Thursday, January 1, 2009 - Feast of the Mother of God, World Day of Peace
Numbers 6: 22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4: 4-7; Luke 2:16-21
How appropriate that this feast is a day when all the world is called to pray for peace, for Mary is the Mother of the Prince of Peace. The first reading of this new year is Aaron’s blessing Israel and all of us, asking for God’s face to shine on us and to grant us peace. Mary models how we can come to an interior peace. When the shepherds broke in on the awe-filled silence of the young couple, shepherds dirty, smelly and considered outcasts by the Pharisees, Mary listened to them and pondered their words in her heart. In her pondering, she undoubtedly found God’s word and the peace it confers.
Happy new year! Long live God! Long live the Prince of Peace and his dear Mother! What blessing will you ask God for this new year? Where will you find God’s face shining today? How do you want to offer peace to those with whom you will celebrate today?
Teach us to ponder everything in our hearts, Mary. Help us grow in wisdom and grace as you did all your life. Let us stand with you, offering God’s peace to the world.
Friday, January 2, 2009
1 John 2:22-28; Psalm 98; John 1: 19-28
The psalm is the basis for our hymn “Joy to the World.” While the letter of John has more to say about the anti-Christ, John also offers an antidote: “The anointing that you have received from him (Christ) abides in you… Little children, abide in him…” We have been anointed in baptism with the Spirit who dwells within us continually, and the Spirit provides true teaching, comfort and protection. In the gospel, John the Baptist is being questioned by those sent from the Pharisees. He denies any special status but a “voice crying in the wilderness.” Rather there is another abiding among us: “Among you stands one whom you do not know.”
Abide, dwell, make your home in, be comfortable with – a Greek word used frequently by John the evangelist. Contemplation is just that experience of abiding, whether in wordless union, or staying with Jesus as he moves, acts, heals, teaches in the gospel and in our world today. What way of contemplation attracts you today? Do it. Don’t evaluate how you are doing. Just be, abide with Christ.
Anointing and abiding Spirit, thank you for the inner peace of these days when so much of the world is in turmoil. Let our contemplation always turn us outward to the poor.
Saturday, January 3, 2009 - Holy Name of Jesus
1 John 2: 29, 3:1-6; Psalm 98; John 1: 29-34
This feast used to have more prominence; at least it is mentioned again. The name of Jesus “in our hearts and on our lips” has done more to promote union with God, peace in the world, reconciliation. Think of the Jesus prayer, for example, repeated in silence by so many Russians as we prayed rosary after rosary for the “conversion of Russia.” The gospel continues the theme of abiding. John testifies: “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain (same as abide) is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.” And what startling good news from John’s first letter: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God, and so we are…We are God’s children now and what we will be has not yet been revealed, but…we will be like him.”
You might want to abide in the name of Jesus, repeating it slowly, in time with your breathing. You might want to revel in being a child of God, “for that is what you are.” You might want to sing Joy to the World. How will you respond?
By every mingling of water and wine, may we come to share the divinity of him who emptied himself to share our humanity. Thank you for your abiding life!
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Sunday, January 4, 2009 - Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2: 1-12
This has always been a feast to celebrate the “showing” of Jesus to the Gentiles who accept him, even as his parents accept them. These wise men are not called kings nor Gentiles nor foreigners, but popular imagination has run away with the scene. Liturgy teaches, and the liturgical context for this gospel is the Isaiah piece about nations and their kings coming to Israel, the light of the world. The psalm is chosen to underscore the Isaiah text: in our day, the light is Christ who has pity on the lowly and the poor. The Ephesians reading specifically mentions Gentiles (us) who are members of Christ and co-partners in the promise.
How is Christ the light of your life? How does he show himself in the ordinary events of your day? Pay attention today to the lights, the insights, the moments of awe that lead you back to the light.
You light up our lives, Jesus. Show yourself to us, and through us, to all those whom we encounter today. We worship you, Sun of justice, and ask to be co-partners in serving the lowly and the poor.
Monday, January 5, 2009
1 John 3: 22-4:6; Psalm 2; Matthew 4: 12-17, 23-25
All through this week we will focus on Jesus’ manifesting (epiphany) himself in the earliest days of his ministry. It is wonderful then that today is the feast of St. John Neumann who became a missionary bishop, traveling with and working with our first SSND missionaries. According to Matthew, when Jesus learned that John was arrested, he left home and began to preach: “Repent!” His message and his ability to heal drew crowds to him. Crowds still come to Jesus today, but John’s letter warns us to test the spirits. How can we know the Spirit of God? “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus
Christ come in the flesh belongs to God…”
What attracts you to Jesus? When and why do you come to Jesus in these days?
Is there any part of 1 John’s criterion for testing the Spirit that might be difficult? “In the flesh” is a very important distinction the early church made because then, as often now, the flesh is despised. Talk with Jesus about God wanting to take our flesh, with all its pains and emotions and ordinariness.
May we come to share the divinity of him who emptied himself to share our humanity. May we carry his Spirit as “home missionaries” to those who need Jesus today.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
1 John 4: 7-10; Psalm 72; Mark 6: 34-44
In today’s gospel, it is not healing nor preaching that reveals Jesus’ love for the little ones, but his feeding them ordinary bread and fish. Blessed Andre Bessette of Montreal carried on, in very simple, ordinary ways, Jesus’ work of healing, bringing—as the Alleluia verse proclaims— good news to the poor and liberty to captives. John’s letter explains the motivation of Brother Andre and our own: “This is love – not that we have loved God but that God loved us…” God sent Christ “into the world so that we might have life through him.”
“When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity…” Use your imagination and see the vast crowds in refugee camps, in nursing homes, in prisons, in war torn lands. How is your heart moved? If your emotions seem dry and your heart hard ask for Jesus’ own pity to flow through you. Ask for God’s love and that alone to motivate your actions today.
Thank you for first loving us. Deepen our ability and desire to respond to your love and compassion. Where ever we are captive, we ask you to set us free.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
1 John 4: 11-18; Psalm 72; Mark 6: 45-52
All over the world, many Christians celebrated yesterday as the close of the Christmas season, but our liturgy calls this “Christmas weekday.” We cannot get enough of the mystery of God’s wanting to be one with us! In the flesh! After feeding 5,000 Jesus wants to be alone. Then as his disciples struggle with a storm at sea, he comes walking toward them on the water, calming the sea. The psalm reminds us that the Anointed will have pity on the lowly and the poor, and the lives of the poor he shall save. John’s letter reminds us that God is love, and that perfect love drives out fear.
Doesn’t every human heart want to be free from fear? When have you experienced perfect love? Hah! There’s the wonder! We never have perfect love. Only God’s love is perfect. Our desiring and accepting God’s perfect love makes us unafraid.
When have you struggled with interior storms? Where was Jesus in your storm? Are you feeling lowly and poor today? What do you want from Jesus?
We are lowly and poor, so de-illusion us of our “power and riches”. Help us to know ourselves as sinners, but incredibly loved sinners. Be with us in our fears and our storms.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
1 John 4:19-5:4; Psalm 72; Luke 4:14-22
How can we say we love God whom we do not see if we do not love the brother or sister whom we do see? John asks. Jesus is about to spell out his mission of loving the lowly and the poor in Luke’s gospel. Jesus takes the scroll of Isaiah and finds precisely the passage he wants to read. The Spirit has anointed Jesus. That word “anoint” would have scandalized many in the synagogue in Nazareth for it means Messiah. The Spirit anoints him for these works: to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year of jubilee.
The Spirit is Jesus’ power to love. When lately have you felt your acts of love were bigger than your own affection? Who are the poor, the captives, the blind and the oppressed in your circle of near neighbors? What do you want for them? And your far neighbors around the world? How will you pray for them?
Give us your Spirit, Jesus, to love the brothers and sisters whom we do see and live with, work with—the ones who sometimes drive us crazy. Help us remember that it is you who wants to love them through us.
Friday, January 9, 2009
1 John 5: 5-13; Psalm 147; Luke 5: 12-16
Jesus continues to manifest himself, but when crowds gather in response – today of his healing of a leper—he withdraws to lonely places. This leper was “full of leprosy” and he tentatively approaches Jesus, prostrating himself and saying, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Today, you can say to Jesus, prostrating yourself in spirit if not in body, “Lord, if you wish, you can_______.” What do you really, really want? Notice for the second time this week, when Jesus draws crowds, his response is to go away to be alone. When do you want to be alone? Talk about this need with Jesus.
Thank you, God of grace, for giving us Jesus, for letting us “possess” him and so be full of life and love. Thank you for letting him possess us.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
1 John 5:14-21; Psalm 149; John 3: 22-30
John’s first letter ends with this ringing proclamation: “We are in the one who is true, in God’s Son Jesus Christ.” The selection from John’s gospel is a final revelation of Jesus in this week of Epiphany, and prepares us for tomorrow’s feast of Jesus’ baptism. John is being questioned about his baptism. John responds that he is the best friend of the bridegroom who rejoices as the groom approaches. “So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase. I must decrease.”
When do you know, really know, that you are in Jesus Christ? If you don’t really know, ask for the experience. When is your joy most full? To be the best friend of the bridegroom, how willing are you to decrease so that he may increase his life in you? What do you want? Tell Jesus.
All over our world, Jesus, you increase and let the power and puffery of those who exalt themselves be decreased. Change our hearts and give us your own humility.
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Sunday, January 11, 2009 - Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 55: 1-11; canticle of Isaiah 12; 1 John 5: 1-9; Mark 1: 7-11
We begin the “year of Mark” whose gospel opens with a joyful shout: “Here begins the good news of Jesus Christ!” Jesus comes to the Jordan for the baptism of John, we come to the water offered by God through Isaiah, and we are made one. According to John’s first letter because of our own belief and baptism, we are “born of God,” declared children of God, and “everyone who loves the parent loves the child.”
Mark doesn’t just tell, he shows Jesus as born of God as he comes out of the water, the heavens are “torn apart,” the Spirit enfolds him and God’s voice proclaims: “You are my Child, the Beloved. With you I am well pleased.”
Hear God’s voice directed to you: “You are my Child, the Beloved. With you I am well pleased.” What do you feel? How will you respond? If you love the parent, who so loves you, which “child” or children of God do you have trouble loving? See the Spirit enfolding that one or those and hear God’s voice directed there.
O God of love, we do believe. Help our unbelief -- that you love us so unconditionally, so abundantly. We draw deeply from the springs of your great kindness!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Hebrews 1: 1-6; Psalm 97; Mark1:14-20
We cannot let go of Christmas, of that infinitely knowable mystery of the Incarnation. As we begin a continuous reading of Hebrews, we are reminded that God who spoke through prophets, in “our day” speaks through the Son, “the reflection of God’s glory, the exact imprint of God’s very being.” The word imprint in Greek is ikon.
An ikon is a material object which draws the one contemplating it through to the very being of what is portrayed. Jesus is the one who draws us through himself to God. The author of Hebrews will make that point frequently throughout what is not a letter but a homily, a theology of hope. (Click on my name above if you would like a very inexpensive copy of my book on Hebrews).
How has Jesus drawn you to God? How much do you want Jesus to draw you to God? If there is any hesitation, talk it over with Jesus. Or do you want to go directly to God and leave Jesus behind? Talk that over with God and listen.
Jesus, you put flesh on God’s kindness and faithfulness. Give us your heart today that we may be kind to our near neighbors and faithfully pray for our far neighbors.
Tuesday, January 16, 2009
Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8; Mark 1: 21-28
The author of Hebrews, who is not Paul, calls Jesus our pioneer. He has blazed the trail, gone before us in suffering and death “so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” We are all brothers and sisters of Jesus. And we, “we do see Jesus…” The people in the gospel see Jesus’ authority over evil, “authority not as the scribes.” He commands an unclean spirit to release a man and convulsing the man, the demon obeys.
Jesus is our pioneer. Take some event of your life, a mighty moment or an ordinary happening. Don’t think or try to remember. Let the Spirit bubble it up from deep within you. Then ask Jesus when he experienced something like what you went through. As for Jesus’ authority? What unclean spirit needs to be removed from your life? Talk about it with Jesus.
Jesus, you are Lord. We need your authority over the evil spirits that dominate so much of our world: violence, greed, abuse of power. Cast out the demons that hurt your little ones.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hebrews 2: 14-18; Psalm 105; Mark 1: 29-39
Many of us are held captive is fear of death. Hebrews asserts that through his death Jesus has destroyed death and has “set free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.” Not only his death but his life of healing power saves us, sets us free from fear. In today’s gospel, first Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law and that attracts the whole city to gather at the door. Then he gets up very early to go alone to pray. When Peter finds him, saying “Everyone is searching for you,” Jesus says, let’s keep going.
Perhaps you would lik to focus your prayer on fear of death. Ask the Spirit to uncover the underlying fears: people abandoned, work left undone, judgment by God, debility and diminishment? Give each of your fears to Jesus who “was tempted like us in all things.” Or perhaps your focus is on finding Jesus. Are you searching for him? Where did you find him yesterday? And when you search, why do you? What do you want from him? Tell him your desires.
Everyone is searching for you, Jesus, for everyone is afraid of something. You heal more than our illnesses. You set our hearts free. Thank you!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hebrews 3:7-14; Psalm 95; Mark 1: 40-45
“If today you hear God’s voice, do not harden your hearts.” The author of Hebrews tells of God’s anger with the hardness of Israel and urges us to become partners with Christ, “holding our first confidence firm.” In the gospel healing of a leper Jesus sternly warns the man, but first, Jesus is “moved with pity.” More ancient manuscripts have “moved with anger.” Why is Jesus angry? The leper timidly approaches and says, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” Jesus says, “I do want to!” What might make him angry? Later manuscript copiers gentle his emotion, changing it to pity. Why anger?
Think about anger: God’s, Jesus’ in this story, your own. You know your own best, so ask the Spirit to teach you the source of most of your anger. Why might God be angry? Can anger and love exist at the same time? Why would Jesus be angry with this leper? Ask Jesus. Listen.
Of course you want to heal the lepers of today’s world! Of course you are angry with those who push some people to the margins, angry when anyone is stripped of personal power. Transform the roots of our anger so that we do not abuse our power.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hebrews 4: 1-5, 11; Psalm 78; Mark 2:1-12
“Let us make every effort to enter that (God’s) rest,” (Heb 4: 11). God’s rest is freeing, but in the gospel we meet a man whose rest is paralyzing. He lies passively as his four friends dig through the roof of Jesus’ own home to get close to him. Quite a task later to plug that hole! Quite a deep friendship that would want so much and work so hard on behalf of their helpless friend.
Try an Ignatian contemplation with this story, best read directly and entirely from the gospel. Which person will you choose to be? Are there parts of you which are paralyzed? Are you a friend who begs continually on behalf of someone helpless, and who takes drastic action to get that person to Jesus? Are you one of the crowd, watching
this healing happen? Look, listen, smell, feel. Perhaps you will be Jesus, looking with amazement and compassion on how desperately those paralyzed by fear, violence, illness want to get close. Whoever you choose to be, see in your imagination all those who are paralyzed today. How will you respond?
Even those who don’t know you, Jesus, are searching for God. If some have not yet realized how much they want God, let us be your attractive signs that God is very close.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Hebrews 4: 12-16; Psalm 19; Mark 2: 13-17
“The word of God is living and active…able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This word proclaims that we have a high priest, Jesus, who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we might receive mercy and find grace…” Levi was approached by grace when Jesus ordered the tax collector to follow him. Levi did, and gave a dinner, prompting much criticism from the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus responds: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Notice the paradox: we approach with boldness and yet we are called because we are sinners. Jesus sympathizes with the tax collector, sharing his bad reputation in religious circles.
When you feel your weakness (mind, body, spirit) to whom do you turn? When you need mercy, who offers it to you? Would Jesus like to eat with you because you are a sinner? Ask him. Invite him. In your imagination seat him at your table. You talk about….?
Thank you for calling us, loved sinners that we are. Help us to be open to loving the “sinners” we come across in our life or on TV news. Do not let our hearts harden.
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Sunday, January 18, 2009 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Week of Prayer for Church Unity: “One in Your Hand”
1 Samuel 3: 3-10, 19; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 6: 13-15, 17-20; John 1: 35-42
What could be dearer to Jesus’ heart than that we come and see, see where he lives, learn to listen as he does to God (“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!”); learn to obey as he does (“Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will!”). Jesus not only invites two disciples then to learn (discipulus/a is student in Latin), he invites us. He is called “Rabbi”, Teacher by these two who, after remaining with (or abiding, a word John uses frequently) Jesus, went to call others to Jesus. Discipleship moves to mission, and our mission this week is to pray for and work for Christian Unity.
What do you want to learn from Jesus? What do you need to learn? Jesus is the disciple of the Father, closest to God’s heart, making God known (Jn 1:18). Jesus learns and then teaches. How might you make God known? Remain in Jesus’ presence for a while right now and see what you learn, what he wants you to learn.
The postcommunion prayer is Jesus’ own: “May all be one as you are, Father, in me, and I in you; may they be one in us. I in them and you in me, may they be completely one.”
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hebrews 5: 1-10; Psalm 110; Mark 2: 18-22
One of the teaching techniques of the Rabbis was “If this and this about a human being, how much more God?” So Hebrews implies, if the high priest of Israel “is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness….” how much more Jesus? Then the author offers us a description of Jesus’ agony in the garden: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplication, with loud cries and tears...” Loud cries is the word used for the screams of wild animals that are captured. Jesus is terrified. Loud cries “to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard…” How did God “save” Jesus from death? No rescue plan, but saving means setting free, from the Hebrew. Jesus was set free in the resurrection, “and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
Which phrase, sentence above touches your heart? Read it aloud. Stay (remain, abide) with it. Why the agony so close to Christmas? Because every Eucharist remembers and makes present the dying and the rising of Jesus, the mystery of faith. “Jesus died to gather into one new family all the scattered children of God” (Jn 1:52). Pray for Christian unity.
Free us from our need to make ourselves perfect, Jesus. We offer you loud cries in union with your suffering people, especially those held captive by war.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hebrews 6:10-20; Psalm 111; Mark 2: 23-28
Today we will do a lectio divina. According to Hebrews: “Brothers and sisters, God is not unjust. God will not overlook your work and the love you showed for God’s sake in serving the saints, as you still do. We want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize (make real) the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish but… through faith and patience inherit the promises…. We have this hope, a sure and steady anchor, a hope that enters the inner shrine where Jesus, a pioneer on our behalf, has entered…”
What word, phrase, sentence touched your heart? Abide in that word. Taste it again and again. Savor it. And please pray for the new president of the United States who galvanizes so many people with hope. May his hope be Christ’s own.
Remove our sluggishness, our despondency over financial crises, wars without end, and give us your own faith, patience and hope, Jesus. Restore justice to our world.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17; Psalm 110; Mark 3: 1-6
Although Jesus engaged earlier in Mark’s gospel in conflict with the religious rulers, here a healing on the Sabbath provokes them to “conspire with the Herodians against Jesus, how to destroy him.” If they are enraged, Jesus too “looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart.” Jesus orders the man with the withered hand, “Stretch out your hand.”
Enter the scene. What is withered in you? Jesus says directly to you, looking at you with softness of heart, “Stretch out your_____,” and what will you show him, give him, turn over to him with trust? Stay with him, stretching toward him.
You are our only high priest, Jesus. You mediate healing and life, you restore hands and hearts. Restore justice in our world and soften all of our hearts.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hebrews 7: 25-8:6; Psalm 40; Mark 3: 7-12
Mark offers a summary statement of all that Jesus was doing to overcome demons and heal diseases. By his compassion, his actions showed the “glad news of deliverance in the great congregation,” as the psalm sings. Hebrews says now he has “obtained a more excellent ministry….a mediator of a better covenant.” What Jesus did then he continues now, “and forever, able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” To pray in Hebrew simply means to ask. Intercession, which Jesus spends his eternity doing on our behalf, is a wonderful way to pray.
How do you want to approach God? How do you want Jesus to intercede for you? (NB: intercede means to plead, and does not mean to intervene, two words frequently confused.) What do you need? What do you want? How will you join his prayer? Ask him for what he is begging right now. Do you want that as well?
May our actions show our compassion today, Jesus, really your compassion made flesh in us. May we be kind to our near neighbors and beg passionately on behalf of our far neighbors.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hebrews 8: 6-13; Psalm 85; Mark 3: 13-19
Where does Jesus get the energy to give himself so totally to the needy, the ill and the outcast? First, today, he goes up the mountain, his sacred place of meeting God who energizes him. Then he delegates, calling co-workers to himself, “whom he also named apostles.” He is bringing the new covenant promised in Jeremiah and quoted today in Hebrews to fulfillment. Because Hebrews is a theology of hope, everything will be new again, in Jesus’ “more excellent ministry.” In him, “kindness and truth shall meet, justice and peace shall kiss; faithfulness will spring up out of the earth and justice look down from heaven” (Ps 85).
What energizes you? Where is your sacred space? Whom do you call partners in ministry? What do you hope for? “Visualize peace” reads a bumper sticker. Visualize justice and peace kissing. What happens next?
Thank you, Jesus, for calling us, like the twelve, to yourself, for sending us out to proclaim the message, for giving us authority over the evil that plagues the poor.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Hebrews 9: 2-3,11-14; Psalm 47; Mark 3: 20-21
Hebrews announces the perfection of Jesus’ offering himself to God. Psalm 47 captures God’s “going up,” applied to Jesus’ ascension. The gospel must be the shortest pericope (which means “snippet” and really is a snippet today). Here it is in full:
“Jesus and the disciples went home. The crowd came together so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’”
What do you make of this piece (pericope, accent on the short i) of gospel? What do you notice? Jesus’ home is now in Capernaum. Who would his family be, coming from Nazareth? Restrain is a very strong word. First his enemies plot to destroy him, now his family? Speak to him about how he feels. Ask God, to whom he is offering his life, how God feels. And how do you feel?
We ask you, Jesus, to make intercession for all families who misunderstand and are even cruel to each other. We ask you to pray for nations who plot to destroy the poor.
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Sunday, January 25, 2009 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jonah 31-5, 10; Psalm 25; 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31; Mark 1: 14-20
The early community of Christians felt an urgency about the good news. Jesus would come again on the clouds soon. That is the context of Paul’s urging us not to be attached to our possessions, our sorrows or our joys: “The present form of this world is passing away.” The great city of Nineveh would have been destroyed had not Jonah finally repented and preached repentance to its citizens. Even God repents in the first reading (US translation). God would not ask us to do what God was not willing to do.
Finally, Jesus comes preaching repentance. “Repent and believe the good news!” Immediately four fisherman leave their nets to travel with him.
You were consecrated a prophet in your Baptism. A prophet is so close to the mind and heart of God that he/she dares to speak in God’s name. How do you preach repentance, and if you do, how do you model it first? The Twelve Steps call together a community of loved addicts, always recovering. Jesus calls a community, the church, always repenting. Ponder in your heart: what prevents you from holding everything loosely, except Jesus? What keeps you from being close to the mind and heart of God?
Free us, Jesus, to be with you in joy and in sorrow. Help us see how everything we think so important is transitory. Yours is the only peace and we beg for it, for ourselves and for our world.
Monday, January 26, 2009
2 Timothy 1: 1-9 or Titus 1:1-5; Psalm 96; Mark 3: 22-30
Today we celebrate two disciples of Paul, Timothy and Titus, along with “the Pastor,” the one who, using Paul’s name, penned letters to the two. The U.S. missalette
continues the reading from Mark, whereas the Canadian version switches to Luke’s commissioning of the 72. Mark’s gospel today is important to his theology, put forth in narrative form, the way Mark sees Jesus and his ministry. Jesus drives out demons. This infuriates the scribes who accuse Jesus of using Satan’s power. What might Jesus have felt in being so misunderstood? God’s power is called Satan’s power – what blasphemy!
Jesus reminds us that all sin can be forgiven, but not blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Join Jesus in his feelings. Is he sad, furious, repulsed by this accusation? Ask him. Listen to him and do not try to talk him out of these feelings. He is like us in every way. Listen and console him. When have you felt as he did, and how did you respond?
Jesus, we need your mind and heart so that we may feel with you and respond as you did and do. Give us the gift of discernment that we may see evil as you do, not as we sometimes judge.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hebrews 10: 1-10; Psalm 40; Mark 3: 31-35
If you remember last Saturday, we had a mere two verses from Mark, in which the family of Jesus, including his mother came to take him home because people were saying he was out of his mind. Here in these few verses we may believe that Mary was included in Jesus’ new family. “Who are my mother and brothers?” Jesus asks and then announces (to us too!) that whoever does the will of God is part of his new family. Her response to Gabriel in Luke shows her a woman willing to do God’s will. She may have often prayed Psalm 40 with its refrain: “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.”
How, when, where do you do God’s will? God’s will is our peace (Jer 29:11). How, when and where are you sharing God’s peace? Are there times, situations where you lose your inner peace? Share these good times and bad with Jesus. He accepts you just as you are.
Jesus, prince of peace, heal our war torn world! Let all peace in the world, in families, in our hearts be your peace, peace the world cannot give. We want to do God’s will!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Hebrews 10: 11-18; Psalm 110; Mark 4: 1-20
Jesus tells a parable about a sower sowing seed, and explains to his disciples that the seed is the Word of God. When God’s word falls into our hearts, how will it grow? This parable comes just after Mark has told us how to be Jesus’ mother, brother and sister. Looking back two millennia, we can see that Mary who is rich soil hears the Word, receives it and bears fruit a hundredfold. She is “perfected” by Jesus, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy.”
You too are made holy in Baptism. So Jesus is preparing your soil to receive the Word of God, turning it over, breaking up its clods, fertilizing it to plant himself deep within your being. What has been turned over in your life? What hard pieces have been softened? What smelly fertilizer has enriched you in the long run? Have you ever wanted to be perfect? Ask for the grace to give that desire up and let Jesus do the perfecting.
Jesus, plant yourself even more deeply in our hearts and in our world. How much we, who are rocky ground, laden with thorns, need you to clear the soil so that your good news may grow and flourish.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hebrews 10: 19-25; Psalm 24; Mark 4: 21-25
There is a psalm that asks that we be given what we deserve. Jesus almost says the same here: “the measure you give will be the measure you get.” But God is not a tit for tat God; rather one who floods us and our world with an abundance of love and life.
One way to receive this abundance is “to provoke one another to love and good deeds , not neglecting to meet together….but encouraging one another,” according to Hebrews.
We receive abundance in community, thanks to Jesus and “the new and living way, that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, his flesh)…a great priest over the house of God.”
Is your God a tit for tat giver? If so, return to the parable in Matthew of the vineyard workers, the one in which the Master pays the five o’clock workers the same pay as those who work all day. Paul says that if God has already given us the Son, how much more God wants to lavish on us all that God has to give (Rom 8). Rest in the lavish abundance of God’s love for you, so much more than you could ever deserve.
Thank you, God of all grace, all wisdom, all love, all life! How much we relish the good you flood us with. Relieve us of judging ourselves and one another “as we deserve,” for who could ever deserve you?!?!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Hebrews 10: 32-39; Psalm 37; Mark 4: 26-34
Jesus offers some more parables, comparing the tiny mustard seed which grows to be “the greatest of shrubs” to the kin-dom of God. The psalm promises security if we delight in God, “our refuge in time of trouble.” Hebrews tells of a persecution of Christians in which their possessions were plundered. Sounds like Wall Street, USA. “You cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.”
Do you know what you really possess? Where does your security lie? What is your experience of something small in your life growing into a large grace and gift of God? Ask the Spirit to help you remember. Be quiet. Listen. Discuss what bubbles up with Jesus.
Your kin-dom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! Thank you for planting the small seed of good news in us and growing it into a mighty witness. Let us be worthy of your Word.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19; Benedictus canticle, Luke 1; Mark 4: 35-41
Faith is the theme today. Hebrews (even the parts that are missing from the liturgy) detail the faith of those of the former covenant noted for their faith, hoping for a lasting city “whose architect and builder is God.” In the gospel, after Jesus had spoken “all day long” he wanted to move away from the crowds, boarded a boat and fell asleep in the stern “on the cushion”. When a storm blows up, the disciples, terrified, wake him. He rebukes the storm which is stilled, and then rebukes his disciples: “Why are you still afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Try an Ignatian contemplation today. You are in the boat and you peacefully gaze at Jesus, asleep. You imagine the cushion to be your shoulder. He can lean on you. A violent blast of thunder, a roll of a large wave and you cling to the mast. What is roiling about inside your heart now? What is the storm that is shaking the world now? Rebuke Jesus as his friends did: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” What happens next? Let it flow and do not censor anything….
How deeply you do care about the storms inside the peoples and nations of our world. Calm us, heal us, deepen our faith in you as our only security. Help our unbelief.
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Sunday, February 1, 2009 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy18:15-20; Psalm 95; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1: 21-28
The urgency we felt last Sunday continues this week. A prophet like Moses will come and command obedience, which stems from the word for listening. “If today you hear [God’s] word, do not harden your hearts,” the psalmist urges. Paul wants everyone married or unmarried, to focus on Christ, whom Paul believes will soon to be coming on the clouds. The term “anxious” in Greek means “cares for”. Rightly so, the married person cares for the spouse, how to please the spouse. Paul would be the first to say that the spouse mediates the presence of Christ (1 Cor 7:14). Jesus is the prophet like Moses, but with even greater authority. Mark portrays Jesus’ mission as casting out demons, casting out evil. With great authority, Jesus cares for God’s reign.
“Wait for the Lord without distraction,” is the Greek translation of 1 Cor 7:35.
What takes your focus off God and the things of God? Ask the Spirit to show you, and then listen for a while in silence. What do you want?
How wonderful that all we do for another, we do for you, Jesus. Help us to remember frequently that our love is your love, and that our loving gives God glory.
Monday, February 2, 2009 - Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2: 22-40
“Suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.” Surely not a baby in its mother’s arms? “Who is this king of glory?” for whom the temple gates rise.
The Lord, the king of glory, is brother and sister to all who share flesh and blood. He is the merciful and faithful high priest, like us in all things. He came, Hebrews teaches, to set free all those who were terrified of death, free them from slavery to fear. Presenting Jesus in the temple and hearing Simeon’s word is one of the “seven sorrows of Mary.”
Was Mary afraid for her child? Ask her. Listen. What frightens you today? Share your fears with Mary. Ask Jesus to set you free. Then look back over your life to see how you have grown in freedom through the years. How will you respond?
Thank you, Jesus, that like us you are growing in wisdom, age and grace. Thank you that you and your mother grew in freedom. Help us be more free and freeing.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Hebrews 12: 1-4; Psalm 22; Mark 5: 21-43
Today’s psalm is used in Holy Week, a lament; but all of Israel’s laments end in an act of trust in God. Jairus laments his daughter’s illness, the hemorrhaging woman laments her own 12 years of suffering. But, as Hebrews teaches, they have fixed their eyes on Jesus, the “pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Jesus rewards their faith, the trust of Jairus and the woman who touches his cloak. When messengers arrive to tell Jairus his daughter has died, Jesus exclaims: “Fear is useless. What is needed is trust” (Phillips translation). The onlookers “ridiculed” Jesus.
First, ask Jesus how he felt when being laughed at. Then remember a time when you have been ridiculed. He is our pioneer, experiencing everything that we have. Fear may be useless, but he experienced a panic attack in the Garden. He is very human. Share your fears with him. Share anything that has burdened you for many, many years.
May we come to share your divinity, Jesus, who emptied yourself to share our humanity with all its fears and burdens. Help those much more afraid and burdened than we.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hebrews 12: 4-7, 11-15; Psalm 103; Mark 6: 1-6
Psalm 103 is one of the most consoling of psalms, praising God’s compassion, for God “knows how we are formed…remembers that we are dust.” So when Hebrews exhorts: “Strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees [and] …strive for peace with everyone,” God’s compassion gives us that strength. God accepts us just as we are, unlike the people of Nazareth who are offended by Jesus’ wisdom and mighty deeds. “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary?”
How do you feel about being dust? How do you think Mary felt? Jesus felt? When might Mary’s hands have drooped? How did our pioneer “strive for peace with everyone,” or did he? Ask him for the gift to discern when to accept what we cannot change and when to use courage and creativity to change what we can, to make peace where and when we can.
O God, grant us the trust and serenity to accept what we cannot change, the courage and creativity to change what we can, and Jesus’ own wisdom to discern the difference.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Hebrews 12: 18-19, 21-24; Psalm 48; Mark 6: 7-13
How all things work together! This past Sunday, the people begged not to hear God’s voice nor “see this great fire anymore.” Today, Hebrews reiterates the giving of the first covenant through Moses with trumpet and blazing fire. We however, belong “to the assembly of the firstborn” – Jesus, of course. Jesus assembles us to send us “with authority”, like the Twelve, to preach repentance, drive out demons, anoint the sick and heal them. Coming together (syanagogue in Greek) as church means we too will be missioned (missus/a is sent in Latin) to the least and most needy of the assembly, and indeed the far neighbors of the world.
What if our knees are indeed weak, our bodies failing, our eyes and ears dimming with age? Are we still missionary? Indeed! Perhaps Paul did more to build up the church when he was ill, in prison, shipwrecked than when he was preaching. “When I am weak, then the power of God is strong,” he realized. John XXIII wrote: “Each of us has our own service to render, some by working and some by suffering. The reward of suffering is even more generous and certain.” Pray for the least and most needy of the world.
Jesus, our pioneer, whether you were a helpless baby or hung powerless on a cross, you were always making God’s power your focus. Share that trust with us, we beg.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Hebrews 13: 1-8; Psalm 27; Mark 6: 14-29
Mark narrates the beheading of John the Baptist. Perhaps in prison John was consoled by today’s psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom should I be afraid?” Hebrews exhorts us who are the light and have salvation, “Let love continue. Do not neglect hospitality…be mindful of prisoners…and of the ill…” In a world of such change as ours, it may seem strange to hear the final sentence of Hebrews: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
What does that last sentence mean to you? How is Jesus the same for you in the past and in the present? What do you think about his still growing in wisdom and grace all through eternity? Speak with him about this, and perhaps more importantly, speak with him about all prisoners, those innocent like John, and those guilty. What would Jesus do if asked to pull the switch to inflict capital punishment? Ask him. Listen.
Be a comfort to all those in prison, Holy Spirit, Comforter. Give the gift of repentance, and a vulnerable heart – not only to them but to us as well. Thank you!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hebrews 13: 15-17, 20-21; Psalm 23; Mark 6: 30-34
What a peaceful way to end our week. God leads us beside restful waters and spreads a table for us. Jesus invites us “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Hebrews concludes by urging us to offer a sacrifice of praise and to share what we have: “God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.” Then the author prays: “May the God of peace who raised from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep…furnish you with all that is good, that you may do [God’s] will.” The great shepherd of Psalm 23 has shared power and authority, kindness and gentleness with Jesus, our shepherd, our brother, and our pioneer.
How can you come apart to rest awhile this weekend? Take a walk, listen to a piece of music without multi-tasking, contemplate some piece of beauty right within your own home? Check your balance of work and rest with Jesus. When he saw the crowds he was moved with pity. When you see the amount of work to be done, what moves you?
Free us, Jesus, from getting our identity and our worth from our work, our accomplishments, our successes. Free us from the need to “look good.”
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Sunday, February 8, 2009 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Job 7: 1-4, 6-7; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23; Mark 1: 29-39
February in our hemisphere can be as gloomy as Job portrays it. He feels empty, despairing, and questions God. Psalms of lament, however, always seems to conclude with a note of hope. Today’s promise is that our God binds up wounds and heals the brokenhearted. We see God’s promise in action in Jesus, first healing Peter’s mother in law, “and she began to serve them.” We assume she made a meal, but the word diakonia means a variety of ministries. When we are healed, we have the energy to serve, but nothing exhausts us like sickness, pain, misery of heart. Jesus keeps some boundaries for the whole town comes looking for him. He heals, but he also needs time alone, and time to move on. Jesus not only heals; in Mark’s portrayal Jesus continues to cast out demons.
Are there demons of February lurking in your heart? Ask Jesus to cast them out and “give you back the joy of salvation.” Show any and all wounds to God; show any parts of your heart that are broken to God. Then remember all the physical, emotional and spiritual healings of your life. Ask for the energy and motivation to serve with whatever gifts you have. Even if pinned down in a sick bed, to cry “Jesus” is a service.
So many wounds in our world, Jesus, so much need for healing! Remove whatever holds us back from serving the wounded nearby, and from praying for peace in the world.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Genesis 1: 1-19; Psalm 104; Mark 6: 53-56
Every ancient culture has its creation story, and in light of pan-en-theism, ours grows more exciting. We were warned years ago to avoid pantheism, but pan-en-theism is the belief that God exists and loves through every particle of creation. That is very Catholic! The gospel continues with the pressure the crowds put on Jesus to heal. He gets out of the boat where we left him exhausted and asleep on Saturday. Wherever he goes on land, they come – to villages, cities, farms, marketplaces.
Which would help you to pray today? To picture in your memory the millions of galaxies in which God pulses, and to read carefully of God’s artistry in fashioning the world? Perhaps you prefer bring to Jesus for healing your own exhaustion, and then begin to serve by picturing the villages of Sudan, the cities of the Mideast, the farms of the Congo, the marketplaces of Iraq, asking Jesus to bring you with him to BE with the suffering.
O God, you see that everything is very good. Open our eyes and our hearts to the goodness of people, of creation, of ourselves. Smile on all of your creation and let your smile rise from our hearts.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Genesis 1: 20-2:4; Psalm 8; Mark 7:1-13
There are two stories of the creation of human beings in Genesis. Today in the first chapter, male and female are both created simultaneously and both in the image of God. When we think of all the poetic images of God in scripture: rock, stronghold, dew, fire etc, how marvelous that we are in reality the very image of God, female and male. In the gospel, Jesus tries to point out that our treatment of human beings, the very images of God, is so much more important than the law and tradition. Jesus quotes God’s own self to the Pharisees who are accusing him: “In vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.”
Jesus teaches that God wants worship from the heart. What happens to your heart when you consider “all creatures of the earth, great and small” and know how special you are to your Creator? How do you worship throughout the day? Hopefully we don’t think worship is for Sunday or for formal prayer only? Ask the Spirit to help you worship all day long.
“When we look at the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, who are we that you care for us?” We are your image. Help us to revere your image in all whom we meet today, in person or on the news.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - World Day of the Sick
Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17; Psalm 104; Mark 7: 14-23
The gospel highlights how Jesus relativized the purity laws of the Jews, He emphasizes that purity of heart is what pleases God, for “it is from the human heart that evil intentions come.” In Genesis, chapter 2, the first man is still alone in the garden, and receives God’s command: “You are not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” No apple in sight!
Examine your own heart. Any evil intentions that you would like Jesus to heal, any unreconciled relationships he needs to touch? We are not to judge good and evil, we are not to eat that fruit. Judgment is God’s. Show Jesus where your heart is wounded by others’ judgment of you, and where your judgments are hurting your relationships. As you pray for the sick today, remember your own sickness of heart.
Your word is truth, Jesus. Make us holy in your truth that reverences every person and especially reaches out and cares for the sinner, the outcast, the impure of heart.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Genesis 2: 18-15; Psalm 128; Mark 7: 24-30
God recognizes that it is not good for man to be alone, but God does not create woman first. First, God creates animals and birds, our pets. “Still there was not found a helper as [man’s] partner.” Now we have the story of God putting the man to sleep and fashioning woman out of his rib. From this story comes the subordination of women, which even infected Jesus. Jesus is on his way to the beach, for Tyre and Sidon are on the Mediterranean, and “he entered a house there and did not want anyone to know he was there.” A Gentile woman approaches him and bowing to the ground begs his help. Jesus refuses, implying that she and “her kind” are dogs. She doesn’t argue but will take the crumbs from his table. Jesus, who was reared in an area of Israel that was frequently violated by marauding armies of Gentiles, was unconsciously a racist. His culture seeped into his blood stream until the woman caught him up short. “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” Usually Jesus praises a seeker’s faith, but here, it is her consciousness raising that is a conversion point for him.
And you? Where has current culture twisted your thinking without your even noticing? Jesus knows. Ask him for a pure heart. Thank him for the healing of racism, sexism, nationalism that has begun in you. “In Christ there is no Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, slave nor free” (Gal 3:28) cuts through social sin. In the cosmic Christ, Lord of all creation, we are all one!
We know that you have made us one, but how much help we need to notice our unity and to act on it. Help us care about those whom we would naturally fear or despise.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Genesis 3: 1-8; Psalm 32; Mark 7: 31-37
An amazing confluence in our readings. In Genesis the serpent promises that human eyes would be opened and we would be “like God, knowing good and evil.” The woman wanted to be wise and so she ate. Jesus is finally refreshed it seems from his stay at the seashore, and is converted as well, because he travels through Decapolis, a Gentile region, and heals a man who is both deaf and has a speech impediment. Eyes, ears, mouths are opened. While we are warned not to judge others, judging is part of being human, and we must have our eyes and ears open to evil as well as to good. We judge the act, not the motives of the one acting. Only God can judge the heart.
God wants our eyes to be open too. When you open your eyes and try to see through God’s eyes, what do you notice about creation, about people? When your ears are opened, what do you hear? What does God hear?
Give us your eyes, your ears, your words, Creator God! Make us wise with your wisdom, and give us the gift of discerning your will in all situations.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Genesis 3: 9-24; Psalm 90; Mark 8: 1-10
Jesus would have us live out of abundance, not fear of scarcity. With seven loaves and a few small fish, thousands of people were fed. Jesus knows that we are dust, as Genesis asserts today, and to dust we will return (preparing us for Ash Wednesday on February 25), but he sympathizes with our dusty hungers. God too has compassion on the man and woman in their skimpy fig leaves. “The Lord God made garments of skin for the man and his wife.”
Picture God as a seamstress. Needles were bits of bone; thread was a string of leather or sinew chewed thin and pliable. No thimbles. What does this kind of care tell us about our God? How do you feel about God clothing you? And what kind of clothing would you like? What kind of food? What kind of abundance would you like God to flood you with?
“Teach us to count our days that we may gain wisdom of heart.” Teach us to share our abundance with others, materially or at least through our compassionate and passionate prayer.
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Sunday, February 15, 2009 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Leviticus 13:1-2, 45-46; Psalm 32; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1: 40-45
Last Sunday we heard that Paul will be all things to all people, weak if they are weak, a slave to all. Today he continues his “trying to please everyone in everything I do.” Paul is hardly a “people pleaser” in today’s terminology; this is a missionary technique that could well be used today, moving into a culture and building on what is worthwhile. “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” is also the way Jewish missionaries
brought the teaching of famous rabbis to Jews far from Jerusalem; a rabbinic disciple imitated everything about the chief rabbi. Today we see Jesus, moved with pity (although a more ancient reading says “anger”), touching a leper. What is the source of his anger? Is Jesus angry at God/Moses for declaring any skin eruption unclean? Or at Jewish society for banishing such a person? Or at the leper for hesitating to ask: “If you want to, you can make me clean.” “Of course I want to,” Jesus responds.
Take a long, loving look at your anger. From where does it stem? Are you able to get angry with God, and express it? What in our church and/or society rouses your anger? Ask Jesus with great confidence (none of this “If you want to…” or as we more often say, “If it is your will…”) for what needs healing in your anger. It IS God’s will that we be healed, that church and society be healed, that we channel our anger into action for justice. Discuss all this with Jesus.
We offer you our anger, your gift to us to move us to justice and compassion. Help us touch your suffering and outcast people in person, or at least in our prayer.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Genesis 4: 1-15, 25; Psalm 50; Mark 8: 11-13
“The man knew his wife Eve and she conceived…” To know God, Jesus says at his last supper, is eternal life (Jn 17:3). Jesus is not hoping we get degrees in theology but that we sink deeply into intimate union with God. That is Hebrew “knowing.” Today we have the story of Cain and Abel. After pondering anger yesterday, we see what happens when we are angry with God and express it instead toward another human being, a brother. Why didn’t God find Cain’s sacrifice pleasing? We have no idea. Other parts of Psalm 50 tell of God’s spurning our sacrifices too. Neither is Jesus happy today (it IS February!) and sighs deeply in his spirit because once again the Pharisees are testing him.
Keep on examining your anger and jealousy, showing those wounds to God, if that is helpful. You might also offer Jesus compassion for all that he has suffered and still suffers because people are always “testing” him and his love. Or you might simply sink into God, asking for an ever deeper abiding in God, a union that is life.
Our sacrifice, God, is a contrite spirit. A contrite spirit you will not spurn. Give us back the joy of your salvation and a faithful spirit renew within us, and within our church.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Genesis 6: 5-8, 7: 1-5, 10; Psalm 29; Mark 8: 14-21
We speak of bread and water as the bare necessities of life, and so today’s readings. First the story of Noah, overwhelmed with water. He is ordered to take not a pair of each kind of animal, but seven pairs of each kind. “God was grieved” in heart that God had ever created human beings, and so the flood. The psalm sings of God’s voice over the waters, a creative voice however, and its antiphon: “The Lord will bless the people with peace,” underscores God’s loving forgiveness. Jesus embodies God’s loving care. After he fed the multitude, he and his disciples sail away. As Jesus reflects on bread, his disciples yet again misunderstand.
Ask God what is grieving God’s heart today. Listen. Ask Jesus to share with you how he is misunderstood today. Listen. Is there any thing the Spirit prompts you to do?
Can you offer compassion to God, to Jesus?
You, God of glory, thunder over the waters, and all say Glory! Help us to glorify you by blessing those we meet today with your peace.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Genesis 8: 6-13, 20-22; Psalm 116; Mark 8: 22-26
Finally Noah finds land and offers a pleasing sacrifice to God who has to admit, “the human heart is evil from youth,” yet God will not destroy the earth again. The Alleluia verse asks God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. In the gospel, Jesus heals a blind man, but when he asks the blind man what he sees, the man admits he can “see people but they look like trees walking.” He tells Jesus the truth. “Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again…and the man saw everything clearly.”
What if the man was a people pleaser and lied to Jesus: “All is just fine, thank you!” How do you feel when you tell God the truth, when you ask again and again for a better or deeper healing? Where do you want Jesus to lay his hands today? Tell him.
May you “enlighten the eyes of our heart, that we may see how great is the hope to which we are called.” May you, Jesus, touch the hearts of our youth with your unconditional love for which they yearn.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Genesis 9: 1-13; Psalm 102; Mark 8: 27-33
Noah leaves the ark with his wife and sons. Where are the daughters in law? God says: “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.” Then God makes a new covenant, between God and “every living creature,” whose sign is the rainbow. Jesus will inaugurate yet a newer covenant, but when he describes all that he must first endure, it is too much for Peter, who tries to argue him out of it. Jesus is furious, rebuking Peter and calling him “Satan.”
We have been reflecting on anger this week. Usually we link Jesus’ irritation to his disciples’ misunderstanding and his rage to his cleansing the temple. To call his best friend Satan is much more than irritation, however. From where does your anger come? This anger today must come from Jesus’ own fear of what lies ahead. Check your own outbursts. What is the underlying fear for you? Discuss these two powerful emotions with Jesus who experienced them both.
Thank you, Jesus, for being like us in all things, including anxiety, fear and panic; including irritation, anger and rage. Day by day, make us meek and humble of heart.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Genesis 11: 1-9; Psalm 33; Mark 8: 34-38-9:1
God promised not to destroy the earth, but God certainly puts arrogant humans in their place today. When all spoke the same language, they planned a city with a tower that would reach to the heavens “to make a name for themselves.” So God went to the town of Babel and confused the language of its inhabitants. In the Alleluia verse, Jesus calls his disciples “friends” (Jn 15: 15). In the gospel, Jesus equates disciples with followers, the common meaning today. John alones gives “disciple” its original meaning of learner. Jesus is the disciple of God (Jn 1: 18), learning from the depths of God’s own heart. We who learn Jesus are called his friends.
When have you wanted to “make a name for yourself?” What happened? What did you learn? How has learning deepened your discipleship, your union with God, your friendship with Jesus?
“This is eternal life: to know you and the one whom you sent.” Deepen our union with you, God, and with all our brothers and sisters around the globe. Make us one.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hebrews 11: 1-7; Psalm 145; Mark 9: 2-13
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is in Jesus whom we do not see clearly yet (like this week’s blind man) but in whom we hope. Hebrews then offers a summary of all we have learned from readings from Genesis. The psalmist promises that all God’s works and all God’s faithful will tell of God’s glory. Then Jesus offers us a glimpse, a taste of God’s glory revealed on Mount
Tabor. Jesus is transfigured. The same Peter whom Jesus called Satan is now overwhelmed with awe, and like all of us, wants to hold on tight to the experience of glory.
Ask to see Jesus clearly, to find God in all things, to know God’s glory whether in suffering or in joy. Ask to find the unity of creation in all living and inanimate things, in all the galaxies of our universe, in God’s unending creativity. Tell God how you feel about God’s creativity.
How shall we make a return for all that you have lavished on us, all your abundant beauty? We take the cup of salvation and give thanks to you, our God!
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Sunday, February 22, 2009 - Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 43: 18-22, 24-25; Psalm 41; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Mark 2: 1-12
Through Isaiah, God promises to do a new thing, especially opening rivers in the desert for those who are weary. The psalm foreshadows today’s gospel in which Jesus heals the paralytic let down through the roof. God sustains people “on their sickbed.” The psalmist prays: “Heal me, for I have sinned against you.” Yes! cries Jesus, according to Paul. In fact, Jesus is God’s Yes, empowering us “to say the ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.” When the report goes out that Jesus is at home in Capernaum, people crowd his
doorway. Four friends of a paralyzed man cut an opening in the roof, so determined are they to have Jesus lay eyes and hands on their friend. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’” Imagine how that stirred up Jesus’ enemies.
We are preparing for Lent this week. Some of you may be in a desert, needing God to open a way and rain on your aridity. Some of you may lie on a sickbed of physical pain or emotional suffering, and need God to sustain you. Some of you may eagerly await Lent, crying “Yes” to joining Jesus on his way to Calvary. Some of you long for Jesus to forgive your sins, your grudges, your prejudices. How are you approaching Lent this year? What new thing do you need from God? What is paralyzing you now? Talk all this over with Jesus and ask for the grace to say “Yes.”
Give us friends to bring us to you, Jesus, no matter how difficult we become. Give friends to the lonely, the dying, those paralyzed by hunger, thirst, disease. Heal us all!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sirach 1: 1-10; Psalm 93; Mark 9: 14-29
Sirach opens with praise of Wisdom, God’s feminine throne partner. Later in Jewish thought, Wisdom (feminine) will be equated with Word (masculine, in both Hebrew and Greek). And we know that God’s Wisdom/Word became flesh. Here we learn that God poured wisdom on all God’s works, “lavishing her upon those who love God.” Jesus was lavished with God’s glory on Mt. Tabor, and today he leaves the mountain of transfiguration. Yet he must have been trailing glory. “When the whole crowd saw Jesus, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him.” A boy who threw himself into the fire was healed after his father confessed: “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Jesus, as he did with Jairus’ daughter, “took him by the hand…” This kind of demon is cast out only by prayer and fasting – again looking to Lent.
What inspires awe in you? You don’t have to say words of praise; your feeling of awe is a prayer. What moves you run forward to greet Jesus? If Jesus stretches out his hand to you, how do you respond? Ask the Spirit to show you any demons that needing casting out this Lent. Ask to be set free.
Thank you for lavishing your love, wisdom and glory on all of creation, Creator-God. Deepen our reverence for each bit of our environment into which your Word came to dwell with us.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sirach 2:1-11; Psalm 37; Mark 9: 30-37
In healing the paralyzed man, Jesus addresses him as “child.” So does the author of Sirach, warning us that to serve God brings trials. We are not to be impetuous in the face of calamity, but “Cling to God …accept whatever befalls you, and in times of humiliation, be patient.” It may be that humiliation will come this Lent, but humility must be given us. The disciples are arguing about who is greatest, and Jesus tells them, the one who serves. Then he puts a child in their midst, promising that those who welcome one such child, welcomes him and the one who sent him.
“Cling to God” might be a Lenten resolution. Accepting whatever happens might be another. Patience, service, all are opportunities for humility. Giving up beer or chocolate or movies is fine if you think you may be addicted, but saying “Yes” to whatever happens to you, good or bad, joy or sorrow, is an attitude of humble obedience to reality. Ask the Spirit to teach you what grace you need this Lent.
God, we do believe. Help our unbelief! So many in our world are seeking you and your good news. Make us joyful and attractive signs of your presence and service in our world.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - Ash Wednesday
Joel 2: 12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5: 20-6:2; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Jesus calls us today to wash our faces, to remove gloom from our hearts. We can receive Lent as coming back to the joy of God’s salvation (Ps 51). Salvation from its Latin root means “health and wholeness.” The journey to health and wholeness is a call to be what we are: human, creatures, sinners, but such well loved sinners. Human comes from the Latin for dirt, earth (humus). God so loves the much of humanness that God took a body, lived and loved, taught and healed, suffered and died, and was raised to glory. To quote St. Irenaeus, “The glory of God is the human being, fully human, fully alive.”
What do you like about being human? What don’t you like? Ask the Spirit how you can become more healthy and whole this Lent, as a person and in community.
God of our salvation, keep gloom at bay for us this Lent. Let your Spirit anoint us with joy so that we may be attractive signs to all whom we meet today.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm 1; Luke 9: 22-25
Lent is an invitation to join Jesus in the desert. Moses was called in the desert to lead God’s people to a moment of choice. As he nears death, Moses calls an assembly and proclaims: “Today I set before you life and wholeness, death and doom.” Moses asks the people to love, live and hold fast to God, to choose life and choose blessing. Blessing in Hebrew means the transfer of goods, personality, the very gift of one’s entire being. For God to bless us is for God to pour into us all that God is (Romans 8: 32). For us to bless God is to offer God our entire selves in surrender.
How has God blessed you? How do you listen, love and hold fast to God? What more do you want?
Jesus, help us to sit with you on the desert floor and to ponder God’s word in our hearts. Open us and all peoples to God’s own life, all God’s goodness, all that God is.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Isaiah 58: 1-9; Psalm 51; Matthew 9: 14-15
Both God through Isaiah and Jesus revise our understanding of fasting. People in Isaiah’s time questioned God, wondering why they fast and yet God pays no attention. Social justice is the fast that God wants: sharing our food with the hungry, giving the oppressed a home, clothing the naked, tending to our own. God wants us to help free the neglected the immigrants, the little ones. God’s healing love is like a wedding banquet. Jesus’ disciples do not fast. The bridegroom is with them, and with us too. We feast together in the a community that includes the oppressed, the naked, the homeless and the poor. If we ignore justice, the fast that God wants, then today’s psalm is our cry to God who tenderly washes away our guilt.
What has been your experience of fasting? What did you expect in return? How do you feel about God’s desire for our fasting? Speak with Jesus about it.
Our host at every table, thank you for clothing our nakedness, for setting us free, for giving us a home in your heart. Open our hearts to others today, especially those who are different.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Isaiah 58: 9-14; Psalm 86; Luke 5: 27-32
God wants a fast of justice. Then the parched land of ourselves will become a watered garden, one whose springs never fail. Even in hat may seem like an interior desert in our deepest selves, there is an inner oasis, a watered and flourishing garden, bearing fruit and flowers. Why is God so generous with us? The psalm asserts that we are poor and afflicted, and God’s heart always moves toward the poor. In the gospel, Jesus exposes our identity as afflicted. Our society our church, ourselves are sinners. If we do not claim our rightful identity as weak and sinful we might miss the great banquet that Levi gives Jesus, as well as the tax collectors and sinners. The righteous have no need for Jesus. It is the sick who need the healing heart of Christ.
Notice how we are both a well watered and beautiful garden, and also sinful. To accept paradox is a sign of spiritual maturity. How do you feel about this paradox? Discuss your beauty and your sin with Jesus. Then listen to him.
God of grace, convert us from our false sense of goodness. Give us, please, that humility which is truth. Help us to speak truth and be authentic all day today.
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Sunday, March 1, 2009 - First Sunday of Lent
Genesis 9: 8-15; Psalm 25; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 12-15
What grace that this year we begin Lent with a movement toward our initiation, our immersion into the dying and rising of Christ: Baptism. Noah’s escape from a corrupt society and Psalm 25 both remind us of the afflictions, the sinful condition into which we are born. This Lent may we have a felt need to be washed, cleansed, graciously loved. I Peter is a homily about baptism, and after Mark briefly mentions Jesus’ baptism, we pick up the gospel just as the Spirit is driving him into the wilderness. Forty days of growing in wisdom and grace, growing in discernment as he is tempted. John’s arrest pulls him out of solitude: Now is the time! Repent! Believe in the good news! To repent means to have a renewed mind, a changed heart, a transformed love. Baptism has immersed us in God who is constant change, always faithful but never static.
And you, what do you want God to change in you this Lent? What fruits have you discovered flowing from your baptism? What good news has Jesus proclaimed to you?
O God, reach into our world and touch every heart. Teach us to uncover good news amid so much hatred, violence and discord. Immerse us in unity and peace. Make us one.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19; Matthew 25: 31-46
Not just Ten Commandments! Leviticus spells out commandments which forbid hatred, revenge and grudges. In the gospel, however, the Son of Man does not just the nations for keeping commandments. “All nations will be gathered before him,” Jesus says in the only last judgment scene in the New Testament. How will the US and Canada be judged when asked how we treated the hungry, immigrants, prisoners, the homeless and the sick? To hunger and thirst for justice is not a law. We cannot measure our spiritual progress. We are never finished letting our hearts expand, to share God’s own love for the weak and neglected.
What one small step can you take today to alleviate poverty or its causes in your city, state or country? Ask the Spirit to show you. Listen. Then act.
Holy Spirit, give us the mind and heart of God. Give us your power and courage to speak out, your wisdom and energy to find ways to influence our nations.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Isaiah 55: 10-11; Psalm 34; Matthew 6: 7-15
Isaiah compares the Word of God to water, willing the earth to be fruitful as the Word sinks deeply into us. We produce fruit which is God’s will. In today’s gospel, Jesus prays that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. As God’s Word and Jesus’ prayer soak deeply into us, the psalmist assures us that our faces will radiate joy. Too many people believe that God’s will involves pain and distress. “On earth as it is in heaven,” Jesus prays. There is no pain in heaven. Our society often shames those who are crushed in spirit, the weak, the depressed. Yet God is close to the brokenhearted, Psalm 34 insists. It is those who are crushed in spirit whom God saves, sets free, heals and makes whole.
How have you understood God’s will in the past? How has your understanding been changing? What experiences led you to new understandings? Join Jesus’ prayer now and frequently throughout the day: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Open us, Jesus, to share freely with you and with our friends our weaknesses, losses and heartaches. We offer you the heartache of all who suffer violence and beg you for peace.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51; Luke 11: 29-32
The psalmist asks God to wash us thoroughly. Who was washed so thoroughly as Jonah who was thrown into the sea? When the prophet was finally cast ashore God told Jonah to preach to Nineveh a second time. A second time. If we are not yet ready for the mission of a prophet, critiquing unjust structures in church and society, God will return to create a new spirit in us and steady our backbone (Ps 51). Baptism has made us ready, showered us with every gift so that through our daily activities: prayer, interaction, work, play—and our daily passivities: prayer, rest, even sleep fills us with the Spirit’s power. The Spirit sends us today to continue Christ’s mission.
Ask the Spirit to bubble up from deep within you all the baptism once did and continues to do in you. Sit quietly for a while and don’t censor anything the Spirit brings
to your consciousness. What do you want?
Deepen your friendship with us, Jesus, and re-create in us your faithful and powerful Spirit. Open us to know and to use our baptismal power for the sake of others.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Esther 14: 1, 3-5, 12-14; Psalm 138; Matthew 7:7-12
A Jewish queen lies prostrate with anguish, prostrate in prayer in the palace of her pagan husband. Before begging her husband on behalf of her Jewish people, she pleads
with God: “Turn our mourning into gladness, our sorrow into wholeness.” Her prayer brings wholeness, shalom. Shalom means peace, wholeness, integrity. Esther prays, and Jesus teaches about prayer: If we who are sinners give our children good gifts, how much more God will flood us with ever so much more good gifts, if we but ask. And sometimes before we ask. We baptize infants as a sign to the community that God graces the child before she can do anything to deserve grace.
If you are one who still believes that you have to earn grace or merit salvation, ask for the grace of experiencing God’s unconditional love. Don’t pray today because it will grow you in grace, but because God is in love with you. Respond.
Jesus, we ask for peace in our hearts, our homes, our nations, our world. We ask for health for those physically in pain or disease and health for our planet earth.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Ezekiel 18: 21-28; Psalm 130; Matthew 5: 20-26
“The Lord’s way is not fair!” This cry rises from many who suffer. Is God unjust?
The psalm says God is not fair by our standards, for if God marked our iniquities, we could not survive. Yet God is “justice.” Justice in Hebrew and Greek means “holiness.”
God’s will for justice was once expressed through the Law, but Jesus, the new self-expression of God, raises the standard. “You have heard it said…but I say…” The command not to kill means more: refusing to cling to anger or yield to contempt. We are called to put aside our rosaries and giving up chocolate and find those who have anything against us. Justice calls for reconciliation: on an international scale, in homes and schools and offices and factories and shops. God’s will is shalom, that we may all be one.
Ask the Spirit to remind you when you were led from anger or contempt to reconciliation. Where might the Spirit be leading your to dialogue and reconciliation this Lent. Listen. Then ask for the grace to make one small step…
Jesus, deepen in us a hunger and thirst for justice. Re-form us, Spirit, and send us as peacemakers, ambassadors of reconciliation in our broken world.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Deuteronomy 26: 16-19; Psalm 119; Matthew 5: 43-48
Moses invokes the covenant God made with Israel. Jesus leads us to a deeper understanding of law, not jots and tittles but the law of love. The old law, he notes, commands us to love our neighbor and hate our enemy. Once we could apply that as individuals, but now whole societies see other cultures and religions as enemies. We make war on our enemies. To be a Christian nation, however, we must love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Openness to friends and enemies helps to make us perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. God blesses all nations, welcomes people of all religions, seeks the lost and outcast. Being perfect does not mean keeping commandments but rather being so deeply united to and within the heart of God that we mirror God’s welcoming love to everyone—even enemies.
Ask the Spirit to call to mind who has hurt you recently. Who is persecuting you right now? Will you pray for these enemies? “Bless_____, change me” is an effective prayer for those whom we have trouble loving.
Jesus, forgive us. Help us admit our fears of other races and religions. Only you can transform our fears into freedom and love. You are the Savior of the world!
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Sunday, March 8, 2009 - Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13; Psalm 116; Romans 8: 31-34; Mark 9:2-10
Abraham hears God call and in trusting obedience responds: “Here I am.” Ready to offer his only son, again he hears the call and answers: “Here I am.” Abraham demonstrates the obedience of total worship and humble creaturehood. Jesus too responds to God’s call, but to transformation, which happens to us all in baptism. As we hear today’s gospel we are immersed in his total transfiguration, in union with the one with whom God is well pleased. When Paul tries to describe this union, he begins with legal language: If God is for us, who will bring a charge against God’s chosen or who will condemn? Then the response of mystic union: If God has given us a Son, how much more God wants to lavish on us all that God is!
Ponder in your heart all that God is. God wants to lavish on you all that God is. What do you love, admire, worship and want of God’s own self? Then look at Jesus transfigured. This is contemplation.
Jesus, let us look up and see you alone! You are the Beloved, and how we do want to listen to you and love you. Help us love those who are not so attractive.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Daniel 9: 4-10; Psalm 79; Luke 6:36-38
Write it large in the psyches of every Christian; “Be compassionate as your heavenly Father is compassionate.” Be merciful. This sums up the whole law, the prophets and the gospel. Have the same passion in you that God has—passion for shalom,
for justice, love, inclusion. Have passion, God’s own passion. “Stop judging and you will not be judged…forgive and you will be forgiven.” Forgiving may take a lifetime, but we journey toward God’s gift of forgiveness. The measure we give we will be given to us.
God’s wants to lavish, God’s passion overflows in all those open to this flood of compassion. God is drawing us ever more deeply into the passionate heart of God.
Stand with Jesus and watch as he looks at each of your loved ones and your enemies. He looks humbly, tenderly. Tell him how that makes you feel and what you want from him.
O God, in your great compassion, free those doomed to starvation, to pain, to loneliness. Make us instruments of your compassion, instruments of your shalom.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20; Psalm 50; Matthew 23: 1-12
Through Isaiah, God commands: “Wash yourselves clean!” Then God tells us just what the water will be: justice. “Make justice your aim…Hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” These are God’s moral values. We are set in right relationship with God
(“Come now, let us set things right.”), and then with each other as individuals, families, nations. To be in right relationship is another way to say justice. We also need right relationship with the earth. Yet so many church and government leaders “tie heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” Our God does not lay burdens on us. “Our God bears our burdens day after day; our God is a God who saves (Psalm 68: 19-20) Jesus invites us to come to him with our heavy burdens and he will give us rest.
In baptism we were washed in and plunged into the justice of God. How might you act justly in the small encounters of each day? Whose burdens will you bear today?
Thank you, Jesus, for bearing our burdens and calling us to share the burdens of those who are orphaned, widowed, or in any way suffering. Keep us faithful, please.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Jeremiah 18: 18-20; Psalm 31; Matthew 20: 17-28
Jeremiah had prayed for the very ones who now have turned against him. Jesus, too, seems heavily burdened by what faces him in Jerusalem. He tries to confide in the twelve about what probably awaits him. Just then the mother of James and John steps forward, seeking high places for her sons in Jesus’ kin-dom. Jesus teaches about leadership: “Anyone who wishes to be great among you shall be your servant….The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” Jesus is probably burdened by the twelve as well. From the cross Jesus will pray Psalm 31, needing refuge not only from enemies but his friends who misunderstand his mission and style of leadership. His trust in God gives him courage to drink the chalice while facing his bloody death ahead.
Jesus asks us: “Can you drink whatever comes your way? Joy or pain? Success or failure? Love or persecution? Ask Jesus for the trust and courage to accept whatever may come.
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Jeremiah 17: 5-10; Psalm 1; Luke 16: 19-31
For us in the desert of Lent, water gushes in all three readings today. Jeremiah warns that those who trust in human leaders are barren bushes in a lava waste, a salty and empty earth. Those who trust in God are like trees planted near water, “stretching out roots to the stream, “green during drought, bearing fruit. When the gospel character, the rich and stingy man (“Dives” whom we often name him simply means “rich” in Latin), now in flaming torment sees Lazarus, the poor, sick fellow once lying at his doorstep, all he wants is Lazarus to “dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue.” How blessed are we who are flooded not just with the tip of God’s finger but with the whole of God’s lavishing love. Jesus’ parable shocks us into a reversal of values. Many people of his day felt that God favored the rich. The poor, the sick and the sore among them were dismissed. Jesus is still trying to overturn this misconception!
Whom are you called to serve today? Who are the poor at your door? Ask to feel the flood of God’s love, and then to see whom you may be ignoring. Perhaps a letter or phone call?
O God, let us, flush with fruit, share Christ’s passion for justice, for right relationships, especially with those whom we ignore or despise or fear.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13, 17-28: Psalm 105; Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46
Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, is betrayed by his brothers, stripped and thrown into an empty pit. Jealousy leads them to sell him into slavery for 20 pieces of silver. Jealousy of Jesus is also escalating. Eventually, after Judas betrays him for 30 pieces of silver, he too will be stripped and thrown into a pit. Prisons of his day were deep pits, forcing the inmates to stand upright. The gospel parable shows Jesus’ growing understanding of what awaits him. He describes a vineyard owner who twice sends servants to collect the harvest, but they are beaten, stoned and killed. Finally the owner sends his son, hoping that he will be respected. “They seized the son, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.” The good news? “The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.” The rejected Joseph becomes the savior of Egypt and of his family. The rejected Jesus creates a new family in which all are brothers and sisters.
What suffering have you experienced from people whom you thought you could trust? Share your memories of this hurt with him, and then listen, letting him tell you of his pain.
Jesus, we often find ourselves in a pit, empty and dry. Flood our hearts with your peace in the face of rejection, jealousy and hurt. Bless those who betray us.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Micah 7: 14-15, 18-20; Psalm 103; Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
God casts all our sins into the depths of the sea. What good news Micah announces. Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son illustrates that wondrous action of God. The parable is found in anthologies of world literature, so powerful is the story of the wayward son, and the subtext of the elder son’s “perfect” behavior. Some of us identify with the younger son, squandering gifts and graces. At other times in our lives we may have cried out with the elder son, “I have been working like a slave for you, and have never disobeyed your command.” God does not need slaves. Whether we are prodigal or perfect, we all need conversion. We need to turn our ear to God’s saying, like the father to the elder son, “All I have is yours.”
How ready are you for all the God has? How ready are you to surrender all that you are and have: liberty, memory, imagination, mind, and will to the Spirit? Discuss this with Jesus. Tell him what you want and ask for the gift of open trust.
O God, “crown us with kindness and compassion.” Thank you for casting our sins far from us and blessing us with Jesus, the Spirit and your own unfathomable self
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Sunday, March 15, 2009 - Third Sunday of Lent
Exodus 20: 1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2: 13-25
First the people met God at Mount Sinai (Exodus) where they received God’s desire for them through the Law (Psalm 19). Later they met God in the Temple, which Jesus came to cleanse. We meet God in the risen Body of Christ, greater than the temple.
However, it is the crucified body, Paul writes, which demonstrates both God’s power an wisdom. God’s weakness is really power. Power floods the desert scene at Sinai. Moses enters the cloud amid thunder, smoke and trumpet blast to meet God. Jesus feels power surging through his body as he fashions a whip from his belt. And yet, it is the pouring out of his power in death that he is given a new, never-ending power. Another meaning for power in Greek is energy. His angry energies are being transformed into the power of God. Our energies are being transformed as we journey through Lent.
When have you felt powerful? When have you felt weak? How do you respond to other’ power or weakness. Think about God’s power manifest in Jesus’ crucified body.
Contemplate the crucified one, still suffering around the world.
Holy Spirit, how we need your transforming power. Thank you for overturning our notions of power and letting us find your power in our weakness.
Monday, March 16, 2009
2 Kings 5: 1-15; Psalm 42; Luke 4: 24-30
In his opening sermon at Nazareth, Jesus uses the examples of Naaman the Syrian leper and the widow of Zarephath to demonstrate how universal is God’s desire for our salvation. Those who had just marveled at Jesus’ words are now “filled with fury” and tried to throw him from a cliff. God longs for us just as we are. Psalm 42 responds to God’s longing with our own desire: “As the deer longs for running waters…my whole being thirsts for you.” Often we pray for inner peace, healing of our family and friends. In this psalm we long for God’s own self. We pray, as we mature, not to a Santa Claus god who grants requests, but we pray in order to know God. In Hebrew, knowing means deepest union. We long for God, Christ, the Spirit, even with foreigners and sinners.
Discuss with Jesus your feelings about those who are different from you in race, religion, nationality, morals or status in society. Listen to his deep desire “that all may be one,” and tell him how you feel about that desire of his. What might you do today?
O God, help us to trust Jesus and his passion for unity among genders, classes and nations. Lead us to rejoice that we –all the human family, every creature—are one in him.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Daniel 3: 25, 34-43; Psalm 25; Matthew 18: 21-35
“Peter came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, if a brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18) As God’s unconditional love is a theme of the Jewish Testament, so God’s unconditional forgiveness is a major theme of the New Testament. “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,” Jesus prays. Or at least, be ready to offer forgiveness if and when it is requested. Serious and deep wounds need more prayer and more work. The more serious the rupture or misunderstanding, the more we may be called to “work it through” with the person who has hurt or angered us. Forgiving does not mean sweeping under the rug. Many situations can be resolved by some honest and non-violent discussion. Reconciliation means, literally, talking again.
One way to begin to forgive is to pray: “O God, into your hands I commend _____” and name the hurt, the anger, the person who wounded you. Another is to pray “Bless _________. Change me.”
Jesus, thank you for standing with us in our sinfulness, for understanding the grief we inflict on one another so often each day. Please give us the gift of forgiving others.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Deuteronomy 4: 1, 5-9; Psalm 147; Matthew 5: 17-19
God’s Word will witness to pagan nations the wisdom and intelligence of the people “so close to the Lord.” Jesus speaks of the Law and the prophets. He does not abolish the Law but makes it full. Jesus actually speaks as a prophet himself, so close to the mind and heart of God that his word is God’s Word. The word of God is so powerful that it does what it says. Thus if we are reading about God’s love, we are receiving it even as we read. If we read a story about Jesus healing the blind, we are being healed of inner blindness even as we ready. The Word energizes our spirit, guides our life, becomes flesh in our daily activities. Mary is not the only one in whom the Word became flesh. We continue the incarnation.
Join Mary’s prayer of willingness. Pray frequently today, “Be it done to me according to your word.”
Draw us ever closer, O God, to your mind and heart. Let us share your vision, your compassion, your energy for peace and unity in our broken world.
Thursday, March 19, 2009 - Feast of Joseph
2 Samuel 7: 4-5, 12-16; Psalm 89; Romans 4: 13, 16-18, 22;
Matthew 1: 16, 18-21, 24
Through Nathan, God promises David a descendant who will be established forever. Then the gospel traces Jesus’ connection to David through Joseph’s family. Adoption is taken seriously in Israel, and Matthew, the most Jewish of the evangelists knows that. Joseph is the husband of Mary, we are told, but it was not quite settled. Mary was pregnant and Joseph knew the baby was not his. Joseph was a just man. He did not require capital punishment for her, although the Law allowed that he could have her stoned, burned to death or drowned. Justice is not revenge. Joseph listened to God’s messenger, an angelic annunciation made to Joseph in a dream. He obeyed.
What is your position on capital punishment? Could you talk it over with Joseph and Mary? Who are the angels in your life who lead you to God’s desire, God’s will for you? Pray for them in thanksgiving.
Hail Joseph, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among all men and blessed is your wife and your child. Holy Joseph, adoptive father of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 81; Mark 12: 28-34
“I heard a voice say, ‘Put down your workbaskets. I free your hands from the burden. Oh, if only you would listen to me! If only you would open your mouths, I would feed you with the finest wheat and satisfy you with honey from the rock!” (Ps 81)
God speaks and God prays to us. In this psalm, God longs for us. Often we call to God in our distress, crying out our longing for God. Here, however, God cries out to us: “How I wish you would listen to me!” God yearns to free us from our various stresses and wants to feed us. Too often we prefer to be self-sufficient. Lent can be a time, not to pull ourselves up by our spiritual bootstraps, but to choose again and again to let God rest us, free us, feed us. This is God’s will. This is God’s passionate desire: to give to us.
What is in your workbasket? From what do you need to be freed? What would most refresh you? Share your desires with God, but be sure to listen and take in God’s great desire to care for you.
Open our ears, open our mouths to receive what you know will nourish us! Keep us receptive all day long to your passionate desire to care for us and our earth.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Hosea 6: 1-6; Psalm 51; Luke 18: 9-14
God is like rain watering the earth, Hosea proclaims. Our baptism is still soaking us with all its refreshment and power. Baptism empowers us with the very mind and heart of Christ. God and Christ call us to “mercy, not sacrifice; knowing God, not burnt offerings.” This is God’s will. The more compassionate we are, the more we know God (remember that in Hebrew, knowing means “union with”), the more we are humble. We know ourselves as sinners. Perhaps in our youth we would boast like the Pharisee in today’s parable. The Pharisee “despised everyone else.” As we grow in wisdom and grace we know our true and constant position, and we are neither afraid nor ashamed to cry, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
How have you been changing this Lent, growing in compassion and in knowing God? Frequently today, pray; “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Help us to be accepting as we have been accepted by you. Root out all fear and judgment of ourselves and especially others from our hearts
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Sunday, March 22, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
2 Chronicles 36:14-17, 19-23; Psalm 137; Ephesians 2: 4-10; John 3: 14-21
“By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph). Today’s readings remind us of the progression of our God images: our childhood images of a God ready to wipe us out (2 Chron); adolescent images of God to whom we can hurl our curses against those who persecute us (Ps 137); young adult images of God so loving the world (John); and our mature belief in God who does not love us because of our works but because “God is rich in mercy” (Eph). God is rich in mercy even and especially when we are mired in sin, Ephesians assures us. It is by grace, God’s own life lavished upon us, that we are saved (not rescued, not getting to heaven but from the Hebrew, yesh, being set free). Through faith, that is through clinging to Jesus we are saved. Faith, according to scripture, means an attachment of heart, not true doctrine. Faith is God’s gift, not any work of ours. In fact, “we are God’s work of art” (Eph 2:10, Phillips’ translation).
Ask the Spirit to remind you how and when your images of God, images of self, experiences of faith and grace have been changing and developing throughout your life. Respond to this transforming Spirit.
Attach us more closely, heart to heart, to you, Jesus, lifted up and drawing us all to you. Help us reverence God’s work of art in all creation and in our own selves.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Isaiah 65: 17-21; Psalm 30; John 4: 43-54
Baptism leads us to both cross and consolation. For the rest of Lent we hear only gospels only from John. Tension is mounting. Jesus’ enemies are quick to accuse. As preparation for our accompanying Jesus through the coming conflicts to the cross, Isaiah offers us the consoling promise of no more weeping. However, the psalmist assures us that if “at nightfall weeping enters in,” then “with the dawn, rejoicing.” Baptism has marked us forever as people who both die with Jesus and are raised, in this life and in the next. Today John describes the second sign which Jesus worked. We ourselves are a continuing sign of Christ in the world. If Jesus’ first sign, changing water into 180 gallons of wine at Cana, symbolizes abundance and God’s changing “our mourning to dancing (Ps 30), then in today’s gospel it is the healing word of Jesus which signals the arrival of God’s Word in the flesh.
Think of a time when your weeping was changed to rejoicing, when the water of your daily life was changed to an abundance of rich wine. How will you respond to the Spirit?
Thank you, God, that you have created us to be your joy, your delight. You are our joy. We pray for your consolation to touch all those who mourn, hunger, thirst and are sick.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12; Psalm 46; John 5:1-16
Out of the desert of Lent, water suddenly rushes into our liturgy again. From the opening invitation of “Come to the water,” through Ezekiel’s vivid description of deep and fruitful waters flowing from the temple, to the psalmist’s vision of mountains plunging into the sea, we finally come to the healing waters of John’s gospel. Jesus approaches the pool of Bethesda where the sick lie, waiting for the stirring of the waters.
Jesus asks a man who has been lying there for 38 years, “Do you want to be made whole?” The man never answers the question, but only complains that no one helps him into the pool. Jesus heals his lameness but he is not made whole. When interrogated by the Jewish leaders about his carrying his mat on the Sabbath, the man “blames” Jesus, then goes to find him and turns him into the authorities. “Therefore the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this [healing] on the Sabbath.”
What would wholeness look like in your life? How do you want to be made whole? Jesus asks you that, directly. Answer him, directly.
Thank you, God, for your plans of shalom, peace and wholeness. Let us join your deep desire for the healing, the wholeness and peace in all the world.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - The Annunciation of the Lord
Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 10: 4-10; Luke 1: 26-38
Because of our centuries of artwork, most people think that the annunciation of Jesus’ birth was made to Mary. Indeed, into today’s gospel from Luke, Gabriel does invite her to the obedience of faith. However, in Matthew’s gospel, it is Joseph, the father of the family, who receives the astounding news. His is the obedience of faith. Both the psalm and the selection from Hebrews attribute to Jesus himself the same obedience of faith: “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.” Here is the Incarnation:
“Sacrifices and burnt offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me.” God’s desire is that the Word be deeply embedded in Mary’s womb, in Joseph’s family, in each of us throughout the ages. God’s deepest desire is to dwell among us, within us, being shalom for the world until all are one.
Repeat frequently today: “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.” As you change each activity of the day, pray “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.”
Let your will for our unity and peace prevail, we beg you, God. Through Jesus, Mary and Joseph, let families be healing and peaceful places for your children.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106; John 5: 31-47
Today we enter into mystery. According to Jesus in today’s gospel, no one has ever seen God nor heard God’s voice, and all the searching of Scripture that we might do will not necessarily yield direct experience of God. It seems Moses did have direct communication with God, but now Moses will be the accuser of those who now accuse Jesus. Jesus points to himself as the witness to all that God wants and does. If we want life, we come to him. According to Karl Rahner, SJ, mystery is that which is infinitely knowable. Coming to Jesus is to enter into the Mystery of God whom we will continue to discover for all eternity. We can never exhaust the depths of God. “No one has seen God,” John writes (1:18), but “the one who is closest to the Father’s heart, he has made God known.” And of course, in Jewish spirituality, to know is to be intimately united. We will be knowing God forever.
What do you want to know about God? What fascinates you or leads you to question? Lay your questions before Jesus. Listen. Listen not just during prayer time but during the day as well.
Thank you for stirring us to search for you, Jesus, looking for you in all our daily drudgery as well as in the highlights and deep emotions. Lead all people to come to you.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wisdom 2: 1, 12-22; Psalm 34; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30
The people of Jesus’ day are trying to figure out just who Jesus is. Could he be the Christ, the anointed Messiah? Jesus insisted that he was not speaking on his own or working on his own, but always in union with God. “I know the one who sent me. I am from God and God sent me.” To send in Greek is apostello from which we get the English “apostle.” John frequently depicts Jesus as the apostle of God, sent with good news. Baptism makes us apostles as well. Like Jesus, we come from God who sends us, united with Christ, with good news. Christ continues to work and to speak in our words and work, so joined is our identity with his. As Cardinal Newman prayed: “Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus.”
What do you consider your identity? How do you define yourself? To whom is God sending you? How are you an apostle, in mission? What is the kind of good news that you hand on?
Thank you, God, for sending us into a world so needing the good news of your unconditional, extravagant, abundant love and faithfulness. Show us today where we can BE good news.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Jeremiah 11: 18:20; Psalm 7; John 7:40-53
As we near Holy Week, persecution is escalating. Jeremiah is an innocent lamb led to slaughter. The psalmist is pursued and torn apart. Jesus, simply being himself, teaching with authority, is creating turmoil and division among the people, the temple police and the leaders. Even the Pharisees (rabbinic teachers who believed in life after death) and the Sadducees (the priestly caste) have come together, united against Jesus.
Nicodemus, the Pharisee whom we meet three times in John’s gospel, tries to get a fair trial for Jesus. He is rebuked and told to go search the scriptures. The leaders have it plotted out, and justice need not interfere. Nicodemus grows. In John 3, he seeks Jesus in secret; here he is openly trying to do the lawful thing. Finally, on Good Friday, he courageously asks Pilate for the body of Jesus for burial.
How have you been growing like Nicodemus? What must Jesus have been feeling, and how might he have been praying during this time of turmoil and torment? Ask to join him in praying for enemies: personal, religious and national.
Jesus, as you gradually converted Nicodemus, help us to grow in wisdom and grace. Help us to hunger with you for justice, peace and unity in our world.
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Sunday, March 29, 2009 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
Jeremiah 31: 31-34; Psalm 51; Hebrews 5: 7-9; John 12: 20-33
The New Covenant proclaimed by Jeremiah includes our directly knowing God. Remembering that knowing means union with, we are then united with the suffering Jesus. The readings from Hebrews and John are descriptions of Jesus’ agony. Not pictured in Gethsemane as in the synoptic gospels, nonetheless Jesus is troubled, John writes. Jesus argues with himself, but concludes with the prayer: “Father, glorify your name.” Hebrews portrays just how troubled Jesus is. With loud cries and tears he begs God to save him from death. The “loud cries” in Greek is the word that describes the screams of a wild animal that is trapped. And he was heard. Note: Jesus is not rescued
from death, but saved. Saving is about setting free in the open, not about rescuing. God set him free by raising him, lifting him to be an attractive sign, drawing all to himself.
“Jesus died to bring into one new family all the scattered children of God.”
Look at a crucifix and imagine all the people of the world, through all the ages, streaming to the crucified one, drawn, attracted to the man who keeps loving through pain.
Jesus, help us not to deny your suffering or to numb our own with various addictions. Set us free, save us, Savior of the world.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Psalm 23; John 8:1-11
Young Daniel acts as defense attorney for the innocent Susanna, accused of adultery by the very men who raped her. Jesus acts in defense of a woman caught in adultery. Both stories are tense and dramatic with a twist at the end. They are separated by the peace of Psalm 23 where restful waters comfort. The gospel story should be titled “The Hypocritical Men,” since none of the woman’s accusers dared to pick up a stone. This incident, which circulated as a single story in the early church and was put here in John’s gospel so it wouldn’t get lost, quite specifically dramatizes and gives priority to Jesus’ continual teaching not to judge. Who among us has not sinned? No doubt, a first step in learning how to love is to set aside judgment of others. An love is all Jesus wants from us.
How do you define love? What does it look like in action? In your life? Ask for the Spirit who is love, God’s love poured into our hearts.
Thank you, Jesus, for loving this woman, for loving all sinners. Remove judgment from our hearts, and please keep teaching us to love. Let your love flow through us.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Numbers 21: 4-9; Psalm 102; John 8:21- 30
Everyone has probably seen the symbol, associated with the medical profession, of two snakes twisted around a staff. Our first reading today provides a biblical explanation for this symbol called the caduceus. When the people complained, God sent deadly serpents and when they repented, God told Moses to “make” a serpent and set it high upon a pole. Looking at it would heal those bitten. Pain and healing are often from the same source. The psalm images God as leaning close to earth to hear the groaning of prisoners, releasing those doomed to die. Jesus, however, is not about to release his persecutors. He warns them that they will die in their sins. He counters their refusal to listen by saying that when he is lifted up (the ultimate sign of healing—the cross) they will then know that “I AM.” Jesus is applying to himself the unmentionable name of God given to Moses in the burning bush. Yet, “many came to believe in him,” this sign of contradiction.
Remember some of the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual healings of your life. How did they come about? Share the stories with Jesus.
Jesus, lifted up, drawing all to yourself, heal the division among races, religions and nations. Heal the violence in our world. Hear our groaning. Make us instruments of your healing.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3: 52-56; John 8:31-42
The reading from Daniel details the courage of three young men thrown to their death in a furnace for refusing to worship the god of their captor-king. “Who is this God?” the king asks. God expresses all that God is through the Word. Jesus promises that if we make the word our home, remain or abide in his word, we will be his disciples. We will know the truth and the truth will set us free. According to John’s gospel, disciples are not followers but learners, from the Latin disciplus/discipula. In their religious rigidity, the Jewish leaders bristle. They have never been slaves, so what need have they for freedom? They claim God as their Father, and Jesus fires back, “If God were your Father, you would love me because I come from God…God sent me.”
How are your growing more and more comfortable with the Word of God? As you read and pray with Scripture how are you more at home with God/Jesus/Spirit? How are you becoming more free?
Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us and setting us free. Show us where we are still in slavery, and deepen our freedom. Let us learn you moment by moment.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Genesis 17: 3-9; Psalm 105; John 8:51-59
Whoever keeps Jesus’ word will never taste death. That statement leads his persecutors to proclaim the Jesus is demon possessed. We too know personally many people who have been faithful to Jesus’ word and who have died. Yet in John’s theology,
To die is really to be born again, of water and the spirit. Baptism, so often in the beginning or our lives, prepares us for our final burial. We are buried in water and come alive in Christ. When we die at the end of life as we know it, we are often (like Jesus) afraid, yet still trying to trust God. Our first birth is no joy. Newborn babies arrive scowling and screaming, longing for the warmth and safety of the womb. If Jesus “with loud cries and tears” did not want to leave this earth, what joy when God lifted him up, exalting him.
What would be a “happy death” for you? Share that desire with Jesus. Ask him for that gift. Ask to trust.
Jesus, bury us deep in the heart of God. Let our hearts beat with God’s steady compassion. Help us live, “fully human, fully alive, and so give God glory”
(St. Irenaeus).
Friday, April 3, 2009
Jeremiah 20: 10-13; Psalm 18; John 10:31-42
As violence against him escalates, Jesus decides to retreat to the birthplace of his mission, “across the Jordan,” where John had been baptizing. “He remained there.” Just as we are to remain in his word, so Jesus stayed where John had seen the Spirit descend and remain on Jesus. To remain is also translated “to abide, to dwell.” Abiding, remaining, becoming comfortable in the Word is a fruit of baptism. We remain in the Spirit. Yet a greater gift is that the Spirit remains in us, the divine indwelling. No one and no thing can separate us from the Spirit who makes a home in us. Not even sin. If the Spirit ever stopped dwelling in us, we would cease to exist. Through Christ and through us the Spirit abides in this world as well. Even those who haven’t heard of Christ may well experience the Spirit and the unity that the Spirit creates among all creatures.
When have you made a retreat? Did you go away, return to your origins, just block out some time to remain in God’s presence? Perhaps you might save Good Friday as a day to reflect on our mutual indwelling.
Come, Holy Spirit! Descend on us and remain deep within us. Bond of all unity, let us be instruments of unity, reconciliation and peace.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ezekiel 37: 21-28; Jeremiah 31:10-13; John 11: 45-57
Good news from Ezekiel: God will gather us together, make a covenant of peace, and dwell in our midst. Good news from Jeremiah: Not only will their be gathering but
also singing, dancing, and feasting with God. Today, even as the Jewish leaders plot against Jesus, our opening readings resound with joy. How so? Because Jesus is about to be lifted up, a play on the word “exalted.” “ Jesus died to gather into one new family all the scattered children of God” (John 11:52). The kingdom is a new kin-dom. Each New Testament author has a unique understanding of Jesus’ death. This is John’s. Jesus prays at the last supper in John: “May they all be one in us,” and offers his living and his dying to bring us into one.
Thy kin-dom come. Jesus creates us brothers and sisters, making us kin. How do you envision the reign of God? What does Jesus desire? How does kin-dom convey it all?
Jesus, as we join you in your coming passion, keep us passionate about your deep desire that all be one. Make us instruments of your reconciliation, peace and unity.
As you listen to the Passion tonight or tomorrow, try to enter each scene. Try to hear it with the ears of a soldier or bystander, wondering about Jesus; or with the ears of Mary of Magdala or the Beloved Disciple, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus whom you love.
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Sunday, April 5, 2009 - Passion or Palm Sunday
Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14: 1-15-47
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Jesus cries. An early heresy, docetism, taught that Jesus only seemed to be human. This cry from Psalm 22 some still claim is only Jesus praying on the cross. However, there are many verses in this psalm, and Mark feels no need to soften Jesus’ feelings of abandonment, so much like what so many of us have felt at times in our lives. Paul asserts that Jesus did not cling to status but emptied himself to become a slave. As Mark’s passion account begins, Jesus, at table with his friends, teaches: “Whoever would be first among you must be slave to all.” To empty oneself. Our great temptation in midlife and older is self-absorption. Young adults are allowed some slack, but as we mature in faith our hearts are meant to turn more outward in service. God’s will for Jesus and for us is love and integrity (shalom). Jesus loves enough to obey the reality his enemies have planned rather than betray the good news of God’s love. God vindicates that loving service by raising him from the dead.
What parts of the passion do you relate to? What parts have you felt or shared with Jesus? How do you experience God’s will for shalom in your life?
Jesus, you prayed: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Help us to trust and obey God’s will, God’s passionate desire for our shalom.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Isaiah 42: 1-7; Psalm 27; John 12: 1-11
After the agonies of yesterday’s passion narrative, today we find relief with an account of fragrance. Mary of Bethany, sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with an abundance of perfumed oil. In the Isaiah account, God chooses a servant who will bring justice to the nations. God gives that servant as a light to all nations to open eyes that are blind and set free those who are prisoners. The psalm theme is “The Lord is our light and our salvation.” Imagine Jesus singing that throughout his trials. It is a relief to know that God does not will the agonies of yesterday’s scriptures. God is enraged by all that Jesus suffered. God stands against abuse of power, violence, hatred and mockery. God’s will is always for our peace, wholeness and integrity, and in today’s readings, for justice, clear sight, freedom, light and salvation. Baptism anoints us, christens us with the abundance of God’s love and sets us as a light, to bring justice and love to our piece of the world.
Try just resting and receiving. Let Jesus take you hand and anoint you, light you up from inside, and lighten your burdens.
God of faithful love, thank you for anointing us with the oil of salvation, for always leading us more deeply into freedom, light and love.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Isaiah 49: 1-6; Psalm 71; John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Today’s gospel opens: “Jesus was troubled in Spirit.” He is being betrayed by Judas and is about to be abandoned by his friends who have gathered for his last supper. He also predicts Peter’s denial. Perhaps after supper in the garden, before the soldiers arrived, Jesus prayed the whole of Psalm 71, a song both of persecution and trust. We have been hearing a number of Servant Songs composed by Isaiah to bolster the confidence of God’s servant, Israel. The early church applied these passages to Jesus who surely is God’s servant “in whom I [God] will be glorified.” What God says to servant Israel, to servant Jesus and to each of us in our baptism is: “I give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.”
How are you a light to your near neighbors? To your far neighbors (“at the ends of the earth”)? Pray with Jesus the whole of Psalm 71 today. Stay with lines that touch your heart.
Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness of your friends, for your service to the world, and for choosing us to bear your light to the world!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Isaiah 50: 4-9; Psalm 69; Matthew 26: 14-25
Matthew places Judas’ betrayal in an interesting context. Matthew 25 concludes with the only scene of the last judgment in the New Testament where nations are judged on their treatment of the poor. Next, the disciples blame the woman who anointed Jesus
for wasting money “that could be given to the poor.” Finally, Judas assumes center stage, asking the chief priests how much they would pay to deliver Jesus. At the last supper, Judas too asks, “Is it I, Lord?” Immediately after our reading, Jesus takes bread, and then offers communion to the betrayer. How can he do that? Isaiah’s Servant Song suggests that Jesus learns this welcome, this openness to sinners, directly from God. “God gives me the tongue of a teacher to sustain the weary. God wakens my ear to listen…” God’s compassion and desire for communion take flesh in Jesus.
How will Jesus’ compassion and desire for communion take flesh in you today? What “sinners” have you been able to welcome? How do you welcome yourself, even when feeling sinful?
O God, save us from greed. Help us to know and accept our own sinfulness. Convert us from our presumption of our goodness and our expectations of others.
Thursday, April 9, 2009 - Holy Thursday
Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116; I Corinthians 11: 23-26; John 13: 11-15
We have today a description of Israel’s Passover feast from Exodus; the earliest account of the Eucharistic feast from Paul; and finally, the action of Jesus at his last supper. We hear a word that is alive and active, and thus, when we absorb these readings, they continue their action in our midst. Passover is celebrated, Eucharist happens among us and Jesus continues to wash feet. Throughout Lent, the Word of Christ has been washing us, welcoming us, transforming us, sending us, all for the purpose of renewing and deepening our relationship with Christ. We are companions, those who are with (com) him in the bread (panis), in the Body into which we are plunged through baptism. How can we thank God? Psalm 116 tells us to take the cup of salvation, offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (eucharisto, and in modern Greek,efchariston) and call on the name of the Lord.
Fill the loveliest glass in your home with water, lift it up and pray: “The cup of salvation I will take up.” How does that feel? What do you want? Stay with your feelings and desires, and share them with Jesus.
We praise and thank you, Jesus, for your call to com-panion-ship . Thank you for your foot washing and your faithfulness to us.
Friday, April 10, 2009 - Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 31; Hebrews 4: 14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42
Instead of a full Eucharist, today’s service consists of a liturgy of the Word, the veneration of the cross, and communion. If Scripture does what it says, then God’s servant as described by Isaiah continues to suffer in the pain of the world today. Psalm 31
continues Christ’s and our acceptance of reality, often so painful. Obedience, Hebrews states, “saves” Jesus who screams like a trapped animal. Obedience, eventually, set him free. Finally, the passion according to John portrays a hero marching through a parody of power with Pilate and on to the cross; a regal title announcing our King, and a touching scene with Mary and the beloved disciple, which announces that this one on the cross is our brother. Ecce homo! Behold the human being! Behold the king, our brother! Behold blood and water flowing from his opened side. Baptismal grace floods the world. Eucharistic blood effects new birth.
Behold. Contemplate. Just look and listen to these scenes. Through whose eyes will you behold? Choose one of his friends and just keep looking at your king and brother.
We adore you, O Christ and we bless you! Thank you for our freedom in the Spirit whom you hand over to us today. Always.
Saturday, April 11, 2009 - Holy Saturday Vigil
So many readings, proclaiming the whole of salvation history, God’s freeing Israel from slavery and us from fear of death. We choose:
Isaiah 54:5-14; Psalm 42; Romans 6:3-11; Mark 16: 1-7
Imagine the baptisms at the Easter Vigil taking place in a warm waterfall. A flood of readings splash out and soak in: the Spirit hovering over the waters of chaos, the freed slaves marching through the Red Sea, people coming to the water and drawing deeply from the springs of God’s kindness, running streams carrying us into the joy of salvation. All that poetry, song and joy before we hear the clear, simple theology of baptism, set forth by Paul: we are buried with Christ, always growing in union with him and united with him in the Resurrection. After hearing of the women find Jesus’ tomb empty, we move to the liturgy of baptism, calling on the communion of saints. Blessing of fire and water, proclamation of light and a renewal of our baptismal promises.
What do you promise? So much more than a renouncing of sin and Satan. What do you really believe, enough to lay down your life? Whom do you trust?
O God, thank you from raising Jesus from death and us with him. We praise you for your great glory, shining in the face of Jesus.
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Sunday, April 12, 2009 - Resurrection of the Lord
Acts 10: 34, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3: 1-4; John 20: 1-9
There are so many readings to choose from. Today’s selection from Colossians summarizes the Good News of baptism. As baptism continues in our life, we are being co-raised with Christ. We are to seek him continually, keeping our minds fixed on him. In baptism, we have died; our life is now hidden with Christ in God. We have already re-entered the watery womb of God with Christ. To live now in that grace, God’s life warming, protecting and nourishing us with all our sisters and brothers is a glimpse of joy forever. We may be hidden with Christ, but Christ is also made manifest. We are the means of his manifestation and continuing mission to the world. Both dead and alive, both wounded and healing, both suffering and glorified, we bear in our bodies the dying of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in this mortal flesh of ours (2 Corinthians 4: 10-11). Alleluia!
Contemplate the wounded hands of Jesus. Once bloodied, now his wounds stream grace and glory and healing to us. See him lay his hands in blessing on each nation, on your loved ones and on your enemies. Be with him as he heals.
Glory be to you, Savior of the world! Glory be to God in whose womb we discover our kinship! Glory be to you, Spirit, life blood of the Body! Alleluia!
Mystagogia
Having journeyed for 40 days through the Lenten desert, today we begin another journey which seems to last only the 50 days until Pentecost. However, this celebration of Christ will last our whole life, and into eternity. We contemplate the poetry and beauty of the risen Christ forever. This period of on-going entry into mystery is termed mystagogia, often the term used in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to name a deeper instruction of new members between Easter and Pentecost. But entering into mystery, becoming a mystic, continues even throughout eternity. As Karl Rahner, SJ, teaches: Mystery is that which is infinitely knowable. We can never finish exploring the mystery of God, of the incarnation, of risen life in Christ. God is ever and always more. We will never finish knowing God and the one whom God sent (Jn 17:3), for this is eternal life. And it begins now.
We are indeed called to contemplation whether we are monks or mothers, presidents of companies or residents of nursing homes. To keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our pioneer through life and death, is to contemplate. We do not ask, What would Jesus do? Jesus is doing right now just what we are doing. “It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me”, Paul writes (Galatians 2:20).
Caryll Houselander, English mystic, writes in her letters “that the direct contemplation of Christ in [people], in the world...is the way to him... [W]e can contemplate him in our own life and come closer to him through it. This means a more intense living and perhaps a more intense dying. I am confident now that the poetry, the beauty of life, which is nothing else but our divine Lord living in human beings, will go on...” This life in God is inexhaustible.
We too are called to be mystics, those who peer through the eyelashes, and find God in all things. “We see his blood upon the rose,” the Irish poet wrote. All creation, every person is a sacrament of the risen Christ. As we look more deeply into persons (including ourselves), as we discover the depths of poetry and beauty in all creation, we come to experience with our whole being that indeed “the world is charged with the glory of God!” (GM Hopkins, SJ) Alleluia!
April 13, 2009 - Easter Monday
Acts 2: 14, 22-33, Psalm 16, Matthew 8:8-15
Peter has a hard sell. The crowd is hostile and the Law taught that “cursed is one who hangs on a tree” (Deuteronomy 21:23). Peter argues that Jesus is not cursed; on the contrary, “God raised him up, having freed him from death...” Peter supports his experience by quoting from Psalm 16, that God’s faithful ones (and not just Jesus and Mary) should not know corruption of the flesh. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses ....having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit...”
For our prayer today, let us first listen to Jesus as he prays parts of Psalm 16: “I say to God, ‘I have no good apart from you.’ I bless you who gives me counsel, and even in the night my heart exhorts me... So my heart is glad, my being rejoices, my body too rests secure.. You show me the path to life, fullness of joy in your presence forever.” Then pray those words in your own name. Finally, repeat it on behalf of all those who are not resting secure in this war-torn world, who desperately need joy in God’s presence.
Jesus, thank you for the fullness of joy in your presence. Comfort with your tangible presence all those who suffer.
April 14, 2009 - Easter Tuesday
Acts 2: 36-41; Psalm 33; John 20: 11-18
“You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Peter promises. You will hear the voice of Jesus calling your name, as the risen Christ called, “Mary” to his friend weeping in the garden. “Woman, why are you weeping?” he asks her. To receive the Holy Spirit is to be deeply bonded with all those who weep.
Do you want this gift of bonding Spirit? Picture all the women who are weeping in this world: in our own country, weeping because they have been abused, abandoned or because their children are hungry and homeless; women around the world weeping in prisons and refugee camps, longing for their children; women wailing as they hold the dead bodies of their husbands and children in Iraq, Congo, Sri Lanka. Listen to Jesus call your own name. Then watch as he calls to these women. Name your own friends who weep and ask the Spirit-comforter to heal their hearts.
Come, Holy Spirit, through Mary who held the dead Jesus. Make us one with all the men, women and children who weep. Console them, and let us be your instruments of consolation.
April 15, 2009 - Easter Wednesday
Acts 3: 1-10; Psalm 105; Luke 24: 13-35
Jesus meets the disciples who are conversing and debating as they walk to Emmaus. He asks them to include him, and they share their dashed hopes for Jesus. First Jesus calls them “dull of heart,” although our translation softens it to “slow of heart.” After he explains Scripture to them and he eats with them, their hearts are on fire.
What sets your heart on fire? Ask for the fiery Spirit of Christ to permeate your every thought, word and action today. Ask the Spirit to quicken what is slow in you, burnish your dullness, spark your laziness, purify your grossness of heart. Ask for the gift of falling in love with Jesus yet again.
Holy Spirit, we ask you to let us flee with a fling of our hearts to the heart of the Host at every table. May we recognize him in breaking bread and in the broken hearts around us.
April 16, 2009 - Easter Thursday
Acts 3: 11-26; Psalm 8; Luke 24: 35-48
In Acts we learn the earliest Christology of the new community: that Jesus is appointed the coming Christ (anointed one) whom God will send at the end of the world, a “time of universal restoration.” He will become the Messiah (anointed) only then. For a clear and complete Christology, read Elizabeth Johnson’s Consider Jesus. If we set ourselves Lenten penances for 40 days, why not a 50 day study of all that Christ is and means to us? His mission continues in and through us: “repentance for the forgiveness of sins in his name should be preached to all nations.” Forgiveness, reconciliation, unity is the mission he entrusts to us.
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What is your experience of Christ risen and active? How do you feel about that experience? If you have never had it, BEG for it. If you have had it, how has your life changed? Pray that every Christian may know the living Christ experientially.
You stand in our midst, Jesus, and bless us with your peace. Let peace seep into all the violence in our own hearts, homes, communities, countries, world, and heal us. Prince of Peace, save us.
April 17, 2009 - Easter Friday
Acts 4: 1-12; Psalm 118; John 21: 1-14
Peter tells the Sanhedrin who have arrested him and John that a crippled man was healed through the powerful name of Jesus “whom you crucified [but] whom God raised from the dead.” Jesus, rejected by the leaders, is vindicated and more than restored by God. The gospel tells of Jesus’ restoration of friendship with those who abandoned him. Tenderly, he calls to his friends out fishing, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” Jesus had made provision. Can you see him building a charcoal fire and cooking the fish, toasting the bread, making them breakfast on the beach? He comes to serve, to forgive, to make one.
Picture Jesus moving around that shore of the Sea of Tiberias, preparing the fire and the fish. As you watch, repeat his powerful name slowly. Ask to fall in love with him because he is so good, so tender. Let his name and his person fill your whole being -- now.
Jesus, our foot washer and our chief chef, how we do love you! Help us to let you serve us, and teach us to let others serve us as well. Grant us that humility, please.
April 18, 2009 - Easter Saturday
Acts 4: 13-21; Psalm 118; Mark 16: 9-15
In Acts we see the first civil and religious disobedience perpetrated by none other than Peter and John who refuse to stop using the name of Jesus. They reply to the Sanhedrin’s attempted silencing: “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.” They must preach and teach In the name of Jesus. Mark’s brief description of Jesus’ appearance to his friends is as harsh as yesterday’s appearance was tender. The Eleven did not believe the women’s experience, nor the disciples newly returned from Emmaus, so Jesus rebuked them for their “unbelief and hardness of heart”.
“Whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of Jesus,” Paul exhorts us. Take a look ahead through your day, or (if at night) at the next day. As each person, task, event passes before your mind, speak the name of Jesus. Try to keep his name on your lips as you actually go through your day.
Jesus! Your name is like oil poured out. Heal us and our war-weary world. Jesus! Your name fills up our senses. Fill us with your self.
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Sunday, April 19, 2009 - Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm 118; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20: 19-31
The gospel describes both Easter night when Jesus breathes peace on his disciples, and the same group a week later. This time Thomas is with them. The first reading describes how loving and generous the first community was, sharing all things in common and being sure no one was in need. John’s letter continues that theme of loving and links to the gospel’s theme of faith. Everyone who loves God loves Jesus, and thus we love all the children of God. “The victory that conquers the world is our faith,” John writes. Remember that in scripture, faith is not intellectual assent to divinely revealed truths; faith is an attachment to, a clinging to, a commitment to God. It is a glad shout with Thomas as he touches Christ: “My Lord and my God!”
Imagine Jesus coming to stand before you as really as he stood before Thomas, showing you his wounds. What does your heart cry out? Keep your eyes fixed on him as you repeat slowly this cry of adoration and love.
Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief. Breathe your peace into our hearts and into our world. As the Father sent you, please send us to bring your forgiveness, reconciliation and unity to those we meet today.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Acts 4: 23-31; Psalm 2; John 3: 1-8
The last time we saw Nicodemus, who today comes to Jesus at night with his questions, he had boldly asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. He has come a long way between John 3 and John 19! Peter too has grown from his cowardly denial of Jesus to proclaiming him boldly no matter what the threats of the Sanhedrin. In our day we need that boldness, and Cardinals Mahoney and Keeler have led the way. Mahoney of Los Angeles refuses to obey any law that keeps him from works of mercy to immigrants. Keeler of Baltimore calls the House Resolution declaring undocumented immigrants “evil.” Pope John Paul condemned the preemptive war on Iraq. We too must speak for justice.
Ask the Spirit to fill you with boldness. Ask to remember a time when you did speak up for truth, justice, or peace. For what would you be willing to become a felon? For what would you risk (like Peter) excommunication from your church?
Fill us, your church, Holy Spirit with the boldness of Peter, John and the first community. Help us to be ready to speak the truth to power, and to find even small ways to start now.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Acts 4: 32-37; Psalm 93; John 3: 7-15
“No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” Barnabas, “son of encouragement,” sold his field and donated the money to the community. Jesus refers to the Spirit and those who are “born of the Spirit.” He promises Nicodemus and all of us who read his words today, that when the Son of Man is lifted up, we who believe will have eternal life. We have just celebrated Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross.
Who needs a field when heading toward eternal life?
What do you need to make you happy? Throughout your life (and ask the Spirit to help you to remember) what did you really, really want --- and when you finally got it, what happened next? With whom do you gladly share all your “possessions”? Undoubtedly your family or religious community. Is there any way the Spirit might be showing you how to expand your family?
In these difficult economic times, make us witnesses, Jesus, of your sharing all you are and all you have with the the outcast, the sick, the beggars. Make us attractive signs that you are what we really, really need for our peace and joy.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Acts 5: 17- 26; Psalm 34; John 3: 16-21
“There is no chaining the word of God!” That sentence is made visible through the release of the apostles from prison by “an angel” who instructed them to “Go, take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” “This life” is explained in the gospel as the love God has for the world -- so much love that God share God’s own Son that we all may have “this life.”
Take a long, loving look (a description of contemplation) at “this life”. What would you tell the church about “this life”? What does it mean to you? With whom might you share this good news? (None of us are off the hook because we are shy. All the baptized are sent to “tell the people everything about this life” So some of us will have to pray for boldness.)
We pray to one another with the psalmist: “Glorify our God with me. Let us praise God’s name. Look to God that you may be radiant with joy.” Thank you, our God, for your great love, named Jesus.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Acts 5: 27-33; Psalm 34; John 3: 31-36
Good news in the gospel: “God does not ration the gift of the Spirit.” The Spirit makes us as bold as that first community who again are dragged before the Sanhedrin. Peter and the apostles reply, “We must obey God rather than human beings.” Peter goes on to name Jesus as leader and savior. Leader is a translation of the Greek archegogos or one who goes first, a pioneer. Savior comes from the Hebrew yesh which means to set free. Peter’s witness infuriates the Sanhedrin and they want to execute the apostles.
How has Jesus been a leader for you? A pioneer? One who sets you free? Since God doesn’t ration the Spirit, ask for the fullness of the Spirit. Be bold in your asking.
We boldly beg for the fullness of the Spirit, our God. Thank you, for we know that you will bring to perfection the good work your Spirit has begun in us. Let us share your Spirit today.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Acts 5: 34-42; Psalm 27; John 6:1-15
Abruptly the gospel scene shifts from the nighttime instruction to Nicodemus to the sunny hillside where Jesus feeds the hungry crowd. More importantly perhaps, he hides himself rather than let the crowd make him king. He resists power, applause, honor. And in Acts, the apostles count it an honor to be flogged for speaking the name of Jesus. “All day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.”
How does Jesus continue to feed you? What do you consider honor? How could you teach and/or proclaim Christ today in your home, workplace, neighborhood, church?
Pour out your Spirit of wisdom, Jesus, so that we may see what is truly honorable, that we may keep your perspective on religious, national and international issues. Give us your mind, we pray.
Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Feast of Mark, evangelist
1 Peter 5:5-14; Psalm 89; Mark 16: 15-20
Although Peter’s baptismal homily mentions Mark, Peter’s son, we do not think the apostle wrote the homily, nor that Mark and Peter were companions. This ending of Mark’s gospel was probably added decades later. What are we to think? We think that we do not put our trust in history but in a living word of God, Jesus. Scripture does not guarantee us historical, geographical, biographical or scientific truth, but as the Vatican II document promise, “that truth which we need for our salvation.” We need the gospel’s commission to preach the gospel to every creature; that word is directed to us. We need the first century’s author (whoever he is) to encourage us to humility, to vigilance, to steadfast faith in the face of suffering. Then, God will “restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” That is truth for our salvation.
Pray for the gifts of humility, awareness of God in all things, faith and faithfulness especially as you look around our suffering world. Look at each creature you will meet today (or tomorrow) and ask that you may be good news for each one (plants, animals, water etc.).
Jesus, thank you for this gospel, for inspiring Mark to write, for inspiring us to read and to participate in the events of your life even as we read. Your word is spirit and life! Alleluia!
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Sunday, April 26, 2009 - Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2: 1-5; Luke 24: 35-48
Jesus stands in the midst of his friends, the Eleven and the rest of the company, which probably included his mother (see Acts 1: 14, a continuation of Luke’s gospel). Not only does he eat a piece of fish to show them the reality of his risen body, but he explains scripture for them and commissions them to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations. In Acts we see Peter carrying out that commission, calling on the crowd to repent and their sins will be “wiped away.” John’s first letter uses the word expiate to translate the action, God’s action, of wiping away. We have heard of Yom Kippur; the Hebrew word kippur means wipe away and it is God’s work, not ours atone. Jesus, John writes, is expiation for the sins of the whole world. How is it that the Christian churches have wandered so far from this good news of forgiveness and God’s wiping away of sin?
Ponder that question in your heart. How can a so-called Christian country exact revenge, whether on terrorists, those on death row, the innocent victims of our preemptive strike on Iraq, immigrants who are undocumented? What if we emulated Peter and called people to repent and accept God’s forgiveness?
O God, we desperately need you to wipe out the violence in our hearts and in our world. Cleanse us from desires to hurt, to be revenged. Risen Lord, save us!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Acts 6: 8-15; Psalm 119; John 6:22-29
“Stephen, full of grace and power…”, when he is arrested, radiates joy as he is about to proclaim Jesus to the Sanhedrin. In the gospel, after Jesus feeds the crowds and retreats from them, they follow him across the lake. He advises them to seek food for eternal life. The crowds ask him a question still posed by many Christians today: “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus replies, “This is the work of God, that you believe in (trust) the one whom God has sent.”
We too are full of grace and power, flowing from our union with Christ in baptism and in eucharist. When does your face radiate joy? When you are working seriously at your salvation, and when are you able to do the work of God and trust Jesus to be your savior and those whom you love? Do you notice any pattern? Ask for a deepening of trust, and the peace and joy that accompany trust.
By your cross and resurrection, you are always setting us free. Jesus, you and you alone are the savior of the world. Help us to trust you and your saving power.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Acts 7: 51-8:1; Psalm 31; John 6:30-35
Stephen has accused the Sanhedrin of murdering Jesus and they are enraged. Their fury does not disturb the inner peace of Stephen who sees the heavens open to the glory of God, with Jesus standing at God’s right hand. He shares this vision with his enemies which further aggravates them. His final words echo Jesus’ own, only he asks the Lord Jesus to receive his Spirit and concludes: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Jesus’ own, “Father, forgive them...” was so radical that manuscript copiers of the first eight centuries kept taking that prayer of Jesus out of Luke’s gospel. It stays in Luke now, and challenges us to pray like Jesus and like Stephen.
Notice, neither Jesus nor Stephen offer forgiveness. They pray for those who persecute them. For whom do you need to pray? Who persecutes you, personally, at home or work or in our country or world? You could pray a cursing psalm against them (which is quite acceptable to God!), or if you are ready, you could use Stephen’s prayer.
Into your hands, O God, we commend our spirits. You are our stronghold to give us safety. Please protect all those who have no safety: refugees, immigrants, victims of war, trafficking, abuse of any kind.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Acts 8: 1-8; Psalm 66; John 6:35-40
Sometimes we concentrate so much on Saul’s going to Damascus that we overlook the havoc he wreaked on Christians right in Jerusalem. Yet the apostles were left unscathed. Don’t you wonder why? In the gospel, Jesus promises that if anyone come to him, that person will never be driven away. Then twice Jesus speaks of the will of God, too often used to club those who grieve, or who rage at God. The will of God, Jesus says, is that Jesus should not lose a single one of us; the will of God is that Jesus should raise them up on the last day. Jesus will not lose whose who grieve or rage.
Was there ever a situation in which you felt left out, let alone drive out? Remember moments when you were included, and how that felt. Ask for the gift of noticing those who seem lost and left out, and including them.
Let all the earth worship you, Creator God, you who gives everything into the hands of Jesus, Savior! Thank you for his strong yet gentle grip on us and our world!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Acts 8: 26-40; Psalm 66; John 6: 44-51
In today’s gospel Jesus says that no one can come to him unless God draws the person, and that such persons “shall all be taught by God.” Today’s passage from Acts puts flesh and bone on God’s drawing (another word would be “attracting”) and teaching. Philip, one of the Greek-speaking deacons, is able to teach a royal official from Ethiopia the meaning of scriptures that point to God’s servant, Jesus. God has so attracted the Ethiopian through Jesus that the man wants to be baptized at once, and is.
How does God attract you? How does God teach you? How can you come closer to Jesus today? Ask for that grace.
Jesus, we ask you to keep teaching and leading the people of Ethiopia to you and to God, even if some name God Allah. Help us to learn from one another and to dialogue to peace, in the power of your Spirit.
Friday, May 1, 2009 - St. Joseph the Worker
Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 117; John 6:52-59
What have Saul’s coming to the light, and Jesus offering us the bread of life to do with Joseph and work? We work for our bread, and Saul gave his entire heart to the mission of God. Our continuous readings in Acts and John proceed,, and we miss the opportunity to celebrate liturgically one of the most important people in the life of Jesus. This is Labor Day in many countries and an antidote to the Communist celebration. It is also the day that George W. Bush declared, long ago, “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq. Begun on March 19, also a feast of Joseph, the invasion of Iraq supposedly ended just six or so weeks later. That invasion and its continuous aftermath could provide us with hours of prayer. However, below is a prayer I composed to honor Joseph, the just man.
Joseph, holy and just, thank your accepting Mary as your wife, for rearing Jesus as your own, for suffering through the journey to Bethlehem, for obeying the message to go into Egypt. Thank you for modeling justice on the move, a refugee, hoping to find work in a strange land. Thank you, time after time, for listening to your dreams and trusting God’s voice through them. Thank you for loving Mary so well, for teaching Jesus about God, for teaching him your trade, for sharing your values with him: values about respecting women, welcoming outcasts, going beyond the Law (which would have had Mary executed for adultery) to offer mercy. Thank you, workman and protector of our church-community. Share your values with us, we pray in Jesus’ name.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Acts 9: 31-42; Psalm 116; John 6: 53, 60-69
Jesus Christ, according to Peter in Acts, heals. Jesus in John’s gospel offends even his disciples with the graphic description of eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
“Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.”
When Jesus asks the twelve if they also plan to leave he is not “testing” them. He really does not know. He has laid open his great heart, wanting the deepest kind of intimacy.
When Jesus invites you to deep intimacy, how do you respond? Tell him all that you want from your union with him.
What return can we make to you for all the good you have given us? We want to take your body, your bruised and abused body as it languishes around the world, and treat it/you with the most gentle care,
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Sunday, May 3, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:7-12; Psalm 118; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10: 11-18
Often this is called Good Shepherd Sunday. For Jesus good shepherding means knowing each of us. “Knowing” in the Jewish culture means union. Many people find the image of our being “sheep” most distasteful, however. So John’s first letter assures us that our true dignity is in being children of God. “We are God’s children now, and what we shall be has not yet been revealed.” Here is a hint of what we shall be, from the Offertory of every Mass: “May we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” We are in the process of becoming divine.
How can you let Jesus share in your unique way of being human? How can you be more deeply united with him today, freely inviting him know the depth of you? How much do you want to know him in depth?
Jesus, open our ears to recognize your voice and to trust your leadership more completely. We pray that there may soon be one flock and you, the one Shepherd.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Acts 11: 1-18; Psalm 42; John 10:1-10
Rich readings. The gospel might be summed up in Jesus’ promise that he has come that we might have life in abundance, not a drop, not a trickle but a flood of life! The psalm cries out in thirst for the living God. The story in Acts is very important in Luke’s theology which is so inclusive. Peter is accused by Judaizing Christians of eating with the uncircumcised Cornelius and his household. Peter “explained it to them step by step.” He had had a vision of unclean animals and had heard God’s command to eat them. “Never!” insisted Peter, the perfect! Peter needed the vision and the voice three times, with the finale: “What God has made clean, you dare not call unclean.” Just then Gentiles called for Peter to come to the house of Cornelius. Even before Peter can begin to preach, the Holy Spirit fell on the whole household. Peter dared to share his religious experience not only with his friends but with those who are suspicious, who want converts first to become Jewish. Rites of ritual purity are done away with, God has made all clean, and the Spirit is supremely free.
With whom do you dare share your religious experience? How is it received? How do you receive another’s story of what happens when they pray? What is our church community calling unclean? Ask God how God feels/thinks about this exclusion. Listen. Pray for openness to the Spirit in our church, and for your own freedom to move with the Spirit.
creation and all peoples, no matter how different they may seem. Fill us with the abundance of Christ’s life!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Acts 11:19-26, Psalm 87, John 10:22-30
Jesus assures us today that no one can snatch us from his hand. The Good Shepherd clings to us. Even in times of persecution, as described by Acts, life will arise. Because the followers of Jesus were persecuted in Judea, they scattered around the Mediterranean with the good news. Antioch becomes a center, and Barnabas calls Paul to work with him, teaching the new members, even Greeks, Gentiles.
Ask the Spirit to remind you of a time (just one for now) when you were persecuted, ignored, laughed at, or hurt in any way. Remember the incident or relationship in as great detail as you can. Where was God in that experience? Ask the Spirit to show you the new life that came from that very pain. (Not too recent a hurt, since we need time to heal). Respond.
Thank you, Jesus, for holding us close to you, letting no thing, no one snatch us away. Thank you that out of our many daily dyings, your new life arises in us.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Acts 12: 24-13:5; Psalm 67; John 12: 44-50
In Acts, a small community, praying and fasting together, together hear the Holy Spirit instruct them to set aside Barnabas and Saul for the Spirit’s work. It is not unusual to hear the Spirit speak in our prayer, but it is important too to have the message confirmed in community. Jesus points out the commandment of God, which is to pay attention to the word of Jesus.
What does it mean that Jesus and his word is the commandment of God? Not ten commandments, and certainly not the 613 commands of the Jews, just the simple word of Jesus. Which word gives you life? Let some of the words bubble up, let the Spirit speak in your heart.
Help us to absorb your word, Jesus. Holy Spirit, keep the word, the light, the life of Jesus fresh within us and among us.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Acts 13: 13-25, Psalm 89, John 13: 16-20
In Acts we have moved from a focus on Peter to Paul’s message. The gospel today begins a continuous reading of the Last Supper discourse. Yesterday we concentrated on our being sent. Today Jesus explains how we are to be received. “Whoever receives the one I send, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives the One who sent me.”
Ask the Spirit to lead you through yesterday’s list of those to whom you were sent, to see how you were received. How was it for you? Even if those whom you encountered were not aware that in receiving you they were receiving Jesus and the One who sent him, ask for the grace for you to be more aware. Pray for all those whom you met this week.
Jesus, sacrament of God, thank you for transforming us to be sacraments of you. Help us be more aware of the Spirit’s guiding us to act, speak, and be you.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2; John 14: 1-6
“God raised him from the dead!” Paul proclaims. Hopefully we never tire of hearing of the events saving us, setting us free. How are we to be set free? Jesus gives the way, the truth and the life in himself. “You have faith in God,” he tells not only those at his last supper but each one of us.
What saving events help you be more free? How have you discovered that Jesus is the way for you, the truth for you, the life that floods your whole being? What more do you want? (Feel free to be greedy for the gifts of God!) Hear Jesus say directly to you: “You have faith in God.” Respond to him.
You have gone to prepare a place for us, and yet you are always with us, dear Emmanuel, deep in our hearts, deep in our communities, deep in our world. Light us up from inside that all may see your life lived through us.
Saturday, May 9, 2009 -
Feast of Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, SSND
Acts 13: 44-52; Psalm 98; John 14: 7-14
Here is a major turning point for the young community. When Paul’s and Barnabas’ teaching is rejected, they turn to the Gentiles who are delighted to hear the good news. Our Mother Theresa too turned everywhere that children needed to hear the gospel, so that today SSNDs minister in 38 countries. As the violence from the Jewish leaders grows more vicious, the apostles shake the dust from their feet and move on, “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” God’s will is never the “violent abuse” that they suffered. In the gospel Jesus reminds Philip just to look at him in order to see the Father. Jesus never sanctioned violent abuse but asked us to pray for our persecutors. God and Jesus passionately desire peace, justice, inclusion, unity.
What do you desire with all your heart? Are there any little pockets in your heart of fear or mistrust of God? Ask the Spirit to show you how good God is. Be quiet. Listen. Then look at Jesus’ ministry. How did he behave? To see him is to see God and God’s will.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy will, you have set us free. Deepen our desires that we may share your passionate desires for all that is good.
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Sunday, May 10, 2009
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts
9: 26-31; Psalm 22; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8
Acts
details the successes and failures which the newly converted
Paul experienced in preaching Christ. First, the Christians
were afraid of Paul, but Barnabas stood up for him. When he
debated with Greek-speaking Jews, however, he was almost killed.
So the “brothers” sent him home to Tarsus, and
the church “was at peace.” Paul was trying to
bear the fruit that Jesus promised those who remained in him,
like branches on a vine, receiving their life-blood directly
from him. God is glorified, no matter what the outcome of
our generativity. The whole paschal mystery is “the
triumph of failure”, as a book by Edward Leen called
it. What is important is that we abide in God and God in us,
in loving union. “We know that Christ remains in us
from the Spirit he gave us,” John’s first letter
concludes today. This union gives God glory.
A good way to celebrate Sunday is to take a walk in the beauty
of spring. Look deeply at each living thing, knowing how branches
live from the trunk, grass from its roots, flowers from their
stems. Feel the pulsation of life in the growing things around
you. Then stand still and feel the pulse of the Spirit filling
you with Christ’s life. How will you respond. (Another
definition of contemplation is “a long, loving look
at the real.”)
Jesus, our vine, source of life, thank you for sharing your
image of God as vine-grower, or in Greek, “farmer”.
Farmer-God, grow us strong and fruitful that we may love “in
deed and truth.”
Monday,
May 11, 2009
Acts 14: 5-18; Psalm 115; John 14: 21-26
Note how earlier in Acts Peter and John were persecuted after
the crippled man at the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem jumped
to his feet. Now Paul and Barnabas are heralded as gods by
the Gentiles after Paul tells a cripple to stand, and he too
jumps up. No matter what the consequence, both Peter and Paul
act for the glory of God and are instruments of God’s
healing of cripples. Jesus offers us an inflow of God’s
love and the Holy Spirit who will teach us “everything,
and remind you of all that I told you.”
Ask the Spirit to show you where parts of your personality
are crippled, paralyzed, in any way dis-eased. Ask for the
inflow of God’s healing, and God’s dwelling in
your self. Jesus says directly to you: “My Father will
love you and we will come to you and make our dwelling with
you.” Ponder that loving union happening within your
self, flawed as it may be.
Thank you, Jesus, for joining us together with one another
in you, in God, in the power and love of your Holy Spirit.
We long for a deepening of your Spirit at Pentecost. Make
us ready to jump up in your service!
Tuesday,
May 12, 2009
Acts 14: 19-28; Psalm 145; John 14: 27-31
We follow the travels of Paul and Barnabas around Asia Minor
and back to Antioch where they began their partnership, co-laboring
as Paul would call it in his letters. They give a report of
all that God had done among the Gentiles, and soon will be
summoned to Jerusalem to give an account to their “enemies”,
the Judaizing Christians. Jesus has a word for them and for
us: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your
hearts be troubled or afraid.” In Acts 15 we will attend
to the conflict in the early church: whether Paul and Barnabas
were right in allowing Gentiles to be baptized without circumcising
the men and making men and women pledge to keep the Jewish
Law. Or whether they violated the norms of the community.
(Judaizers wanted Gentiles to become Jews first and then Christians).
Peace as the world gives? Surely Jesus jokes? Even in the
first community there is conflict. What does peace mean to
you? How is the peace Jesus gives different? Where at this
moment is your heart troubled? What/whom do you fear? Hear
Jesus directly address you: “Peace.” Picture his
peace as an inflow of color and warmth and let it circulate
through your blood stream. Breathe deeply. Enjoy the peace
of Christ. Rest.
Holy Spirit, open our minds and hearts to see laws and norms
in perspective. Open us especially to the peace of Christ
and his inclusive loving, loving through us.
Wednesday,
May 13. 2009
Acts 15: 1-6; Psalm 122; John 15: 1-8
Judaizing Christians would often follow Paul and insist that
the new Gentile converts had to follow the Law. “There
arose no little dissension and debate.” We who are torn
among right wing Catholics and liberal Catholics are in much
the same situation. Do we follow Law? Do we know and respond
to the Spirit? The gospel gives us a way, a truth and a life:
“Whoever remains in me and I in that person will bear
much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”
No matter our position on morality, on doctrine, on authority,
we are always joined with one another and our life-giving
vine, Jesus. Both “sides” do bear fruit, do they
not? Isn’t God good?! Jesus concludes today: “By
this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and
become my disciples.”
Become
my disciples? Are we not already? Maybe not. Discipulus/a
in Latin is a learner. Ask the Spirit to teach you where (
perhaps unconsciously) you are closed to learning. Let the
Spirit bubble up the truth in you. Ask to be opened to all
facets of truth. Who could have all the truth about God, Jesus,
the Spirit, the way to live, to pray, to respond? Ask for
openness.
Jesus, make us one with all Catholic Christians, no matter
what our positions. Let us all bear your fruit and glorify
our God. Make us one with all Christians, and with all God’s
children, no matter what their faith or lack of it.
Thursday, May 14, 2009 St. Matthias, apostle
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113; John 15: 9-17
True dialogue that leads to peace includes the sharing of
faith, speaking of our religious experience. In Acts, Peter
takes the leadership in replacing Judas. For Luke, who thinks
of an apostle as one of the Twelve, paralleling the former
twelve tribes of Israel, this is important.” In the
gospel, Jesus urges his friends to remain in his love. “As
the Father loves me, so also I love you.” Just AS God
loves Jesus! Amazing grace! Jesus continues: “My joy
is in you.”
Can you believe it? You are loved by Jesus AS God loves him?
In the same way as God loves Jesus, so he loves you? Jesus
takes joy in you? Perhaps it is easier to believe in a doctrine
than in this personal love of Jesus for you as you are. Rest
in Jesus’ love for you, and in his amazing grace.
Lord, we believe you love us and that you rejoice in us, take
delight in us. Help our unbelief!
Friday,
May 15, 2009
Acts 15: 22-31; Psalm 57; John 15: 12-17
The educator Sidney Simon offers a classification for the
people in our lives. In the farthest circle are our acquaintances:
a clerk at the grocery, our family physician, etc. In German
this person would be called a neighbor as in “love your
neighbor.” A more inner circle, according to Sidney
Simon, are our companions, and Acts offers the description
of how the early Christians shared (com) bread (panion) with
one another. Still closer are our friends, in German a “co-person.”
Jesus speaks of his disciples (and us) as friends “because
I have told you everything that I have heard from my Father.”
The deepest and closest relationship in Simon’s schema
is intimacy. Jesus and God are intimate. Jesus assures us
that we are more than servants, more than friends. Jesus and
we are intimates.
How can you respond to this call to intimacy? How does it
make you feel? The psalmist responds: “My heart is ready,
O God, my heart is ready!” Speak with Jesus about your
feelings about being so very close with him. Listen. Rest.
Thank you, Jesus, for choosing us as your friends, as your
co-persons, as the ones whom you send to bear your fruit.
Let our intimacy with you make us fruitful today.
Saturday,
May 16, 2009
Acts 16: 1-10; Psalm 100; John 15: 18-21
Paul chooses Timothy to be his companion and together they
follow the directive of the Spirit. Twice the Spirit “prevents”
or “does not allow” them to go to certain areas,
but then Paul has a vision in which a Macedonian (northern
Greece) invites him to come and help. They conclude “that
God had called them to proclaim the Good News to them.”
If we wish we might have visions and know so clearly where
God calls us, we need to attend to all the feelings that arise
in us, all the desires of our hearts, becoming more and more
aware of them each day. We might examine our consciousness
every day to see what feelings stir the Spirit, and which
drag us more into isolation. As we attend daily to our feelings
and desires we, like Paul, can grow more alert to the promptings
of the Spirit.
Examine yesterday (or today, if you are reading this at night).
First, for what do you give God thanks? What did you do? How
did you feel? What did you want -- all through the day? Where
was the Spirit at work? Where did you find God? How was your
heart expanding or shrinking? Offer the day with its joys
and sorrows to God.
Jesus, keep us alert to the movements of the Spirit in our
hearts, in our families and communities. Thank you for all
the grace at work in our world. Thank you for your Spirit.
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Sunday,
May 17, 2009 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 4: 7-10;
John 15: 9-17
The Spirit
is coming! Pentecost is almost here! The readings all heighten
our alreadhy urgent longing. First, the Spirit acts “outside
the box” and is poured out on Gentiles (Acts). The psalm
refrain offers another name for the Spirit: “saving
power.” Dynamis means power in Greek and, in the writings
of Luke and Paul, it is a name for the Spirit. (All those
working the 12 steps know how that power sets free!). Perhaps
the best name for the Spirit is love, the theme in John’s
first letter and gospel. “God is love...In this is love:
not that we have loved God, but that God loved us...”
That is why in the same letter the author can assure us that
perfect love (God’s) casts out fear. Good news: we are
loved by Jesus as God loves Jesus, we are friends and intimates
of Jesus, and Jesus takes his joy in us. We are to bear fruit
and hand on that love.
Today you
might contemplate Jesus breathing the Spirit’s love
and saving power on all the nations of the world. Join Jesus
in his deep and powerful breathing. Join him in breathing
Love into each love of yours. No words are necessary.
Holy Spirit,
saving and loving Breath of God, fill us and our world with
hope and joy. Heal all violence. Make us one in Christ.
Monday,
May 18, 2009
Acts 16: 11-15; Psalm 149; John 15:26-16:4
“Let
nothing be called unclean that God has declared clean,”
Peter is told earlier in Acts. Now we see Paul being converted
in somewhat the same way. He looks for a group of Jewish men
in Philippi to whom he can preach, and instead he finds a
group of women, often considered unclean by Jews. Paul, however,
is coming to know that “in Christ there is no male nor
female. All are one in Christ Jesus.” Lydia, a business
woman, is the leader of this group of praying women. After
hearing Paul speak, she is baptized and offers Paul her home.
When much later Paul writes to the Philippians there are still
women leaders in the house churches. Jesus promises the “Spirit
of truth” in the gospel, and Paul lets the Spirit lead
him to these women.
What divisions
do you see in our society and church? Rich/poor; black/white;
undocumented/ documented; male/female; Muslim/Jew; liberal/conservative
etc, etc. Ask the Spirit to show you the truth. Pray for a
healing of these divisions.
May we be
one, as you, Jesus, are one with God. Please continue to break
down barriers between people and nations. Make us ever more
aware of your Spirit of truth.
Tuesday,
May 19, 2009
Acts 16: 22-34; Psalm 138; John 16: 5-11
In yesterday’s
portion of John’s gospel, Jesus promised not only the
Spirit of truth but persecution. In today’s portion
of Acts we see the persecution of Paul and Silas. However,
after a severe beating, they are still able to sing in jail.
An earthquake then releases them but they do not leave. Their
jailer is frightened of being punished for their escape, but
they are more interested in speaking “the word of the
Lord” to him and his household. The jailer bathes their
wounds, his family is baptized, and the whole group eats a
meal together. Our portion of Acts ends there. What happens
next? “The magistrates sent the police, saying, ‘Let
these men go.’” Being non-violent does not mean
being stupid. Paul refuses to be sent away secretly by the
city leaders but insists that since they were beaten publicly,
that the magistrates themselves come publicly to free them.
They do, and apologize to Paul and Silas.
Reflect on
the drama of it all: instead of taking advantage of the jail
door opened by the earthquake, instead of being grateful for
release, Paul insists on his human and civil (for he is a
Roman citizen) rights. What would you have done in that situation?
Ask for the courage to be non- violent and still firm. Ask
for the inner peace to sing when persecuted.
Happy are
we when persecuted for your name’s sake, Jesus. We do
believe that last beatitude. Help our unbelief.
Wednesday,
May 20, 2009
Acts 17: 15, 22-18:1; Psalm 148; John 16: 12-15
Paul experiences
another kind of persecution in Athens. He is laughed at, although
the speech Luke puts in his mouth is quite elegant. For example,
he assures his sophisticated listeners that God has put a
yearning for God in every human heart. People “perhaps
even grope for God” although God is very near. He quotes
a Greek poet who wrote: In God we live and move and have our
being. But Paul’s conclusion about God’s raising
Jesus from the dead unleashes their scorn. In the gospel Jesus
promises that Spirit of truth will lead us to all truth and
will speak what the Spirit hears from Jesus. Because Paul
has been led to speak in the Spirit, he can shake the dust
from his feet and move on to Corinth where he will have a
fruitful ministry.
When has
the Spirit guided you “to all truth”? When did
you know more than you knew you knew, or spoke more wisely
than your years? Ask the Spirit to remind you of these times
of
in-spir-ation and give thanks.
We ask you,
Holy Spirit, to inspire all people to act with justice, to
love with mercy, to walk with humility, to trust God wholeheartedly.
In-spire us all to unity and peace. Thank you.
Thursday,
May 21, 2009 Ascension Thursday (readings for Sunday, May
24)
Acts 18: 1-8; Psalm 98; John 16: 16-20
The foundress
of the SSNDs, Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, wrote: All the
works of God go forward slowly and painfully, but their roots
are all the sturdier and their flowering is all the lovelier.
How true that is for Paul. Laughed out of Athens, he finds
his dearest friends in Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila, tentmakers
like himself. Here, when he is reviled by the Jews for preaching
Jesus in their synagogue, he makes the momentous move to the
Gentile community. This is the work of God, that we Gentiles
should be included in the new community of Jesus. How slowly
and how painfully Paul’s mission moved forward. Jesus
confirms this when he says today: “You will grieve,
but your grief will become joy.”
Remember
times of sorrow throughout your life. (Ask the Spirit to remind
you.) What came from these griefs or disappointments? What
in your life at this moment is sturdy or flowering? How did
that happen?
Lord Jesus,
we believe that all things do work together for our good,
that God wants only our shalom, peace, health, wholeness and
well being. Help our unbelief.
Friday,
May 22, 2009
Acts 18: 9-18; Psalm 47; John 16: 20-23
Would that
we could have a vision like Paul’s in which the Lord
assures him. “Go on speaking...” When he is dragged
before the Roman proconsul, the magistrate will have nothing
to do with matters internal to Jews and Paul is freed. Later,
with Priscilla and Aquila, he sails off to Syria. New missions
will be born. Jesus reminds his friends at the Last Supper
that grief will be turned to joy, and uses then symbol of
a woman in labor. What joy when the baby is finally born!
Perhaps we
have not had a vision like Paul’s but we have heard
the Lord speaking directly to us? Ask the Spirit to call any
of those times to mind. How did this “word of the Lord”
turn out? Savor God’s personal word to you.
Speak, Lord, for we your servants are listening. Let us hear
you in all we encounter today, joy or sorrow, or just very
ordinary events. Let us carry your word in our hearts like
Mary.
Saturday,
May 23, 2009
Acts 18:23-28; Psalm 47; John 16: 23-28
In the gospel
Jesus prepares us for his departure, his return to his Father.
In Acts, Paul too is on the move, “bringing strength
to all the disciples.” Now Luke introduces us to Apollos,
a scholar of the Jewish Scripture who “taught accurately”
about Jesus, speaking boldly in the synagogue. Here is the
first mystagogia. Priscilla and Aquila hear him and lead him
more deeply into the mystery of Jesus, explaining “to
him the Way of God more accurately.” See how Christ
dissolves barriers: a Jewish woman teaches a Jewish man. Although
Luke obviously admires the eloquence of Apollos’ arguments,
Luke reminds us that the church’s newcomers “believe
through grace.”
How do you
grow and change? How do you grow in wisdom and grace? Remember
and give thanks.
Jesus, you
promise that our joy will be complete. Complete the good work
you have begun in us, we ask you, and pour out your spirit
of joy, peace and unity on us and on the world
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Sunday, May 24, 2009 - Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1: 17-23; Mark 16: 15-20
Luke reminds Theophilus that his first book was the good news of Jesus. Sometimes his second book, Acts of the Apostles, is known as the good news of the Spirit, with whom the disciples will soon be baptized. Mark’s conclusion of his gospel is almost a summary statement of all that we have read in Acts during the seven weeks of Easter celebration. Let us focus on the poetic reading from Ephesians. The author prays, and we with him (or her):
May the God...of glory give you a spirit of wisdom....
May the eyes of your heart be enlightened...
May you may know hope...
May you know the riches of God’s glory...
May you know the greatness of God’s power, which God worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at God’s right hand...
Return to the phrase that stirs your desire. Rest in your desire, knowing that God too wants that for you. Then pray each phrase for each family member, friend, colleague. Pray each phrase for the world.
How great is your desire for us, dear God. How much you must have desired Jesus’ return to you. Deepen our desires, not just for your gifts, but for you, for Jesus, for the Spirit. Thank you.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68; John 16: 29-33
Jesus’ final words in the gospel today are a consolation. He promises that we will have peace in him, and that when we find trouble in the world “Take courage, I have conquered the world.” The psalm promises much the same: God is the father of orphans, defender of widows; “God gives a home to the forsaken and leads forth prisoners to prosperity.”
When have you felt orphaned, forsaken, or a prisoner to your moods or addictions? Return in memory to that trouble in your life, or trouble in the world. Hold Jesus and God to their promises. Be bold. BEG. Or if you know that you have been freed and are in peace, give thanks.
Jesus, conquer the world again and again with your non-violent way. Give us your peace to gentle any violence in our own hearts and in our communities. We breathe in your Spirit and breathe out a smile on our world.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Acts 20: 17-27; Psalm 68; John 17: 1-11
Paul attests to his constant listening to the Spirit. Psalm 68 proclaims good news: God bears our burdens day after day. We have a God who saves. And the Last Supper discourse is coming to a climax in Jesus’ final prayer. He prays for his friends and for us and promises that to know him and the One who sent him is eternal life. We can, according to John’s theology, begin to experience eternal life right now. Remember that to “know” is to be intimately united. Our final union with God has begun. We will never finish knowing God. That is the meaning of mystery. Our union with God can only deepen.
Rest in that wondrous experience of knowing God. Our union can only deepen. Sit quietly and let that union happen. Breathe in the Spirit and breathe out a smile that comes straight from your union with God.
Thank you for bearing our burdens, saving God. Thank you, Jesus, for sharing our burdens. We ask to see the burdens of others, our near neighbors and far neighbors, and to join you in bearing burdens.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Acts 20: 28-38; Psalm 68; John 17: 11-19
As we come nearer to the end of the year of Paul, we hear his farewell speech (just as we hear Jesus’ farewell discourse in the gospel). Those who listen to him, the overseers (episcopos in Greek) in Ephesus, begin weeping, for they know they will never see him again. Paul reminds them how he worked on behalf of the weak. Psalm 68 reminds us of our farewell to Jesus last Sunday: “God rides on the heights.” Finally, Jesus prays: “Consecrate them in truth. Your word is truth.” Truth to us Westerners is an intellectual correctness, but to Jews truth means fidelity, a relational word. “Your word is faithful,” Jesus explains, and we are consecrated, made holy in relation with God’s faithful word.
So many farewells in our own lives, so many tears shed over separations. What emotions must Mary, his mother, have felt watching her son ascend? And what must God have felt? Remember the separations in your life. Can anything destroy your faithfulness? How much more your loved ones who have died are faithful to you! Ponder that in your heart.
We join Jesus’ prayer, and ask you to consecrate us in truth. Deepen our fidelity to you, your Word, and your Spirit. Thank you for all those you have given us, even if we have to endure separation.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Acts 22: 30, 23:6-11; Psalm 16; John 17: 20-26
Jesus prays at his Last Supper not only for those few gathered with him but all who would ever believe that he is sent by God, “so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may be one in us.” This is not just for our personal mystical union, or as the psalmist puts it, that we may have “fullness of joys in your presence.” Our union and our unity is “so that the world may believe ...that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them AS you have loved me, Father.” Everyone who sees our love and unity will come to know God’s love and indwelling. Union leads to action. And the world will know.
We know that God loves Jesus with all that God is. Jesus says God loves us that same way. Why? Because we are good? No, because God is good and all inclusive. The whole world will know God. In your imagination, move around the world, among the nations, peoples of other races or creeds, and ask God to love them through you. Now.
Your love working in us, Jesus, is transforming us, and through us, the world. Thank you for this baptismal mission. Deepen our love, especially for those with whom we don’t feel in union.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Acts 25: 13-21; Psalm 103; John 21: 15-19
We have finished our continuous reading of Jesus’ last supper discourse in John and move to graphic scenes on the seashore these two days before Pentecost. Today, Jesus asks Peter, and each one of us: “Do you love me?” Today, Jesus warns Peter that in the end he will be limited and led where he does not want to go. “Bless the Lord, all my being bless God’s holy name,” sings the psalmist. To bless is to hand over to God all that we are and have and ever will be; it means to surrender. Peter’s end is surrendered..
How do you want your aging to be? How will you hand over to God all that you are, and be led? Go through memories of your youth until now, and hear Jesus ask you at each turning point: “_____, do you love me?” How will you answer?
We pray for your peace, Jesus, poured out on all our old ones, especially those who feel abandoned, who are alone, poor, neglected or abused. Let them know we love them.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Acts 26: 16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11; John 21: 20-25
Now we have come to the completion of the Word’s journey to the ends of the earth. Paul has brought, according to Luke, the good news to the “center of the universe,” Rome. Luke who began his two volumes with Mary’s consent to the Word becoming flesh, now is able to rejoice that even though under house arrest, Paul “with complete assurance and without hindrance proclaimed the kin-dom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” The narrative of the Holy Spirit’s action in the world ends today, and tomorrow we will hear of its beginning. We are never finished receiving and proclaiming the Spirit.
When did you first learn about the Spirit? When did you first experience the Spirit? What happened in that experience? What is growing in you? What more do you want? Stay alert for the movement of the Spirit in your heart today, perhaps little bursts of affection.
Come, Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful. Fill the hearts, transform the hearts of the faithless, the hopeless, the loveless, and let us be your instruments to draw everyone closer to the fire of your love.
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May 31, 2009 - Feast of Pentecost
Acts 2: 1-11; Psalm 104; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13;
Sequence; John 20: 19-23
In over 6,000 languages today, the story of Jesus giving us the Spirit, his peace, and his mission will be told. In 6,000 languages today, the Spirit deep within us will “put our unutterable groanings into words which God can understand” (Romans 8:26). The psalm offers us the familiar refrain, “You send forth your spirit and they are created and you renew the face of the earth.” Many nations, many cultures, many languages -- all being re-created and renewed. Alleluia!
Aak the Spirit to refresh your imagination. Then picture our planet, our globe linked by living waters and swirling air currents. Imagine Jesus speaking in 6,000 languages, saying “Peace!” Stay with that image. When a distraction flits by, return to Jesus saying -- to you-- “Peace.”
Let us pray with today’s Sequence: “Come, with blessed radiance bright; Come, our heart’s unfailing light. Shine with grace, in our heart’s most secret place. Bend the stubborn mind and will. Melt the frozen, warm the chill.” Come, Holy Spirit, come!
Pentecost once ranked with Christmas and Easter. Christmas celebrates the coming of Light; Easter, the coming of Life; and Pentecost, the coming of Love into our world. However, Pentecost, while retaining its Sequence, has lost its octave.
To continue to celebrate Pentecost, we will focus on the Alleluia verses this week. The first reading follows the story of Tobit and is probably best read in one sitting. It is a moving story.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8; Psalm 112; Mark 12: 1-12
“Alleluia! Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead. You have loved us and freed us from our sins by your blood.” (Revelation 1:5)
How and to what has Jesus been a faithful witness in your life? What is your experience of being faithfully loved by Jesus? Rest in that memory and let it become real all over again. How have you been growing in freedom over the past years? Blood is not a sign of death in Jewish spirituality, but of life. How has the life of Jesus, then and now, set you free? What more do you want from this faithful one?
Thank you for your faithful witness, for your unconditional love, for our freedom in your Spirit. Thank you, and Alleluia!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tobit 2: 9-14; Psalm 112; Mark 12: 13-17
“Alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to God’s call.” (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Remember how on the way to Emmaus, Jesus called the disciples dull and slow of heart. When has your heart felt and been dull, slow, sluggish, and when have “the eyes of your heart” been awake, alert, sensitive to the movements of the Spirit? Ask the Spirit to call these memories to mind. Reflect on God’s call to you. When, how, where, why? What hope is in your heart because of God’s call? What do you want?
Deepen our faith, our hope, our love, good and giving God. Let your Spirit teach us moment by moment today where to find the light in our own hearts and in the world.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tobit 3: 1-11, 16-17; Psalm 25; Mark 12: 18-27
“Alleluia! I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord Jesus. Whoever believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
How have you known the resurrection in the ordinary joys and life-giving encounters of daily living? Ask the Spirit to help you remember and give thanks. What does it mean for you to believe in Jesus? Ask him to teach you.
Lord Jesus, we do believe, help our unbelief! Deepen our attachment to you and our commitment to your Body throughout our world. Thank you for resurrection moments!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tobit 6: 10-11, 7: 1, 9-17, 8: 4-9; Psalm 128; Mark 12: 28-34
“Alleluia! Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought light to life through the Gospel.”
With the people of Samaria, we cry: “Truly, you are the Savior of the world!” (John 4). THE mystery of faith is proclaimed: “By your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world!” Show Jesus all the parts of the world that need saving, freeing from the forces of death. Show Jesus anything in your life that is nudging you toward death, and if you can’t find anything, ask the Spirit to show you your sin. The Spirit will gently light up your blind spots.
“Joy to the world, the Savior comes!” Not only at Christmas does this weary world need rejoicing. Give us back the joy of our salvation, Holy Spirit. Thank you!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tobit 11: 5-17; Psalm 146; Mark 12:35-37
“Alleluia! Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love that person and we will come to that person.” (John 14:23)
What word might Jesus mean? Do you ponder it in your heart like Mary? Do you put it into practice? “We” will come. Often we are reminded that Christ lives in us and through us, that the Spirit is poured into our hearts. But what about the Creator of every iota of creation? Living within you? Surrounding you with love and beauty and breathing creatively in and through your depths. Ponder THAT in your heart!
Infuse us, creative God, with your love, your joy, your beauty, your truth, your kindness, your mercy, your peace. And open the eyes of our world to your presence in every created particle.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Tobit 12:1, 5-15,20; Tobit 13; Mark 12: 38-44
“Alleluia! Blessed are the poor in spirit. The kin-dom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3)
The above verse was probably chosen to prepare us for this piece of Mark’s gospel. First Jesus excoriates the religious leaders who “devour the houses of widows.” Then Jesus notices a poor widow who donates to the temple treasury “all that she has to live on.” We too give “out of our surplus.” Have you ever met anyone who gave away everything to some one more poor than she or he? Ask Jesus to discuss this kind of heroism with you. Tell him your fears, your desires; then listen to his desires for you. What do you want? What does he want?
“Lord, be merciful to us who are sinners,” we who have so much more than we even need. Bless our hearts with generosity toward those who are needy
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Sunday, June 7, 2009 - Trinity Sunday
Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40;
Psalm 33; Romans 8: 14-17; Matthew 28: 16-20
Anything we can say about God we must say by analogy, for “has any people heard a god speaking out of a fire as you have, and lived?” The depth and breadth of God can only be glimpsed in images. A modern image of the Trinity is delighting readers of the best-selling and long-running novel, The Shack. God is a large African American woman called Papa, Jesus is a carpenter in plaid shirt and jeans, and the Spirit is named Sarayu. How they enjoy each others’ company, laughing and conversing, especially around the table. In this relationship, Papa explains what Paul writes to the Romans: we are children of God and “in fact, we suffer with him [Christ] so that we may also be glorified with him.”
What images arise in you to describe the Trinity? For Paul, the Spirit cries “Abba” deep within him. What does the Spirit cry within you? Be still. Listen.
We breathe you in, Holy Spirit, and we breathe out a smile, your smile on the whole of creation. Thank you for loving us and for permeating every particle of this universe.
Monday, June 8, 2009
2 Corinthians1:1-7; Psalm 34; Matthew 5: 1-12
Although commentators will compare the beatitudes to the New Law, with Jesus the new Moses in his sermon on the mount, our being poor in spirit, merciful, hungry for justice and peace are in no way laws, but ways of being in Christ, in the Spirit. Jesus calls us to deepen our relationship with him. Law does not produce holiness. Holiness is the Spirit’s transforming work, “consoling us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with an abundance of consolation.” Beatitudes are blessings, the outpouring of the Spirit-Comforter in us, and through us, to the world.
Take a sheet of paper and write the ten commandments. Now write the eight beatitudes and the promises attached. Which assignment was easier? Speak with the Spirit about Law and Blessing. Then take each beatitude; savor it, and its promise.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, send us. Send us with the blessings of Jesus to all who need consolation today, those we meet in person and those we hear about on the news.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
2 Corinthians 1: 18-22; Psalm 119; Matthew 5: 13-16
We ask for God’s face to shine on us in the psalm. Jesus encourages us to shine like a lamp on a stand so all “may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Paul too writes of God’s glory. Jesus is always God’s “Yes” who empowers us to say Amen (yes) to the glory of God. Paul explains that it is God who “establishes us with you in Christ,” anointing us, sealing us, giving us the Spirit in our hearts. “In Christ” is not spatial, but rather, like being in love. Being in love with Christ enables us to be in love with everyone. Now THAT would give God glory! Amen, Amen!
Where is your light shining? Where is your “Yes” spontaneous and joyful? Where would you rather say NO! Being in love—so intimate. With everyone? To whom do you say, “No, thank you. Not yet.” Ask for the healing light who is Christ to shine in those painful or prejudiced places of your heart.
We want to give you glory, our God of glory. If we see your glory shining on the face of Jesus, let others see your glory shining on our faces and in our hearts today.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
2 Corinthians 3: 3-11; Psalm 99; Matthew 5: 17-19
If Paul and Jesus could have had an argument during their earthly lives, here it is!
Paul calls the Law a “ministry of death.” Jesus says, “Do not think I have come to abolish the Law.” Jesus allows that anyone breaking the least of the commandment will be called least in the kin-dom, but will still be part of the kin-dom. Paul writes of the “ministry of the Spirit come in glory,” not condemnation but a “ministry of justification,”
abounding in glory.
And you, where do you stand? Do you keep the commandments? If so, why?
If you never much think about commandments, why not? Which response to God do you hope gives God more glory? What is it that sets you right (justifies) with God?
Save us, Jesus, from saving ourselves! Free us from depending on the Law instead of on you and your Spirit. We do trust you, we love you.. Thank you for your gifts of trust and love.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Acts 11: 21-26, 13:1-3; Psalm 98; Matthew 10: 7-13
Today is the feast of Barnabas, who only rates a memorial. Yet we interrupt the continuous reading of Paul to use a couple of passages from Acts that pertain to him. To switch to Acts however, is to skip over an important teaching of Paul’s. “Now the Lord is the Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all…beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness, from glory to glory. This is the influence of the Lord who is Spirit.” During this week of celebrating the Trinity, we can worship The Lord (God’s name among the Jews), Jesus as Lord, and the Spirit as Lord.
Feminists can understand that lordship is not about maleness and domination. Jesus infused lordship with new meaning at his last supper. “The rulers of the earth lord it over…” but Jesus washes feet.
We are being transformed from glory to glory. Do you believe that? Pray to deepen your faith in the Spirit’s work within you. Are you growing in freedom, even as you grow in wisdom and grace? In-fluence means a flowing into. How do you experience the Spirit flowing into your life? How will you respond?
Barnabas, apostle of God, thank you for all the ways you helped the Spirit shape Paul and his understanding of God, Jesus and the Spirit. Pray for us.
Friday, June 12, 2009
2 Corinthians 4:7-15; Psalm 116; Matthew 5: 27-32
To understand Jesus’ strict teaching about divorce (and in Matthew, there is an exception for “unchastity”), it is necessary to see what practice he was contradicting. Marriage during his lifetime was akin to a man’s purchasing property. The rabbis allowed a man to hand his wife a “certificate of divorce” for something as trivial as putting too much salt in his food. A wife could never divorce a husband. Catholics have fashioned Jesus’ radical stance on behalf of women’s rights into a rigid law that punishes people who fail in loving. We could learn some humility from Paul who reminds us that we are merely “clay vessels,” afflicted and perplexed. “We always carry in our bodies the dying of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be made manifest in this mortal flesh of ours.”
In this mortal flesh of ours, do you ever “lust in your heart?” Lusting is about power, force; it does not mean admiring the beauty and goodness of someone with whom we would like a deep union. Pray for those who do lust, and who traffic women and children for sex and/or work. Pray for their victims. Pray for all those abused by their spouses and who are too afraid to leave them. Pray for more freedom and flexibility among Catholic bishops. Pray for more love in marriages, in families and in communities.
“To you we offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving…..To you we make our commitment in the presence of all your people.” (Ps 116). Help us be faithful to you.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Psalm 103; Matthew 5: 33-37
Jesus admonishes us not to swear, but let our Yes be yes and our No, no. Our Yes, Paul urges, is to Christ who died for all and was raised for all. In fact, “the love of Christ urges us on,” he writes. He is so thrilled that the old is passing away and that all creation is made new in the resurrection. God was reconciling all of us to God’s own self through Christ and has made not only Paul but each of us ministers of reconciliation. Reconciliare means to talk together again.
What in you needs to be reconciled? Is it within you that you feel some alienation, some part of you cut off, unfree? It is within a relationship that you need reconciliation? Or will you focus on being a minister, an ambassador of reconciliation?
If Christ died for all, how can you help the Christian community open up to Muslims and Jews, Hindus and Buddhists and even atheists? First, you can pray for them, and study and then ask for an opportunity to speak with some non-Christian. Will you say Yes!
So often we pray to be instruments of your peace. Let your love urge us on to be ambassadors of reconciliation, simply talking together. Help us say Yes to this desire of yours.
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Sunday, June 14, 2009 - Body and Blood of Christ
Exodus 24: 3-8; Psalm 116; Hebrews 9: 11-15; Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26
The feast of Corpus Christi is now a feast of both the body and blood of Christ.
When we use ”Christ” we mean the glorified and cosmic Christ, not quite the same, and yet the same as the carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. We know we are the Body of Christ. So the blood? Could it be that the Spirit of the risen Christ is the blood which circulates through the body, holding us together, nourishing us, purifying us? In Jewish theology, blood is not a sign of death but of life. The Israelites are sprinkled with animal blood. We are engulfed in the blood of Christ; it runs through our veins!
How much God wants deepest intimacy with us. We eat and drink Christ and he is knit into our blood and bones. SSNDs (and many others) pray and work that all may be one, but we are already one, the gift of God to us through Jesus and the power of his Spirit. How will you respond to such good news?
What return shall we make to our God for the abundance of God’s love? We lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of Christ Jesus. Alleluia!
Monday, June 15, 2009
2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Psalm 98; Matthew 5: 38-42
How do we grow to the generosity for which Jesus asks: Give to everyone who begs from you? The entrance antiphon offers us a way: to let God free us from clinging to anything. “God has been my strength and has led me into freedom. God saved me because God loves me.” Notice that “loves” is present tense. Paul explains too: We are “poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” Because we are free, we can give and forgive freely.
Is there something or someone in your life to which you cling? Do you want to be free? Can you trust that if you offer all to God, God will offer everything to you? Ask for that gift of trust, healing from any traces of materialism, freedom from any consumerism or undue dependence on persons or things.
Take, Lord, receive, all that I am and have. You have given all to me. To you I return it. Give me only your love and your grace. Let that be enough for me.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Psalm 146; Matthew 5: 43-48
Paul writes to the Corinthians about their northern neighbors, the church in Macedonia. “During a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity.” How paradoxical: extreme poverty can co-exist with abundant joy? Yes, thanks to Jesus, for “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
What has been your experience? Have you ever “lost” everything, only to find that you were happier in the long run? Ask the Spirit to call such times to mind. Pray for all those in our world who are losing their jobs, their savings, their homes and are finding no joy anywhere. Ask the Spirit to be their comforter and Jesus to be their joy.
May we come to share the divinity of you, Christ Jesus, you who emptied yourself and became poor for our sakes, to share in our humanity, our suffering and our joy.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 9: 6-11; Psalm 112; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus teaches us about almsgiving, and Paul continues reflecting on all that we have received. “God loves a cheerful giver,” is a kind of proverb from today’s passage.
God is so generous in gifting us with abundance, how can we not give freely from our store of abundance? “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God.”
Ask the Spirit to help you uncover your attitude toward poverty and riches, compulsions and freedom, stinginess and generosity. Ask for the mind of Christ who did not cling to being divine but emptied himself. Ask for the grace to give and not to count the cost. Beg God to convert us all, rich and poor and newly made poor, to sharing what we “have.”
“They have distributed freely. They have given to the poor.” (Ps 112). Thank you, God of abundance, for those who do share their wealth and other gifts with the poor.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Psalm 111; Matthew 6:7-15
So often, Paul’s credentials as a missionary are under attack, and again here, among the Corinthians. So called “super-apostles” have arrived in town with eloquence and miracles. All Paul can plead is his weakness so that God may be strong, and especially, his love of these his people. Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, simply, without a lot of words. What prepares us to pray like this is a mindset of forgiveness, seven times seventy times a day. Then we dare to say: “Your kin-dom come…Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors.” Yet we cannot forgive through human will power; forgiveness is God’s gift.
Pray for the gift of forgiving those who hurt you, ignore you, or like Paul, upstage you. Jesus prayed: “Father, you forgive them….” So ask at least that God forgive those who have wounded your spirit, your pride, your relationship.
We ask you to forgive us and thank you for reconciling us day in and day out with those who hurt us. Make us ambassadors of reconciliation, instruments of peace and unity.
Friday, June 19, 2009 - The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Hosea 11: 1-4, 8-9; Canticle from Isaiah 12; Ephesians 3: 8-12, 14-19; John 19: 31-37
Today is a feast to celebrate love. God’s love is described by Hosea; it is a healing, leading, nourishing love, warm and tender. God doesn’t hesitate to stoop down to us. Isaiah says we can draw water from the deep wells of God’s love. Ephesians reminds us that we are being “rooted and grounded in love.” Its author prays that we might know the breadth, length, depth and height of Christ’s love. Christ’s love is demonstrated in the labor pangs he endures on Calvary to give us new birth in water and the Spirit.
Which of the descriptions of love above stirs your own heart? Repeat the words slowly, taste them, savor them, absorb them. Ask to be open to all the manifestations of God’s love poured into our hearts, the Spirit (Romans 5). Ask to find God’s love at work in our world.
God, we beg you, let your perfect love, unconditional and so faithful, so evident in Jesus’ love, cast out fear – from our own hearts, from our church, from our world.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Isaiah 61:9-11; Canticle from I Samuel 2; Luke 2: 41-51
It is fairly obvious that Mary’s Magnificat is based on Hannah’s cry of exaltation with the birth of Samuel, but today’s passage from Isaiah also offers hints of Mary’s song of praise and rejoicing. The theme however, is the heart. “My heart exults in the Lord,” Hannah sings—not my “soul.” For the Jews who did not divide the human person in two as we do, the heart is the seat of reason, feelings, choice, wisdom. Mary grows in wisdom and grace by pondering everything that happens to her “in her heart.” She treasures them, or as we said yesterday, she tastes these events, savors them, absorbs them.
The immaculate heart of Mary is the human heart of Mary. She is like us in all things. What did you experience yesterday? Did Mary ever go through anything like that? Ask her. Listen to her.
Your heart rejoices, Mary, and we rejoice with you. You are full of wisdom and grace and every growing more deeply. Take us into your heart and keep us growing too.
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Sunday, June 21, 2009 - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Job 38: 1-4, 8-11; Psalm 107; 2 Corinthians 5: 14-17; Mark 4:35-41
We return to Ordinary Time after a wealth of feasts. In this season when so many head to a lake or ocean for vacation, we are to remember that God’s womb birthed the waves. “Who shut in the sea when it burst forth from the womb?” God asks Job. God’s creative birthing continues, says Paul, for “whoever is in Christ is a new creation.” A cosmic adventure into the Cosmic Christ. In the gospel, fear sweeps over the disciples as something new is born. The waves swamp the boat and Jesus remains asleep. “Do you not care that we are perishing?” they cry. We know what happens next in the gospel; we know the disciples’ question: “Who is this whom the wind and sea obey?”
Is something in your life swamping you, overwhelming, terrifying? Tell Jesus all about it and then ask the disciples’ question directly to Jesus. Listen. Or, does the question, “Who is this?” strike an inner chord? Would you simply like to look at him who is so calm and authoritative. Look and respond to him. Whatever water you enter this summer, (even a bathroom shower or tub) remember to give thanks for the water you entered in baptism, the creative floods of God’s love.
Thank you, God of womb-compassion, for immersing us in Christ. Whomever we know him to be now, thank you for the adventure of learning him more deeply, day by day.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Genesis 12: 1-9; Psalm 33; Matthew 7:1-5
Today we are introduced to Abram, father of nations, and common ancestor of Jews, Christians and Muslims. As Abram trusts God and moves out in a journey, he builds altars along the way. Jesus issues a most important “new” commandment: “Do not judge” and attaches the reason: “so that you may not be judged.” Love one another, love as I have loved you, becomes a very specific and wise command in “do not judge.” It is the nature of the human mind to judge, ie this is hot, this is cold. But to judge the motives of other people is frightening when we hear Jesus continue, “For the measure with which you judge will be the measure with which you will be judged.”
What response arises in you when you realize that Jews are your kin, Muslims are your brothers and sisters? Will you pray for them, pray for peace in the Middle East, pray for reconciliation not only among Arabs and Jews but among us North American Christians and the devout followers of Islam? If you cannot, talk it all over with Jesus. You might invite Abram to join the conversation.
Happy is the nation whose God is our God! Your eye is on all who hope in you, and your steadfast love delivers all children of Abraham. Help us to love one another as you love us all.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Genesis 13:2, 5-18; Psalm 15; Matthew 7: 6, 12-14
Abram’s offspring, we hear, are “like the dust of the earth.” Perhaps Jews, Christians and Muslims might remember our dusty origins. Or like Abram and Lot, who could not live together “for their possessions were so great,” and the land could not support them both, we might wonder with whom we can’t live. Psalm 15 is a “wisdom psalm,” describing the wise: “They take up no reproach against their neighbors; in their eyes the wicked are despised.” Ah, judging some as wicked. Turf wars over everyone’s holy land. And Jesus coming to welcome the wicked, to eat with them. How shall we ever live in unity and peace?
That last question is a lament, the most numerous kind of psalm among the 150 psalms. How? Why? (Lamah in Hebrew means “why?”) As Paul writes, “Who can save us from this body of death?” this tumult of peoples? Cry out to God your fears and hopes and confusions. Jesus cried like that over Jerusalem. You are allowed.
Who can save us? Jesus, you have set us free. You alone are the savior of the world! Thank you! Deepen our hope and our love for one another, near neighbors and far neighbors.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - Birth of John the Baptist
Isaiah 49: 1-6; Psalm 139; Acts 13: 22-26; Luke 1: 57-66, 80
Zechariah is adamant: “His name is John.” Yahonan in Hebrew means “God is gracious.” God is gracious to Israel, Isaiah reminds them, the Suffering Servant. It is too little that Israel merely survive; they are to be a light to the nations. God had been forming this new and last prophet of Israel from his mother’s womb, as God does us all, claims the author of Psalm 139. In Acts, Paul addresses “all you descendants of Abraham’s family,” to remind us again of our common origin. And finally our liturgy of the Word ends with John’s growing strong in spirit.
Remember how God is gracious to you. Where do you find grace at work in your life? How are you a light to the nations? You alone and we together as church are made prophets through baptism. And how do you grow strong in spirit? In Spirit? Ponder, hope, desire, ask.
John, strong in spirit, thank you for standing up to Herod’s sin at so much cost. Help us to judge sin and not the sinner. Pray for our church that we might welcome sinners and be a light to the nations.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Genesis 16:1-12,15-16; Psalm 106; Matthew 7: 21-29
Interesting that Abram who is a Chaldean at the age of 86 has a child with an Egyptian woman, Hagar, the slave of Sarai. From this child, Ishmael, would come the numerous Arab tribes whose warfaring continues to this day. Was it Sarai’s harsh treatment of Hagar so very long ago that set up enmity between Jews and Arabs? In the gospel, Jesus warns that any prophecy or deeds of power done in his name are worthless unless we “do the will of [his] Father in heaven.”
What is God’s will? “My plans for you are plans of shalom.” (Jer 29:11). Look over the week thus far. When did you act for peace, health, the well-being of others? When did you act with integrity? All these are meanings of shalom. When did you do God’s will manifest in Jesus’ will, his passionate desire that all are welcome, all be one?
Whatever we do in word or in work, Jesus, let it be done for God’s glory and your hope for our unity, peace, health and integrity. Make us ambassadors of reconciliation.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Genesis17: 1, 5, 9-10, 15-22; Psalm 128; Matthew 8: 1-4
God changes Abram’s name and tells Abraham that God approves of Ishmael, will bless him and make him fruitful. However, the covenant will be made with Isaac whom Abraham will beget at the age of 99. Abraham laughs! Jesus has finished his Sermon on the Mount, modeled after Moses’ trip up Mount Sinai, and Matthew begins to follow the action laid out in the first gospel, Mark’s. Jesus meets a leper who begs, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” Jesus touches the diseased man and says,
“I do choose.”
What do you choose? How do you make your choices, the large ones and the daily decisions? Compose your own morning offering, perhaps praying it before you even open your eyes. Offer your choices, many of which you won’t meet until the day unfolds, for God’s glory, for God’s will of shalom.
We do choose your will and your glory, God of peace, health and integrity. Give peace to our world, health to those sick in mind or body, integrity to us all. Thank you.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Genesis 18: 1-15; Canticle from Luke 1; Matthew 8: 5-17
Sarai has now become Sarah. Abraham welcomes three guests under the oaks of Mamre, hastens to order Sarah to bake three cakes, “runs” (at 99) to find a calf for his servant to prepare. The guests ask about Sarah, who “laughs to herself” when she overhears their promise that she will bear a child. The guests morph into “the Lord” who, when Sarah denies she laughed, says, “Oh yes, you did laugh.” End of reading. We respond with Mary’s Magnificat. Like Hannah, perhaps the originator of the canticle, Sarah had been barren so long. Jesus moves south to Capernaum and wonders at the faith of a Roman centurion, greater than that of any Israelite. He heals the soldier’s servant. Next he moves to Peter’s house, heals Peter’s mother in law and all the sick and demon- possessed who are brought to him.
Let us remember and pray for all those who are aging and deny their limits, their diminishment. Let us pray for all those who want to run at 99 and are confined to wheel chair or bed. If you are one of those, or love one of those, remind them that God loves our great desires to offer hospitality as Abraham did. Let us pray for those at any age who get their identity and self-worth from what they do, achieve. Let us pray for those who overwork, not just to care for their dependents, but because it fills that hole in their hearts that only God can fill.
Save us from our denying the truth, Holy Spirit. Set us free from any traces of workaholism in what we do. Let all that we are and do be for God’s glory. Guide us into all truth.
Sunday, June 28, 2009 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5: 21-43
“God did not make death,” proclaims the first Word of the Lord to us today. God created us for “incorruption,” the author continues. When the Word became flesh, he showed in a most tangible way how God heals the sick and raises the dead. Hopefully, your presider will read the whole gospel for today, not the shortened form. A woman who suffered an issue of blood for 12 years interrupts Jesus’ going with Jairus to heal his n daughter. Jesus breaks the law passively, when an “unclean” woman touches him, and actively, when he touches Jairus’ child. For this they will kill him. He is, teaches Paul, so generous. “Though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
“Who touched me?” Jesus asks. When have you touched Jesus? What happened?
When have you personally experienced Jesus’ generosity? How has his being ever so human enriched your life and spirituality, your relationship with God? How will you respond?
“Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning…You have turned our mourning to dancing.” (Ps 30). Yes, you have! Please let all the grieving people of our world know that, know you.
Monday, June 29, 2009 - Feast of Peter and Paul, apostles
Acts 12: 1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16: 13-19
Our first two readings tell of the rescue of Peter from prison and Paul “from every evil attack.” The gospel narrates Jesus’ question to his friends and to us: “Who do you say that I am?” Saving, remember, does not mean rescue, but being set free. Peter was rescued, literally, but Paul was left to his attackers so often, according to Acts. The psalm’s antiphon resolves the apparent conflict: “God set me free from all my fears.” The psalmist continues: “Look to God and be radiant.”
Who is Jesus for you now? When you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, what happens to your fears? Ask the Spirit to remind you of some times when you were radiant. Listen. Wait. What makes you radiant? Ask for the gift of radiant peace and joy.
You are the light of the world, Jesus, and you chose us to be your light in our world, as really as you called Peter and Paul apostles. Let our experience of you deepen. Send us.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Genesis 18: 16-33; Psalm 103; Matthew 8: 18-22
In our first reading we have an example of how to pray. God wants to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness, and Abraham pleads for them. And won’t stop pleading! Finally Abraham says: “O do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten [righteous] people are found there.” God agrees. The psalm response includes a refrain often repeated in the psalms and prophets, first given to Moses in the desert: “The Lord, the Lord, a God kind and compassionate, slow to anger and a bounding in mercy.” (Exodus 34: 6).
Do you ever pray like Abraham, “Do not be angry if I speak…”? When and why do you get angry? When and why do you think God gets angry? How does the possibility of God’s anger make you feel? Discuss this with Jesus. Be sure to listen.
Set us free, we beg you, Jesus, from any fear of God lurking in our hearts. We look to you that our faces may not blush with shame. Send us to hand on the good news of God’s abundant and faithful mercy.
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istening
to the Spirit: