging us. We cry to you, make us servants, loving as Jesus loves. Help us find “feet” to wash.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Acts 13: 26-33; Psalm 2; John 14: 1-6
The careful hearer of the word today may catch that in Paul’s sermon in Acts, twice he proclaims that God raised Jesus from the dead; yet in the communion antiphon, Paul writes to the Romans: “Christ rose again to make us worthy of life.” Was he raised or did he rise? These variations and sometimes actual contradictions within the New Testament trouble some Christians. Within its 27 books, the first doctrines (Latin for teachings) are in a process of development. There may be as many as 30 different Christologies in the New Testament. Instead of proclaiming one absolute truth, we the church have to share our current experience of Christ and his place in our lives. We cannot judge, let alone condemn, any who may not have received as God’s gift what we claim to be the “fullness of faith.” Instead, today’s gospel offers encouragement. Jesus announces that he is “the way, the truth and the life.” Clinging to him, not to absolute truth; coming every day to know him more fully, not doctrines about him; growing in wisdom and grace as we share life with him-- that is our call, our universal call to holiness.
What doctrines have changed, developed in your own spiritual life? What do you know of Jesus and God’s action in and through him? What more do you want to know? Share that desire to know him more deeply with him. Is there someone in your circle with whom you could also share your faith in (and love for) him? Try it.
You encourage us not to let our hearts be troubled. “Trust in God, trust in me.” We do trust. We give you our troubles, trusting you to heal our anxieties, our greeds, all that divides us.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Acts 13: 44-52; Psalm 98; John 14: 7-14
“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If you know me, then you will also know the Father’...Philip said to him, ‘Master, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father....I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Remember that to a Jew, knowing someone is very intimate, so close that the Jewish scriptures use the word “know” for sexual intercourse.
Whom do you know? Jesus? the Father? the Spirit? the source of all being, however you name God? If you have any trouble with God’s will in your life, remember that what we see Jesus willing, choosing, passionately desiring in his life is what God wills. Ask to know God’s will for you and for our world. Wait. Listen. Stay silent and “see” Jesus. And if “whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” whom do you see in him? Throughout the day, use this affirmation: “I am in God and God is in me."
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Sunday, April 20, 2008 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2: 4-9; John 14: 1-12
Throughout the Jewish scriptures, God is imaged as a Rock. Today, the image is developed: Jesus is a living stone, “a cornerstone chosen and precious.” His being chosen and our being “in him” makes us a chosen people, a royal priesthood. Therefore as Jesus reminds us in the gospel, there is nothing to fear with this living Rock to protect us, this cornerstone to whom we all adhere. “Whoever has seen me,” Jesus reminds Philip, “has seen the Father.” To know Jesus is to know God. To know Jesus’ passionate desire is to know God’s passionate desire. Unity, not the division in the community that we hear of in the reading from Acts. No, we are all joined, “called out of darkness and into marvelous light.”
What do you need from Jesus today? How can he help you remain faithful to the grace in your life, that unconditional and tender love of God poured into your heart? Ask the Spirit to teach you. Listen. Wait. Try to feel being called into light, God’s kindness to you.
Thank you, Jesus, once rejected and now footwashing ruler of the universe, our Rock, our hope. To you we, living stones, cling. Build us up into one united household, we pray.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Acts 14: 5-18; Psalm 115; John 14: 21-26
“The Advocate (also translated Comforter), the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have told you.” Jesus will not leave us orphans, but dwells in us, he promises. How passionately God wanted to become one of us. Alleluia! Even in the Easter season we celebrate the incarnation!
Have you ever felt persecuted like Paul and Barnabas? Neglected? Despised? Ask the Comforter to wrap the warmth of Christ’s love around you. Who are the people you fear, or at least don’t want to come too close to? Look at Jesus looking at them, each one of them, tenderly. If you can’t join him in gazing tenderly on those whom you fear and/or avoid, ask the Advocate to plead on your behalf for that grace of acceptance of all people. Ask for their comfort.
Thank you, Jesus, for sending us not only a Teacher for our minds, our questions and doubts, but a Comforter to wrap us in warmth and the peaceful security that is You.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145; John 14: 27-31
One of the ways the early church prayed, discerned and made decisions was to listen to those who had experienced the Spirit at work. In our first reading, Paul and Barnabas call the church at Antioch together and “related all that God had done with them, and how God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles.” In the gospel, Jesus promises us all peace which the world cannot give. Where is peace recently? We are horrified at reports and photos of torture, war and refugee camps. We might be tempted to despair, but Jesus assures us that the “ruler of this world...has no power over me.” Instead he assures them: “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
Ponder (or treasure) in your heart how this Jesus, at his last supper, who soon will sweat blood in Gethsemane in a panic attack, can still hope. He is made Prince of Peace because of all that he suffered as a prisoner of an occupying army, and he did not despair. He knows where true power lies. He is the innocent lamb of God who bears (tollis peccata mundi) the sin of the world, and we cry: GRANT US PEACE! Keep your eyes fixed all day on him, fearful and hoping, prisoner and supremely free, and offer to keep sharing with him and bearing with him the sin of the world.
Take away our sin and the sin of the world, and grant us peace! We beg!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Acts 15: 1-6; Psalm 122; John 15:1-8
In the gospel Jesus speaks of God’s method for getting us to bear more fruit: God prunes us. Paul and Barnabas and all their success in preaching to the Gentiles are about to be pruned. When they come to Jerusalem with their good news of the Gentiles turning to Christ, instead of the joy as in the Antioch church, the Jerusalem church is wary. A group of Pharisees who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah insisted that Gentile converts had first to become Jews, being circumcised and keeping the entire Law of Moses, which of course Paul did not require. Trouble is brewing in the early church, “no small dissension.”
The foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, like Jesus with his promise of pruning, taught that the “works of God go forward slowly and painfully, but their roots are all the sturdier and their flowering all the lovelier.” This is the dying/rising pattern so central to Christian life. Ask the Spirit to call to your mind when something you wanted (as Paul wanted the Gentiles included in the new community) “went forward” slowly and painfully, but then came resurrection. Jesus would call it “much fruit” after the pruning. “My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” To be a disciple is to be a learner. Ask the Spirit to teach you.
As we remember the past pain of pruning, open our eyes to see the good fruit you have brought through us, Jesus, and to trust that all things work together for our good.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96; John 15: 9-11
Jesus speaks at his last supper of the mutual abiding or indwelling of God and Jesus and ourselves, living continually in mutual love and joy. The long reading from Acts of the Apostles shows how even differences of theology cannot split the community who lives in mutual love with God and Jesus. Paul and Barnabas have shown how the Spirit has led the Gentiles to Jesus, but the whole church, after some silence and “much debate,” listens as Peter rises and tells the whole assembly of his religious experience. He was “converted” when the Spirit fell on the Gentile Cornelius (Acts, 10) and there was no Law or circumcision involved. His point is well taken even today: “Why should we place on the neck of the disciples a yoke (the Law) which neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? Peter asks. “We believe that we will be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
We are saved by grace, a translation of hesed, the unconditional and faithful love of God, made flesh in Jesus. Ask for the grace to believe this more deeply than any other “truth” of our faith and you will know the deepest inner peace and joy which will overflow in gratitude and service. Nothing we do nor don’t do will win us salvation, only the extravagant love of Jesus, steadily faithful even if we waver. If we need more proof, look at the “good thief” who turned toward (conversion) Jesus and asked to be remembered. This criminal is with Jesus today in glory.
“This is the work of God,” you said, Jesus, “—to believe in the One whom God sent.” We do believe and trust you, not our works or merits. You are grace and only you save!
Friday, April 25, 2008 Feast of Mark, evangelist
1 Peter 5:5-14; Psalm 89; Mark 15:20
Mark is an evangelist. We know that our baptism makes us prophets, priests and royalty. Baptism, union with Jesus in his mission, also makes us evangelists. When and what do you write, and to whom? How many emails? Letters? Cards? Why? Sometimes it is just business, but so often we reach out to comfort and encourage. We are writers of good news, and how much more often our smile, our kindness, our right word is truly good news for someone we meet. Jesus is joy. Jesus’ joy is in us. We do not receive a chunk of Jesus’ joy, but rather Jesus takes joy, delight in us; and when we can take that in, we overflow with the joy of being loved and delighted in.
How important it is to let Jesus make known to us the very inner life of God. Shhh. Listen. Wait. Then look at Jesus looking at you not only tenderly but joyfully. His joy is in you. “And the Father will dance” because you just are. Take it in. Breathe deeply. Loved deeply and forever by God, Jesus and his Spirit. How will you respond?
How can we respond to such great love, such unconditional and faithful tenderness? We take up this good news and in many small ways, we promise to pass it on. We love you, Jesus, our joy!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100; John 15: 18- 21
In these days when the media is full of war, depicting only some of all those killed, maimed and fleeing, this gospel makes eminent sense. The world does hate us. Unfortunately it hates us because “the Allies,” so-called “Christian” nations frightened of Muslim fundamentalism, are the persecutors. “I have chosen you out of the world--therefore the world hates you,” Jesus promises. We have shown “the world,” the whole global community, that we are not chosen. Instead we are full of hatred, greed, vengeance. “Not me!” you might retort. Or you might stand at the back of church and simply pray, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Ask the Spirit to show you your fears, prejudices. Ask for the grace to speak up against war and violence of any kind. We need the courage of the first apostles in our social situations to speak against any social injustice. Quietly, firmly, courageously. Ask for the grace.
Make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is injury, pardon. Have mercy on us all!
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Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; Peter 3:15-18; John 14: 15-21
First Peter, a baptismal homily, exhorts newcomers to the community to be ready to give an account of their hope when they are maligned or persecuted. The source of our hope is the Spirit, Jesus promises in the gospel. We will not be orphaned but will be in deepest union with Jesus and God. “I will love [you] and reveal myself to [you].”
This self-revelation is the means to intimacy. No wonder the first reading and psalm have a theme of joy. Out of the pain and persecution in the Jerusalem church comes our mission to the world, and first to the outcasts in Samaria. The Spirit produces hope, love and joy, and inspires our mission.
Ask the Spirit how you might give an account of the hope you have. If you feel sad and hopeless about so many conditions in the world, ask the Savior of the world how you might be missioned to do some small work of hope, spread some bit of joy, reach out to just one “outcast” today.
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy! We believe that your Spirit, risen Christ, permeates every bit of creation from the smallest atom to the farthest star. Give us hope!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Acts 16: 11-15; Psalm 149; John 15: 26-16:4
The rabbi Paul does a new thing. Even today Jewish men upon waking pray: “I give you thanks, God, that you have not made me a Gentile, a slave nor a woman.” So we are astounded by Paul’s turning to a group of women, led in prayer by Lydia. Women were not required to worship on the sabbath, but obviously Lydia (so far from Jerusalem) had not heard this teaching by the rabbis: “Better for the Torah to fall into the fire than to fall into the hands of a woman.” But the Spirit “opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.” After she and her (!) household were baptized, she opened her home to the newly baptized of Philippi. When Paul had left, as head of the household, Lydia would have led the Eucharist. In today’s gospel Jesus warns that “they will put you out of the synagogues.” Lydia and the new-found Philippian church have turned that “persecution” into the grace of inclusivity. All are welcome.
Who is welcome in your heart? First, bless those you love. Then ask the Spirit of truth to show you the truth about any of your prejudices. Ask for healing, openness, an inclusive heart manifested in small ways today. Let Jesus lead you and “open your heart” as once he did Lydia’s.
Forgive us these great social sins of racism, classism and sexism, Jesus. Save us from bigotry and even our small prejudices. Make us one. Let us help you make all welcome.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Acts 16: 22-34; Psalm 138; John 16: 5-11
Today in our reading from Acts, Paul and Silas are flogged. As in Abu Ghraib, they suffer the humiliation of being stripping naked. After the earthquake that freed Paul and Silas from prison, the jailer is so ashamed, so terrified of the “reprimand” he will receive that he is ready to kill himself. Paul shouts in a loud voice: “Do not kill yourself, for we are all here.” This moment of crisis offers a chance for Paul to get away, but instead Paul finds a teachable moment. He prefers, of course, to instruct and baptize the jailer and his household. Then the jailer bathed their wounds, bringing the prisoners into his own home to feed them.
Let us pray for all those who have disgraced themselves and us in the jailing and shaming of Iraqi prisoners. Let us pray for forgiveness for all the times we may have “escaped” rather than stayed in a dangerous situation to preach/share the good news. Let us pray for those stripped naked, whether literally in forced prostitution (trafficked women and children), or figuratively: stripped by war and violence of their families, their work, their homes or homeland, their dignity in any way.
Keep us from killing our spirits, Savior of the world, because we are afraid of terrorists, afraid of the unknown, afraid of death. By your cross and resurrection, set us free from fear.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; Psalm 148; John 16: 12-15
Paul preaches to the Athenians that we “live and move and have our being” in the one true God. He is mocked for his belief in the resurrection by most. Some, however, including a woman, Damaris, become believers. In the gospel Jesus makes yet another promise to believers: we shall receive the Spirit of truth who will guide us into all truth, especially the truths about Jesus who in his turn has handed on all that he heard and received from God.
What does believing mean to you? What does truth mean to you? How have you come to belief? How has your faith grown and developed? What part has crisis played in the deepening of your faith? Ask the Spirit of truth to teach you. Wait. Listen. Ask for the grace to be more aware all through today of the One in whom you live, move and have your very being.
Heaven and earth and each human heart is full of your glory! You make yourself known in Jesus, through your Spirit. We worship you and thank you for your great glory!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Acts 18: 1-8; Psalm 98; John 16: 16-20
Today we can celebrate an Easter weekday, as do the Canadians, or Ascension Thursday, as do some US dioceses. We all can celebrate Joseph the worker. Decades ago, especially in France, the worker-priest movement arose. Today in Acts we find their inspiration: Paul. When he arrived in Corinth he stayed with and worked with two Christian Jews, Prisca (or Priscilla) and her husband Aquilla. They made tents during the week, “they worked together,” and on the sabbath Paul would go to the synagogue to try to convince other Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. They “opposed and reviled” Paul who would later write to the Corinthian community that the crucified Messiah (no wonder the Jews reviled him) was God’s wisdom, wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness stronger than human power. When Paul finally gives up with the Jews, he moves to what became in the young Christian community a “house church,” like the one founded in Phillipi by Lydia. There the Gentiles are eager to receive Paul’s message and were baptized.
How often our daily reading of Acts ends with “and they were baptized.” Faith is God’s gift. It seems Gentiles were more open to a crucified Messiah, the Wisdom and the Power of God in the weak and mortal flesh of Jesus. And you? What do you consider wise? Whom do you consider powerful? Ask to know the wisdom and power of God in the dying, dead, and raised body of Jesus. Ask to see God’s power at work in the culture of death that surrounds us. Ask for the gift of hope. How shall God’s wisdom and power, God’s bringing life from death happen? What do you want?
Joseph, thank you for sharing your love for Mary, your values about work and prayer with Jesus and now with us. Bless all workers, and especially those who cannot find work.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Acts 18: 9-18; Psalm 47; John 16: 20-13
As we have had a continuous reading of Acts, so too the Last Supper discourse, chapters 13-17 of John’s gospel. While the former is action packed and reads like an adventure story (the adventure of the Word moving from Jerusalem to Rome), the latter is deep and calls for contemplation of Jesus’ last words, revealed by the Spirit to John’s community so many decades later. “Your pain will turn into joy,” he promises, and uses the image of a woman in labor. What joy when the child is born, such joy that she forgets the pain. “No one will take your joy from you.”
What is your experience of pain turning into joy? Wait for the Spirit to let your memories bubble up. “No one will take your joy from you,” Jesus concludes today’s reading. Ask for the steadiness of his own joy deep in your heart. It may not be bubbly and vivacious, but an abiding peace that makes you truly happy no matter what rages around you. You are living in him, in his joy, and his joy is in you.
In such a joyless, competitive, greedy society, how much we need your joy and hope, Jesus. Thank you for the Spirit who gives us all these good gifts!
Saturday, May 3, 2008 - Philip and James, apostles
1 Corinthians 15: 1-8; Psalm 19; John 14: 6-14
We continue our Easter themes in the first reading when Paul tells us that Jesus made a special resurrection appearance to James, and in the last supper discourse, when Philip asks, “Show us the Father and we will be satisfied.” Jesus’ response is crucial to our understanding of God. Jesus shows us what God wants, how God is, that God washes our feet. “To see me, Philip, is to see God.” God eats with sinners, God speaks with Samaritans, God welcomes everyone to the table.
In this gospel Jesus tells us that we will do greater works than his. Oh? What works do you see Jesus doing? God acts in that way. What works do you want to do? Tell God your great desires. Ask for the grace to be a footwasher, seeing even the small needs of people and serving whoever comes into your path.
We are your servants, we are your apostles today. Thank you for choosing us to bear much fruit. Remind us of our solidarity with all whom God welcomes to the table.
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Sunday, May 4, 2008 - The Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1: 17-23; Matthew 28: 16-20
Matthew doesn’t offer us a visual of Jesus’ ascension, as Luke does in Acts of the Apostles. Matthew says the eleven disciples are commissioned to make disciples and to baptize. Luke tells us that when the Spirit comes in power, all 120 who will gather in the upper room will receive the mission to be witnesses to Jesus. It is Ephesians which speaks to our hearts, promising wisdom and knowledge of Jesus. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, the author prays, so that we may know hope, the riches of God’s glory, and God’s supreme power proved in the raising of Jesus from death.
Ask for the gift of an enlightened heart. You may want a lighter heart; you may want insight; you may want to know Jesus directly, in a felt experience of union. Keep your eyes open today to see the “riches of God’s glory.” Gerard Manley Hopkins asserted: “The world is charged with the glory of God.”
Let us see the electric power and energy that binds all creation into one, God of glory, God of power. Let every creature sing to us today of Jesus’ homecoming to you. Such joy!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Acts 19: 1-8; Psalm 68; John 16: 29-33
In Acts we hear of a group in Ephesus who were baptized as John the Baptist’s disciples and who had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Once they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in tongues and prophesied. To prophesy does not mean to tell the future but to speak in the name of the Lord Jesus, or to be so close to the mind and heart of God that we dare to speak in God’s name. This fullness of Spirit and prophecy is our gift too. So is the courage to which Jesus exhorts us and which Paul put into practice: “Take courage,” says Jesus, “I have conquered the world.”
In such a troubled world, ask for the gifts of courage and hope to believe that Jesus is indeed Lord of the world. Once we too might not have heard much about the Holy Spirit. And now? Ask the Spirit to show you herself and how she draws you so close to Jesus and to God that you can share their thinking and their loving and can share that good news with others, courageously.
We long for the coming of your Spirit, and yet believe and really know how you have filled us already with your Spirit, Jesus. Thank you for such a great gift, your love poured out.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Acts 20: 17-27; Psalm 68; John 17:1-11
Today’s theme is death. Psalm 68 assures us: “To God belongs escape from death.” The entrance antiphon from Revelation proclaims Jesus’: “I have met death, but I am alive!” In Acts, Paul grieves as he leaves the leaders of the church in Ephesus: “I know none of you will ever see my face again.” But the most touching scene is the gospel, as the Last Supper ends and Jesus finishes speaking to his friends. Now at the table, he rises to pray. Here is his “last will and testament,” and what a will, what a deep and lasting desire, he lays before his God! “I am coming to you, Father. Protect these in your name, that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
When have you met death? How often do you ponder your own death? What would you passionately pray about as your last “will?” What do you want your last words to be? Repeat them frequently. Most of us have prayed for a “happy death”. What does that mean to you now? Share your feelings about death with Jesus, our pioneer through death to life. Then listen to him share his feelings.
You have met death, and you have borne our burdens day after day, even sharing in the experience of death. Thank you, for life, now in abundance and then, more than we can even imagine!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Acts 20: 28-38; Psalm 68; John 17: 11-19
As Paul bids the elders farewell, so Jesus continues his final prayer. Both speak of needing God’s protection. Paul says: “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock...After I have gone savage wolves will come in among you... Be alert...Support the weak.” Acts continues: “There was much weeping among them all.” Jesus says to his Father: “While I was with them, I protected them...guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except [Judas]...Make them holy in the truth. Your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” There is much weeping among so many people in our world, people who hunger, who thirst, who are violated, sold into slavery, ravaged by war. They are our flock. Not just elders and bishops are to tend these precious people of God whether Iraqi or Chinese, Palestinian or Israeli, Muslim or Hindu. We are.
The Word which is truth is a living and empowering word. Jesus, the Word, has sent us into the world through our baptism and confirmation. We are ambassadors of reconciliation, justice, peace and unity. If you have only a small circle of people to whom you are physically sent, let the Spirit work through your imagination (and the media) to take you around the world to the “weak” whom we are to support and love. Even those whom our country might name the “enemy,” we dare not call anything but brother and sister. Picture each kind of person whom Jesus refuses to “lose” and pray: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you do have mercy. You are mercy in the flesh. Let us continue your mission of calling all to the new kin-dom, calling each brother and sister. Make us one, we beg!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Acts 22:30, 23: 6-11; Psalm 16; John 17: 20-26
Our Acts passage is so pertinent for our times. Paul is put in prison because the tribune sees that all Jerusalem is about to riot, and he wants to protect Paul. But the tribune wanted to know of what Paul was being accused so he brought him to the Jews. Paul got a trial, and threw his accusers into a violent argument over a difference in Jewish belief, actually getting the Pharisees to stand up for him! “That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage!” We continue to pray for prisoners of all nations. In the gospel Jesus repeats himself (as we often do in prayer), so deeply is he concerned for the unity of his disciples: “May they be completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.” He concludes, “May the love with which you have loved me be in them, and I in them.”
Try to treasure all day long those words in capitals above. ALL the love which God has poured into Jesus God now pours into our hearts, minds, bodies, wills. In Romans 8, Paul writes: “How much God wants to lavish on us all that God is.” Jesus let God lavish all of God’s love on him. And we? How much of your self do you want to open to the love of God? Open that much now, and let God flood you. Tomorrow God may increase your capacity. Will you let God do that? No pressure. Jesus is in us, always. Alleluia!
Again we thank you for the gift of your Spirit who comforts those oppressed and en-courages those who work for justice. Make us one with Jesus and with all creation!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Feast of Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, SSND
Acts 25: 13-21; Psalm 103; John 21: 15-19
Acts continues to read like political intrigue with Paul languishing in prison, making his case, appealing to the highest court. In the gospel, with the final prayer of Jesus at his last supper concluded, we have an abrupt switch to the peaceful lake shore where Jesus and Peter (and the others) have just eaten the breakfast Jesus has fixed for his friends. Now Jesus asks Peter about his love. With each profession by Peter of his love for Jesus, he is given a task: to feed, to tend, to feed. Peter is not told to maintain true doctrine, establish liturgical rubrics--just feed and tend. Mother Theresa was a good shepherd, tending the new congregation of School Sisters because, like Peter, she knew that she loved Jesus with all her heart.
Jesus not only asks Peter but each of us: “___________, do you love me?” Respond. Do you love Jesus enough to suffer as Paul suffered? How do you show your specific love for the Body of Christ? How do you lay down your life, not literally as Paul will, but with sacrificial love for those around you? Ask the Spirit to show you how you love. Ask the Spirit to transform and deepen your love. Pray for all who are desperate for food in our world.
Thank you for all your service of us, Jesus: footwashing, making breakfast on the beach, loving us to death. Help us to discover old and new ways to serve your people.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11; John 21: 20-25
In our continuous reading of Acts, we have witnessed the march of the Holy Spirit toward the “center” of civilization, Rome. The Spirit shakes the upper room and floods the 120 disciples, sending them to the “ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles, sometimes called the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, details the progress of the Spirit through its 28 chapters. Today, as Acts ends, Paul ends his days imprisoned in Rome, “teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
Tomorrow is Pentecost! The Spirit of the Lord will fill the whole earth and every cell of each of us! Tell the Spirit what gifts you need in order to teach about the Lord Jesus with boldness, with love, with patience, with what else? Adore the Spirit deep in your own heart, even in your unconscious mind. Try a wordless adoration.
Come, Holy Spirit, through Mary. Teach us to treasure all our experiences in our hearts as she did. Shape us as contemplatives, but also fire our eagerness to go on mission!
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Sunday, May 11, 2008 - Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104; 1 Corinthians 12: 3-7, 12-13
The Spirit is imaged as wind and fire, as mover and shaker, the one adopting us, filling the world, teaching us. The Sequence offers so many more images of the Spirit who is God’s power, energy, and love poured out.
Here are some images from the Sequence. Taste each one and savor the ones which attract you. That is prayer enough: Radiance. Consoler. Wisdom. Guest. Refreshment. Rest. Coolness in the heat. Consolation. Light. Grace. Fullness. Healer. Melter. Warmer. Guide. Salvation. Joy.
O Jesus, how much we need you to send out your Spirit to renew the face of the earth, to renew all peoples. Give us the gift of forgiving. Give us the gift of peace. Thank you!
Monday, May 12, 2008
James 1:1-11; Psalm 119; Mark 8:11-13
Ordinary time slaps us awake. There is no celebration of the Spirit for an octave. Thus we begin a continuous reading of James and step right into a climactic section of Mark. Up to chapter 8, Mark has been wowing his readers with miracle stories, but in this chapter Mark begins to tell of a suffering Messiah. Those who want magic will turn away. And so it is with the rich, James warns. “In the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.”
On what do you spend your energy? What keeps you busy? How do you feel about the ordinariness of your life? The psalmist says, “It was good for me that I was humbled.” When have you felt that the humble, the ordinary brought its own blessings?
Don’t let us wither away, Holy Spirit. We adore you, want you, need you. In-spire all that is humble and ordinary in our lives with your radiance.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
James 1: 12-18; Psalm 94; Mark 8:14-21
Today’s readings remind us of our Christian duty to give alms. Jesus warns his disciples to beware the bread of the Pharisees. Although they have brought one loaf in the boat with them, they think he is scolding them because “we have no bread.” One loaf is bread. So many in our world today haven’t even one loaf, are without rice, their very sustenance. James reminds us that every gift we have received is God’s generous act, and we are to become the first fruits and do likewise. James also reminds us that God never tempts anyone, but our own desires (our greed)
“lure and entice” us.
Pray for the hungry of our world, the greedy (probably including ourselves who harbor some inordinate desire) and all those who are addicted to any substance and/or behavior. Ask for the grace to be satisfied with “one loaf” – whatever that may be. Ask for the grace of a grateful heart.
Jesus, we want you to be enough for us. You do satisfy the hungry heart in our rich first world, but so many elsewhere are dying of physical starvation. Feed us all, Jesus.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - Feast of Matthias, apostle
Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113; John 15: 9-17
The first reading tells of casting lots to determine who would fill Judas’ place among the Twelve. It seems the whole group of 120 presented two candidates and that the whole group cast lots, after praying. In the gospel, even though Jesus had ascended by then, the community applies Jesus’ words: “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…to bear much fruit,” to Matthias. Because Jesus speaks in the community through the Spirit, because we have a living Word in the gospel, Jesus continues to choose and make fruitful, right to our day, to our selves.
Don’t think, but ask the Spirit to let bubble up from the depths of you, to show you when/how you were chosen. When/how are you an apostle? When/how are you bearing fruit? Ask and then be quiet. Listen to the Spirit within you.
Thank you for your living Word, our generous God! May your Word take flesh in us today. Fill us with your love and with zeal to make your Word known.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
James 2:1-9; Psalm 34; Mark 8: 27-33
“Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith?” James’ clarion call on behalf of the lowly is meant to stir our consciences, for as the psalmist says, “The Lord hears the cries of the poor.” In the gospel Jesus identifies himself with the poor and the oppressed, and his friends are not one bit pleased. Jesus warns that he will be a poor and rejected Messiah, not the figure of glory they expected. When Peter tries to persuade him otherwise, in very vehement terms (“Get behind me, Satan!”) Jesus lashes out.
Peter receives all Jesus’ wrath. How do you think they ever reconciled? Ask Jesus. Listen. Ask to be rich in faith and to pay attention to those who are poor in any way.
You emptied yourself, Jesus, to become like us in all things, poor, rejected, simple and dependent on others. Make us humble of heart. Give us your heart for the outcast.
Friday, May 16, 2008
James 2: 14-24, 26; Psalm 112; Mark 8:34-9:1
This is the passage in James that stirred up so much controversy for 450 years. Since 1999, Lutherans and Catholics, however, have agreed in a joint statement that indeed faith (trust) in Christ is what saves us, not good works (or worse, earning heaven, storing up merit). James writes that if we see a brother or sister lacking daily food and we say, “Go in peace, keep warm and well-fed” we do not really have faith. Faith means trusting God, being in union with Christ’s body. “Faith without works is dead,” James concludes. When we are in communion with Christ, we are eager to serve the other, to footwash, to provide for the needs of others, and we don’t respond with that kind of love so as to win God’s favor. Faith tells us we already have God’s favor and it is that joy and gratitude that motivates us to “works.”
What has faith meant to you over the years? How has your sense/ experience of union with the “least of the brothers and sisters” been growing over the years? Ask to believe that you are deeply and expansively loved by God, and let your heart respond.
Give us the courage to deny ourselves, Jesus, not to impress you or others, but simply to be available and of service to those who need us.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
James 3: 1-10; Psalm 12; Mark 9: 2-13
James offers us a meditation on the power of the human tongue, the blessing of it and the danger it affords. Psalm 12 makes quite specific some ways the tongue can sin:
lying, flattering, boasting, arrogance. Then such a switch of mood as Jesus leads his three friends (and us) up Mount Tabor. There he is transfigured. Peter wants to stay in that moment but he “did not know what he was saying….” Peter is in such awe that his tongue betrays him.
And your tongue? Don’t forget that before sin comes temptation. Do not judge yourself harshly for unkind thoughts. If you curb your tongue, the thought or judgment can be a temptation to which you do not succumb. Look at all that you think and do not speak aloud. Give Jesus all your thoughts, such as they are, kind or unkind, prejudiced or open, judgmental or merciful. Ask him to transfigure your thinking, and to help you not speak all that you think. Ask for the gift of wisdom.
Sin and grace, as well you know, Jesus, are as mixed in our lives as James’ warning and your transfiguration. Help us not fear our own failures, but to turn to you continually for transformation.
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Sunday, May 18, 2008 - Trinity Sunday
Exodus 34: 4-6, 8-9; Daniel 3; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; John 3: 16-18
The context of our first reading, to which the canticle of Daniel responds (“Glory and praise forever!”) is Moses’ request that God show Moses God’s glory. The way God manifests the glory is a name more personal and loving than “I am who am.” God’s beautiful name is the Lord, “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” In Greek the word “glory” is doxa, and indeed, for our Alleluia verse we have the doxology: “Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit….” Ortho-doxy is misunderstood if we think it means having correct doctrine. It means that we give God all the glory.
Don’t wrap your head around the doctrine of the Trinity, but rather contemplate who it is whom you call God or Lord. Is it Jesus or the Spirit, the Father or the Mother? “The glory of God is the human being, fully human, fully alive,” writes St. Irenaeus. Ask the Spirit to show you how today you might give God glory. What do you need to be more fully human, more fully alive?
We thank you for “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.” We give you all glory and praise! Make us one!
Monday, May 19, 2008
James 3: 13-18; Psalm 19; Mark 9:14-29
How are we to pray Psalm 19 which praises the Law, the precepts and ordinances, when we Christians have been set free from Law (Gal 5:1)? The Law was God’s first self-expression, and Jesus is the ultimate self-expression of God. Jesus is Word and also the Wisdom of God, hailed in James as “pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…” That is Jesus who casts a demon out of a child “through prayer and fasting.” Yes, Jesus fasted in the desert, but did not his power come from the fasting of emptying himself day by day? “I believe,” the boy’s father cried, “Help my unbelief!”
Contemplate Jesus as the expression of God’s glory, the Wisdom of God in the flesh. Contemplate Jesus who empties himself, continuing to be like us in all things, giving God glory through his being fully human, fully alive. Ask to believe.
May we come to share the divinity of him who emptied himself to share our humanity. Help us to fast from glorifying ourselves and to give all glory to you, our God!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
James 4: 1-10; Psalm 55; Mark 9:30-37
We have a theme today: humility. From the Latin humus, dirt, soil, the stuff of earth. Jesus frames humility in terms first, of serving, and then of becoming like a little child, for that is the truth; we are all children of God, we are all servants of God’s people.
James notes that sin springs from our cravings, things we grasp because we are too proud to ask. “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you,” James promises. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and God will exalt you.” “Alleluia! My only glory is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
And you? Where do you find your glory? Your call to service? Your cravings? Your ability or inability to ask, whether to ask for God’s grace or to ask for the service of another? Ask now that the Spirit show you where you are humble, and what is your growing edge. Listen.
Make us meek and humble of heart, Jesus. Release us, Spirit who sets free, from even more of our cravings. Let us glory in our weakness, in the cross, and give God the glory!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
James 4: 13-17; Psalm 49; Mark 9: 38-40
Pay attention, “all inhabitants of the world!” the psalmist cries. Jesus states that all peoples who are not against him are for him. Probably most inhabitants of the world are not against him. Muslims are not against Jesus, but revere him as a great prophet. James laughs at the plans we make, for “who knows what tomorrow may bring?” How marvelous if tomorrow would bring a new unity among all the inhabitants of the world!
Pray that all may be one. Pray that Christians may respect Muslims and Muslims respect Christians. Pray that all the inhabitants of the earth may live in peace, the peace that only Christ can give, whether the author of peace is acknowledged or not.
You save us because you love us, Jesus, and we give you thanks, on behalf too of all who do not know your name but serve the least of the brothers and sisters.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
James 5: 1-6; Psalm 49; Mark 9: 41-50
Psalm 49 continues its warnings to the rich, and James gets very specific about the tortures awaiting those who have “lived on the earth in luxury” and have “fattened” their hearts. To offset this, Jesus speaks of our treatment of the little ones. Yes, those who hurt or give scandal (stumbling block is skandalon in Greek) should be drowned, but those who give a cup of water in Christ’s name will be rewarded. Jesus’ teaching ends with his command, “Have salt within yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” He says it, we hear it, and it is done. We are salted with peace.
Who shall save us from our luxuries? The psalm’s antiphon tells us that we are blessed if we are poor in spirit. In his book on liberation theology, Gustavo Gutierrez reminds us that poverty is evil, but we choose to be poor, poor in spirit as well, for only two reasons: to be countercultural and to be in solidarity with those who are poor. How are you in solidarity with the poor of this world? How are you treating and how do you want to treat the little ones? Pray for them today. Tell God all that you desire.
How much we need you to save us, Jesus, to set us free. Save us from being “dull of heart” and let your Spirit keep us alert to all the ways today that we may serve your little ones.
Friday, May 23, 2008
James 5: 9-12; Psalm 103; Mark 10: 1-12
James writes, “You have seen…how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” The psalm’s antiphon is “The Lord is kind and merciful,” and the psalm itself reprises the first reading from Sunday: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love….as far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our transgressions from us.” It is hard to absorb so much kindness, and yet the Alleluia verse proclaims: “Your word is truth. Make us holy in the truth.”
If God’s word is truth, then the belief that God is merciful and gracious, a refrain first revealed in Exodus 34 and sprinkled through the psalms and prophets, must be trusted. When did you not trust God’s mercy? How did you come to trust? Ask the Spirit to bring this major conversion to trust to your mind. Then let your heart respond.
Make us holy in the truth, the truth that we are sinners, loved sinners, and that you alone save us from sin. Thank you! Thank you!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
James 5: 13-20; Psalm 141; Mark 10: 13-16
Jesus is with the children again, holding them, blessing them. In a culture which ignored children, he is once again countercultural. Two sacraments have roots in today’s reading from James. We say a sacrament is instituted by Christ, not by Jesus. The Spirit of the living Christ continues to reveal. If anyone is sick, the elders of the church should pray over them and anoint them with oil; this prayer and anointing will bring forgiveness of sin. Confessing our sins to one another also brings healing. The sacrament of reconciliation is decades away from being “instituted,” but the Spirit taught the young church the power of confessing sin directly to the ones whom we have hurt. With such vulnerability within the community, no wonder others said of the Christians, “See how they love one another.”
Let the children in your life pass through your memory and imagination and bless them. Then do the same for all those in your circle who are sick. And you? What healing do you need? Is there anyone to whom you must directly confess? Ask the Spirit to teach you. Listen to the Spirit rather than examine your conscience.
“Let our prayer come like incense before you,” as we pray in solidarity with the hungry and lost children of our world, as we pray with all the sick and dying.
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Sunday, May 25, 2008 - Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, 14-16; Psalm 147;
1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; John 6: 51-59
Jesus is quite blunt. We are to eat his flesh and drink his blood, and so abide in him, and he in us. This is a mutual indwelling that lasts forever. Eating Christ, one bread, makes us one body, Paul asserts. Our first reading summarizes all the ways God cared for the people in the wilderness, feeding them bread from heaven and slaking their thirst with water from the rock. Now the true Bread is here and the Rock is Christ who gives us drink.
This is a hard saying which caused some of Jesus’ disciples to walk away. What do you really, really believe about the Body and Blood of Christ? Share what is really your belief with Jesus and do not be afraid; he will not walk away. Then sit, open hearted, and ask his Spirit to deepen your faith.
Give us the courage, Jesus, to swallow your Body, you who abide in all those who aggravate or annoy us. Give us the wisdom to find your Body nourishing every person.
Monday, May 26, 2008
1 Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 111; Mark 10: 17-27
Peter writes about our relationship with Jesus: “Although you have not seen him, you love him.” The gospel tells of Jesus looking at a man and loving him. The man wants to inherit eternal life, and has kept all the commandments since his youth. Another translation reads, “Jesus looked at the man tenderly and said….”
We think we remember what Jesus said to this man and sometimes it stirs guilt in us. Today look at Jesus looking at you tenderly and saying what…..? What does he say specifically to you? You are seeing him and you are loving him. Bask quietly in that mutual look of love.
Thank you for the gift of our imaginations that let us see Jesus looking at us tenderly. We give thanks to you with our whole heart!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
1 Peter1:10-16; Psalm 98; Mark 10: 28-31
Peter says to Jesus in the gospel, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Unspoken is his, “What is in it for us?” Jesus can read between the lines and promises a hundredfold in this life, and life eternal.
Hold Jesus to his promise. Show him all that you have left to be with him, tell him all that he means to you. Then remember the hundredfold that has been yours already. The psalmist sings: “God has done marvelous things.” Remember those marvels specifically. Write them down for when you feel down and neglected by God.
How could you neglect us, God of grace, you who have carved us on the palms of your hands? Yours is a faithful and steady love, and we thank you!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
1 Peter 1:18-25; Psalm 147; Mark 10: 32-45
1 Peter is believed to be a baptismal homily, and today we read, “You have been born anew…” Jesus too speaks of baptism, asking the ambitious James and John if they can be baptized with the baptism he will undergo. They respond: “We are able.” Jesus has to warn them that their ambition, which has stirred anger in the others, is to be turned inside out. “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.” Jesus himself has come not to be serve but to serve. To wash feet.
Perhaps when you were just an infant you were initiated into a life of service, baptized into the Servant of God, plunged (the meaning of baptize) into his mission and ministry. How do you feel about that? How do you put that baptismal vocation into action? What do you want? Share your desires with Jesus.
Make us one, Jesus, in our shared life in you, one bread, one body, one call, one mission. In the diversity of our gifts for service, make us one in giving God glory.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
1 Peter 2: 2-5, 9-12; Psalm 100; Mark 10: 46-52
The story of blind Bartimaeus is Mark’s way of asking each of his readers, do you really want to see this Messiah who serves and suffers? Up to chapter 8 Mark has portrayed Jesus as a wonder worker, but in chapters 8-10 there are predictions of what kind of Messiah he is. Notice his respect for Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” This man wants to see. In Peter’s baptismal homily, he assures us that we have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. And more: we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own.
Jesus asks you today: “What do you want me to do for you?” And you respond, saying: ________. Ask mercy for those who walk in darkness and the shadow of death.
We give to you, God of mercy, all of our darkness, our blindness, that you may transform us into people of light and joy, attractive signs that you are with us always.
Friday, May 30, 2008 - Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Deuteronomy 7:6-11; Psalm 103; 1 John 4: 7-16; Matthew 11: 25-30
No other psalm hymns the deep and lasting kindness of God as does Psalm 103. And God’s tenderness takes flesh in Jesus, the one who invites us to come close, especially when we are weary and heavy burdened, whether with sin or responsibilities or sorrow. Moses tells his people and us that “It was not because you were more numerous [or more holy, or more wealthy, or more important!] than any other people that the Lord set God’s heart on you…”
Let that sink into your heart, your bones and being: “The Lord has set God’s heart on you…” What does that mean in your life right now? Come to Jesus with all your burdens and “cast your cares” upon him. Name each burden as you give them over. Jesus is gentle, and wants you, just as you are.
We bless you, Lord Jesus, surrendering all our joys and sorrows to you. Take us, Jesus, we are yours. You have taken our broken world into your heart and we want the grace to do likewise, in solidarity with all who are heavy burdened.
Saturday, May 31, 2008 - Feast of the Visitation
Zephaniah 3:14-18; or Romans 12:9-16; Isaiah 12; Luke 1: 39-56
Once we celebrated Pentecost for eight days. As we close the once-upon-a-time octave, it is appropriate to focus on Mary, who opened her heart as a youngster and again in midlife to the fullness of the Spirit. The Spirit who filled her womb, in about her 43rd year filled her with fire, missionary zeal, a hunger that the good news be spread to the ends of the earth. She who once traveled to visit her cousin did not go back after Pentecost to Nazareth to darn the apostles’ clothes. No, the Spirit enflamed her, gifted her every bit as much as the twelve. In fact, there were 120 in that upper room. The gifts and ardor which poured out on Pentecost equipped Mary for ministry, the building up of the new community and sent her on mission. Our gospel today begins: “Mary set out and went with haste...”
Besides visiting Elizabeth when both were pregnant with baby boys, where did the mature Mary, after Pentecost, set out for with haste to bring the good news? Ask her. Listen. Wait. No matter how old you are, may you join her in this mission? Ask her. Ask the Spirit to whom you are sent today.
Hail Mary, full of grace, growing in wisdom and grace as you aged. Pray for us and all those who are motherless in today’s violent world. Help us to share your mission.
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Sunday, June 1, 2008 - Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 10: 12-13, 11:18, 26-28, 32; Psalm 31;
Romans 1:16-17, 3: 20-26, 28;
Matthew7: 21-27
Today’s theme is spoken by Jesus: the one who will enter the kin-dom is the “one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” How do we know the will of God? Moses in the first reading equates the will of God with the keeping of the commandments, not keeping the Law.” Paul writes, “’No human being will be justified in God’s sight’ by deeds prescribed by the Law.” The key to all this contradiction might be the new commandment which is not really new. Moses tells us to love and serve God with all our heart.
To love and serve God with our whole heart? How do you do that? How do you measure that? Or can you? To “do the will” of God calls for a heart that is open, reflective and responsive, discerning in each situation how best to love the person, the project, the situation in which we find ourselves. Pay attention today to where your heart moves, and each time you love or serve, thank God.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! Thank you for your plans of peace for us, not disaster. Help us be instruments of peace and love today, we pray.
Monday, June 2, 2008
2 Peter 1: 1-7; Psalm 91; Mark 12:1-12
Today Jesus tells a parable so obviously directed to those who kill the prophets and will kill the son that Mark gathers in this chapter many angry, manipulative responses by the religious authorities. What might be Jesus’ response as they test him, even persecute him? Psalm 91’s antiphon: “In you, my God, I place my trust.” The Alleluia verse calls him the “faithful witness.” And in 2 Peter we learn all that God has graced us with through Jesus, especially that we “may become participants in the divine nature.”
Who tests you? Persecutes you? Ignores you? Nags you? Annoys you? Picture each of these people. With Jesus, say in blessing over them, “In you, my God, I place my trust.” Ask for his heart, meek and humble. “Humble” might call for assertiveness for it is not God’s will that any one’s dignity be trampled upon. Ask for the gift of discernment.
Deepen our trust in you, God of wisdom and grace. Help us discern when we should accept what we cannot change and when we should change what we can.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
2 Peter 3: 12-15, 17-18; Psalm 90; Mark 12: 13-17
We have three pieces of good news today. First, Peter exhorts us to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory!”
Then, Psalm 90 begins with the reassurance: “O God, in all generations, you have been our home.” Finally, Jesus turns the question of taxes to Caesar to his advantage: we are to give to the emperor what is the emperor’s. Most importantly, we are to give to God what is God’s.
What is God’s in your life? Where have you found a true home? When, how, in what circumstances have you found yourself growing in grace, growing in knowing Jesus? As you remember and give thanks you are celebrating “eucharisto,” the Greek word of thanks.
O God, you have always been our home. Satisfy us day by day with your steady and enduring love. Let your work be visible to us, and help us work with you.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12; Psalm 123; Mark 12: 18-27
Again Sadducees, the priestly caste who did not believe in life after death, try to trick Jesus with a sarcastic question about a woman married sequentially to seven brothers. To whom would she be married if there were really life after death? Jesus in turn accuses them of not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God. 2 Timothy reiterates Jesus’ belief in the God of the living: “Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” How? Because “God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to God’s own purpose and grace.”
Take a long, loving look at your calling. How is it holy? Where is the grace of it? Again, remember and give thanks. Celebrate this Eucharistic movement of your heart.
As the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters and mistresses, so are our eyes on your hands, our God. You have carved us on the palms of your hands. Thank you!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
2 Timothy 2:8-15; Psalm 25; Mark 12: 28-34
Mark’s chapter of controversy softly concludes with Jesus praising a scribe’s response. “After that no one dared ask him any questions.” The scribe “came near to Jesus” and asked about the primary commandment. Jesus answers, reminiscent of Sunday’s first reading, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord your God is one. You shall love your God with all your heart, all your spirit, all your mind and with all your strength.” This is the Shema of the Jews, their central article of faith. It is also very much the Muslim creed. As Christians proclaimed our early creed as “Jesus is Lord,” so the Jews and the Muslims, who profess “Allah is one, and Muhammad is his prophet.” As our first reading assures us, “There is no chaining the Word of God.” All three religions of the Book agree that there is one God. All three acknowledge and give thanks that God speaks freely a Word to God’s chosen people.
Ask the Spirit to draw you near to Jesus so that you might learn to love as he does. Ask to see where prejudice against Jews, Muslims or certain groups of Protestants still linger in your heart. Ask to be freed from fear and to believe heartily that in Christ there is no Jew nor Gentile, no Holy Roller nor Muslim, “but all are one in Christ Jesus”
(Galatians 3: 28).
Jesus, thank you for breaking down the barriers between peoples. Give us your freedom and love to include all people in our hospitality. Thank you for welcoming us all.
Friday, June 6, 2008
2 Timothy 3:10-17; Psalm 119; Mark 12: 35-37
Although we know that 2 Timothy is not an authentic letter of Paul’s it is still inspired and part of our canon of scripture. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” so writes the Pastor. If that is all scripture is good for, how sad. Scripture is a living Word, a way that God comes close, a way for us to digest and absorb not only items of interest about God but God’s own self. Scripture offers us a doorway into the very heart of God. It is a means of communion, a sacrament. As an ad for St. John’s, Collegeville, puts it: “Learning theology is good. Knowing God changes everything.”
First, what is your experience of scripture and its “uses?” Then, the Pastor lists how he is known to Timothy. “You have observed my teaching, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and suffering…” When you come to the end of your life, what do you want people to have observed in you? Share that with Jesus.
We live in your Word, Jesus, and trust your promise that God will love us and will come very close to us. Thank you for the gift of communion with you and our God.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
2 Timothy 4: 1-8; Psalm 71; Mark 12: 38-44
Today has a theme: aging and death. The Pastor writes that he is “already being poured out as a libation…I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race…” The psalmist prays: “Do not cast me off in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails me.” Finally, Jesus praises a widow (who is not necessarily old) who gives not out of her surplus, but gives “out of her poverty, everything she had to live on.”
In our society, you who are reading this on a computer, you have surplus. One area which levels the playing field however is aging, our fear of it, our watching every symptom of it, our self-absorption as our “strength fails” and our bodies hurt. This is another kind of poverty. What do you want to give to the church (not the Temple treasury!), the community, as you age? What is “all that you have to live on?” Pray for the grace of willingness to accept whatever comes to you, day by day, and to give what you can, day by day.
Take, Lord, receive, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. To you I return it. Take my liberty, my memory and imagination, my understanding and my entire will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me. And let me hand on, until my dying breath, your love and grace to all who tend me.
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Sunday, June 8, 2008 - Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Hosea 6: 3-6; Psalm 50; Romans 4: 18-25; Matthew 9: 9-13
Perhaps there is no clearer definition of biblical faith than that offered to the Romans: trust. Trusting God saves us. Being saved, which means from the Hebrew, being set free, then frees us to welcome and eat with the “sinners” of our personal world and our international world. In his gospel Matthew quotes Hosea twice, speaking in God’s own voice: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” The psalmist instructs us that the only sacrifice God wants is a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Name the sinners. Picture them. Start with your own self. See Jesus invite them (and you) to dinner. How will you respond to his invitation? To the others whom he has invited? Talk with him about your feelings – and his.
“Alleluia! The Lord sent me to bring good news to the poor and freedom to prisoners. Alleluia!” Free us, Jesus, from our fear of others. Give us welcoming hearts.
Monday, June 9, 2008
1 Kings17:1-6; Psalm 121; Matthew 5: 1-12
Often we hear the witty remark about “Not Ten Suggestions.” Yet those Ten Commandments are natural law, reasoned to by all civilizations over many centuries. What Jesus offers in today’s sermon on the Mount are not commandments, but eight invitations to share his way of being human. If we want to be poor in spirit, hungering and thirsting for justice, single of heart, he invites us today.
Can you name the Ten Commandments? Can you name the eight Beatitudes?
Why the discrepancy? Which of these invitations can you respond to most readily? Where do you most need the saving power of the Spirit? Ask for the Spirit’s help.
Help us to trust you, Jesus, and the power of your Spirit to transform us day by day. Let us share your mind and heart and way of being in the world.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
1 Kings 17: 7-16; Psalm 4; Matthew 5: 13-16
Food and light are today’s themes. Elijah asks a widow in Zarephath for water in a land of drought, and for a cake when all she has is enough oil and flour for one last meal for her son and herself. She does share, and her oil and flour never run out. Jesus speaks of what would give that cake flavor: salt. We are to be salt, tasty and needed for life. We are also to be light so that everyone can see our good works and give glory to God. The psalm specified what kind of light we are to be and ties the themes together:
“Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord! You have put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound.”
Try to picture the light of God’s face, or at least the light of the Risen Christ’s face. Now let the light warm you. Let yourself be enveloped in God’s light. Rest. When your mind wanders, offer what you are thinking of to God as a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” and return to the light and rest.
How much we need to trust, God of grace and glory, that there will be enough for us, and for all your people. Give us the grace to share our light, joy and food with others.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - Barnabas, apostle
Acts 11: 21-26, 13:1-3; Psalm 98; Matthew 10: 7-13
How unusual that for a “memorial” of Barnabas we should break our continuous readings for special texts. Perhaps it is to remind us that apostles include more than just the Twelve. We too are apostles. Sent, from the Greek word. The name Bar-nabas means son of encouragement, and how he did encourage the new faith of Paul. The Twelve, Barnabas, Paul and we are sent to “proclaim the good news, ‘The kin-dom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.”
So when have you handed on good news of God’s nearness and our kin-dom?
When have you been a healing force for someone emotionally, spiritually or physically sick? When have you lifted up (son or daughter of encouragement) someone who was “dead?” When have you made someone who felt like a leper in family or neighborhood
welcome and whole? What demons have been driven out of you, your family, your country because of you? If you are not sure, ask the Spirit to help you remember.
Thank you for calling us to be your apostles, Jesus. Heal our own hearts so that we may encourage others to join in your mission and ministry.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
1 Kings 18:41-46; Psalm 65; Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus has some stern warnings about insulting sisters and brothers. He includes anger too as something to be avoided, something which he failed at when he shouted at his dearest friend, “Get behind me, you Satan.” Jesus goes on to speak of reconciliation, leaving our gift at the altar until we are talking again with those who hold something against us.
How do you “do” reconciliation in your own life? Who do you think began the talking together again in that terrible scene when Jesus calls Peter “Satan?” Imagine that scene and watch closely at Jesus’ anger, Peter’s reaction, then Jesus’ reaction. What is happening? How does it resolve? Ask for the gift of a heart soft (as the psalmist describes the land, softened with showers), open and ready to reconcile.
You visit the earth and prepare it, softening it with showers. Come visit all that is hard and dried up in us, God of abundance. Make us yield much fruit of unity and peace.
Friday, June 13, 2008
1 Kings 19: 9, 11-16; Psalm 27; Matthew 5: 27-32
“I long to see your face,” we cry with the psalmist. Elijah longed to hear God’s voice which was not to be found in wind, earthquake or fire. Rather, “after the fire a sound of sheer silence.” In the gospel Jesus speaks very dramatically about cutting off parts of the body that tempt us. And tempt is the operative word. So many people accuse themselves of lusting in their hearts when all they experience is a perfectly natural and physical response to a beautiful or good person. What do they do with the response? Lusting includes grasping, possessing, violence and violating-- all of which can pertain to the sexual, but to money and power as well. When our body responds naturally, best to thank God for our feelings, let them go, and long to see the beauty of God’s face.
“Come, my heart says, seek God’s face!” What does your heart say? What does it seek? Listen to your heart. Then listen to the sheer silence of God. Rest in that silence and when something enters your mind, offer it to God and return to the silence.
In this noisy and lusting world, God of beauty, let us always listen for you, seeking your face in those we meet today. Keep us from wanting to possess. Keep us free.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
1 Kings 19: 16, 19-21; Psalm 16; Matthew 5: 33-37
Jesus offers some good advice: Don’t swear but “Let your word be ‘Yes’ if ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ if ‘No.’” In the first reading we hear how Elijah calls Elisha as his companion, throwing his mantle over the servant-disciple. Psalm 16 includes (although not in the portion chosen for today) a peek into Elijah and Elisha’s mutual affection: “How wonderfully God has made me cherish the holy ones who are in the land.”
With whom do you share a mutual affection? With whom can you be completely honest, your own true self? To whom do you dare say “No” without fear of rejection?
Remember and give thanks (eucharist again!) for all those holy ones whom God has given you to cherish, and to cherish you.
“You are our inheritance, O God.” Thank you for letting us take our inheritance now in this life, for letting us take hold of you as you take hold of us. We trust your hold!
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Sunday, June 15, 2008 - Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Exodus 19:1-6; Psalm 100; Romans 5: 6-11; Matthew 9:36-10:8
We expect fathers to be strong, powerful, financially competent, able to fix and manage. Then we may project our expectations onto God as Father. When God chooses the weak, the sinners and even enemies (cf Romans reading) to hold close as good shepherd (cf Psalm 100), we are often scandalized. And when God doesn’t intervene and fix our lives, we can even be angry. There is a kind of power other than fatherly, a staying with, holding, listening power that comforts us. When we were weak, sinners, and even God’s enemies, God gives us Jesus to be our fatherly and motherly healer and reconciler.
Julian of Norwich calls Jesus our mother. Ponder in your heart all the ways you know Jesus and his power. How do you experience him as mother? How do you experience him as father? As shepherd, brother, leader, healer….etc? Share your experiences directly with him. If you have questions, be sure to stay silent for a while, trying to listen to his response.
You bear us on eagles’ wings and bring us to yourself, God, our caring mother and father. Bear up all who suffer, and deepen our compassion.
Monday, June 16, 2008
I Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5; Matthew 5: 38-42
Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, is often accused of sexual seduction, but today’s story is about her abuse of power in Ahab’s name. Ahab wants the vineyard of Naboth.
When Naboth refuses to yield his ancestral fields for money or even a better vineyard, Jezebel sets it up that Naboth is first made head of special council, then falsely accused, and finally stoned to death. In the gospel, Jesus says, “Do not resist an evildoer.”
What do you think? When have you, in your personal life, not resisted an evildoer? What happened? What about those who wield power for the commonwealth, the nation? When have you resisted abuse of power? How do you resolve this paradox in your own relationships?
We pray so often, Jesus, for your heart of mercy and humility. Give us a heart that sees injustice clearly and a heart of courage to change what we can.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
1 Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51; Matthew 5: 43-48
If you were wondering whether Ahab would be responsible for the manipulative ways of his wife, today’s reading answers that question. “Ahab sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord, urged on by his wife, Jezebel.” Elijah confronts the king right in the vineyard of Naboth. Jesus continues his sermon about loving our enemies. The psalm complicates the paradox further by crying for God’s mercy. When to call evil for what it is, when to love those who persecute us (Jesus’ word), when not to dare throw a stone for we are all sinners in need of God’s mercy?
Pray for the gift of wisdom and discernment. We are all called by our baptism to be prophets, comforting the suffering and confronting the unjust. We need the mind and heart of God to do this twofold prophetic task. Pray to be so close to the mind and heart of God that you dare to speak whatever truth is given you to speak.
Keep us, gracious God, from selling ourselves to the more subtle forms of evil in our society. Be merciful for we are sinners too!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
2 Kings 2: 1, 6-14; Psalm 31; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind and Elisha, who inherits his master’s mantle and a double share of his spirit, still grieves his loss and wonders in his pain, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Elisha can make the water part, but no miraculous deed can heal his heart. Jesus speaks of the Lenten practices of almsgiving, prayer and fasting, all of which are to be done in secret where only God can see.
Often in times of grief we do pray more fervently and fast (or at least, food loses its appeal). Almsgiving might come after the pain has subsided a bit, for hopefully we emerge from our mourning more willing and capable of giving of ourselves to others. Remember some of the losses in your life, and ask the Spirit to show you what has been the aftermath of such suffering.
Nothing is lost, you promised, Jesus. You catch all our tears in your flask, the psalmist promises, our God (Ps 58). Comfort all who grieve today. Heal our world.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97; Matthew 6: 7-15
Although we continue reading Matthew in sequence, we break from 2 Kings to hear a piece of the wisdom literature which praises Elijah the prophet. Elijah, a “prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch,” could bring down fire from heaven. He raised the dead, healed the sick, and spoke the truth to power. He was taken up into heaven and his successor, Elisha is praised as well: “nothing could intimidate him.” When we turn to the gospel, Jesus is teaching us to pray, “not heaping up empty phrases.”
Rather, “Our Father in heaven…” Matthew’s version of the Lord’s prayer ends sternly, however, with warnings about forgiving.
When you pray, do you heap up words? Feelings? To do what with them? To lay them simply before God gets them “out of your system” so that God can take care and you can just rest. This is a wordless act of trust, this resting. Try it. Give God all your concerns and then just rest. If you fall asleep, don’t worry. The Little Flower, St. Therese of Lisieux, said even sleeping in prayer is an act of trust.
How you love us, whether we are fiery prophets or little children! Whatever our mood, how deeply you accept us and tend us. Make us alert to accepting and tending others.
Friday, June 20, 2008
2 Kings11: 1-4, 9-18, 20; Psalm 132; Matthew 6: 19-23
Today’s story from Kings reads like a novel. Some of the intrigue is reminiscent of Moses’ story; some sounds like the Tudors: Edward, Mary, Elizabeth, swinging England between the Catholics and Protestants. Good story, but the moral is in the entrance antiphon: “O Lord, you have given everything its place in the world, and no one can make it otherwise.” The unjust and manipulative will get put in their place! Jesus tells us that our “place” is where our heart is. There is our treasure.
Where is your heart today? What/whom do you love? What do you want? Tell God about all that you treasure in an act of trust that God treasures it too. Some times we are afraid that God will strip us of our loves. What kind of God is that? “Take, Lord, receive my liberty, my memory, understanding, my entire will” can be interpreted that God will rob us of these goods. Trust that God will enhance these gifts of liberty, memory, understanding, will – all that we have and “possess.”
You are good to those who hope in you, searching for your love. You are our treasure, gracious God, and we rest, rejoicing, knowing and trusting your love.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
2 Chronicles 24:17-25; Psalm 89; Matthew 6:24-34
In yesterday’s reading, Joash was hidden away until, through the intervention of the priest Jehoiada, he was rightfully crowned and covenanted. He then turns away from God once Jehoiada dies, but Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah, speaks out on behalf of the Lord. He is stoned to death. God sends the army of Aram against Joash who is severely wounded, but his own men actually kill him. Jesus underlines it: “No one can serve two masters, God and wealth.” From the stories of intrigue and reversal of fortune swirling around King Joash, one cannot serve God and power!
Blessed are the singled-hearted. What is there in your life that divides your heart?
Give your heart to God just the way it is, and ask for healing and the inner peace that comes from a single heart.
Jesus, you are single-hearted. Your food and drink is to do God’s will. Give us that clear vision and that willing spirit to “do” God’s will for our peace of heart and peace in the world.
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Sunday, June 22, 2008 - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 20:7, 10-13; Psalm 69; Romans 5: 12-15; Matthew 10: 26-33
Living in Christ, the missalette many of use, has a United States and a Canadian version. The Canadian favors more inclusive language. The theme this Sunday resounds in the Canadian translation of ‘emet. This Hebrew word means faithfulness, steadiness, and is another name for God. “In the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me; with your steadfast help…for your steadfast love is good.” Jeremiah, no matter what the insult or bodily persecution, is steadfast, faithful to his prophetic call. Because of Jesus’ fidelity, we receive “the free gift of grace, abounding for many.” If God cares for sparrows, how much more God is steady and loving those who acknowledge Jesus, and love him faithfully!
Who is steady in your life? How have you come to know God’s steady and abundant love? When have you been unfaithful only to discover that God remains faithful to you? Remember and give thanks, for that is eucharist.
Grace more abounds! Thank you, faithful God, for your steady kindness in our lives. Help us to be faithful in small matters, faithful especially to your people.
Monday, June 23, 2008
2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Psalm 60; Matthew 7:1-5
Our first reading narrates the fall of the northern kingdom, Israel; their enemy Assyria obliterated them, and “none was left but the tribe of Judah alone.” The people understand this as God’s punishment for their not keeping covenant, although in the psalm they heap blame on God. God can take it. The Alleluia verse calls us to let the Word of God decide the motives of our hearts, calls us to discernment. Jesus calls us to stop judging one another. We have to judge what is right and wrong in any situation we find ourselves, but we may not attribute motives to other people. We can hardly discern our own motivations. The way out? The measure which we use to judge others will be the measure we receive. We all want mercy surely, and our receiving mercy from God and others makes us more able to offer mercy.
We are to be merciful as our heavenly father is merciful (Luke 6:36). What is your experience of receiving mercy? What happened next? What has been your experience of extending mercy? What happened next. Remember and give thanks (which is eucharist!).
Make mercy in us, God, mercy in us all (GM Hopkins). Make mercy in the hearts of those cold and cruel, especially those with power over others.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - Feast of John the Baptist
Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139; Acts 13: 22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
God has knit us all in our mothers’ wombs, and made us all “chosen arrows”, servants in whom God is glorified. God has given us all as light to the nations. All because of our baptism, so much more profound than John’s. John was the herald of Jesus, as are we heralds. But because our baptism plunges us into the very life and identity of Jesus, we are “Jesus Christ, prolonged in space and time and communicated to people,” wrote Pius XII in Mediator Dei.
What will this child become, the neighbors ask at John’s circumcision. What have you become because you are immersed in Jesus through baptism? Remember and give thanks (eucharist). And now how will you announce the Savior today?
We go before you, Lord Jesus, to prepare your way. Yet, you lead us, you are our pioneer. Be in our hearts and on our lips that we may proclaim your saving power.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
2 Kings 22: 8-13, 23:1-3; Psalm 119; Matthew 7:15-20
Chapter 22 of 2 Kings announces the reign of good king Josiah; our reading tells the story of the re-finding of the Law and Josiah’s response of penitence and re-covenanting. Unfortunately, in 22: 14 we could have heard how the high priest went to the prophetess Huldah had not the liturgists cut her out. In the gospel Jesus offers a maxim: “by their fruits you will know them”, as he warns against false prophets coming in sheep’s clothing.
Paul lists some fruits of the Spirit, signs that we are walking in the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Gal 5: 22). These are not virtues which we practice, but fruits that grow simply because we are living in Christ. Which of these fruits have you noticed blossoming in your own life? What fruits have you noticed in the lives of the people around you? Why not tell them what good fruit you see in them?
Give us, we ask you, God of truth and justice, good prophets who speak on your behalf. Deepen our own prophetic gift to see clearly, discern wisely, and speak courageously.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
2 Kings 24: 8-17; Psalm 79; Matthew 7: 21-29
King Josiah’s grandson leads Israel back into sin. Just as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 721 BCE, now we have Judah succumbing to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 587, BCE. The important people are carried off into exile but “poorest people of the land” are left behind. The King of Babylon names a king for Israel, changing his name to Zedekiah (zedek I Hebrew for “holy”). The psalm offers a detailed description of Jerusalem’s ruin. The people cry out, “”Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.” In the gospel, Jesus warns against building our house on sand. Jerusalem was built on rock, and yet it fell because “they did not do the will”
of God.
Who in our land and in our world has been brought very low? Who are the poorest people in the world? Pray over them as you imagine them, see their faces, hear their cries. Pray “Let your compassion come speedily to meet them.” Pray for those who have answered the call to serve the poorest.
Forgive us, Jesus, for blinding our eyes and closing our ears to the cries of the poor. Only you can open our hearts and make us sensitive and compassionate. Help!
Friday, June 27, 2008
2 Kings 25: 1-12; Psalm 137; Matthew 8:1-4
Again and again King Nebuchadnezzar ravages Jerusalem, and this time the people caught inside its walls are starving. So King Zedekiah leads his soldiers through a breach in the walls but the Chaldeans (Babylonians) catch him, kill his sons before his eyes and then put out his eyes, dragging him off to Babylon. Again, the captain of the guard returns to Jerusalem to burn everything and break down its walls. Again, the captain leaves “some of the poorest people” to care for the farms and vineyards. Psalm 137 is Israel’s curse against its enemies, but we don’t hear that part of the psalm, just the weeping and refusing to sing the songs of Zion. A leper challenges Jesus to choose to heal him. Jesus responds: “I do choose.”
What did you choose to do in the past 24 hours? If we pass a day without much reflection, how much more we are likely not to choose what we do. Look at the next 24 hours and choose to do what you do, naming each activity, for the glory of God.
We too choose, Jesus, to work with you to heal the lepers in our society, to welcome them, to love them. Let the healing power of your Spirit flood us and our world.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Lamentations 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19; Psalm 74; Matthew 8: 5-17
After we have absorbed such horrible descriptions of the fall of Jerusalem, here in Lamentations and in the psalm, we must wonder how Jesus can tell the religious leaders of Jerusalem that they “will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” It is Matthew the Jew who ascribes these words to Jesus.
And we who are Catholic? What does Jesus say to us who now are “heirs of the kin-dom”? Jesus heals not only a Gentile’s servant but a centurion’s – a man of the army so hated by his people. Whom do you hate, despise, fear? Show any or all of those feelings to Jesus. Do not be afraid. Jesus loves what is real. What does he say to you?
You bore our sickness, Jesus, so that all our troubled feelings might be healed. Thank you for being like us, tempted in every way, without acting on your fears.
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Sunday, June 29, 2008 - Feast of Peter and Paul
Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16: 13-19
Paul never appears to be frightened, but Peter is afraid to walk on water, to admit to a servant that he knows Jesus, to go near the cross. Yet he is transformed, raised from the deadness of fear, as really as Jesus is transformed bodily in his resurrection. What must Peter have been feeling as he waited in prison for a martyrdom that never happened—then? The psalm’s antiphon is “The Lord set me free from all my fears.”
It continues: “Look to God and be radiant with joy.”
What is it in your life that blocks joy? If after asking the Spirit to help you remember and be real, your joy and radiance is flowing, pray for those around you who are afraid. Then pray for those around the world who fear for their lives, for the lives of their children. Use the words of Scripture, which does what it says, and pray: “Set them free from all their fears. Let them look at you and be radiant with joy.”
Jesus, we want to keep our eyes fixed on you, who despised the cross for the sake of the joy that lay before you. Keep our faces radiant with your joy!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Amos 2: 6-10, 13-16; Psalm 50; Matthew 8: 18-22
God in a rage reminds faithless Israel just how much God has done on their behalf. Then God promises punishment so terrible that even the stout of heart will falter and flee naked. Jesus tells a prospective disciple that he, Jesus, has nowhere to lay his head. What if vocation recruiters told prospective priests and religious that they should be prepared to have nothing of their own, not even a pillow? What if adult converts were told that to follow Jesus means to let everything go, to trust totally?
And what about us, probably secure in our faith? To what is Jesus calling us?
“Take, Lord, receive all that I am and I have. You have given all to me” is an antidote to our first reading. Remember and give thanks for the “all” that God has given you.
“Take my liberty, memory, understanding and my entire will. Give me your love and your grace. That is enough for me.” Make it, please, enough for us.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - Canada Day
Amos 3:1-8, 4:11-12; Psalm 5; Matthew 8: 23-27
This continuous reading of Amos contains dire promises if the people do not listen to God. Today’s reading ends with “Prepare to meet your God!” What are we to do? Call in our distress and hopelessness to Jesus, who today is asleep although the boat that carries him is swamped. With his friends, we too cry, “Save us! We are perishing!”
Not much consolation on Canada Day, except that we can acknowledge our need and our sinfulness as nations as well as individuals. Then we can assert with the psalmist: “I through the abundance of your faithful love will enter your house and bow in awe of you.”
How do you prepare day after day to meet your God? When have you cried, “I am (or we are) perishing” and what happened next? Ask for such deep trust that even when your boat (life) is swamped you can sleep through it, undisturbed.
The prayers for Canada Day: “O God, you have placed great gifts in our hands. In thanksgiving, may we in Canada share all things with our brothers and sisters throughout the world”….”O God, give our nation the gifts of unity and peace which are symbolized by the gifts we offer”…”May our nation ever work for peace and unity.”
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Amos 5:14-15, 21-24; Psalm 50; Matthew 8: 28-34
God rebukes the people, and Jesus rebukes multiple demons who plague two men who live among the tombs. Amos warns: “….establish justice at the gate and it may be that God will be gracious to the remnant.” God hates the “noise” of their songs, but “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
“Peace is flowing like a river, flowing out of you and me, flowing out into the desert, setting all the captives free.” Even Protestants know this song, for it puts music to a deep desire of so many hearts: to be peacemakers, to facilitate freedom, to let justice roll. What is your desire? Share it with Jesus and ask him to cast out any hatred or violence lurking in your heart.
Make us instruments of your peace and justice. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is despair, hope; where there is sadness, joy. Work through us, Jesus.
Thursday, July 3, 2008 - Feast of Thomas, apostle
Ephesians 2: 19-22; Psalm 117; John 20: 24-29
“You are no longer strangers and aliens…” Thomas, who must have felt estranged after missing Easter night, is welcomed by Jesus. We know that story, the invitation to touch the wounds of Jesus, no longer painful, but streaming grace and glory and healing.
Thomas’ response is probably often on our lips: “My Lord and my God.” Yet there are Catholics who still feel estranged, perhaps because they themselves are so wounded, perhaps because they have not received the fullness of faith to make a declaration like Thomas’, perhaps because they have never heard from Jesus’ lips his opening blessing:
“Peace be with you.”
Pray for all those in darkness and despair, who feel lost or alienated from a church community. Pray to hear Jesus bless you personally today with peace. Then mentally go around the world (some folks pray before a map taped to their wall), breathe in the peace of Jesus and breathe out a smile on each or several countries.
We do believe, Jesus. Help our unbelief. We do want healing. Heal our resistance to healing. We do want to be close to you. Help our fear of intimacy.
Friday, July 4, 2008 - U. S. Independence Day
Because this web page serves SSNDs and friends in both Canada and the U.S. we will keep the readings of the day, just as we did for Canada Day on July 1.
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12; Psalm 119; Matthew 9: 9-13
Amos lists our sins against the poor, our injustices. God promises to turn our feasts into mourning. What hope can there be? Jesus came to put flesh on the mercy of God, ever faithful when we are unfaithful, sick and weary of God. At Matthew’s banquet the Pharisees accuse Jesus of uncleanness, eating with sinners. Jesus reminds them and us that God wants us to learn how much God wants mercy, not ritual purity and sacrifices. Those who are sick need Jesus, he asserts. Alleluia! We are loved sinners, and invited to the table, invited to come to him, all we who are weary and heavy-burdened.
Which descriptor best fits you and the United States today? Unjust? Sad?
Unfaithful? Sick? Weary? Hopeless? Pure? Needy? Heavy-burdened? How will you respond to Jesus who calls, “Come to me, _____________, and I will give you rest?”
Rest in his mercy.
We are a nation full of sin and corruption. Forgive those who are self-righteous, and help us always to know our need of you, Jesus, and your faithful mercy.
The prayers for U.S. Independence Day: “O God, today we rededicate ourselves to your service, and to the works of justice and freedom for all”…”Through the coming together of many peoples our nation has been molded into one. Keep us united in peace with you and let us be a source of peace”…”May love flow in rich blessing throughout our land.”
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Amos 9:11-15; Psalm 85; Matthew 9:14-17
A switch: God through Amos promises the fruits of repentance. Hills flowing with wine, valleys fertile, rebuilt cities. Jesus gives a new spin to fasting, which the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist do. How can we fast when the bridegroom is with us? What rejoicing when “the Lord speaks peace to the people!” “Steady love and faithfulness shall meet; justice and peace will kiss….Faithfulness (the faithful One) springs up from the earth.
Is the bridegroom with you? How shall you respond? Mother Teresa of Calcutta had no felt sense of God’s presence, and yet through her justice and peace did kiss. Are you in the desert, darkness, depression? Ask, beg, shout your desire to hear Jesus speak peace to you. Picture, imagine the Spirit, the comforter, even on a hot day (in the northern hemisphere) wrapping you round in the peace of Christ. Try it. God’s plans for us are plans of peace. Hold God to that promise.
Raise up all that is ruined in us, God of re-creation. Build us again, encourage us again, let your justice and peace be felt in our hearts, and through us to the nations.
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