Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - Canada Day
Genesis 21: 5, 8-20; Psalm 34; Matthew 8: 28-34
While there is no special liturgy in the Canadian missalette for this day of celebration, we will use for our prayer the prayer “for civic occasions” both today and on July 4. Our attention is turned to Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, playing together. This arouses Sarah’s jealousy and she wants Hagar and Ishmael cast out. God promises the distressed Abraham that Ishmael will be the progenitor of a great nation. Once again Abraham must trust. Hagar is sent into the desert and when her water runs out she leaves her son under a tree and sits apart, weeping and praying not to see her son’s death. God consoles her and provides a well of water for her in the desert, a holy place for Muslims today. God heard the cry of the poor, the outcast Hagar. Jesus hears the fierce cries of two Gadarene [Gerasene in Mark] demoniacs, and frees them from their demons.
Abraham’s is a household divided, all too common in our day. Isaac is father of the Israel, and Ishmael the father of Arabs. Once they played together, but for too many centuries they have engaged in caution and outright war. Where might your own family tree need healing, unity and peace? Pray for your family and thank God that all our ancestors are now one in Christ.
O God, you guide all in wisdom and love. Accept our prayers for our nation[s]. Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens. Secure for us harmony and justice that we may live in unity and peace.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Genesis 22: 1-19; Psalm 116; Matthew 9:1-8
God has promised a nation springing from Ishmael, but here God commands that Abraham offer Isaac as a burnt offering. Father and son walk together to the place of sacrifice, with Abraham assuring the boy that God would provide the lamb. His knife is stopped only by an angelic intervention, and God renews the promise of a great nation. The psalm antiphon is “I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.” Jesus asks what is easier, to say “your sins are forgiven” or “stand up and walk”? Walking is a theme.
Can you take a walk and pray today? Some of us are in wheelchairs, bedridden. Others of us have paralyzed parts of our psyches. Some of us may be afraid to walk with our Father, afraid of what sacrifice might be demanded. Lay your fears, your complaints, your sins, your paralysis as an offering to God. God doesn’t only want the “good stuff.” God wants all of us just as we are. How will you respond?
You have delivered us from death, freed our eyes from tears. We walk before you, God of freedom, and ask that all the heart broken, the hungry, the rejected may join us your land of the living.
Friday, July 3, 2009 - Thomas, apostle
Ephesians 2: 19-22; Psalm 117; John 20: 24-29
We are “no longer strangers and aliens, but citizens with the saints and members of God’s own household.” Why such a first reading for Thomas? Because he may have felt alienated from his community, especially after the Easter night appearance which he missed. What a blessing for us, however, that we can contemplate the compassion of Jesus for this friend. Who else is invited to touch him?
When have you felt alienated, strange, even in your own family, community, parish? Imagine Jesus standing before you right now and holding out his wounded hands to you, his friend and member of God’s own household. Remember that the Spirit teaches us through our imaginations. What does Jesus say to you? What do you do with those hands of his? Contemplate this invitation to intimacy.
Let us weep with all those who flee to save their children, like Hagar, immigrants to our wealthy countries. Let us welcome all who are strangers, or strange to us, we pray.
Saturday, July 4, 2009 - Independence Day in the United States
Genesis 27:1-5, 9-10, 15-29; Psalm 135; Matthew 9: 14-17
How ironic that this should be called independence day, a day when we hear that Jacob cheats his brother out of his birthright by lying to his blind father Isaac. Acting out about fears of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, we so independently and deceptively are waging war. To the Romans, Paul writes, “Who will save us from this body of death?” Who will save us from the violence of our world? Only Christ Jesus, the bridegroom who is always with us, faithfully loving us, even in our most awful crimes against humanity.
Jacob has to suffer many consequences for his lies. Let us pray for all those who suffer the consequence of our lies: personal lies that hurt family, friends and colleagues; church lies that give scandal; national lies that promote violence and the abuse of power.
Pray for God’s mercy.
O God, you guide all in wisdom and love. Accept our prayers for our nation[s]. Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens. Secure for us harmony and justice that we may live in unity and peace.
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Sunday, July 5, 2009 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 2: 2-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10; Mark 6:1-6
Notice today’s Alleluia verse: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, sending me to bring good news to the poor.” The opening prayer reminds us of the obedience of Jesus which raises a fallen world. Unlike Abraham’s obedience with Isaac, God is not testing, does not need the suffering and death of Jesus to raise a fallen world. Jesus’ obedience is to the good news, the mission of God. If Paul can claim that he is content with “weaknesses, insults, hardships…for the sake of Christ,” discovering that when he is weak then God is strong, how much more Jesus. God’s “power is made perfect in weakness.” Jesus will die rather than betray the good news. God’s power will bring triumph out of his seeming weakness, failure and death.
To what and to whom are you obedient? Why? Ezekiel and Jesus are obedient to God’s mission, the critique of unjust power and the consolation of the little ones. What about Mary? The townspeople of Nazareth take offense at him. Her friends, neighbors and kinfolk turn against her son. How will she respond to them? How will she pray?
Send your Spirit upon us, Jesus, that we may continue your mission. Give us the gift of obedience to all that is just, trust to accept what we cannot change, courage and creativity to change what we can.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Genesis 28: 10-22; Psalm 91; Matthew 9: 18-26
On Saturday we left Jacob being blessed by his blind father. Then whole chunks of Jacob’s story are passed over in our liturgical readings. Today God renews the promise made to Abraham of numerous descendants. Here God’s promise is unconditional, and it is Jacob who lays conditions on God. He is returning to his father’s house many years later, and he hopes to return in peace. Indeed, after cheating Esau of his inheritance! In the gospel it is as though editors mixed up Matthew’s and Mark’s stories of Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the issue of blood. Mark is usually briefer and uses “suddenly” to indicate the urgency of the good news. Today Matthew tells both stories in short order and uses “suddenly.”
How “suddenly” do you, can you move? If you are physically unable, that is one thing, but are there things that keep you mired in your comfort zone? Show these to Jesus and ask for the grace of wisdom to recognize and the grace to respond immediately when you hear his call.
Thank you, God of our ancestors, for your unconditional blessing of faithful and steady love. Help us to respond to your kindness with mercy for our near and our far neighbors.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Genesis 32: 22-31; Psalm 17; Matthew 9: 32-28
Jacob sends his household across the river. Were we to read Genesis 32-33 we would learn that Jacob fears Esau’s revenge and wants to preserve his wives and children. Today’s story is about Jacob’s wrestling with an angel who gives him a new name, Israel, and strikes his hip, causing a permanent limp. What do you think Esau will do when he sees his brother again? Read Genesis 33: 1-17 for a powerful story of reconciliation, reminiscent of the prodigal son. Matthew offers a summary statement of all the good the compassionate Jesus is doing: casting out demons, proclaiming good news and curing every kind of disease. Jesus looks on the crowds, “harassed and helpless.”
Who in your circle seems harassed and helpless? How could you respond? Ask for the grace of compassion. When do you feel harassed? Look at Jesus looking at you, humbly and tenderly, and offer him every kind of dis-ease in your life.
Give us peace to heal our harassment and the gift of hope when we feel helpless. Especially give peace and hope to those peoples experiencing war, famine, thirst, injustice.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24; Psalm 33; Matthew 10:1-7
A bit of a parallel here in the twelve sons of Jacob and the twelve whom Jesus calls to cast out demons and cure every disease. He sends them out to proclaim, “The kin-dom of heaven has come near.” The kin-dom of God is already, centuries earlier, at work like the mustard seed in the heart of Joseph who has stored Egypt’s grain for a time of famine. Jacob’s sons come to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognizes them, hears their remorse for selling him into slavery, turns away from them, and weeps.
Remember how before and during the Vatican Council the whole church prayed for a kingdom of truth and justice, of love and peace? What does the kingdom of God, the reign of God, the kin-dom of God mean to you now? To whom could you proclaim it today, perhaps by sharing what you learned in this meditation or perhaps by your actions?
Grant a new heart to us, God of truth and justice, peace and love. We have often betrayed our kin, brothers and sisters, your children who need our justice and love. Forgive us!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Genesis 44: 18-21, 23-29, 45:1-5; Psalm 105; Matthew 10: 7-15
Joseph insists that his youngest brother Benjamin come to Egypt and Jas so hesitant to part with him. When all his brothers are before him Joseph demands privacy and reveals himself to his brothers, weeping, saying, “Come closer to me….do not be distressed or angry with yourselves.” Jesus in his missionary sermon tells the apostles to wish peace on every house they enter. If they are not welcomed they must shake the dust from their feet and move on. Peace is in progress.
Peace is on the move, reconciliation is a chief reality of the kin-dom of God. Listen to God say directly to you: “Come closer to me…do not be distressed or angry with yourself.” How does that feel to you? Will you come closer? All is forgiven. Ask to believe that and surrender any anger or shame you feel for being downright sinful or simply human.
A broken, contrite heart you never spurn. More, you invite us as loved sinners to come ever closer to you. Thank you! Help us be merciful to those who hurt us.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Psalm 37; Matthew 10:16-23
Jesus warns, “Brother will betray brother…” We have just seen such betrayal in the Joseph story which concludes with the tearful reunion of Joseph and his father Jacob. Jacob brings everyone and everything with him to Egypt, as once Abraham left the land of Ur, trusting only God. God now promises Jacob yet again that he will sire a great nation, just as Abraham was promised. More than being great, Jesus promises us that the Spirit of God will give us the words to refute those who persecute us. And so much more!
When have you felt betrayed? Persecuted? How did you pray then? (Remember, cursing psalms are part of Scripture!) How did God respond to you when you felt so stripped? How will you respond to God? Pray for all those who are being persecuted right now around the world because of their faith, their justice, their work for peace and reconciliation.
Thank you for calling us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Holy Spirit, do not let us deny the conflicts that we bury and let smolder. Guide us into truth, and into true peace.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Genesis 49: 28-31, 33, 50:15-26; Psalm 105; Matthew 10: 24-33
As we finish our piecemeal reading of Genesis we hear of Jacob’s death, and how the lying continues. The brothers wonder whether now Joseph will exact revenge on them. They tell Joseph that Jacob was begging Joseph to forgive their treachery. They do admit their crime however. The reconciliation continues. Joseph begins to weep, and then his brothers with him. Joseph says, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?” Jesus too warns that if the master is so shamefully maligned, how much more those of his household. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus says, but “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light.”
Lying, cover ups, twisting of the truth, judging and maligning we have always with us. When have you been guilty of deception? How did you/will you talk about this with Jesus? When have you heard him speaking in the dark, in your pain, your spiritual darkness, your religious experience? Pray not to cover up, manipulate, or deny truth.
Holy Spirit, flood us with the light of truth today – us sitting at our computers, our leaders in the church and government, addicts, swindlers – help us all be unafraid to walk in the truth.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1: 3-14; Mark 6: 7-13
Amos provokes a reaction from the priest of Bethel much like Jesus’ rejection last Sunday by the people of Nazareth. “Be gone!” But Amos has heard God call him to speak truth. “Truth will spring up from the ground,” the psalmist promises, when God speaks peace to the people, when justice and peace will kiss. Jesus sends the twelve to speak peace, “giving them authority over unclean spirits.” Peace derives from not only the casting out of sin from our lives, but according to Ephesians, because we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing “in Christ.” “In Christ” is not a spatial metaphor but a reality, much like being “in love.” In Christ God has “lavished on us all the riches of God’s grace”; and in Christ, God is “gathering up all things.”
What is Jesus sending you to do? Speak truth—where, to whom? Speak peace—where, to whom? Receive God’s lavishing? How does such a passive position feel to you? Help gather up all things, help God to make all things one? Share your desires with Jesus.
O God, how you love our great desires to further your mission. Even if we never take an action, our desire despite all our limitations gives you glory. To you be the glory!
Monday, July 13, 2008
Exodus 1:8-14, 22; Psalm 124; Matthew 10: 34-11:1
Today we begin the story of Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt just as we are hearing Jesus finish his missionary sermon in Matthew. Exodus sets the scene, describing the hard labor and finally, Pharaoh’s order to kill the Hebrews’ baby boys.
Jesus makes a strange statement: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.” What is the sword he brings? To dip into Hebrews, a two-edged sword that separates our motives, and in this gospel, which separates families over that sign of contradiction, Jesus himself. “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” Why would we think that Jesus would stoop to compete with all our human loves when he himself has given us the Spirit who is love? There is no loving our families without the love who is the Spirit poured into our hearts.
To accept and live with paradox is a sign (according to James Fowler) of spiritual maturity. What is your experience of Jesus as giver of peace? As bringer of the sword? Is there some place, sin, addiction or person in your life that needs his sword? Talk with him about it.
The floods would have swept over us; we have escaped from the snare. Thank you for all the times you have rescued us. Now please, save us and set all people free.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Exodus 2:1-15; Psalm 69; Matthew 11: 20-24
We can applaud the cleverness of Moses’ sister who gets Pharaoh’s daughter to pay Moses’ mother to nurse her own child. What continues to puzzle us is how Jacob lies and flees, and today, the adult Moses murders and flees. Such paradoxes! God chooses the weak to confound the strong! Three times in the gospel Jesus mentions his “deeds of power” which should have convinced people to repent. They did not, and Jesus cries, “Woe!” The word for deeds of power is the same word Luke and Paul use for energy and Spirit, dynamis. When we want deeds of power in our life, perhaps we need energy and the Holy Spirit more than miracles.
Those who are addicted or grew up in families beset by death, illness or addiction call on their “Higher Power.” Lest that be some miracle worker sitting on a distant starry throne, we can change “higher power” into Greek and back and pray to the “deepest energy, Holy Spirit” who is so intimately connected to us. Pray today in gratitude for all the deeds of power Jesus has done in your life. Pray to the Spirit to heal those addicted or who grew up in troubled families.
Our earth and its people are “lowly and in pain,” (Ps 69) and we need your energy to heal us all. Pour out your Spirit in abundance, we beg! Be strong in our weakness.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Exodus 3: 1-6, 9-12; Psalm 103; Matthew 11: 25-27
God calls the murderer Moses to lead the people out of slavery. God chooses the sinful to confound earthly power, as Jesus would choose to eat with sinners. In the gospel Jesus pours out a passionate thanksgiving to God for hiding God’s mystery from the wise and intelligent and choosing children to reveal the depths of God. No one knows God “except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal God.”
Do you want to know God? How passionately? How intimately? If there is any hesitation on your part, discuss that with Jesus. Then ask to become weak and childlike. Ask Jesus to reveal God to you more deeply.
You know so well how your culture and ours despises the weak and ignores children. Forgive us any contempt. Open us to welcome all people into our communities.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Exodus 3: 13-20; Psalm 105; Matthew 11: 28-30
Oh no! Do we catch God fudging the truth today? After telling Moses THE name, never to be pronounced by Jews (YHWH, and hopefully not used by Christians), I AM WHO I AM, God tells Moses to ask Pharaoh to let the people go into the desert “a three days’ journey” to worship. Then God tells Moses the outcome—total freedom—which will eventually happen. Did God lie? We must always remember that anything we say about God is stuttering baby talk, and we “create” God in our own image. In the gospel we have a word of prophecy today: “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Have you ever felt that God was not true to the promises? Jeremiah felt that way, and told God so! Discuss your experience with God. Can you trust Jesus’ promise to share your burdens and give you rest? Show him all your burdens and ask for rest and inner peace.
You bear our burdens day after day (Ps 68:19). Thank you for giving rest and comfort to those who have lost their loved ones, their homes, their sanity because of war and violence.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Exodus 11:10-12:14; Psalm 116; Matthew 12: 1-8
If there is a theme today it is sacrifice, remembering and giving thanks. Today is a Eucharistic celebration. First we have the entire story of the Passover. Our response, God says, is to remember the event and celebrate this festival forever. A second response is to take the cup of salvation and call on the name of God, paying our vows, with a sacrifice of thanksgiving (eucharisto in Greek means thanks). Not all sacrifice involves blood, as Jesus reminds us, quoting God in Hosea: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
God’s will is mercy. To whom do you show mercy? Where do you experience difficulty in showing mercy? Share that with Jesus who wants us passionately to be in union with God’s passionate desire. Let him heal your heart.
Open our hearts in mercy and thanksgiving, Jesus, to those who are different from us. Help us to work for and offer them not only mercy but justice in our family of nations.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Exodus 12: 37-42; Psalm 136; Matthew 12: 14-21
We can always notice something new in Scripture. Today, imagine! Leaving Egypt are 600,000 men, not counting the children, but counting “a mixed crowd” of people. Then “livestock in great numbers, both flocks and herds.” “All the companies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. That was for the Lord a night of vigil.” In response, Israel would keep a vigil for the Lord for all generations. First the Lord keeps vigil; then we the people keep vigil. Something to remember at Saturday night Eucharists. Matthew quotes the Suffering Servant song of Isaiah to describe Jesus who will “proclaim justice to the Gentiles…and his name the Gentiles will hope”
Jewish Matthew usually wants nothing to do with Gentiles. Imagine! Even Isaiah sees how God chooses the likes of us to join the people of God. “God was in Christ, reconciling…” “In Christ there is no Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female but all are one in Christ,” exclaims Paul (Gal 3:28). Imagine! Go around the world in your imagination to all this “mixed crowd” of God’s people and breathe justice, peace and hope on each country you can remember.
Thank you for your gifts of memory and imagination that keep us in touch with you, creative God. We keep vigil for you with all your people, whatever creed or color!
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Sunday, July 19, 2009 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2: 13-18; Mark 6:30-34
Picture it: the apostles “gather around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.” His response is to invite them to come away and “rest a while.” They had no leisure and were followed by a great crowd. “Beside restful water, God leads us” to refresh our drooping spirits, the psalmist promises, but Jesus has the heart of a shepherd who keeps gathering the flock with compassion. The Ephesians reading proclaims how Jesus has gathered and reconciled and made Jews and Gentiles one in him. God through Jeremiah scolds the official shepherds who scatter rather than gather and promises the people new shepherds who will attend them, “nor shall any be missing.”
Your prayer could become personal as you tell Jesus all you have done for God’s glory this past week, and then rest in him. Your prayer might focus on the need for reconciliation, unity and peace in our world. Your prayer might lead you to pray for our spiritual shepherds -- some bishops and the Vatican -- who too often force some to go missing.
In your compassion, have mercy on those whom church leaders cast aside. Give us good shepherds who invite all to the banquet who is you, Jesus. Make us instruments of unity.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Exodus 14:5-18; canticle from Exodus 15; Matthew 12: 38-42
Pharaoh had his special forces: “600 picked chariots “but with 600,000 men of Israel, one chariot per 1000 unarmed Israelites. The arrogance of Pharaoh, the slaughter that would have ensured. Israel complains: “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Moses promised the Lord would fight for them, “and you have only to keep still.” The canticle response names the Lord “warrior.” Jesus calls this generation (his and ours) “evil and adulterous.” Hard to believe that his people were committing adultery, but remember how unjust the Jewish divorce laws were at the time, women being cast off for trivial reasons.
When have you ever said, it is better to be oppressed than to die, or vice versa? Did you take any action on your desire? Pray for all those who are choosing oppression out of fear, and pray for their oppressors. Have you ever needed a warrior-God to fight on your behalf? Who in our world might need a warrior-God? Will you join God as a “prayer warrior”?
Oppressed by governments, by religion, by bosses, by spouses – how many people cry to you for freedom, warrior-God. Do justice on their behalf, we pray.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Exodus 14: 21-5:1, 20-21; canticle from Exodus 15; Matthew 12:46, 48-50
Did the Lord send a strong east wind to dry up the Reed Sea, just a marsh, or did they people walk on a path with walls of water to their left and to their right? Scholars can argue either side, but the point of the story is “the Lord will fight for you,” and you “be still.” Trust, is what Moses is enjoining. “So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord.” To believe in is not intellectual assent, but a quiet act of trust in God. What must Mary have felt about trusting God after Jesus points to the disciples and says: “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father is my brother and sister and mother.”
We expect that Mary was doing the will of God. What is the will of God? For her? For you? There are many right answers. My plans are plans of shalom (Jer 29:11). That all may be one (John 17) – and what else can you remember from Scripture? Ask the Spirit to teach you, to bring to mind, as Jesus promised the Spirit would. Be still. Listen.
In your will is our peace. Thank you for the peace which only you can give. Thank you for choosing us to be your mother and brother and sister. Keep us open and listening.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - Mary of Magdala, apostle
2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Psalm 63; John 20:1, 11-18
There is also a reading from Song of Songs, but with the DaVinci code still part of our culture we need not focus on Mary’s love for Jesus in sensuous terms. Rather, we focus on her call to apostleship. “The love of Christ urges us on,” Paul begins and “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” Mary is in Christ and she is made new by their relationship, so tender in the garden scene on Easter morning. If we think only of the Twelve as apostles we do Paul, Barnabas, Mary a disservice, and let ourselves off the hook. Anyone who has met the Risen Lord alive and has been sent, as Mary is today sent by Christ to the disciples, is an apostle.
That is the question: when, where, how have you come to know in your heart, your gut, that Jesus has been raised, is alive, is sending you? How do you respond to his sending you? To whom is he sending you? Why? Ask him, either for the grace of knowing he is really alive or for the grace of knowing your mission. Ask him for the wisdom to know to whom, when, where, why you are apostle.
Thank you for claiming us as your own, as you claimed Mary as your friend, disciple and apostle. Take hold of our hearts, and open them to the poor and vulnerable.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Exodus 19: 1-2, 9-11, 16-20; canticle from Daniel 3; Matthew 13: 10-17
Moses tells the people to prepare to meet God, “washing their clothes.” In the desert? Then they went, trembling, to meet God on the third day. Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, a trumpet was blasting louder and louder, and into this “chaos” God summons Moses. In the gospel, Jesus seems to his disciples to be just as veiled in cloud and smoke, and they ask: “Why do you speak in parables?” His response often seems harsh, that seeing they do not perceive and hearing, they do not listen. It is not. Parables are meant to jar people, to overturn their categories of thought and patterns of behavior. Jesus teaches, not to confuse, to waken their eyes and ears “to understand with their heart and turn—and I would heal them.” God’s will is our healing.
Are there certain parables that jarred you, opened you to a new and divine reality?
Wheat and weeds? Prodigal son? Vineyard workers who arrive late and get paid the same wage? Ask to see perceptively and to hear with willingness to turn.
Shake us loose, Jesus, from our complacency, our biases. Summon us to meet our God all day today, in whomever we meet, whatever we touch or see or hear. Heal your people.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Exodus 20: 1-17; Psalm 19; Matthew 13: 18-23
God sets the choice before the people: to reject God or to love God. Then God gives Moses the Decalogue, the first ten of 613 commands. Except for the first three which are spelled out in more detail, the others are natural law, common to all tribes and ages. The first command is to have no idol. The second, not to make “wrongful use” of God’s name. The third is almost as lengthy as the first: to keep holy the Sabbath day. These ten are often called the Word; Psalm 19 praises God’s word. Jesus confirms much of the first commandment with the parable of the sower. The word is sown on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, or in good ground.
We probably consider ourselves those who obey the commands. Yet…what is an idol for you? Ask the Spirit to show you and beg pardon; ask for freedom. How might you misuse God’s name, and how might you use it? How do you keep the Sabbath? “You shall not do any work.” What work do you do on Sunday? Why? Ask the Spirit to give you the gift of freedom from work for just one day a week, so you may rest with God. And how will you rest with God? Ask Jesus for advice. Listen.
Your word is sweeter than honey! Write your word in our hearts. Thank you for your word in Scripture, in Eucharistic celebration, in community, in friendship. We choose to love you!
Saturday, July 25, 2009 - James, son of Zebedee, apostle
2 Corinthians 4: 7-15; Psalm 126; Matthew 20:20-28
James was probably the first of the Twelve to be martyred. How did that affect the others, especially his brother John? James held a treasure in a clay pot, and was always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake so the life of Jesus might be manifest in his body. As a young man he did tell Jesus he was willing –and able --to drink the cup Jesus drank. Now he like Jesus would give his life as a ransom for many, a suffering servant.
Remember the fervor of your young love for Jesus. What were you willing to do for him? And now? How are you a suffering servant? “Those who go out weeping, bearing seed for the sowing (youth), come home with joy, carrying the harvest.” (Ps 126).
What seeds have you planted, what harvest have you gathered, what more do you want? Remember, even if your “clay pot” is broken or housebound, your great desire gives God joy!
Harvest us home, tear-catching God. You see every pain of every person, you know the sorrow of our suffering earth. With you, nothing is lost, all is changed. Let the life of Jesus comfort all who suffer.
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Sunday, July 26, 2009 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145; Ephesians 4: 1-6; John 6:1-15
There is a theme today: abondanza. Abundance. God’s generosity overflows, satisfying our physical needs, as Elisha offers scarce food to many people and all are satisfied. As with Jesus in the narrative of the feeding of 5, 000, there is even some left over. God also satisfies the hungry heart with a lavishing of grace. Only when we know how gifted we are, can we respond with a life of real morality, a response to God’s abundant love. The morality we Christians have been called to is detailed in Ephesians, not the keeping of the Law, but a calling, a vocation “to humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Notice: God has already given us the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Our response is to pay attention (contemplate) and work for unity (act). God initiates, abundantly; we respond.
Where do you notice in your life the unity of the Spirit? What do you do to respond to the bond of peace? Ask for the gift of living in an attitude of abundance, not scarcity. Were you able to live more abundantly, what might change in your life? Discuss this with Jesus.
You satisfy our hungry hearts with the gift of your own self! Thank you for your infinite and abundant generosity, God of grace. Help us to nourish one another, especially the hungry and vulnerable.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Exodus 32: 15-24. 30-34; Psalm 106; Matthew 13: 31-35
Exodus tells of the dramatic anger of Moses, breaking the tablets with God’s own writing, when he discovers that in his absence, the people are celebrating a golden calf.
His brother Aaron shirks responsibility, first saying in effect, “they made me do it” and then when he threw all the gold the people offered into the fire, “out came this calf.” Moses returns to the mountaintop to plead for God’s forgiveness. The psalmist describes the scene: “They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.” The psalm continues: “Therefore God said he would destroy them, had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to turn away his wrath from destroying them.” This “standing in the breach” is often applied to Jesus, as mediator between God and ourselves.
First, ask the Spirit to show you when you may have exchanged the glory of God for something as silly as an ox that eats grass. What have been/are your idols? Many Catholics fear the wrath of God so much they turn to Mary, the refuge of sinners, to plead for them; others cling to Jesus to “stand in the breach.” And you? What do you know, from your own experience, of God’s anger? Back to the question, ever ancient, ever new:
What is your image of God, who is God for you?
Clarify our understanding of you, dear Mystery. Help us to believe and live and pass on the good news that Jesus gave his life for: you are a God of mercy, and you will be faithful even when we are not.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Exodus 33: 7-11, 34:4-9, 28; Psalm 103; Matthew 13: 36-43
The psalm’s antiphon reinforces: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” In a verse of Exodus that is not included today, Moses asks to know God’s beautiful name. (“I am who I am” is not enough). God places Moses in a cleft of a rock and passes by, calling out a new name: “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” The Hebrew word for merciful is rchm. Hebrew does not print vowels, so there is a play on words here: rachum means merciful and rechem means womb. God’s is a womb-compassion. “Can a mother forget her baby?” God asks through Isaiah (49). “As far as the east is from the west so far God removes our transgressions from us.” Jesus reinforces this good news, explaining the parable of weeds sown among wheat. Remember, we are not to pull up weeds lest we mistake what is weed. So too, we are to trust that God will do the judging at the end of our life. Do not judge is the message between the lines: not anyone else, not even your own self.
When have you rooted something out of your life that later you discovered was a blessing? When have you judged someone or something or some whole segment of society as “weed”? Place your judgment in God’s womb compassion. How does God judge it? When you looked again at your image of God yesterday, was it a beautiful image? Ask God to show you God’s beauty.
O Beauty, ever ancient, ever new, late have we loved you, yet never loved we till now. (Augustine). Take into your womb compassion all those who do not experience beauty in their lives.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - Feast of Martha of Bethany
Exodus 34: 29-35; Psalm 99; Matthew 13: 44-46
In one sense these readings have nothing to do with Martha who welcomed Jesus into her home. Moses is described as coming down from his face-to-face encounter with
God on Mount Sinai with his skin aglow. Jesus describes the kin-dom of God with two short parables. The kin-dom is like a treasure hidden in a field, like a pearl of great price.
With great joy, the finders sell all to acquire this new beauty. After Martha met, became friends, fed, sheltered Jesus, what must have been the afterglow? Martha knew Jesus himself was a treasure, a pearl. Where was she on Pentecost when the Spirit filled the Twelve, the women….120 in all? How might the Spirit have transformed her, missioned her?
In your imagination, join Martha at the fireplace in her home in Bethany. Jesus is coming. Watch her face, her hands. Ask her what she is feeling, what she wants. Be with her. Watch her interactions with Jesus. When Lazarus dies and she goes to meet Jesus, her face was aglow with anger that he had not come. Yet she knows, really knows, that he is resurrection and life. Ask for this gift of knowing that we too will be raised in glory.
Let our hearts glow with God’s glory, Jesus, as we serve others today as Martha served you. We pray for our far neighbors too, that many Marthas may meet their needs.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-36; Psalm 84; Matthew 13: 47-52
Later Moses will learn to delegate, but today we hear how he builds the Tabernacle to house the Ark of the Covenant all by himself. The cloud rests on this tent, becoming a pillar of fire by night. The psalmist lauds the dwelling place of God, a simple tent. “One day in your house is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Jesus continues speaking of how at the end of time the good and evil will be separated, like fish all drawn in together in a net.
“A thousand elsewhere.” Lately we have become more aware of how God inheres in every atom in every form of matter, so that we might praise God’s dwelling, not only in cloud and fire, but in every created thing, animate and inanimate. If you can take a prayer walk today, trying to remain conscious of God’s presence in all creation.
If you cannot go out, focus on each object in your room, knowing that you are “a doorkeeper in the house of God.”
Thank you for your creation in all its wondrous, myriad forms! Thank you for your presence in all of it. Help us to cherish our earth and all its creatures.
Friday, July 31, 2009 - Feast of Ignatius of Loyola
Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27,34-37; Psalm 81; Matthew 13: 54-58
What have these readings to do with Ignatius who calls all of us to prayer, contemplation, discerned decisions, reflective action? As the entrance antiphon notes, the name of Jesus is at the core of his spiritual life, a name which is itself a “deed of power” to quote today’s gospel. The Leviticus reading details the times and ways to celebrate worship. Ignatius hoped all times and hours of the day would be devoted to the “greater glory of God.” The psalm is a joyful shout, the commandment of God. Some translate, “This is the Law of God…” What is? All sorts of “thou shall not”? No. “Raise a song, blow the trumpet,” make music and rejoicing to honor the God who set you free from slavery.
Ask the Spirit to remind you today, as you change each activity, to say: “All for the greater glory of God.” At the end of the day, review your motivations. Were your actions done for God’s glory or your glory? As you think of some person or other during the day, say the name “Jesus” over that person, and let that powerful name embrace the one of whom you are thinking, friend or foe.
Jesus, our world needs your wisdom and deeds of power. Increase our faith, our trust in your freeing action so that our belief may invite you to deeds of power for all in need.
Saturday, August 1, 2009 - Feast of Alphonsus Liguori
Leviticus 25: 1, 8-17; Psalm 67; Matthew 14: 1-12
A third time this week, what have the readings to do with the saint we celebrate? Alphonsus was noted as a confessor and moral theologian. His own integrity led him to resign the law after he lost a case because he missed a bit of evidence. Yet this master of law is noted for his kindness and mercy. So is the Law promulgated in the Leviticus reading today one of mercy. Israel kept slaves rather than prisoners. If someone should rob, for example, instead of going to prison, the offender and his whole family was enslaved to the victim for a time. Today the year of jubilee is proclaimed when all slaves are set free, all debts are cancelled, all land is returned to its original owner.
When have you celebrated jubilee in your life, when you forgave past hurts, let go of grudges, taken a long Sabbath time? What is your attitude to confession? To whom do you confess your sin? The early church did not have a sacrament of penance for about 200 years, and then only for murder, adultery (we hear of Herod’s today in the gospel) or apostasy. People confessed to the one whom they offended, not in slavish fear, but in trust of God’s mercy working through the one they hurt. It is helpful and humble to acknowledge our wrongdoing. What do you think? Discuss this with Jesus.
Thank you that some who administer law can admit their errors. Give the gift of integrity to all lawyers, judges, public officials, and to us that we may extend mercy, we who so often receive your mercy.
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Sunday, August 2, 2009 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 16: 2-4, 12-15, 31; Psalm 78; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6: 24-35
Ephesians picks up last Sunday’s call from Jesus to come apart and rest awhile. The author warns: “do not live in the futility of your minds. That is not how you learned Christ…” Even when we rest, so often our minds keep racing, planning, comparing, evaluating. The Greek word for futility is “vanity.” In vain do we work and slave and save. God’s abundance feeds us. Ah, but we ask with the crowds, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus responds: “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one God sent.” The work of God is to trust Jesus. We cannot save ourselves. It is futile to keep examining our spiritual life; it is vain. Jesus grows our spiritual life, and we are to rest awhile.
Perhaps you are one who can rest your mind, hold your plans loosely. Perhaps you can take one day at a time, one moment at a time. You can live in the present. Thank God for that grace and ask it for all those who worry, fret, lack trust in God’s abundance.
Let your mind rest now and ask to learn Christ more intimately.
Such a frantic, restless world we live in, as well you know, Jesus. Fill our hungry hearts and help us to nourish others, handing on your peace that the world cannot give.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Numbers 11:4-15; Psalm 81; Matthew 14: 13-21
The people are hungry, weeping, complaining, and Moses is weary of his “leadership.” Moses offers God an ultimatum. “If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once.” God responds through the psalm: “Oh if only you would listen to me…if only you would open your mouths I would feed you with the finest wheat and honey from the rock!” Jesus puts flesh on God’s desire to feed us. With meager supplies, Jesus feeds 5,000 men (not women and children).
Whom do you consider your leader(s)? How do you relate with them? How do they nourish you? How do you handle your complaints? How does God’s longing for us to open our ears and our mouths make you feel? Would you sit with open hands and open mouth for a while, asking God to feed you all that God wants to give? Try it.
Where are the five loaves and two fish to feed the starving of our world? Lord Jesus, come! Open our hearts generously to respond to all those who hunger for bread.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 - Feast of John Vianney, priest
Numbers 12: 1-13; Psalm 51; Matthew 14: 22-36
Again, our readings can fit the feast of this simple French priest whom Pope Benedict has named patron of “The Year of the Priest.” John barely had the rudiments of doctrine when he was ordained, somewhat like Peter who began to walk on water simply because Jesus summoned him. John did walk on water, becoming so well known as a confessor that people flocked to his small parish in Ars. He received them in the confessional sometimes for 16 hours a day. The first reading is about Moses’ prayer that God heal his sister Miriam. The psalm is about the forgiveness of sin, and some lines are well worth memorizing:
Have mercy on me, O God, in your steady kindness….
A clean heart create in me and a faithful spirit put within me.
Do not cast me from your presence and do not take your holy Spirit from me.
Thank God for priests who are trying to love well. Pray today for the healing of those who sin. Pray that the clerics among them might receive new hearts, brimming with the pastoral love Jesus himself. Pray that they may never finish learning Jesus Christ, and that they might honor Christ in each of us, who are also priests by reason of our baptism.
Have mercy on us, your church, O God. Give us new and loving hearts that we might faithfully mediate your love to all whom we meet, near and far neighbors.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Numbers 13:2, 25-33, 14:1-2, 26-29, 34-35; Psalm 106; Matthew15:21-28
At God’s command, Moses sends spies to survey the promised land, and while it flows with milk and honey, the scouts tell of giant inhabitants. So of course, the people weep and complain! God is so angry he promises that they shall wander for 40 years and die in the desert. In the psalm, Moses again stands in the breach, as we pray the antiphon: “In your love, remember us, Lord!” In the gospel, Jesus is cruel too. A Canaanite woman begs for healing for her demon-tormented daughter and Jesus calls her a dog. She reminds him that the dogs can eat the scraps. Here Jesus praises her faith and heals the girl. In Mark’s version he says: “Woman, for saying that, I will heal your daughter.” Jesus needs his consciousness raised. Jews do not take favorably to Gentiles, and she undercuts his unconscious bigotry.
Ask the Spirit to reveal to you any unconscious prejudice. Of whom are you afraid? Whom do you disdain, even hold in contempt? Disucss what you learn from the Spirit with Jesus. He too was human and had to learn to understand and accept those who were different.
Change our complaining about world conditions into prayer and action for justice, peace, unity; for tolerance, respect, acceptance, and especially for those who are different from us.
Thursday, August 6, 2009 - Feast of the Transfiguration
2 Peter 1:16-19; Psalm 97; Mark 9:2-10
Your celebrant may choose the reading from Daniel, but whether that or this, from 2 Peter, we have apocalyptic hope in our first reading. Apocalypsis isGreek for revelation, the drawing back of the veil which covers the last things, the majesty of Christ’s final coming. 2 Peter offers a powerful image: “You will do well to be attentive…as to a lamp shining in the dark, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.” Not only is Jesus transfigured, but we too carry the morning star, the risen Christ, to others. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians: “We are being transformed from glory to glory.”
So let us be attentive. Imagine the darkness of outer space which surrounds us, and then see a pinprick of light coming closer, slowly, steadily closer. Here comes Jesus to transform our lowly bodies into his own glorious body. Here comes the light of the world, surrounding you, penetrating you, transfiguring you. And you respond…?
By the mystery of your transfiguration, may we come to share the divinity of you who emptied yourself to share our humanity. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Deuteronomy 4: 32-40; Psalm 77; Matthew 16: 24-28
“You way, O God, is holy,” sings the psalmist. The word holy and the word just are the same in both Hebrew and Greek. Moses asks the people to be in awe that the holy one has shepherded the people with such mercy. Has any other god chosen a nation? Moses asks them. Jesus too speaks of holiness, the giving of one’s life for Jesus’ sake in order to find life. Then he promises that when the Son of Man comes at the end of time, “he will repay everyone for what has been done.”
How do you give your life for Jesus’ sake? Remember all the kindnesses you offered people yesterday; all the phone calls, emails, smiles that you returned; all the ways you “washed the feet” of your family, friends—this is giving your life. As for Jesus’ “repaying”? Throw yourself on his mercy and be at peace, the peace that only he can give.
“Your way, O God, is holy.” Make us holy as you are holy, sharing your mission: serving, feeding, smiling, thanking, accepting—especially the vulnerable and needy.
Saturday, August 8, 2009 - Feast of Dominic
Deuteronomy 6:4-13; Psalm 18; Matthew 17: 14-20
“Shema, Israel!” This is the creed of Israel: “Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Islam’s creed is much the same: “The Lord our God is one.” Moses enumerates many of the mercies of God in leading the people, urging them to pass on this creed to their children. Jesus meets a tormented child after he returns from the mount of transfiguration. The boy is an epileptic, throwing himself in the fire and in the water. Jesus casts out the demon and when the disciples ask why they couldn’t do this exorcism, Jesus is blunt: “Because of your little faith.” Dominic was a defender and teacher of faith as he wandered, a beggar. Our faith has been enriched and preached by his followers, both men and women.
What is your personal creed? What do you believe in so strongly (as Paul would say, even if an angel would tell you differently, you would not falter)? Dominic believed in the incarnation, God joining humanity and all creation in tangible and visible ways through Jesus. And you? Ask the Spirit to teach you and give you the courage of your belief.
Jesus, we do believe! Help our unbelief. Deepen our trust in you. Help us preach about your love by incarnating your justice, kindness and healing in our lives.
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Sunday, August 9, 2009 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 19: 4-8; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4: 30-5:2; John 6: 41-51
Elijah is so discouraged that he prays to die, exclaiming “It is enough.” An angel brings him bread, water and hope. Obeying the messenger of God, he walks 40 days and 40 nights into the desert to Horeb, another name for Sinai. Why the present tense? This action continues in our lives. We who eat the bread Jesus gives (today’s gospel) and have a fountain of living water welling up within us (John 4: 14) are sealed by the Holy Spirit, that fountain of life. Ephesians reminds us of our seal, and proclaims that we too are strengthened, we continue to walk without anger, wrangling, complaining toward the body of Christ, not just Eucharistic communion but the Body who is us. We are strengthened to live lives of kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness and love.
What gives you hope? What strengthens you for daily living and loving in your family, community, workplace? Ask the Spirit to heal you of “bitterness and wrath” and hopelessness, and to give you a tender and forgiving heart.
Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to accept each other’s differences as we have been accepted. Remove prejudice and bigotry from us and from our countries.
Monday, August 10, 2009 - Feast of Lawrence, martyr
2 Corinthians 9: 6-10; Psalm 112; John 12: 24-26
Why does Lawrence get a feast while the founders of great orders: Ignatius, Alphonsus, Dominic only merit a memorial? Even Mary Magdalen, the apostle to the apostles has special readings only in the Canadian missalette, not the US version. We are a Roman church, and Lawrence is the patron of the city of Rome, noted for his generous distribution of the community’s alms. Whatever your translation for the grain of wheat which falls into the ground in today’s gospel, the Greek says “it remains alone.” We who are built for relationship (“All meaning is in relationship,” Gabriel Marcel) do not want to remain alone. We are, as we mature, geared to give, to bear fruit, to nourish others, to pass on all that we have received—the task of generativity. The joy of generativity.
Some alone time is necessary for growth too. Examine the balance in your life of solitude and quiet with friendship and caring. Notice generosity (Lawrence’s talent) and generativity have the same root. Remember times in your life when you followed the inspiration to be generous, to hand on something which was given you. Remember and give thanks!
Thank you, you band of martyrs of all ages and nations, for giving your life so that the Body might grow and flourish. Help us too to give our gifts, especially to the poor.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - St. Clare of Assisi
Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Canticle from Deut 32; Matthew 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14
As with the other recent memorials of our great saints, so today’s readings can fit Clare. The antiphon for the canticle is “The portion of the Lord is God’s people” and we add: the portion of Clare is God. God is all this poor woman of Assisi needs. The Alleluia verse is Jesus’ invitation to learn from him for he is gentle and humble of heart. The gospel says that a child is greatest in the kin-dom of heaven, and Jesus tells us to “turn and become like children.”
What do you need? The world is hurting economically. How do gentleness and humility satisfy the hungers of the heart? Or do they? How do you want to turn and become like a little child? Or do you? What would that look like in practice? Ponder, and then discuss with Jesus.
You are our portion, God of all goodness. Be enough for us who claim you as our God. Ease our financial worries and let us trust you to fill our every need. Thank you!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - St. Jane Frances de Chantal
Deuteronomy 34: 1-12; Psalm 66; Matthew 18: 15-20
Another important foundress/saint as well as a model of what can be done with widowhood. Deuteronomy notes that the people mourned the death of Moses for 30 days and then got down to following Joshua whom Moses had appointed. Jane grieved her husband and then, with help from Francis DeSales, founded the Sisters of the Visitation who worked for the sick poor. The gospel gives good advice on correcting one another in any community or parish. The purpose, as the Alleluia verse points out, is to continue the reconciling work of Christ. If a brother or sister sin against you, deal with it—just the two of you. “If you are not listened to,” take another person or two with you (this would probably work for families too!). This group of two or three ARE the church, for “if the offender refuses even to listen to the church…” The gospel concludes: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
When, where, why have you or do you gather with a group of two or three? When have you noticed Christ present with you, among you? How did you feel it, experience it? Would you be willing to pass on to some other person today the good news that two or three ARE the church? We are the church and we, in gathering, “make” Christ really present.
Christ Jesus, thank you for calling us to be ambassadors of reconciliation, calling us to be church, to minister to the sick and poor, even to “Gentiles and taxcollectors.”
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Joshua 3: 7-11, 13-17; Psalm 114; Matthew 18: 21-19:1
Two pieces of teaching today: First, Joshua is not only a leader and a judge. He is also a prophet to whom God speaks directly, and he hands on to the people the word of God. Secondly, the gospel parable, “one of the sternest passages of the Gospels … illustrates the principle that details should not be allegorized,” in other words, not be given a one-on-one correspondence (John L. McKenzie). The point is forgiveness, an unending forgiveness which God extends to us so that we might forgive 77 times “from the heart.” We cannot forgive by an act of the will. Human forgiveness is God’s gift to give, but how much God must yearn to soften our hearts toward those who hurt us! If we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” just the desire to forgive is enough.
Ask the Spirit to remind you of all the people who have forgiven you, and all whom you have forgiven. Savor each name, person, experience. Know how blessed you are by God, how tenderhearted you have and are becoming. How will you respond?
Bring us so close to your mind and heart, God, that we dare to speak your comfort to the afflicted and your challenge when we notice injustice. You have consecrated us prophets in baptism and we ask you to in-spire us.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Joshua 24:1-13; Psalm 136; Matthew 19: 3-12
Our attention today is on the gospel which begins with a test question to Jesus about divorce and its legality. Jesus forbids what Moses allowed, but in the mores of his day, a man could hand his wife a writ of divorce for something as insignificant as putting too much salt into his food. Jesus is so strict, it seems, because the casting off of women was so easy. Jesus does set up one condition for lawful divorce: in the case of adultery. Suddenly we are discussing eunuchs! John L. McKenzie writes that some men are born impotent, some are castrated for reasons of civil service, and yet a third kind, metaphorically renounce sex for the sake of the kin-dom. Just as divorce laws changed, so did Israel’s consideration of eunuchs. The code of Deuteronomy prohibits eunuchs (Dt 23:2), but Isaiah (speaking on God’s behalf) allows them “to become members of the redeemed community of Israel (Is 56:3ff). Laws change.
Laws often change because of religious experience, the experience of ordinary people. For example, there were no priests for almost two centuries of the church’s existence until the people in outlying districts set up a cry for the Eucharist. Think about the divorced people whom you know personally. How has divorce been painful? How has it been grace? Think about those who renounce sexual activity to belong more fully to God. How has it stunted their human growth? How has it benefitted the community, and maybe even them? Ask the Spirit to show you the dying-rising pattern in all ways of life.
Tenderhearted God, so many people in our world are being crucified in their marriages, so many outcast by churches, so many abused. Have mercy, we pray.
Saturday, August 15, 2009 - Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption
Revelation 11: 19, 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1: 39-56
“Christ is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” He is the pioneer from death into life, and Mary follows him. The doctrine states that she is immediately raised from her sleep (Dormition) to new life, “body and soul.” Dualism prevails here. Greek philosophy teaches that we have a body and have a soul. Jewish theology teaches that we are an embodied spirit, never separated. One theologian suggests that this “privilege” of Mary may well apply to all of us. All of us receive our risen bodies at the moment of our death.
What do you think? What do you think happens to your loved ones when they die, are cremated or buried? How does God feel toward them? Do you believe in the risen life of the dead? Are they with God right now? Do you speak with them, pray to them, ask their counsel? If not, try it. And if there is any unforgiveness in a relationship in which the person has died, invite Mary to come and mediate what may be your painful discussion.
Holy Mary, mother of God and mother of us, pray for us sinners, loved sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Comfort all the dying with Jesus’ promise of new life.
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Sunday, August 16, 2009 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34; Ephesians 5: 15-20; John 6:51-58
A feast! Wisdom is calling us to eat with her, sending out her servant girls to invite us (as will the king, in Thursday’s gospel parable). This food provides “insight” and wisdom. Wisdom in the NT becomes another image of the Word/Wisdom made flesh. This flesh, this life (blood for Jews is not about death but life) provides life, life everlasting with Wisdom her/himself, Christ. After absorbing such good news, digesting it, to keep to the imagery, we are to respond with “Psalms and songs… making music to the Lord in our hearts, giving thanks…” (Eph).
We can “taste and see that the Lord is good” frequently during the day. Remember yesterday. When did you experience God’s goodness, or in-Spir-ation, or the love of Jesus? What psalms do you love? Pray some of its verses by heart, giving thanks.
What hymns do you love? Sing some during the day. Singing is twice praying, writes Augustine.
You are our song, Lord Jesus! Let our singing and thanking build up your body, the church, especially those who are hopeless, alone, in poverty and pain.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Judges 2: 11-19; Psalm 106; Matthew 19: 16-22
As the book of Judges opens, we are introduced to “the Deuteronomic cycle.” There were four different revisions of the Jewish scriptures, characterized by literary form and content. This revision narrates the sinning of the people, God’s punishment, the people’s repentance, God’s saving them again – over and over. “Nevertheless, God regarded their distress upon hearing their cry” (Ps 106). In the gospel, instead of a sinner, a young man who has kept all the commandments approaches Jesus to ask what he lacks.
Jesus simply tells him. In Mark’s gospel, first Jesus looks at the man tenderly and then speaks.
We hear today of Israel’s continual turning to idols. What idols clutter your life? Or are you focused on just one? You may have been keeping most of the commandments most of your life. What is lacking? Look at Jesus looking at you tenderly. Show him any idol, or ask him to show you any idol. Imagine that idol melting away in the warmth of Jesus’ gaze.
O God, you alone are our God. Free us and all your people from our idols, addictions, works of the flesh like pride, ambition, and greed. Re-turn us to yourself.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Judges 6: 11-24; Psalm 85; Matthew 19: 23-30
When the people are oppressed by their neighbors, God raises us a judge, wisely to lead in battle. The Ronald Knox translation reads: “The Spirit of the Lord wrapped ____ ‘round.” Today we get a bit of Gideon’s story. An angel appears saying: “The Lord is with you… I hereby commission you.” Gideon replies, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest…and I am the least in my family.” Sound familiar? The Spirit wrapped Mary ‘round too! The angel continued, “Peace be to you,” and in response, Gideon built an altar on the spot and called it “The Lord is peace.” Not only is God’s will peace, but God’s own self is peace. The psalm exults that justice and peace shall kiss. Jesus then turns the “wisdom” of his culture upside down: it is hard for a rich person to enter the kin-dom. Jewish authorities were teaching that the rich were special to God. No wonder the disciples question, “Then who can be saved?” if not the rich. Jesus proclaims the renewal of all things, when the first will be last and the last shall be first. Just like Gideon, the weak and the least.
How do you feel when you are weak? Feeling weak, looked upon as weak, knowing your weakness and limitations? What experience do you have that when you are weak, God is strong? God’s will is neither poverty nor riches, neither health nor weakness. God’s will is peace. How does that resonate with your experience of God’s will? What do you want?
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! Let justice and peace kiss in our lives so that we may be wrapped ‘round with justice, speak justice, do justice for the least.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Judges 9: 6-15; Psalm 21; Matthew 20: 1-16
After Gideon’s wondrous rout of the enemy, Abimelech, one of his sons by a Canaanite woman, slaughtered Gideon and his family. Jotham, Gideon’s son, alone escaped and tells a parable of just how dangerous a usurper can be. The trees that produce oil, figs, grapes refuse the honor of kingship because they give more to the people. The bramble agrees to be king over all the trees, but this tree is useless for shade and may combust and be dangerous. The gospel parable also tells of production, workers hired at the break of day, throughout the day and finally, at five in the evening. When those who worked only an hour receive the same wage as the full-day workers, they are angry. The vineyard owner replies, “Are you jealous because I am generous?” Then Matthew repeats the conclusion of yesterday’s gospel: “The last will be first and the first last.”
What is it that you produce for the sake of God’s glory and/or the welfare of God’s people? Take a look at your work, “least” though it may be, in that light. If you are retired, sick, bedridden, in pain and feel like the last one to produce, look again at the end of the gospel. Who will be first? What hour did you go “to work” in the vineyard? How do you feel about the latecomers? Discuss this with Jesus.
We count on your generosity, Jesus, for we are but five o’clock workers, the least in your service. Thank you for showing us that footwashing, simple and humble tasks, count for so much.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Judges 11:29-39; Psalm 40; Matthew 22: 1-14
Jephthath might have been a mighty warrior but a very foolish man to bargain with God. If he won victory, he promised to offer the first person out of his house as a burnt offering to God. His only child, a girl, ran to meet him, and he fulfilled his vow. Interesting that Abraham did not complete the killing of Isaac but this unwise judge had no angel to stop his hand. The psalmist agrees that child-sacrifice is not pleasing to God:
“Burnt offering and sin offering you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am. I come to do your will.” Those invited to the king’s wedding banquet for his son refused; he invited again, and this time his servants were killed. “The king was enraged.” So “both good and bad” were gathered from the streets. This parable parallels the wheat and weeds, and the net which drags in more than edible fish. This is our church, “both good and bad.”
When do you bargain with God? How does it work? When do you pray: “Here I am. I come to do your will”? What happens next? Are you disappointed with our church, its leaders or its members, because “the bad” are included? How eager are you to attend the wedding banquet? Discuss this with Jesus. Be sure to listen.
Your will is peace. You are peace. Help us to trust that you passionately desire our peace and love for one another, the good and the bad. Only you can help us with that!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ruth 1: 1-6, 14-16, 22; Psalm 146; Matthew 22:34-40
“It is the Lord who keeps faith forever,” the psalmist sings. Our faithfulness is only possible because God is faithful first. In Ruth we have a model of such loyalty. Naomi, with the death of her husband and two sons, decides to return from Moab to Judah. Her daughters-in-law are free to leave her but Ruth proclaims: “Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will stay there too. Your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God too.” A group gathers around Jesus to test him. “Which commandment of the law is the greatest?” We know it is to love God wholeheartedly, and Jesus adds a second: “to love your neighbor as yourself.” Don’t you wonder what the lawyer or the other Pharisees might have answered? One understanding of Jesus’ passion is that God needed someone to atone for human sin. Another is that Jesus, in overturning the religious culture and especially law as promulgated by the Pharisees, proclaiming a kin-dom open to all, even prostitutes and tax collectors, so threatened the religious authorities that they had to kill him. He in his integrity ( an other meaning for shalom) would not recant a word. Jesus is faithful to God’s will: “Not my will but yours be done.”
Ask the Spirit to help you remember all the times and way that God has been faithful to you. Hear God speak to you the words Ruth spoke to her mother-in-law. How does that feel? What do you want? And law. What did you used to think was the greatest commandment? Now what do you think? How did that change occur?
We offer you our whole heart, the heart of your church, Jesus, to be one with yours in praying: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Give us world peace!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11, 4: 13-17; Psalm 128; Matthew 23: 1-12
We cannot escape the patriarchy of the Jewish Scriptures. This story is about Ruth but it is Boaz who “takes” Ruth, and her son is called the son of Naomi. Ruth becomes the “least,” and yet Matthew mentions Ruth of Moab in his genealogy of Jesus. Jesus today gives a lesson in humility with a variety of examples and ending with: “The greatest among you will be the servant,” yet another way to say the first shall be last. He begins his lesson by excoriating the Pharisees for laying “heavy burdens, hard to bear,” on people’s backs. The tension rises…. “Come to me, all you heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Who has laid burdens on you? What burdens do you put upon yourself? Have you discussed these laws, duties, obligations with Jesus? Does he consider them wise choices? Would you be willing to come to him, come closer to him – today?
Forgive us for burdening others, Jesus, especially with our judgments and expectations. Help us to lift burdens from those we meet today, near or far neighbors.
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Sunday, August 23, 2009 - Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Joshua 24: 1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4: 32-5: 2, 21-32; John 6: 53, 60-69
We sing Psalm 34 for the third Sunday in a row, with its antiphon: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” The first part of our Ephesians reading is a repeat from August 9:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…live in love as Christ loved us…” Kindness, mercy, forgiveness, love are God’s gifts to us, but include choice.
Joshua calls his people to choose. Which God will they serve? “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Jesus offers his friends and us the freedom to choose: “Would you also want to go away?” Peter’s response is a gift from God, but when others “walk no more” with Jesus, Peter makes a choice: “To whom would we go? You have the words of everlasting life.” There is a problem for some women in today’s second reading: “Wives, be subject to your husbands” in Ephesians 5: 22. However, first 5: 21 exhorts: “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
What does “being subject to one another” look like for you who are offered freedom by Christ? Ask Jesus who washed feet. How have you tasted that God is good in these past weeks? Ask the Spirit to remind you. Savor God’s kindness. And your own kindness and love—how has your heart expanded since August 9? What do you want?
We ask for the gift of reverencing all of creation. We ask for an expansion of our hearts. Thank you for your love, forgiveness, kindness and life. We worship you.
Monday, August 24, 2009 - Bartholomew, apostle
Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145; John 1: 45-51
Bartholomew is mentioned in the lists of the Twelve in Mark, Matthew, Luke and Acts. Only in John is he associated with Nathanael. Some scholars think he should be linked with Matthias. Who cares? Paul, for one. For Paul anyone who has met the risen Lord as Nathanael has in the resurrection appearance in John 21:1 is missioned as apostle (missio is Latin for sent; apostello is Greek for sent). And what are they sent to do? “Your friends tell the glory of your kin-dom” cries the psalmist.
When, how have you met, realized, understood that Jesus has been raised and made your Lord? If you have not as yet, stop now and beg for that experience. If you have, how do you tell the glory of God’s kin-dom, a new relationship where all are welcome? Ask Jesus to teach you. Be still. Listen.
Open our hearts, Lord Jesus, to all our kin, especially the poor and forgotten ones.
We want to do everything for God’s glory, especially through our loving one another.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139; Matthew 23: 23-26
Paul tells this church in Thessalonika that his love for them is “like a nurse, tenderly caring for her own children.” He wants to share with them not only the gospel but his very self. Paul the Pharisee has indeed been converted because we meet the Pharisees in the gospel where Jesus cries “Woe!” to them. He criticizes their scrupulous straining out the gnat and their neglect “of weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.”
If Paul wants to share his very self, how much more Jesus! How does Jesus call you to deeper justice, mercy and faith? Listen. How will you respond?
Thank you for putting our life and love in perspective, Jesus. We want justice to prevail in societies, mercy in our relationships, faith in you. Thank you for sharing your very self.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139; Matthew 23: 27-32
Paul seems a little workaholic, “working night and day, so that we might not be a burden to you.” Does Paul know how to receive love and service? What is the work that glorifies God? “God’s word which is at work in you believers.” Jesus continues to accuse the Pharisees with his “Woe!” They look good on the outside “but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Lawlessness? It is possible to keep the Law for all the wrong reasons, which would be lawlessness.
And you? What laws do you obey and why? How do you receive the service of others? (Remember Peter protesting the foot washing?) When do you notice God’s word at work in you? How has your love deepened and your heart expanded since you have been praying with the Word?
Thank you for giving us your very Self, God of abundant grace! You express yourself, so beautifully, so completely in Jesus, your precious Word at work in us.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Psalm 90; Matthew 24: 42-51
Today is the feast of Monica, mother of Augustine. The first reading so applies to her unceasing and earnest prayer, her passionate desire for the holiness of her son, that it would be well to read it slowly, with earnest prayer for members of your family. The gospel too “fits” Monica as the “faithful and wise servant” who stays alert, even when the Master is delayed. Psalm 90 is our prayer too: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days….Prosper the work of our hands.”
Take time to read the Thessalonians passage and try to feel it. What satisfies you, gets you out of bed in the morning? What work does God need to prosper for you today?
We want to fall more deeply in love with you, faithful God. You are what gets us out of bed in the morning, gives us the courage and energy for your work. Thank you!
Friday, August 28, 2009 - Augustine of Hippo
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97; Matthew 25: 1-13
Augustine, who is dear to the SSNDs, only merits a “memorial”. The first reading which focuses on lust and impurity might seem to fit him, but his common law wife was with him for 15 years. Law forbade marriage between social classes. His confessions are not about conversion from this woman whom he loved and with whom he reared a son, named “gift of God.” He was a passionate man, but not a promiscuous one.
His real conversion was from a lust for knowledge, from putting his trust in philosophers, from ambition. The gospel compares wise bridesmaids with foolish. Augustine was converted to wisdom.
Is there something you lust after? What are your ambitions? Where does your passion (a gift from God) lie? How have you been growing in wisdom and grace? What do you want?
The prayer for today: “O God, renew in your church the spirit you gave Augustine…May we thirst for you alone as the fountain of wisdom and seek you as the source of eternal love.”
Saturday, August 29, 2009 - Martyrdom of John the Baptist
Jeremiah 1: 17-19; Psalm 71; Mark 6:17-29
This too is a “memorial” but has a special set of readings. First is the call of Jeremiah and God’s promise to fortify him against the power of kings and priests. The psalmist names God as a rock of refuge, a strong fortress. The gospel is the narrative of John’s beheading for accusing Herod of adultery.
Baptism makes all of us prophets, so close to the mind and heart of God that we dare to speak God’s word, speaking justice to power, mercy to the afflicted. Reflect on your call to come closer to God’s thinking and loving. Where might that lead you? How do you feel? Discuss those feelings with Jesus who is portrayed as distressed and depressed over John’s fate.
Please bless all who today lay their lives on the line for justice, peace, faith. Give us your non-violent heart as we try to take even baby steps toward a more just society.
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Sunday, August 30, 2009 - Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15; James 1: 17-18, 21-22, 27;
Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
We have many gaps in the readings. It makes sense that we need not read about Baal in Deut 4: 3-5, but in James and in Mark, there is material that we could ponder in our hearts. Why not take some time to read the whole sections, James 1-17-27 and Mark 7: 1-23? James assures us that God gave us “birth by the word of truth,” and so the whole word is important. For example, what is removed from James is a call to give up anger and learn to listen. As US citizens get violent in their misunderstandings about health care for all, we need that call read publicly. In the gospel, what is removed is this powerful statement (7:13): “making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on…” In sum, James writes: “This is true religion: to care for widows and orphans in their distress…”
Who are the widows and orphans in your life, literally or symbolically? Can you see any place where tradition stands in opposition to the Word? Can you ponder that without anger? Pray for a non-violent heart for yourself and your co-citizens. Pray that we do not become hypocrites, modern day Pharisees.
Come, Lord Jesus, and set us free from rage and violence, resentment and grudges. You are meek and humble of heart, and it is your heart we want to share.
Monday, August 31, 2009
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 96; Luke 4: 16-30
Paul describes what we hear about today, “the Rapture.” While moderns often focus on the miraculous, the important part is “we will be with the Lord forever.” In the gospel we are very down to earth, listening to Jesus offer his mission plan. His is a mission for the body: good news to the poor, release to captives, sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed. The congregation marvels. Then it is as if Jesus deliberately provokes them, reminding them that healing happens even outside the Jewish community. God loves all peoples (good news for the poor). Now his neighbors are filled with reage, trying to hurl him off a cliff.
If you do an Ignatian contemplation with this gospel passage, it might be profitable to look on the scene as Mary, the mother of Jesus, might have. These are her friends, neighbors and kinfolk. They turn against her son. Try to kill him in his own hometown. How would she live with them had they succeeded? What does she feel, want? Listen to her.
Mary, pray for us sinners, all of us who rage at those who try to open our minds and hearts to the poor, the stranger, the vulnerable. Ask God to give us meek and humble hearts.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27; Luke 4: 31-37
“Encourage one another and build up each other,” Paul exhorts. If we really were en-courag-ing each other, we could really pray the psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation! Of whom should I be afraid?” We just left Jesus unafraid before the fury of his townspeople. He returns to his own home in Capernaum and there, unafraid, faces down the demon who was tormenting a man in the synagogue there. Perhaps Jesus had often prayed Psalm 27: “Let your heart take courage.”
Of whom are you afraid? Of what are you afraid? How realistic are your fears? How do you want Jesus to cast out your panic-fear-anxieties (most emotions have a similar range of intensity)? Can he enlist a friend with whom you can speak, a therapist or spiritual director? Or will he deal directly with your fear? What do you want?
Thank you for the courage of Jesus, sending God. Send us too to face our demons, our fears, our prejudices. Give us trust in you on which to base our courage.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Colossians 1: 1-8; Psalm 52; Luke 4: 38-44
Although Colossians is probably not written by Paul, it is a beautiful and true piece of poetry and definitely the Word of God. The point of this passage is that the gospel is growing and bearing fruit in the whole world. The gospel lives! Jesus heals.
After casting out the demon Jesus enters to Peter’s house and finds the mother-in-law sick. When the sun set and Jews were free to move about again according to Sabbath laws, they crowded Peter’s doorway, bringing the sick and possessed. He worked hard that night and at daybreak went to be alone. Jesus set some boundaries. He can’t do everything, and he must move to other cities to proclaim the good news.
How does the good news live, grow and bear fruit in you? What do you notice? Jesus comes to your city, to your room to proclaim good news, and he says to you: “_________” Look at him looking at you. What do you want? Tell him, show him, let him.
Thank you for setting captives free, Jesus, those beset by demons and illness, by hatred and violence. Heal us too. Send us to heal in some way today. Show us how.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Colossians 1:9-14; Psalm 98; Luke 5: 1-11
Yesterday it was the gospel bearing fruit, and today it is ourselves, bearing “fruit in every good work as you grow in the knowledge of God.” Not theology classes, but personal and intimate experience of God. Why? Because God is always transferring us from the power of darkness into God’s kin-dom of light. No wonder we make a joyful noise to God (Ps 98; the words of which are our hymn “Joy to the World”). Jesus has announced his mission, cast out demons, healed illness, proclaimed the good news. Today he is teaching from Simon’s fishing boat (voices carry better over water). Here is a gratuitous action by Jesus, a miraculous catch of fish. Not needed, but the response is equally generous. First Peter proclaims his unworthiness, and then he with James and John leave everything to be with Jesus.
Have you ever said to Jesus, “Go away, because I am so sinful, unclean.” Have you ever felt that way? If you remember that time, speak Peter’s words and watch Jesus’ reaction to you. He doesn’t argue Peter out of his self-realization; for we all are sinners.
How does he respond to you? What do you want?
Thank you for never departing from us sinners, nor from our sinful world. You take away the sin of the whole world, through all these centuries. Heal us and our world!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Colossians 1:15-20; Psalm 100; Luke 5: 33-39
“Christ Jesus is the image (ikon) of the invisible God.” We could contemplate that sentence for years. “In him all things hold together.” So the “new” realization that the cosmic Christ permeates all creation is not so new. “In Christ all the fullness of God is dwelling.” The psalmist responds: “Come with joy into the presence of the Lord (Jesus)!” We are already in his presence and surrounded by it, so we come with joy into an awareness of Christ’s presence. The gospel shows Jesus as our sommelier, ordering the best wine for us, for “the old wine is good.” Who can fast when the bridegroom remains with us and within us and in all of creation?
If one of the lines from Colossians tugs your heart, stay with it. Perhaps you might pray with your mouth wide open in a gesture of awe. If you prefer to use your head today, think of when and why you fast, and from what. There are good reasons, and yet there always lurks the human attempt to manipulate God. Show your motivations to Jesus.
Jesus, you are our strong hold. Thank you for holding all creation together in an inner unity and beauty. Let your Spirit remind the lonely and vulnerable that you are always present.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Colossians 1: 21-23; Psalm 54; Luke 6:1-5
Christ has reconciled all things through “his fleshly body.” The author has become a servant of the gospel. The psalmist is grateful. Jesus, like a good lawyer, looks to precedent to make his case. Accused by the Pharisees of breaking the Sabbath law, Jesus reminds them that while his disciples picked grain from the side of the road (a law, to leave some there for strangers), Jesus goes one further: David went into the house of God, took the altar bread and gave it to his companions because they were hungry. “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
Do you ever pay attention to the fleshly body of Jesus? Try it. How are you a servant of the gospel? What does the lord of the Sabbath ask of you? How do you celebrate Sabbath?
Thank you for inviting us to eat your flesh, to come so close to you, to digest and absorb you. Make us one with all those around the world whom you are reconciling.
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Sunday, September 6, 2009 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 35: 4-7; Psalm 146; James 2: 1-5; Mark 7: 31-37
On this Labor Day weekend we hear of God’s labor: of love, nourishment, healing, freedom, sight, welcome. Whom does God welcome? James tells us that God has chosen those who are poor in this world, and we had best not make distinctions and judgments. If we are ever tempted to disdain the Jews of Jesus’ time, they who officially disdained the disabled as sinners, today’s gospel corrects our judgment. “They” bring the deaf man to Jesus, Jesus ordered “them,” “they proclaimed it…they were astounded.” Isaiah describes the messianic kin-dom, the psalm tells God’s detailed job description, and Jesus puts flesh on God’s healing work.
How has God labored on your behalf? Re-write Psalm 146 and detail God’s work in your life. To whom, to what are you deaf? The poor, the stranger, the boss? Ask the Spirit to show you, and try hard to listen! “Be opened!” Jesus says to you today.
You have done everything well, Jesus! Bless the work of our hands. Make them open, healing, welcoming hands. Thank you for your glory and your kin-dom!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Colossians 1:24-2:3; Psalm 62; Luke 6: 6-11
Today Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. He asks his accusers, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath…to save life?” Jesus’ labor is healing and saving, yesh from the Hebrew meaning to set free; salus from the Latin meaning whole. They were “filled with fury” at Jesus’ work. The author of Colossians teaches that his suffering is another way of working. “I am filling up in my body what is lacking to the sufferings of Christ.” God is lavishing riches, and the author “ toils and struggles with all the energy (dynamis; power, energy, Spirit) that Christ powerfully inspires within me.” He wants his readers to be “en-couraged and united in love... have all the riches…Christ himself in whom are…the treasures of wisdom.”
And you, what do you want? Where are your riches? How is your energy? What do you make of the things you suffer? Hold out anything in your life – a relationship, a body part, your dreams, your work, your suffering – that is withered and let Jesus work with you.
Our world is withered, Jesus. We are not united in love, we have lost courage in the face of so much poverty and evil. Restore our hope and our energy. You are savior of the world!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - Feast of the birth of Mary
Romans 8: 28-30; Psalm 13; Matthew 1: 1-16, 18-23
Matthew’s genealogy traces Jesus’ ancestry from Abraham through Joseph, his legal father. It includes four women, three unfaithful in love and Ruth, so faithful. Jesus is like us in all things, born from a sinful and graced family. What this family tree has to do with Mary is puzzling. We know nothing from the gospels; Joachim and Anne are featured in an imaginative legend that circulated after our four gospels were selected.
What does have to do with Mary and with all of us today is the Romans passage. Jesus is the firstborn, and we all follow him into justification and into glory. “We know that everything works together for the good for those whom God loves.”
How and when has that “working together for good”—your good-- been true in your life? Remember and give thanks! Mary is like us in all things, finding God in all the events of her life and pondering them in her heart. Ask the Spirit what you might need to ponder today. Listen.
May we come to share the divinity of the firstborn, who emptied himself to share our humanity. Thank you, God for our pioneers, Jesus and Mary.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Colossians 3:1-11; Psalm 145; Luke 6: 20-26
One reason this letter is thought not to be Paul’s is the dualism inherent in today’s opening lines. Paul is thoroughly Jewish, and Jews did not split body and soul, did not shun the things of earth. Another reason: “You have clothed yourselves with the new self…” Paul once tried to “do it himself”, and was converted to Jesus, not personal spiritual achievements, as the way of salvation. What does sound like Paul is today’s conclusion: “Christ is all and in all”---Greeks, Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, every nationality, slave, free – all together in the new kin-dom, one in Christ (Cf Galatians 3:28). Jesus could sound dualistic today but he speaks as a true Jewish prophet, castigating the rich and powerful, encouraging the poor and hungry.
What is your way of salvation? Do you get nervous about your possessions, your full table, your laughter? There is one savior. Throw yourself on his mercy often today.
He has come that we might have life, life in abundance—but there is hope too for those who hunger, mourn and are persecuted.
Give us the gift of discernment, Holy Spirit, that we may know true riches and fullness and joy. Give us generosity that we may give freely as God has given to us.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Colossians 3: 12-17; Psalm 150; Luke 6:27-38
Today’s readings offer a description of the new kin-dom ushered in by Jesus.
It is a kin-dom in which people love their enemies, lend without expecting return, do not judge, but are merciful, just as God is merciful. Then in this kin-dom good things will overflow. Colossians continues the description, which could become a mission statement for a community, ministry staff, family, co-workers. “Clothe yourselves with….” means accept God’s gifts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness, just as God has offered all this to us. We are exhorted to let love, union, peace and gratitude reign in our hearts. We are to absorb the Word of Christ, teaching one another, singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs in gratitude. “Whatever you do in word or in work, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Then the psalm responds to this abundance with a song of praise.
Of all the gifts God is offering you, as described today, which do you need most now? Ask for it. What does our church need? Ask. What does our country need? Ask.
How might you add to this description of the way our community is gifted to relate with one another? Anything you would subtract? Talk the subtraction over with Jesus (for example, loving our enemies).
Merciful God, make us one in mind and heart. Send us as ambassadors of love and unity into our broken and too often vicious world with your Word. Thank you for your abundant gifts!
Friday, September 11, 2009
1 Timothy1:1-2, 12-14; Psalm 16; Luke 6:39-42
A day to remember, and readings to remind us that even Paul was “a persecutor and a man of violence,” who received mercy because “the grace of our Lord [Jesus] overflowed for me.” Jesus, who just yesterday warned us not to judge but to love our enemies and forgive if we are to be forgiven, re-teaches the message with a parable. How can we with beams in our eyes dare to take out specks in others’ eyes? Or, as in John 8, who dares to cast a stone?
Ask the Spirit to show you your personal history of violence. If you think you are and have always been non-violent, ask the Spirit to let you not deny the truth. Then sit with what bubbles up and ask Jesus to look with you at your history and your current desires. Repeat the exercise with your personal history of judging others, as persons, as groups, as nations.
Forgive us, God of mercy, for twisting religion into one of condemnation and hatred. Do not let us make an idol of our religion of forgiveness, using it as a battering ram.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 - Holy name of Mary
1 Timothy1:15-17; Psalm 113; Luke 6: 43-49
Our liturgists who relegate this feast to “ferial” forget the importance of the name in Jewish religion. By chance (or by all things working together for good), the readings can fit Mary. The first reading tells of sin, but especially of God’s mercy, which Mary lauded in her Magnificat, mercy from generation to generation. The psalm too, in which God is praised for raising the poor from the dung heap, is echoed in the Magnificat. The Alleluia verse is Jesus’ promise, fulfilled in Mary, that all who keep (ponder) his words will be filled with God’s love and presence, made flesh in Jesus. Finally, Jesus tells a parable of a house built on rock, like someone who hears his words and acts on them, like someone who digs deeply. Again, Mary. If Jesus is the cornerstone, is she not the rock, the foundation on which he was built, through whom he was taught and formed?
Mary dug deeply into God’s word as spoken by Gabriel, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon. She pondered the word. How has pondering God’s word in the daily liturgy changed you? What further transformation do you want? Ask for it.
You have come to us so often, faithful Jesus, in so many ways. Help us to find you in all things, in all people, especially the ones whom our religions and societies spurn.
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Sunday, September 13, 2009 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 50: 5-9; Psalm 116; James 2:14-18; Mark 8: 27-35
Today’s gospel is dense with truths of our faith, but none more important than Jesus’ question to the disciples and to us: “Who do you say I am?” Pause right here and ponder that question. The first line from Isaiah identifies Jesus: “The Lord God has opened my ear.” By the grace of God, Jesus is a listener. The psalmist notes that “God has inclined God’s ear to me.” God too is a listener, and Jesus puts flesh on this service God offers us. God hears the cry of the poor, and acts on their behalf; James has noticed this and exhorts us to do likewise. After his opening question, Jesus speaks openly about the suffering, rejection and death of the Messiah, Christos in Greek. What a shock! So unbearable that Peter rebukes his teacher. Jesus chooses to listen to (obey from the Latin ab-audire) the call of God to the poor rather than to Peter, whom he calls “Satan.” Then Jesus turns to the crowds and invites them to deny themselves and take up their cross in order to follow. This is not a call to “mortification” or penances as a bargaining chip with God. This is Jesus’ call to love, to lay down our time, talent, goods, very selves in order to be with Jesus.
How is the gift of listening growing in your life? To whom do you find it hard to listen? Anyone to whom you close your ears? If you were to let God open your ears, what would be the worst thing that might happen? Which is easier for you, to deny yourself chocolate or to listen to a PBS program on the people of Iran or to listen to a “No” from a boss, colleague or spouse? When have you found that listening often is a denying of your self, your ego?
Open our ears, Jesus, to the cries of the poor. Since you are identified with the rejected, open our hearts to those who are rejected by our church and society.
Monday, September 14, 2009 - Triumph of the cross
Philippians 2: 6-11; Psalm 78; John 3: 13-17
The opening antiphon from Paul tells us we “should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Why should we exalt an instrument of injustice and torture? As the Good Friday song explains, “on which was hung our salvation.” Jesus is the one who triumphs, who saves—not the cross. God did not need a bloody death. On the contrary, God must be enraged by all the unjust torture, the abuse of religious and secular power that Jesus endured in order to remain faithful to God’s mission and the good news of God’s love. Jesus’ obedience was to that mission, to the consequences of relativizing the law for the sake of healing, for preaching God’s call to loving and forgiving enemies. He was sent to put flesh on God’s mission, God’s call to the poor and outcast, those who despaired of being loved by God. Jesus accepted the consequences. God triumphs!
The triumph of failure! When has something you failed in been resurrected into a triumph? Jesus looks like a failure, foolishness to the Gentiles, a stumbling block to the Jews. What does Jesus hanging on the cross look like to you? Tell him, console him, love him.
By your death and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the savior of the world! We exalt you and worship you and bow our heads at your holy name! Jesus!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - Mother of Sorrows
Hebrews 5: 7-9; Psalm 31; Luke 2: 33-35 or John 19: 25-27
What are the sorrows of Mary? Pause here and see, as you page through the gospels in your memory, what may have caused her pain. The Hebrews’ description of Jesus’ agony in the garden, his praying with “loud cries and tears,” is about his sorrow.
But what if one of his sorrows is the grief he would bring to his mother? According to Mark 3:21 and 31, she did not understand his mission and came to bring him home. What sorrow for both of them.
Be with Mary in her own small sorrows and huge agonies. How are they like your own? When the feast was promulgated in 1814, seven sorrows of Mary were listed: Simeon’s prophecy; flight into Egypt; loss in the temple; road to Calvary (not based in scripture); crucifixion; taking down from the cross and placing in the tomb (neither one in scripture). There are more. Remember and be with her when she is suspected of adultery, travels on foot to Elizabeth, travels the same route heading for Bethlehem, pregnant, without shelter, far from her mother. Remember her during Jesus’ ministry, the misunderstanding according to Mark, the attempt to throw him off a cliff in Nazareth, the finality of his ascension.
Mother of sorrows, be with all those who watch their children die. You stood. Help us to stand firm to comfort the suffering and to stand firm in witness to injustice.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
1 Timothy 3:14-16; Psalm111; Luke 7: 31-35
“The mystery of our religion is great,” this Pastor writes, and offers a creedal summary. Mystery, according to Karl Rahner, is that which is infinitely knowable. We will spend eternity knowing Jesus “revealed in the flesh…taken up in glory.” The psalm repeats praise for the “works of God.” Jesus does the work of God, enjoying life so that he can be branded a glutton and drunkard. More importantly, Jesus is accused of befriending tax collectors and sinners.
You have begun your eternity now, knowing Jesus day by day ever more deeply, ever more intimately. Where do you hesitate in knowing him? Think of someone whom you think is a sinner. Picture Jesus approaching that person. He turns to invite you to come with him. And you respond….
Take our contemptuous, judgmental hearts, Jesus, and make them meek and humble, like yours. Take our hearts and make them yours.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I Timothy 4:12-16; Psalm 111; Luke 7: 36-50
In our first reading, we see a move toward charismatic gifts being structured “by the laying on of hands,” and the notion which has lasted 2000 years: “you will save yourself and your hearers.” Paul himself would bend over backwards to emphasize that Jesus, no work of ours, saves, that trusting Jesus alone (faith) saves. Love saves too, as demonstrated in the gospel. A nameless sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, kisses them and anoints them. Jesus responds: “Her sins have been forgiven; therefore she has shown great love.” Notice the progression: God forgives her; she comes to serve Jesus in response to being forgiven; Jesus declares her forgiveness and deep faith.
Chances are that you who ponder these daily scriptures are not nor have ever been into big sinning! But we have been forgiven personally, and we always need forgiveness for our collusion with social sin: greed, pride, ruthless ambition, rage, bigotry, elitism, militarism, consumerism, etc. Whose feet might you wash today, in gratitude for being forgiven much?
Save us, Jesus, from our blindness to social sin. Forgive us, our church and our nation. You are the savior of the world. Set us free from sin, we beg you.
Friday, September 18, 2009
1 Timothy 6: 2-12; Psalm 49; Luke 8: 1-3
“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” the Pastor admonishes, sounding like James in our Sunday readings. The Psalm is framed by its antiphon: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” “When the [rich] die they carry nothing with them,” notes the psalmist. The women disciples named today must have discovered that quickly. In the presence of Jesus, what need have they for prominence or riches? “They provided for Jesus and the twelve out of their resources.” Among these women who traveled with Jesus was Mary of Magdala, out of whom seven demons were cast (presumably by Jesus).
How, when have you discovered for yourself that money is the root of all kinds of evil? What changes did you make with this experience? Besides money, what do you consider your resources? How do you put them at the service of Jesus?
Set us free, Jesus, from any traces of greed, consumerism, possessiveness. All we “have” is yours. Take, Lord, receive all that we are. Your love and grace are enough for us.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
1 Timothy 6:13-16; Psalm 100; Luke 8:4-15
We pray in the entrance antiphon, “Show us your greatness of heart.” Oh, the prodigality of our God, sowing the Word everywhere! What exuberant generosity. “God gives life to all things,” the Pastor reminds us. God gives life to Jesus, now the Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords, who “dwells in unapproachable light.” And yet, he is so approachable. “Come with joy into the presence of the Lord [Jesus]!” Make a joyful noise, enter the gates with thanksgiving! Hold the word fast “in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patient endurance”, for God has tilled the soil and planted us, rooted us deeply in Christ.
Gaze on the greatness of God’s heart. Look around at the wonders of nature, the exuberant and generous pouring forth of God’s life into every living and non-living creature. Examine each item in your prayer space and know the devotion which fashioned these human creations. How much more God!
King of kings, inspire all our secular and church leaders with a share in God’s generous heart. Let their devotion center on justice, peace, inclusion and unity.
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Sunday, September 20, 2009 - Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 2: 12, 17-20; Psalm 54; James 3: 16-4:3; Mark 9: 30-37
All three readings speak of sins, disputes, selfish ambition—and their antidote. The church applies to Jesus the title “the just one” who in the Wisdom reading speaks out against the leaders’ sins against the law, making “life inconvenient for us.” His accusers want to test how really gentle he is. James decries envy, coveting, selfish ambition and disputes. What is needed is an infusion of God’s wisdom which is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…” The gospel depicts Jesus catching the disciples arguing over who is the greatest. “Envy and selfish ambition” infects even those closest to Jesus. The antidote again is gentleness, as evidenced by Jesus’ arm around a child. His words, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all,” will take flesh in his footwashing at the last supper.
To whom are you usually willing to yield? With whom are you usually gentle? How does that desire rise in you? How do you act on it? When do you find it easy to peaceable and to serve, and when is that kind of life “inconvenient” for you? Discuss these experiences with Jesus and ask for what you need.
Unlike the disciples, we are not afraid to ask you anything, nor to answer any question you might ask. We trust your gentleness with us, and ask for the gift of passing it on.
Monday, September 21, 2009 - Mathew, apostle and evangelist
Ephesians 4: 1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19; Matthew 9:9-13
The first two paragraphs from Ephesians is so rich that it would be best to read them yourselves, letting yourself savor each phrase. The third paragraphs details some of the gifts for ministry poured out on the community: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers—all the saints equipped for ministry. The gospel is of course the call of Matthew, the despised tax collector, with whom Jesus dines. When accused, Jesus replies: “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice,’ for I have come to call sinners, not the righteous.” Matthew repeats this quote from Hosea in his gospel, indicating its importance to him and his community.
Has Jesus called you because of your sinfulness or your righteousness? When you have been called, how have you been sent, what gifts have you to offer the community? Matthew has double duty: apostle and evangelist. Some of us might have even more gifts, for example, how are you a pastor, and for whom? How are you a preacher of good news, and to whom? Etc. Share your feelings with Jesus.
Generous Jesus, open our eyes and hearts to those deemed “sinners” among us, and help us to accept our own sinful condition. Do not let us cast stones, we beg you.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Ezra 4:4-5, 6:1, 6-8, 12, 14-20; Psalm 122; Luke 8: 19-21
In the gospel we have the seemingly harsh words of Jesus toward his family. When his mother and brothers want to see him he announces the good news of the
kin-dom: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
That includes Mary, because in the opening chapter of Luke, she replies: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.” The reading from Ezra repeats not only the good news of Cyrus’ freeing Israel from captivity in Babylon, but adds the generosity of his son Darius, who pays for the rebuilding of the temple. “The returned exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.”
We know that Mary’s body was the temple of God. Our bodies too are the house of God. How, when do you celebrate the dedication of this house of God, your body, with joy? Are there parts of your body that you dislike? Is your whole body the temple of the Holy Spirit or just the more presentable parts? How is aging affecting your appreciation of your body? Discuss all this with Jesus, or with Mary if that is more comfortable.
So many human bodies are being abused by drugs, sex, domestic violence, war, disgust. So many bodies hurt because of wounds, illness, fragility, incapacitation. HELP!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ezra 9:5-9; Canticle from Tobit 13; Luke 9: 1-6
“See what God has done for you,” cries the psalmist. Ezra, in his prayer, addresses God. Like so many prayers when we tell God what God already knows, so does Ezra, but it is a most informative prayer for us! He describes the captivity and the release, for God has extended “steadfast love before the kings of Persia to give us new life…” When we know all that God has done for us, we want to be sent as Jesus sends his friends in the gospel. They are to move simply, without possessions, through the villages, proclaiming good news, casting out demons, healing.
When do you ponder all the good things God has done for you? At daily Mass, you could review the previous day; at Sunday Mass, look back over the whole week. Eucharist means thanksgiving in Greek. Bring your specific thanks to God. Then “Go, you are sent….” To whom are you sent and what good news and healing will you bring?
“God has not forsaken us in our slavery,” says Ezra. God, do not let us abandon the slaves of today, the women and children who are trafficked for labor or sex. Make a way for us, and for them.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Haggai 1: 1-8; Psalm 149; Luke 9: 7-9
Who has not experienced what the Lord says through Haggai? Put first things first. Once we have attended to the things of God (in this case, the rebuilding of the temple), then sowing, eating, drinking, clothing and earning will comfort us. Otherwise they are futile, giving no pleasure until God takes pleasure. Even Herod, with all his power and riches, is never satisfied. “Herod tried to see Jesus.” That would satisfy him.
And you, how do you comfort yourself? Does it work? If Jesus hung out with sinners, could we hang out with Herod and learn from him? Try to see Jesus today. Desire, long, hunger and thirst to see Jesus today.
Let us look up and see only you, Jesus. Let everyone whom we meet today look up and see only you, Jesus. You are our true comfort and satisfaction. Thank you!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Haggai 2: 1-9; Psalm 43; Luke 9: 18-22
God speaks through Haggai to the governor and the high priest and then “to all you people of the land…Take courage…Work, for I am with you…My spirit abides among you; do not fear.” “Hope in God,” the psalmist reiterates. And in the gospel, although Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus counters, tossing their hopes of power and glory upside down. “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected…and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” To follow a suffering Messiah takes courage, work and hope.
Take any phrase above to savor. However, many in our two countries are out of work right now, and many are hopeless. Let us pray for those who have lost their jobs, for their families who must be fearful, angry and depressed. Let us pray that they can hear God’s promise of presence, and his invitation: “Do not fear.” Remember in your own life when your hopes were upended, and yet good came at last (“on the third day be raised.”).
We believe all things work together for our good. Help our unbelief! Make us attentive to those who are desperate in our own families and parishes. Deepen our trust in you.
Saturday, September 26, 2009 - Feast of the North American martyrs
Revelation 7: 9-17; Psalm 124: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15; Luke 9: 23-26
Because I use the Canadian version of Living with Christ we are celebrating this feast. Eight Jesuits, six priests and two lay associates, worked and died in Canada and in the United States. Both countries have shrines in their honor which attract thousands of pilgrims. The reading from Corinthians is most applicable to us who will not go overseas or risk our lives. “We hold a treasure in clay vessels…we carry in our bodies the dying of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be made manifest in this mortal flesh of ours.” Good news: “grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”
We have reflected earlier this week on our bodies. How do you carry the dying of Jesus in your body? Pray that, instead of falling prey to victimhood and despair, the life of Jesus may be made manifest even in your frailty. We reflected earlier this week on Eucharist as thanksgiving. How do you extend grace to more and more people? You are an instrument of God’s life. And for what gifts will you give thanks at Sunday Eucharist?
Thank you for our clay vessels that, no matter how flawed, can hold such treasure, can hold the Body of Christ, the cosmic Christ, the Spirit, the Creator. Such treasure! Thank you!
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Sunday, September 27, 2009 - Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19; James 5:1-6; Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48
Some of you have asked me where the missing gospel verses are. They simply are not in the ancient versions. The Greek verb in verses 42, 43, 45, 47 is the same, skandalise, literally “put a stumbling block,” and is the origin of the English word “scandalize.” Paul calls Jesus a stumbling block to Jews, and that has no connection with sin. What is a scandal in the rich nations is called out by James: we have put our trust in riches which will be destroyed; and worse, we have cheated “the laborers who mowed our fields.” James is exercising his gift of prophecy, warning the oppressors and comforting the oppressed. Moses wishes that “all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put God’s spirit on them!” Good news! Baptism does make all Christians prophets. We can challenge injustice and can comfort the afflicted, “giving a cup of water.”
You are a prophet, full of God’s Spirit. What do you think, feel, do when you notice injustice—in your own home, parish, workplace, nation? What do you want to do? Ask the Spirit for the creativity and courage to change the things you can. What do you think, feel, do when you notice someone suffering in any way? What do you want to do?
Ask the Spirit to guide you.
Alleluia! Your word is truth, Jesus! Give us the courage to speak the truth in love. Give us the generosity to pay attention to and to serve the lowliest.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102; Luke 9: 46-50
God is very passionate in this passage from the prophet. God asserts that elderly men and women will be honored in Jerusalem and boys and girls will play in its streets. An amazing desire of God, since Jews in Jesus’ time relegated women to the status of property. Children too were demeaned in Jesus’ time, yet Jesus takes a child to make a point: whoever welcomes a child welcomes Jesus himself. “For the least among you is the greatest.”
What elderly people do you honor? Pray for them, connect with them soon so that your prayer leads to loving action. What children do you welcome? Again, pray for them and connect with them (or at least some of them) soon. Now picture the elderly around the world in the toughest of conditions; picture the children with bloated stomachs. In Jesus’ eyes, these are the greatest. Welcome Jesus himself in them.
When we see you hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, sick, imprisoned in poverty, give us the desire and the courage to act. How? Give us your Spirit and your wisdom.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - Feast of Michael, Gabriel, Raphael
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 138; John 1: 47-51
There is an alternate reading from the book of Revelation which tells of Michael defeating “the dragon and his angels.” While we need protection by this warrior angel, the Daniel piece focuses on the beauty and power of God who is called The Ancient One.
His clothing is as white as snow, his hair like pure wool, and a stream of fire flows out from him. Daniel then sees one “like a son of man” approaching the Ancient One who confers on him dominion and glory. The gospel concludes with Jesus’ cryptic saying to Nathanael: “You will see angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Augustine calls God, “Beauty, ever ancient, ever new.” What do you call God? How do you imagine God, once that long white beard is gone? The Eastern churches envision God as uncreated energy. And you? Let God wrap you in God’s own beauty and energy and breathe deeply.
“O Beauty, ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you, but never have I loved until now.” Let our hearts burn with love for you, you in glory, and you in the least.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Nehemiah 2: 1-8; Psalm 137; Luke 9: 57-62
Nehemiah offers us a method of decision making. When king Artaxerxes asked him what would help the young man’s sadness, first Nehemiah prayed and then told the truth: his city was in ruins. So he boldly requested a lot from this king—not just to return to rebuild Jerusalem, but protected passage and all the timber he needed from the king’s forest. Jerusalem is rebuilt as a great city and in the gospel, Jesus has nowhere to lay his head.
When you are afflicted by “sadness of heart” what do you do? How do you pray? When you can’t make decisions, when you don’t know what it is you really want, how do you pray? When you toss at night and cannot lay your head still, to whom do you turn?
Many of the psalms, the laments, speak to this very human condition. When you “can’t” pray, pick up a lament and pray it slowly—for yourself.
Give your people back the joy of your salvation. Comfort all the depressed and the oppressed. Remind us, Holy Spirit, to call on you before, during and after our decisions.
Thursday, October 1, 2009 - Feast of Therese of Lisieux
Nehemiah 8:1-12; Psalm 19; Luke 10: 1-12
Today, on the feast of the patroness of missions, we hear Jesus’ instructions to the first Christian missionaries, the 70 sent to heal and proclaim the new kin-dom, blessing each house with peace. The story of the reading of the Law in the rebuilt Jerusalem tells of the deep awe with which the people heard God’s self-expression, weeping as they listened. What has Law to do with Therese? Why is she named a doctor (meaning, from the Latin, a teacher) of the church, she who died at 24? Perhaps because her own religious experience transcended Law and was steeped in Love. Jansenism raged through France, a heresy which frightened people into obeying law rather than knowing the God of love. With no formal theological training Therese knew God, knew Jesus intimately.
This knowing from her prayer experience is what she taught. “In the heart of the church, I will be love,” she wrote.
In the heart of the church, what do you want to be? How could a 24 year old cloistered and sickly woman be a doctor, a teacher of the church? Be a missionary? What does this tell you of God and God’s values? Ask God. Have a conversation with Jesus.
“The Lord nurtured her and taught her.” Yes, you did! Lord Jesus, Lord of love, thank you for this saint of the ordinary who has taught us about simple, childlike trust.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Exodus 23: 20-23; Psalm 91; Matthew 18: 1-5, 10
These last few weeks we are inundated with stories of children, celebrations of childlikeness, than even more than angels on this day’s memorial of the guardian angels. The angel of Exodus is leader and guide. The mention of angels in the gospel today repeats basically what we have heard recently from Mark (Sept 20) and Luke (Sept 28): Jesus calls a child and focuses his ambitious friends’ attention on the little one who is greatest in the kin-dom of heaven. “The angels of these little ones continually see the face of my Father in heaven.”
Often the psalmists long to see the face of God. For what do you long? Examine yesterday. What did you want? How did you get what you want? How will you get that for which you long? Therese longed for the gospel to be preached throughout the world. Her deep desire made her patroness of missions. And your deep desire?
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side to love, to guard, to rule, to guide. Messengers of God, flood our world with God’s word.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69; Luke 10: 17-24
Again, the theme of children. In Baruch we hear Jerusalem speak as a bereaved mother whose children have been taken off in slavery. The Alleluia verse is from Matthew: “Blessed are you, Father…you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kin-dom of heaven.” In Luke, the disciples return from their missionary journey full of joy, and Jesus tells them to rejoice not in their curative powers but that their names are written in heaven. Then Jesus rejoices. “Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you Father…because you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned and have revealed them to infants.”
Look at Jesus looking at you, humbly and tenderly. A smile shines on his face and he says, “My joy is in you.” Can you rest in his joyful gaze? If you get restless and anxious, talk with him about your feelings. Then ask for the grace to rest in the embrace of his smile. Rest, breathe, gaze.
Jesus, please find some joy in our cruel and violent world. Are you our bereaved mother, crying over so many lost children? We cry with you, and rejoice with you.
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Sunday, October 4, 2009 - Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 2: 7-8, 18-24; Psalm 128; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10: 2-16
The Lord God forms man (adam in Hebrew) from the dust of the ground (adamah) and gives the Woman (ishah in Hebrew) formed from his rib to the Man
(ish). The relation of these Hebrew words emphasizes the unity of the two. First God calls woman a helper and then a partner. Therein lies the possibility of conflict in modern marriage. There is conflict among the disciples too. They “sternly” warn children away from Jesus, but he speaks to them with indignation: “Let the little children come to me.”
Hebrews calls Jesus our pioneer in relationship, “the pioneer of [our] salvation.” He emptied himself and became not a partner to us, but a child, a helper, a slave, obedient
to all the realities of being human, including death, “tasting death for everyone.”
Here is a paradox: are we called to be partners with God, “co-creators,” as some writers put it, or helpers? Are we to be cloaked as “prophet, priest and royal” or are we to be foot washers? Which one when? To decide which (for sometimes Jesus was very authoritative and sometimes very “meek and humble of heart”) we need the gift of wisdom, of discernment. A foot washer is not a door mat; a healer and teacher is not savior of the world. Pray for wisdom; pray to be obedient to reality; pray to love as Jesus loves.
May the love and wisdom of Christ which we receive moment by moment lead us to love and serve others, bring us closer to them and more aware of you, gracious Giver.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Jonah 1:1-17, 2:10; canticle from Jonah 2; Luke 10: 25-37
The brief book of Jonah should be read in one sitting, it is so intriguing. Today we begin the story with God’s calling Jonah to be prophet to Nineveh. He races in the other direction, and today’s piece ends with the large fish spewing Jonah onto the beach. The canticle, which contains all the traditional forms of prayer: adoration, thanksgiving, contrition and petition, Jonah prays while still in the belly of the fish, trusting that “Deliverance belongs to the Lord.” Then the fish spews. Jesus, after commending the lawyer who questions him, responds to a further question about who is this neighbor to be loved with the story of the good Samaritan. Only Luke carries this parable in which God is the good Samaritan. In German “co-man” can mean neighbor. To love our neighbor is not only to love the one who lives next door, but to love the co-man who lives next to our heart. God is the one who lives next to and deep within our hearts, caring for our every wound.
Today, show God all your wounds, wounds received from those who live “next door”—colleagues, former teachers, doctors, bosses, and wounds received from those who live next to our hearts---spouses, children, friends, parents. Pray for the gift of forgiving them and for the gift of healing. Then rest and feel God’s healing energy.
“Lives are ebbing away,” we cry with Jonah. So many wounded, so many ignored! Keep us aware of your mercy and teach us to extend your care to others.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Jonah 3: 1-10; Psalm 130; Luke 10:38-42
Jesus goes to Martha’s house in Bethany where she is “distracted by many things.” Our culture is distracted by many things as well. Once Jonah has learned his lesson he is no longer distracted, but obediently walks through the large city crying out for them to repent. The Ninevites hear and obey, even the king, who proclaims: “All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands.” Are we so distracted that we have no prophet focused on calling the United States from its violence against Afghanistan? Tomorrow marks the eighth anniversary of the US bombing there.
God asks you: “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responded: “Send me.” We who are US citizens can flood the White House and Congress today and tomorrow with petitions to leave our violence behind. What can our Canadians do to promote justice and peace?
Forgive us our small and hidden violence, prejudices and hatred, Jesus, Savior of the world. Bombs and soldiers merely carry out the violence in the hearts of all of us. Save us!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Jonah 4: 1-11; Psalm 86; Luke 11: 1-4
Jesus’ perfect prayer for today: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Jonah, roaming around today’s area of Iraq and Iran, is angry with God for being so forgiving of wicked Nineveh, so angry he prefers to die. He waits outside the city and God causes a bush to spring up to offer him shade, “so Jonah was very happy about the bush.” When he woke the next day the bush was destroyed, the sun beat down, a fierce wind buffeted him and again he wants to die. “God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?’ And Jonah said, ‘Yes, angry enough to die.’” God marvels that Jonah should care so much about an ephemeral bush and God not care about the numerous lives in Nineveh, so valuable to God.
How are you like Jonah: angry, dispirited, happy, despairing? How much do you care about the numerous lives in the Muslim world? Who is lord of the world: God or Bin Laden? If you can, pray “Forgive me my sin as I forgive those who sin against me and my country.” If you cannot, ask for the grace to forgive your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Hail Mary, forgiving those who killed your Son, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Help us not to fear death, not to fear terrorists, or simply those whose religion differs.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Malachi 3: 13-4:2; Psalm 1; Luke 11: 5-13
The Canadian and the United States versions of Living in Christ, have different translations. The Canadian translation uses non-sexist language from the New Revised Standard Version of the Scriptures, which is more ecumenical and closer to the original language. This becomes important in our first reading in which the arrogant (Canada) are equated with the proud (US). A-rogare comes from the Latin which means not asking. The arrogant do not ask. Yet today’s gospel is all about asking, asking fiercely from friends, asking like a child from God. Jesus tells us: ask, search, knock. Jesus asks us, “If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask? Asking, intercession, petition has sometimes been termed the lowest form of prayer. Not according to Jesus. Jesus stands before the face of God for all eternity making intercession for us.
For whom will you ask the fullness of the Spirit? Write their names. Some families or communities keep a book open on the coffee table and add petitions day by day. For what or for whom are you searching? What do you want—now, out of life, for yourself, for those whom you love, for those whom you hate? How do you feel when you have to ask for a favor? Jesus tells us God is available for our asking. Ask for the gift of availability so that others might easily approach you.
Forgive us our arrogance, our feelings of superiority, of contempt. Save us from our feelings of unworthiness when we ask, our fear of a “no.” Let your Spirit be at the core of who we are.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Joel 1: 13-15, 2:1-2; Psalm 9; Luke 11: 15-26
Joel describes the terrors of the coming “Day of the Lord.” This is the “end of the world” that many of us as youngsters dreaded. Now, we love the Lord, know that we are loved unconditionally, and hope for a new creation. That is why the psalmist cries out: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!” Jesus takes on his accusers in the gospel. The Alleluia verse sums up the first reading’s and the gospel’s message: “The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself.”
Picture Jesus being lifted up from the earth, first lifted up on the cross and drawing all to himself: the persecuted, the criminal, the grieving, the innocent, all are welcome on Calvary. Then see him lifted up into glory on resurrection/ascension day,
“leading all the saints in glory” as the hymn puts it. As you alternate between the two kinds of lifting up, be sure to include yourself in both events.
May we come to share the divinity of you, Jesus, who humbled yourself to share our humanity. May we be lifted up with you, giving thanks to the glory of God.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Joel 3: 12-21; Psalm 97; Luke 11: 27-28
Joel sees multitudes gathered in the “valley of decision.” After the darkness of the “Day of the Lord”, the mountains, hills and deserts flow with wine, milk and fountains of fresh water. We rejoice and give thanks to God’s holy name, declares the psalmist. Many of us keep Saturday as a day to honor Mary, and yet today’s gospel SEEMS to dishonor her. When a woman cries out (unheard of in Jewish society!), “Blessed” are the womb and breasts of Mary, Jesus contradicts her. He is not denying Mary’s importance in his life but says she is blessed because (according to Luke in his first two chapters) she is the one par excellence “who hears the word of God and obeys it.”
Try an Ignatian contemplation with this gospel. Be the woman in the crowd. What would you really, really like to say to Jesus if this is the only sentence you would ever be able to cry out? Think about it. Then “raise your voice” and say aloud: “______!” Repeat it frequently today.
Bless us, Jesus, our bodies with all their precious parts. Bless our spirits, our hearts open to your word, open to obedience and the freedom of your Spirit.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009 - Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10: 17-30
Wisdom is more precious than wealth, healthy and beauty. We receive the Spirit who is wisdom through prayer, claims our first author; through counting our days and being satisfied each morning by God’s faithful love, states the psalmist; by opening our thoughts, intentions and hearts to the word of God; and by selling all, giving to the poor and journeying with Jesus, he says in the gospel. A good law-abiding man approaches Jesus, wanting more. Jesus offers him more. He looks on the man tenderly. Will this man be wise and leave all to the poor to be with Jesus? Will he be sad because he has decided to sell everything?
Look at Jesus looking at you tenderly. Rest in his loving gaze. Then, what does he say to you? Open your thoughts, intentions, fears, desires to him. What will satisfy you each morning? Discuss all this with Jesus, but keep noticing his look of love as you do.
Direct the work of our hands for us (Ps 90), we ask. Direct the work of our minds, our loving, our needs and desires. Teach us to desire you with all our hearts. Thank you for desiring us.
Monday, October 12, 2009 - Thanksgiving Day in Canada:
Colossians 3: 12-17; Psalm 113; Matthew 7:7-12
Romans 1-7; Psalm 98; Luke 11: 29-32
A friend went shopping in Greece and the salesperson said, “Efchariston.” Thank you. The eu changes to ef in modern Greece. A common word, but not a common event in our lives. Everyday that you read these scriptures and pray with them is a thanksgiving, a liturgy of the Word. As priests become more and more scarce, we will
more and more be needing the nourishment of Scripture, the living word. Pause and remember all for which you are grateful. In Colossians, the author is grateful for community, all the ways in which the Spirit moves us to love and serve one another as we worship together. In Matthew, Jesus is grateful for bread and fish, simple items of daily life, and especially that we have a God who gives us “every good thing.” In Luke, Jesus calls us to repentance, for which we can be grateful—God’s constant readiness to forgive. In Romans, Paul is grateful that with the resurrection, God “has declared [Jesus] to be Son of God with power;” and that we “are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”
With which one of the scriptures above do you most resonate? Tell Jesus why that is so. Ask for the gift of constant gratitude. Pray for those who are deprived of the Eucharistic celebration. In communal prayer, you might mix water and wine and pray:
By the mingling of water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share our humanity. Thank you, God, for the incarnation.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Romans 1: 16-25; Psalm 19; Luke 11: 37-41
Paul details so many ways we humans sin, especially through idolatry. We can only be saved by faith, he asserts, which God gives, “to the Jew first and then to the Gentile.” Those who are “righteous will live by faith.” Jesus warns those who live by greed, yet following the rituals of purity: “You fools!”
By what do you live? Greed? Ambition? Joy? Faith? What might be some of the idols in your life? Not little statues, but things we think we cannot live without. Show them to Jesus, to whom you belong, and who will never call you Fool. Then pray with St. Ignatius:
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and all my will—all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. Now I return it. All is yours. Dispose of it according to your will. Give me your love and your grace. That is enough for me.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Romans 2: 1-11; Psalm 62; Luke 11: 42-46
Jesus continues condemning the Pharisees’ emphasis on ritual purities. “One of the lawyers answered him and said, ‘Teacher, when you say these things you insult us too.’” Right! Jesus replies: “You load people with burdens hard to bear and you do not lift a finger to help them.” Paul, who has never met the community at Rome, is not afraid to insult them either. “You have no excuse, whoever you are, whenever you judge others.” He continues, “You say, ‘We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.’” Paul then asks, “Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant is meant to lead you to repentance?”
Ask the Spirit to show you, kindly, slowly, maybe even outside of this formal prayer time, whom it is that you judge? Persons close at hand, groups, whole peoples?
Ask to know whom you might be loading with burdens? Ask to share God’s kindness.
May your kindness, God of grace, shine through us to everyone whom we meet today and to those whom we see on the news. Keep us always far away from gossip.
Thursday, October 15, 2009 - Saint Teresa of Avila
Romans 3: 21-30; Psalm 130; Luke 11: 47-54
Jesus continues to “insult” those at table with him. Teresa in her reform of Carmel was probably accused of insulting the way things were. But she herself first had to be reformed, transformed by the grace of God. She might have joined the psalmist: “Out of the depths I cry to you! If you should mark iniquities, who could stand?” Paul explains quite clearly this dynamic of sin and grace which effected Teresa’s conversion as well as our own. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. They are now justified by his grace as a gift….For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.” Teresa wasn’t evil, just mediocre in her middle age. Meeting Jesus, falling in love, made all the difference.
Ask the Spirit to remind you of the power of grace in your life. When have you cried to God “from the depths”? What happened? When, how have you met Jesus? If you are not yet, ask, BEG for the grace of falling in love with him.
Thank you, God, for Teresa, for her exuberant joy that led her to dance on the table tops to give her Sisters “pleasure”, for her passionate love for you and for her Sisters and John of the Cross.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32; Luke 12: 1-7
Paul’s argument, that faith trumps law, points to Abraham who lived long before Moses received the Torah. Abraham was not justified by works of the law; rather “’Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’” To believe God does not mean believe in God, believe truths about God, but rather, as Jesus notes in the gospel today, to trust God’s love and care. “Do not be afraid.” If one sparrow is so well attended to by God, “You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Do you feel worth more than many sparrows? Of what, of whom are you afraid today? When God looks on that situation or that person, how can God still find even that worth more than many sparrows? Discuss your fear (s) with God.
“Alleluia! Lord, let your mercy be upon us, as we place our trust in you. Alleluia!” Deepen our trust, remove our fear, make us one in justice and peace.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Romans 4:13, 16-18; Psalm 105; Luke 12: 8-12
Paul continues his argument for faith over law, “in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants…to those who share the faith of Abraham. God is the father of all of us….” Jesus tells us to depend on the Holy Spirit to teach us if we must defend our faith. Recently there was a demonstration of about 3,000 Muslims who decided to offer their Friday noon prayer on the lawn of the US Capitol. An awesome sight, and yet the group, bowing to the ground, were surrounded by hecklers, warning them to repent, carrying 10 foot plaques of the Ten Commandments. As if Muslims don’t revere Moses, the Torah, the Bible, both Testaments. In fact the Qur’an has more material about Mary, mother of Jesus, than does the New Testament. God is the father of us all, and Abraham is the father of Jews, Muslims and Christians.
Ask the Spirit to remind you what you appreciate about Jews and Muslims. Take some time, and listen. Then ask the Spirit to light up any dark places where fear of them lurk. Can you let the Spirit help you get underneath the fear in order to heal?
Open our minds and hearts to all the children of Abraham, God our true father and true mother. We worship you in so many ways, and you receive us all as your very own. Thank you!
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Sunday, October 18, 2009 - Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 53: 10-11; Psalm 33; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10:35-45
We open with “It was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.” It is NEVER the will of the Lord to cause pain. “My plans for you are plans of shalom:” peace, healing, wholeness, integrity. Yet, like many of us, trying to make sense of the suffering, we look back on it as God’s will. First of all, the “him” who is crushed is not Jesus but Israel, a corporate person, who was crushed in the Babylonian exile. As Israel looked back on the exile, to whom else could they attribute both their pain and their deliverance? Only God. God is the answer to their every question. Making sense of a tragedy usually occurs only after it is over and one can see again, see the fruitfulness. “Let your steadfast love be upon us,” the psalmist prays. Why not in us? A rabbi taught that God lays love on us so when our hearts break, the love may fall into our hearts for healing. Hebrews highlights Jesus sympathizing with our weakness so that we may approach the throne of grace boldly. In the gospel, Jesus invites us to be servants, as he is. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Only after the tragedy of the crucifixion, could the disciples see how God made this unjust and evil death fruitful.
When has suffering or tragedy struck you? How did you relate with God then? How was Jesus able to sympathize with your weakness? What is paining you now, personally or as you watch the world news? Approach the throne of grace boldly right now and make your needs known.
Deliver your people from death, from famine, typhoon and earthquake. You are the creator of the world. Do not rest. Be with us and all your people, strong to save.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Romans 4: 20-25; canticle of Zechariah, Luke 1; Luke 12: 13-21
While Luke sees Jesus’ crucifixion as a prophet dying for justice, Paul understands it in cosmic terms: “handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.” In another place (2 Cor ) Paul states that Jesus even became sin.
Looking back, long after the resurrection, the first community was trying to make sense of this tragedy. Jesus in today’s gospel is more practical: “Be on guard against all kinds of greed”. He then tells the story of the man who built more barns and God says, “You fool!”
Ask God to show you if there is any area in your life where God might say “You fool!” to you. Be still. Listen. Ask for the courage to change if you hear something. All kinds of greed. What greed grabs you? What do you really want? Try to offer it to God to dispose according to God’s will.
“Take and receive all I have and possess. You have given all to me. Now I return it. Dispose of it according to your will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough.”
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Romans 5: 12-21; Psalm 40; Luke 12: 35-38
“Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will!” is the antiphon for today’s psalm, one of gratitude for liberation, being drawn out of a muddy swamp. Paul too writes of our liberation; and where sin once abounded, now grace more abounds. Jesus warns that we have to alert for this free gift of deliverance. As soon as the master returns “he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them.” This is paradoxical because in another place, Luke tells us to remember that when we have done our duty, all we can say is we are unprofitable servants.
How do these readings match your experience. When have you been freed from a “muddy swamp” in your life? When have you known that where you once sinned, God’s grace more abounded in you? When has Jesus served you, whether at table, or washing your feet, or holding you in his embrace? Remember and give thanks (eucharisto).
We remember how you loved us to your death, and still we celebrate for you are with us now. Help all your people to know your love and to respond with gratitude.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Romans 6: 12-18; Psalm 124; Luke 12: 39-48
Just after we begin to put our trust in the God of Paul, always faithful in a loving covenant based on grace, wham! Jesus tells a story about a slave who is left in charge, but when the master is away, he begins to “beat the other slaves.” When the master returns on a least expected day, the master will “cut him in pieces”. Those of us “in charge” had better take note. Paul continues to encourage us “to present your members to God as instruments of justice.” And thank God that those who were once slaves to sin, now have become obedient to God “from the heart.”
How are you obedient to God? How could each of your bodily parts (“members”) be instruments of justice? Your tongue, your eyes, your ears, your heart, your arms and hands, your sexuality (the source of so much energy), your legs and feet? Contemplate your body and thank God that you are not cut in pieces but gradually, faithfully being made whole by the Spirit.
We do trust your faithful love, gracious God, even when we have been unfaithful. Where sin has abounded in us or in the world, may your grace triumph.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1; Luke 12: 49-53
Paul uses a strange image for those who prize their freedom and have worked to counteract the effects of slavery. “You have been freed from sin and enslaved to God.” The Alleluia verse from Paul to the Philippians explains “I count all things worthless but this: to gain Jesus Christ and to be found in him.” Jesus asks: “Do you think I have come to bring peace? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Some laity fear that the Vatican investigation of women religious will divide communities. Not if we are rooted and grounded in Christ. Laity and religious have nothing to fear because the documents of Vatican II have affirmed freedom of conscience. We all are found “in Christ Jesus.”
What enslaves you yet? How much do you want to be free – from fear, from public opinion, from Vatican judgments? Ask the Spirit to deepen your foundation in Christ so that nothing can shake you, for all else is worthless.
Holy Spirit, free the poor of this world from slavery to poverty, hunger, domestic abuse. Free us from fear and from slavery to religion. Do not let us make anything an idol.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Romans 7: 18-25; Psalm 119; Luke 12:54-59
In Luke 12, Jesus seems disturbed, angry and actually used the word “stressed” in yesterday’s gospel. Today he calls the crowds hypocrites because they do not know how to interpret the signs of the times. John XXIII called Vatican II to address the signs of the times. He said we need new language to clothe ancient truths. And now?
What do you remember of Vatican II? Do you remember anything about church life before this ecumenical council? What benefits have you received from interpreting the signs of the times? Pray for church leaders, that they continue, expand and deepen Blessed John’s vision.
Entrance antiphon: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Of whom should I be afraid? The Lord is the defender of our lives? Who can make us tremble?”
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Romans 8: 1-11; Psalm 24; Luke 13: 1-9
Paul is reassuring: “To set your mind on the Spirit is life and peace…you are in the Spirit…who dwells in you.” Then Jesus interprets the signs of the times, noting that some who were killed by Pilate or by a falling tower were “no worse” than others living elsewhere. His parable highlights his great desire that we bear fruit. The owner of a fig tree which is not producing is ordered cut down, but the gardener pleads for another year.
He will dig around it, put manure on it, and is hopeful that then it will bear fruit.
How has God been digging around you, digging you up? What is the manure that God spreads in your life? How do you feel about this? How much do you want to bear fruit? How can manure and peace co-exist in your life? Pray for all who can find no meaning in what they suffer.
“Alleluia! I do not wish the sinner to die…but to turn to me and live.” Thank you for the gift of your indwelling Spirit, living in us and growing our world in life and peace.
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Sunday, October 25, 2009 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52
In this year of the priest, how appropriate that our second readings on the Sundays of October and November are from Hebrews which focuses on Jesus our only high priest, and on the new covenant he embodied. Our first reading today is God’s promise of that new covenant, one of ingathering, bringing everyone, even the blind, lame and outcast home. God will personally gather from the farthest part of the earth the blind and the lame—those judged to be sinners in Jesus’ Judaism. “Those who sow in tears will reap rejoicing,” the psalmist proclaims. Bartimaeus doesn’t weep but yells out for God’s mercy made tangible in Jesus. “Many sternly ordered him to be quiet.” Reflecting in this year of the priest, we notice that priests can be like God, welcoming the lame, blind and sinful; or they can be like the crowd, telling those most in need of mercy to be quiet. Hebrews highlights Jesus’ priesthood, mediating not between us and God, for God already is covenanted with us, but between the outcast and the righteous. Pope Benedict says: “The heart of scripture is that God desires mercy, not sacrifice” (June 8, 2008).
We were brought up to see priests as mediating, like Jesus, between us and a wrathful God. No longer. We, so immersed in scripture, are beginning to believe what the Pope says. Can you believe it? Good news: you are loved, unconditionally and forever. Ask to believe, to trust God’s steady love, and ask that all Christians might give up fearing God, judging others and might welcome the outcast instead.
Open our eyes! Have mercy on us, we shout to you, Jesus. Help us to take into our hearts all those whom the world despises. Give us your heart of mercy, please.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Romans 8: 11-17; Psalm 68; Luke 13: 10-17
When Jesus healed a woman bent for 18 years, saying, “’Woman, you are set free from your ailment’…The leader of the synagogue was indignant”. Who is the true “priest” in this scene? Paul writes of freedom, freedom from fear. Fear is an indication of our slavery. The Spirit sets us free from slavery and teaches us to call God “Abba!” The best translation of Psalm 68’s last stanza is: “Blessed be God who bears our burdens day after day. Our God is a God who saves!” Imagine, a God who bears our burdens, who does not add to them as priests and Pharisees of Jesus’ day did.
Try entering this gospel scene bent over. Get your body involved, if you can move like that. How long before your back begins to scream in pain? How many people are bent over in nursing homes, youngsters with birth defects, veterans home from war? Gaze at them with Jesus’ love and mercy. Who is bent over in fear, in interior slavery, with emotional and mental problems? Gaze at those whom you know and ask the Spirit to comfort those whom you don’t know. Hear Jesus say directly to you: “You are set free!” Respond.
Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of your Spirit who sets us free from slavery and addiction and calls out in such intimate terms to God. Help us to bear others’ burdens.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 126; Luke 13: 18-21
All of Romans 8 is worth our reflective reading. One of the best parts which should come tomorrow, 8:26-31, will be skipped because of the feast of Simon and Jude.
Today’s selection undergirds so much of our new respect for all of creation. “Creation will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the children of God.” Both creation and we groan with hope, in labor like a pregnant woman. Jesus uses the homely creatures of mustard seed and leaven buried in flour. The psalmist sees the desert bloom.
If you can, take your prayer outdoors today. Take a long, loving look at all that God has fashioned. If you cannot, look out a window and see what glory you can see. Perhaps you cannot see; remember. Remember all the beauties of creation, whether lakes and mountains, or the daisies that bloomed in your yard this summer. How will you respond?
We pray for all who work the earth. Give a good harvest to us in the north; a fertile planting to those in the south. We need your blessings of water and sun. Thank you!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - Feast of apostles, Simon and Jude
Ephesians 2: 19-22; Psalm 19; Luke 6: 12-19
Is there any deeper longing in the human heart than a desire to belong? The author of Ephesians assures us that we are “no longer strangers and aliens.” We are part of the living dwelling place, the living, growing Body of Christ. The night before Jesus makes any major decision, in Luke’s theology, Jesus spends time in prayer. Today he chooses the Twelve, and perhaps more importantly, as he stands at the foot of the mountain “multitudes from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon” join him. They mob Jesus, but there is no discrimination here about the Gentiles from the coast. “Power came out from him and healed all of them.”
Chances are that you too pray before and during each major decision. Shall you focus on the way the Body of Christ in which you are deeply embedded grows? How?
Shall you focus on the openness of Jesus to all nationalities and races and religions?
How can he continue that open welcome through you?
Let power come from you, saving Jesus, to flood our hurting earth and all its peoples. Heal creation. Heal all the people of the world, and let us share your work.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Romans 8:31-39; Psalm 109; Luke 13: 31-35
“If God is for us, who can be against?” God has given us the ultimate expression of God’s own self, Jesus. Paul then asks, If God has given us such a gift, how can God fail to lavish on us all that God is? Nothing can separate us from such a deep and penetrating love, “nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Not even sin—unless we choose it. Perhaps some do refuse such a lavishing. Jesus weeps in disappointment over Jerusalem. Perhaps he was praying psalm 109: “I am poor and needy and my heart is pierced within me.” How he wants to gather Jerusalem to his heart like a mother hen, “and you were not willing.”
What is piercing your heart today? Does the pain bring you closer or distance you more from God? What blocks have you set up so that God’s lavishing all that God is cannot get through? Do you want to be gathered to Jesus’ heart? Tell him of your fears, temptations, idols—and especially your desires.
Jesus, you cry “Jerusalem, Jerusalem!” We join you and cry, “Sudan, Congo, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia” Pierce our hearts with love for your people, Jesus!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Romans 9:1-5; Psalm 147; Luke 14: 1-6
Paul tells of his pierced heart, “great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” because his fellow Jews do not accept Jesus. We don’t think Paul had children, but he feels as any parent would. He would rather be cursed and cut off from Christ if only his people might be saved. Jesus, who heals a man on the Sabbath, also retorts like a parent:
“If one of you has a child…who has fallen into a well…”
You who are parents—wouldn’t you rather suffer than see your child suffer? You who are childless, can you feel with Paul and with Jesus how parental love supersedes all Law? Ask for the gift of compassion for parents and children, to feel with them.
Take the suffering of all parents, in our countries and around the world, and pierce our hearts too. Give us your love for little ones, Jesus.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Romans 11: 1-2, 11-12, 25-29; Psalm 94; Luke 14: 1, 7-11
“When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping!’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.”
On Thursday we looked at the temptations to block God’s lavishing all that God is upon us. We do slip. Paul uses the word “stumble” in his assessment of the Jewish problem. If the stumbling of the Jews “means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” Paul wants everyone included. Jesus teaches that we should take the lowest place at a banquet, “for all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
When have you had the experience of your foot slipping and God’s upholding you? Remember in detail and give thanks. This banquet includes everyone. Do you agree, or should some be excluded? Tell Jesus why or why not. Then listen to him.
Our feet have slipped and we have stumbled into sin. Thank you for your constant forgiveness. Remove judgment from our hearts so that we may enjoy the company of the “least.”
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\Sunday, November 1, 2009 - Feast of All Saints
Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24; 1 John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12
The book of Revelation was written to console Christians who were being persecuted by Rome. Its symbolism spoke to the people of that day, but sometimes it frightens modern readers. For example, in no way can we take literally that only 144,000 will be saved. Instead, we proclaim to God: “This is a people who longs to see your face.” In John’s letter he reminds us that we are already God’s children and what we are to become has not yet been revealed. We have a fairly good clue (see the prayer at the end today!). Michael Crosby likes to ask Catholics to recite the ten commandments, which most can do; then he asks them to write the eight beatitudes with their promises.
Very few can comply. Very few of us know how to be blessed, happy, holy according to the values Jesus expresses today.
Try to remember as many of the beatitudes as you can. If you miss some, ask the Spirit to show you why that or those are missing. Write the promises. Which ones attract you? Which have you forgotten? Spend some time with these eight invitations to holiness.
“May we come to share the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share our humanity”. Thank you for this process of our growing into God, Holy Spirit.
Monday, November 2, 2009 - Commemoration of all the faithful departed
Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23; Romans 5: 5-11; John 6: 37-40
Once this feast was dedicated to getting “souls” out of purgatory. Coming to know God so much better now (even if in Romans, Paul speaks of God’s wrath) many have ceased to believe that there is a purgatory. We certainly don’t “get them out” or even persuade God to get them out, as though life after death were a place. So today we celebrate all the “little” saints, all those who have gone before us in faith, all our friends, relatives, and benefactors. How do we know they are with God? Paul writes: “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” This gift of God cannot be revoked (Rom 10). And Jesus promises: “This is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything…” God’s will is not wrath but loving welcome to our everlasting home, as the Psalm confirms too.
Join your loved ones who have died. You might ask them to pray with you, you might invite them to have a meal with you later, or take a walk. Let them be with you and speak to you. You can speak with them for they really are alive, and now they love you perfectly.
Thank you, Jesus, for not losing any one of us entrusted to your care. You are the BEST shepherd, and we long to see your face, to live with you forever.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Romans 12:5-16; Psalm 131; Luke 14: 15-24
Today is the feast of Martin DePorres, the cast off child of a Spanish knight and native woman of Peru. He is the patron of social justice and racial harmony. How the readings, our normal continuous readings, fit him! We begin with the antiphon, “God gives the lonely a home to live in” (Ps 68). Paul offers us another hymn to love, less known and used than the famous 1 Corinthians 13. Martin especially extended “hospitality to strangers” in his work among the poor and sick of Lima. The psalm is the song of a humble person. The gospel is the parable of those invited to a banquet who refused; the host then instead gathered the “poor, crippled, blind and lame” to the feast.
Let us pray today for social justice not only among nations but in our church. All are welcome, especially the outcasts, at the banquet of Christ, but communion is refused to too many categories of Catholics. With whom would Jesus refuse to eat? You may be sad that your children or grandchildren have stopped celebrating Eucharist. Talk with Jesus about his feelings, even as you share your own, and your desires.
Convert us, Jesus, from our goodness. Remove judgment from our hearts and the hearts of those who think they can “control” your Eucharistic banquet. Forgive us.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Romans13:8-10; Psalm 112; Luke 14: 25-33
Today we celebrate Charles Borremeo, the patron of the SSND American “foundress,” Mother Mary Caroline. Again, some of the continuous readings can fit her spirit. The entrance antiphon is about good shepherding; Romans is about love as the complete fulfillment of the law. The gospel urges us to take up our cross even if it means leaving family “and even life itself,” as Caroline did on mission to the New World and wearing herself out opening schools and caring passionately for the students and their teachers. It is the psalm that characterizes her best: “They are gracious, merciful and just, they deal generously and lend...they have distributed freely, they have given to the poor…” Caroline even “lent” some SSND postulants to a Bavarian community who would be called the School Sisters of St. Francis!
Look at your lending today. To whom do you lend? To whom do you give freely? Why? How? Ask to give and not to count the cost.
They are literally crucifying children in Sudan, and we shrink from any pain or discomfort. Come to the aid of your people! Keep them safe “over there” and keep us generous over here!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Romans 14: 7-12; Psalm 27; Luke 15: 1-10
“Whether we die or whether we live, we belong to the Lord.” What a consolation Paul offers us. Oh to be that free! That unafraid. That is what the psalmist proclaims: “The Lord is my light and my salvation! Of whom should I be afraid?” Jesus in the Alleluia invites the heavy burdened, and who is more heavily burdened that those who
“live” life in fear of death. There is not a think to fear, promises Jesus, for if we are indeed a lost sheep we have a God who searches and searches for us. Even if we sin, God like a housewife will look and look for us like a lost coin, and God will rejoice to pick us up.
Too often he media creates and feeds our fears. Terrorists, Sharks. Now it is swine flu. Or maybe that the next plane we take will overshoot its mark. So? It might help to review your fears about once a month, write them down and look at them, month by month. Cross out the unrealistic ones. Repeat frequently today and always: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation. Of whom should I be afraid?”
Thank you for taking us to yourself, so that we always know to whom we belong.
So many do not know to whom they belong, families broken, tribes dispersed. Give all of us a home.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Romans 15:14-21; Psalm 98; Luke 16: 1-8
The gospel is a hard saying of Jesus, leading up to praise of the shrewdness of a servant who is about to be dismissed, unable to dig, ashamed to beg. So he reduces the amount the master’s creditors owe—he who has already squandered the master’s property! Paul on the other hand has not wasted a moment in handing on good news, but will not boast because it is Christ who has accomplished everything.. The Alleluia verse reminds us that we are in a lifelong process of being and becoming: “Whoever keeps the word of God grows perfect in the love of God.”
Are you growing, gradually, more and more in the love of God? When have you squandered grace? What has Christ accomplished through you? Try to give God the glory as you move from task to task today.
Thank you for removing shame from our hearts, Jesus, and setting us free. Bless those “unable to dig” because they are sick, in pain, without a job. Give us strength to work, and especially to love.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Romans 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145; Luke 16: 9-15
Paul ends his letter to the Romans: “To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.” As he concludes, he thanks those who have supported him, including Prisca, Mary and Junia, “prominent among the apostles.” Some manuscripts change Junia (f) to Junius (m)—so unusual is it that a woman should be counted an apostle. Likewise today. Our liturgists have omitted the first two verses of this last chapter in which Paul thanks Phoebe, called a deaconess of the church at Cenchrae and a helper or benefactor. We have plenty of evidence that there were deaconneses in the early church. Helper is prostatis in Greek. It is nowhere else used in the New Testament, which is written in a dialect of Greek. It is used in secular Greek and in the Greek translation of Chronicles in the Jewish scriptures. It means supervisor, overseer, governor. Super in Latin is over in English and epi in Greek; visor in Latin is look in English and scopus in Greek. A supervisor, overseer might well be the episcopos, the bishop of Cenchrae. Our church is poorer for not calling women to be priests and bishops, but as the Alleluia verse reminds us, our powerlessness is like the Word incarnate’s: “Jesus Christ was rich, but he became poor to make you rich out of his poverty.”
Again, move through the day consecrating each task to the glory of God. Remember all the influential women in your life. How were their gifts used for the glory of God? What do you hope for women in our church? In the Muslim world? Anywhere in the world where there is poverty? Share your hopes with Jesus, the poor one.
Thank you, Jesus, for emptying yourself, becoming like us in all things, even in the powerlessness that so many women experience. Give us your Spirit who is power.
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Sunday, November 8, 2009 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 17:10-16; Psalm146; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Mark 12: 38-44
There are two themes today. The most obvious is “widow.” In Hebrew, the word means the voiceless. Ezekiel depends on the kindness of a Gentile widow, whom Jesus praises after his mission statement in Luke 4. In the psalm, we hear God’s mission statement, on which Jesus comes to put flesh; the widow receives God’s care. In the gospel, the “shorter version”, Jesus praises the widow who “put into the treasury all she had to live on.” What trust in God’s care! The second theme is Jesus’ condemnation of those who “devour widows’ houses”. The Word became flesh to “deal with sin”, and because he has, his second coming will be to “save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
Why might the “shorter version” of the gospel omit Jesus’ condemnation of the pomp, hypocrisy and injustice of religious leaders? The entire selection is only six verses!
Who are the voiceless in today’s society? In today’s church? Pray for them as you name them. There is some hoopla about the year 2012 as the year of Christ’s return. How do you feel about that? Discuss with Jesus.
Thank you, God of Jews, Christians and Muslims, for your steady, faithful care of the voiceless, the widow, orphan, homeless and hungry. Make us your instruments of mercy.
Monday, November 9, 2009 - Dedication of Saint John Lateran, Rome
1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17; Psalm 46; John 2: 13-22
This church is titled “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world,” the “Urrbis et Orbis” church, the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, the Pope. The readings chosen, however, do not emphasize the importance of a building but rather the centrality of the Temple which is the very Body of Christ, that is, us. After cleansing the temple with its marketplace atmosphere, Jesus points to his Body as the true Temple. We are built on Christ as our foundation, Paul instructs. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells within you?...God’s temple is holy and you are that temple.”
We could spend days, even a life time pondering those last two sentences in our hearts. If we really really really knew that God’s Spirit lived within our bodies what changes might we make? In the treatment of our bodies? In the treatment of others’ bodies? In our attitudes, our emotions? Of whom should we be afraid if the Spirit lives within us and we are the Body of Christ?
A new heart create in us, O God, and a steadfast spirit put within us. Give us the joy of your salvation, the joy and freedom flowing from our realizing that your Spirit lives within us.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wisdom 2:22-3:9; Psalm 34; Luke 17:7-10
The Wisdom reading is often chosen for funerals, a public reminder that while the death of our loved ones seems a disaster, “they are at peace.” Jesus warns that we, the slaves of God, don’t get too puffed up like the scribes whom he condemned in Sunday’s readings. When we come in from our field work, we can’t expect the master to wait on us. Does the master thank the slave for doing his/her duty? No, Jesus says, we are to say,
“We are unprofitable servants, we have only done what we should have.”
We are always sinful, and so “we are unprofitable servants” is a worthwhile mantra to repeat frequently. Yet Jesus is one who turns expectations inside out. Earlier in this gospel and in John’s, the Master Jesus does indeed wait on us, washing feet, cooking breakfast on the beach. Whether your field work is teaching or typing, volunteering or suffering in bed, see Jesus coming to you and tenderly washing your feet, or feeding you. Let his tenderness wash over you, for “God is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit, God saves” (Ps 34).
Thank you for all your service of us. Let us serve you in your people with all our hearts and energy. Let our prayer serve if our bodies are failing. We trust your power.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - Remembrance Day
Wisdom 6: 1-11; Psalm 82; Luke 17:11-19
The first reading is perfect for this day we remember the end of the war to end all wars. God directs strong, strict words to rulers of nations; God demands justice or God will condemn. Even Jesus seems distraught that of the ten lepers whom he healed, only one returned to thank him, and he a “hated” Samaritan. The psalm can be our prayer too:
“Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute; rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Our readings issue a clear call to pray for world peace, an end to all war, gratitude for all the healing that has happened, gratitude for those nations who welcome the “hated” but grateful foreigner. We can pray with the words of the psalmist above today.
Forgive us, God of the only true power, for our abuse of power, personally and as nations. Thank you for welcoming us who once were strangers and aliens.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wisdom 7: 22-8:1; Psalm 119; Luke 17: 20-25
Take the Wisdom reading today and read it slowly, carefully, perhaps out loud. All that the author says about Lady Wisdom applies to the Word. Wisdom (feminine, Sophia) is interchangeable in late Jewish tradition with Word (masculine, logos). When the evangelist John saw the Wisdom/Word made flesh, Jesus, expression of God’s love and faithfulness, he could only use the masculine. This first passage gives such a beauty-full description of the cosmic Christ, raised as universal savior. In the gospel today Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man, an apocalyptic image from Daniel 7. We are not to be figuring out when he will come, for the kin-dom is already among us. As lightning covers the whole sky, so the risen Christ (who must first endure suffering and rejection)
lights up the whole cosmos with grace.
Trust that to take your Bible or missalette to read the passage from Wisdom carefully is to pray. Stop if your heart is moved to speak a word of awe, but even simply to read is to worship, the Jews taught. This is God speaking directly to you. No words are necessary, but your heart will probably respond.
Come, Jesus, come! We long for justice and peace to kiss and for truth to spring out of the earth. We long for your light and grace to suffuse the whole universe!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wisdom 13: 1-9; Psalm 19; Luke 17: 26-37
In the gospel, Jesus paints a more fearsome picture of the end of the world than lightning suffusing the sky! The Wisdom reading offers more to treasure in our hearts. The author bemoans the foolishness of those who can appreciate the glories of nature, but have no idea of the “artisan…for the author of beauty created them.” Yet they cannot be blamed for they keep searching for this creator of beauty.
Check your own attitude as you watch TV, the internet or newspapers. Are you more excited about dire predictions and disasters, present or to come? Or do you
concentrate on the beauties of our universe, our planet, your neighborhood and the creator of beauty? Search today for the author of beauty. Pray for all who honestly search for a relationship with God.
With Augustine we pray: O Beauty, ever ancient, ever new! Late have I loved you, but never loved I till now!” Deepen our love and gratitude for the beauties of earth.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wisdom 18: 14-16, 19: 6-9; Psalm 105; Luke 18: 1-8
“While gentle silence enveloped all things…your all powerful Word leaped from heaven….” So begins our Wisdom reading, reminding us that Advent is almost here. However, instead of a helpless baby, this almighty Word is a warrior who brought death, “while the whole creation was fashioned anew.” Jesus tells a parable of a widow (voiceless) who uses both voice and persistence to wear down a wicked judge. Pope John XXIII called Vatican II so that we might find new images and language to clothe ancient truths and this parable is a good example. Only when the voiceless (the poor, women, other outcasts) began to find their voice did they re-interpret the parable. God is not the unjust judge. God is in solidarity with the voiceless. God is the widow crying to us, the unjust judges of who is right, who is wrong, who is in, who is out. God identifies with the poor and helpless of this world.
We began the week hoping to view ourselves and others as temples of the Holy Spirit, not judging ourselves or others, but appreciating the Spirit within. How did you do with that reverencing—or were you just as or more judgmental of yourself and others?
Pray for the gift of not judging the motives of others.
A new heart create in us, O God. An accepting spirit renew within us. Thank you for choosing the poor and voiceless to convert us from our self-righteousness.
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Sunday, November 15, 2009 - Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daniel 12: 1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13: 24-32
We know what is coming: the end of ordinary time, when extraordinary signs will appear and the end time approaches. For many fear rears up as we listen to what has been termed Mark’s “little apocalypse.” However, apocalyptic literature was written to bolster hope in people who were oppressed, a promise that God’s goodness would overturn injustice and raise the dead. Hebrews assures us that we have been made perfect, not by an effort of “merit” of our own, but because Jesus has set us free from sin, by his “single offering.” The psalm is a one of comfort, but one of its loveliest lines is missing: “How wonderfully God has made me cherish the holy ones who are in the land.”
Who are the ones who give you hope? Whom do you cherish? Another way to contemplate is simply to take a long, loving look at each one. How do you experience Jesus’ saving power? What more do you need? Tell him. Ask him.
Thank you for the path to life, for freeing us from fear, for giving us people to cherish. Open our hearts to cherish those who have nothing, the insignificant of this world.
Monday, November 16, 2009
1 Maccabees1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64; Psalm 119; Luke 18: 35-43
From the snippets above, it is evident that Maccabees should be read straight through as a story of courage and heroism. We also celebrate two very different women: Margaret of Scotland, wife and mother, and Gertrude the Great, a Benedictine nun and mystic who was never really canonized. In Luke, Jesus overrides the stern shushing of the crowd, stands before a blind man and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Gertrude’s friend St. Mechtilde asked Jesus to take away Gertrude’s temper. Jesus replied, No, for every time she gets angry, her contrition is so pleasing to me. There is no one way to holiness: whether exercising heroic courage or mothering well, whether angry or peaceful, all are precious to Jesus.
Do you relate with Margaret or Gertrude? Do you have a particular fault that Jesus seems to ignore? Talk with him about that fault or sin. With whom does he like to eat? Hear him ask you directly: What do you want me to do for you? And you respond….
“Alleluia! Whoever follows me…” Jesus, we want to do more than follow you. You live within us, healing and shaping our hearts. Help us to embody you in our daily,
ordinary lives.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Psalm 3; Luke 19: 1-10
As we read of Eleazar, 90 years old, one of Israel’s wise and prominent men, rebuffing the king’s friendship and riches, choosing torture and death over eating pork we might wonder: what’s so awful about pork? Eleazar instructs us. The Jews have a covenant with God. Why should he give bad example to young Jews by breaking covenant with God for a brief moment longer of life? Like Jesus, he groaned under the blows, but “gave an example of nobility…to the great body of his nation.” Covenant is initiated by God, by God’s loving us first. We have such an example in Zacchaeus. Jesus wants to eat with a “sinner” to the horror of the crowd. There are no conditions that Jesus places on entering a tax collector’s house. But in response to being loved and accepted, the man voluntarily makes amends and the “lost” has been sought and saved.
With whom have you made covenant? What weakens the bond, and what strengthens it? Has anyone in your life loved you first? How did you respond? Let us pray today for those temped to break faith, water down covenant promises. Let us pray for all who groan under persecution and torture.
Forgive us, God of grace, for the ways we cheat on our responsibilities. Forgive our nations for our religious righteousness, racism, sexism, militarism and even torture.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
2 Maccabees 7: 1, 20-31; Psalm 17; Luke 19: 11-28
We hear the story of a mother who watched her seven sons be tortured and killed in order to be faithful to the covenant. We find embedded in this story which is not included in the Jewish scriptures today a firm faith in life after death. So many Jews in our countries do not believe they will live forever, but this mother assures them: “The Creator will in mercy give life and breath back to you, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of God’s laws.” Jesus in Luke tells the parable of the talents. Luke, the evangelist of God’s mercy, depicts the ruler as most power hungry and cruel. We may conclude that Luke is making a statement about those who will persecute Jesus in Jerusalem, for “after saying this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.” This evil ruler is not God.
What talents has God given you? What did you used to believe about God’s asking you to account for your talents? Now that you know God more truly, what do you believe? Do an Ignatian contemplation. Picture your talent (just a coin), bury it and enjoy yourself. Now Jesus enters the scene. What happens next?
A new heart create in us, O God, a heart free from the need for power and possessions. Give us the gift of solidarity with all the dispossessed of our world.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
1 Maccabees 2: 15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19: 41-44
Again, reading both books of Maccabees is like reading an action novel. Then we turn to Luke. Jesus is weeping over Jerusalem. “If you had only known the things that make for your peace.” For your shalom – peace, wholeness, health, integrity.
Let’s keep it simple. First, is there anything about which Jesus is weeping over you? Discuss this with him, and listen. Secondly, let your imagination take you around the world and join in solidarity with Jesus’ weeping. Ask him how he could hope with such sadness overwhelming him. Ask him for his gift of hope to live in you.
Jesus, we won’t tell you for whom we pray. You tell us, please. Instead, we will listen to your tears and ask you to show us over whom you are weeping today.
Friday, November 20, 2009
1 Maccabees 4: 36-37, 52-59; canticle from 1 Chronicles 29; Luke 19: 45-48
The Temple for which the Maccabee family sacrificed so much for to restore and rededicate is ruined again. (Read this Maccabees’ selection if you want to understand what the feast of Hanukkah is about). The Temple is defiled again, this time by Jews selling in the Temple, and Jesus is in a rage. He drove out the sellers and then quietly took his place, teaching in the Temple and infuriating the religious leaders. The people were spellbound.
What teaching or action of Jesus holds you spellbound? Enter the gospel scene and be part of the action, or hear him address you personally. Scripture does what it says and he, the risen Word of God, is acting and speaking on your behalf –now. Stay with the scene or the word and just savor it.
Thank you for your anger, Jesus. Help us use our anger on behalf of justice, and root out all other motivations for anger or annoyance, especially a sense of entitlement.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Psalm 9; Luke 20: 27-40
For an excellent example of how greed, the never-ending search for more wealth and power, the planning that turns to dust, read the Maccabees selection and see how King Antiochus became “sick with disappointment.” This depression “gripped him” and he realized he was dying. “Now I remember the wrong I did in Jerusalem,” he admits. The psalmist reiterates: “The wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.” Jesus is being tested by the Sadduccees who do not believe in life after death. Jesus uses the example of Moses to refute their spurious claims, for God is the God of the living and to God Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are all alive.
Is there anything on your conscience that you want to admit to God, any wrong that discourages you? Confess to God and pray: “A new heart create in me, O God, and give me back the joy of your salvation.” Is there anyone who has died with whom you have unfinished business: disappointment, hurt you caused or the dead one caused you? Do you believe that they are alive with God? Then speak directly to them and then listen.
Remove all traces of greed from us, Jesus. Help us to hope only in God and not in possessions or power. Prince of peace, make justice rule our hearts, and through us, the world.
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Sunday, November 22, 2009 - Feast of Christ the King
Daniel 7: 13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18: 33-37
Does power mean ruling, managing, fixing, competing? Does power mean being with, staying with, listening, holding and listening again? Sometimes, especially in grief, people rage at God’s powerlessness. God’s is not always the dominion that Daniel portrays. God may not be clothed with strength, to quote the psalmist. We look to Jesus, “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead” before we ever bow before him as “Alpha and Omega, the Almighty”. We “Behold the man” as Pilate questions him, shivering in his blood soaked robe. Jesus responds, “You say that I am a king”—the strong, the leader. Then adds, “For this was I born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” He might have continued, “And when you kill me, God will show my power as Emmanuel,” the God who stays with, listens, holds.
How over the years have you wrestled with the paradox of God’s weakness and strength? When you call on a powerful God for rescue and you get a humble, gentle closeness from a very human Jesus, how do you feel? When others call on you, whom do they get? Someone who listens or someone who tries to fix problems? If it is hard for you just to stay faithful, to witness the pain of someone whom you can’t fix, pray for this gift of com-passion, suffering with, feeling with.
Jesus, our faithful witness, so many of us need leading, need direction, need meaning in our lives. Be our leader, our Prince of Peace, God’s justice-in-the-flesh.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Canticle from Daniel 3; Luke 21:1-4
The book of Daniel opens with the king of Babylon choosing the brightest and best of Israel’s young men to be his personal servants. Besides educating them in Chaldean culture (remember that Abraham came from Ur of the Chaldees?), the king wanted them to have a share of the royal feasts. Daniel pleaded that he and his companions should eat only vegetables and be tested. Indeed, at the end of the ten day test, they “were fatter” than the others who had meat and wine! They willingly chose the simple life; the widow in Luke’s gospel willingly chose to be destitute, giving to the temple treasury “all she had to live on.” Hopefully, she had thought it through. What were the priests going to do with her little coins? Sometimes we may have to starve the system rather than ourselves.
For what, to whom are you willing to give all you have to live on (and I don’t mean just money)? Discuss these priorities with Jesus. Listen to his priorities. Will you act on his advice, the Spirit’s nudging? Ask for the gift of wisdom, to make wise decisions.
We pray not only for vegetarians who act in conscience for the good of the earth; we pray for those who have nothing to eat, or just a few grains each day.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Daniel 2: 3, 9-10, 27, 31-45; Canticle from Daniel 3; Luke 21: 5-11
The king of Babylon was disturbed by a dream, which Daniel could interpret, detailing the fall of one kingdom after another. The Canticle calls on all creatures to “Bless the Lord”. Then Jesus in Luke’s gospel warns about the destruction of the temple, the deception of false Messiahs, “earthquakes… famines and plagues.” He assures us we need not be afraid: “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified.” We remember that apocalyptic is a form of literature written to give hope to people oppressed by evil. Since we are friends of Jesus, we must take his encouragement not to fear very seriously.
How do you feel about the end of the world as we know it? If you are terrified of other races and religions, talk with Jesus about your fears. He will not scold you. If you are terrified of natural disasters, ask for the gift of trust. When friends, relatives and especially youngsters tell you about the new movie “2012” about the end of the world, how will you respond? Talk with Jesus and ask him.
Kingdoms fall, and you stand, Prince of Peace. Help us to be at peace, trusting that you will lead us through every kind of calamity. Help us to help others be at peace, and accepting of others who are different.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-17, 23-28; Canticle from Daniel 3; Luke 21: 12-19
The kings of Babylon fall and a new king takes the vessels stolen from the Temple to use at his banquet for his thousand lords, his wives and concubines. In response to the desecration, suddenly a finger appears and writes on the wall of the palace. Terrified, the king sends for Daniel, who interprets the writing. He testifies to “God in whose power is your very breath.” Jesus expands his warnings about the end time. Bad enough, these natural disasters and wars, but even families and friends will betray us. Relationships are ruined. We are not to prepare a defense. Jesus himself will give us “words and a wisdom” to confound our oppressors.
Breathe in deeply and know that your breath is enveloped in God’s power. You are breathing in the very breath of God, the Spirit. Breathe out deeply and know that you are breathing out peace into our world. Breathe out God’s peace and power on each friend and relative, praying that your relationships may hold steady through crisis.
How much we need your words, Jesus, to calm the fears and prejudices of our compatriots. How much we need your wisdom to pray and work for peace and unity.
Thursday, November 26, 2009 - Thanksgiving Day in the United States
Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9; Luke 17:11-19
With apologies to Canadians and those from other countries who use these reflections, we will use the special readings today for Thanksgiving. Eucharisto in Greek means “I thank you”. Giving thanks, then, fits every eucharistic celebration. In fact, many prepare for Eucharist by gathering up all they are thankful for during the week, or remembering all the dying and rising they have done in union with Christ. The gospel today is the experience of Jesus’ disappointment that ten lepers are healed and only one gives thanks. Paul gives thanks to God for all the grace we have received. The antiphon for the psalm is “We thank you for your faithfulness and love.” Sirach is simple and short: “Bless the God of all…who fosters people’s growth from their mothers’ wombs...May God grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you.”
For what will you give thanks today? Healing, grace, God’s faithfulness and unconditional love, growth, joy, peace not only within you but among you? Something else? Don’t just list, but savor these gifts. Alcuin of York lived long before Canada and the US celebrated Thanksgiving days, but he prayed, “”Lord Christ, we ask you to spread our tables with your mercy…”
Christ Jesus, thank you for loving to eat, for feasting with both your friends and those who hoped to trap you. Deepen our love for friends and family and open us to our perceived enemies.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Daniel 7: 2-14; Canticle from Daniel 3; Luke 21: 29-33
Daniel had a dream-vision of many beasts with many horns, rather scary, as apocalyptic literature can be, to frighten those who persecute us. Then his vision turns to the Ancient One who took dominion away from the beasts. Finally, one like a son of man (in the Canadian version: one like a human being) came on the clouds and to him was given dominion and a kin-dom for all ages. The Son of Man imagery in the New Testament comes from this vision. Luke’s Jesus says we will know when the kin-dom of heaven is near. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
We know that literally heaven and earth have not passed away—yet—but the Word lives forever. How does the Word live in your heart? In your community or family? Is Jesus the Word made flesh in your prayer life? Or does he appear as the cosmic Christ, risen in glory? Some recent Office Books read: “Glory to you, Source of all Being, Eternal Word…” –or would you substitute “Word made flesh?” Why or why not?
Jesus, Word made flesh, Son of Man, son of Mary, Lord and Christ, cosmic Christ, redeemer, savior of the world, pioneer, first born of all creation, we adore you!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Daniel 7: 15-27; Canticle from Daniel 3; Luke 21: 34-36
Grim times. Daniel is so disturbed by his vision he asks “an attendant” for an interpretation. Daniel, the interpreter of dreams and visions? Jesus warns us not to let our hearts be heavy with dissipation and worries (Lk 24 on the road to Emmaus: “Oh you dull of heart!”). “Be alert,” Jesus insists. So let us turn to Daniel’s prayer, the Benedicite, from the opening of each phrase: Bless the Lord. All creatures all week have been called on to bless the Lord. Today we conclude with all peoples blessing God. To bless is to hand over all that one is. God lavishes on us all that God is (Romans 8) and we are invited to bless or surrender all that we are to God. Mutual self-giving. That is another meaning of Eucharist.
What does “dissipation” mean to you? Does worry enhance or dissipate your prayer? Do worries make you more alert or less to God’s care for you? God lavishes good on us. Does God really want us to surrender our worries, irritations, faults? What will you put on the paten tonight or tomorrow?
Don’t let us fly apart, God of wholeness. Keep us one, inside our own hearts, within our families and communities. Help us stay alert to our neighbors in need.
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Sunday, November 29, 2009 - First Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33: 14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36
Advent! “Lift up your heads!” Contemplate the picture which opens these reflections. A young peasant girl, working the fields, head lifted up, listening. This “Song of the Lark” could be Mary’s listening for God, an annunciation in daily life.
Luke continues the end times scenario. Jesus warns that people will faint from fear, but we are to fling off worries, stay alert, and lift up our heads to greet the Son of Man coming on the clouds. Jeremiah too promises a coming one who will bring justice. It is believed that the first letter to the Thessalonians is Paul’s first letter that was saved, maybe close to his own conversion from fear, needing to be perfect in keeping the law. He writes a joyful and encouraging word. His prayer for his new community is still his prayer for us who hear this word, for the word does what it says, and Paul continues to pray. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.”
What threatens you? When you cast off worries, where do they go? Will you be one who lifts up his/her head to greet Jesus coming again? He will come on the clouds, but he also comes in all those whom we love. Day after day, Jesus comes to us in each person we meet in order to love us and to call forth our love. Share with him your difficulties in loving. Pray for an abounding love.
Only you can lift our heads, Jesus, for we are ashamed that our love so often doesn’t translate into action for the “widows and orphans” of our day. Come, forgive us.
Monday, November 30, 2009 - Feast of Andrew, apostle
Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19; Matthew 4: 8-22
Matthew tells of Jesus’ calling Andrew and Peter from casting their nets. While the sons of Zebedee were mending their nets, Andrew and Peter were hard at work. There must be a school of fish in sight. They left their livelihood “immediately” (we won’t surmise about their families, but Jews did not believe in nor practice celibacy). A journey, an adventure. We are more discerning of Christ’s calls, perhaps a true call to leave everything to “fish” for people, or perhaps to offer our free time, talent and treasure to further his mission. Paul asks, how can anyone believe in Jesus if they have not heard of him?
How do you share your love for Jesus with others? What holds you back? To “believe” in Jesus is to entrust yourself to him. You have done that, whether you have left “nets” or not. So what makes it so hard to speak of him? Or is it easy for you? Discuss this with him. Ask for the gift, so prevalent in the early church, of “speaking boldly.”
Lift up our heads, we ask you again, Jesus. With so much scandal among our hierarchy it is hard for some of us to admit we are Roman Catholics. Give us courage.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72; Luke 10: 21-24
Because, with the exception of feasts, the readings for Advent are the same each year, this Advent we will focus on the entrance and/or the communion antiphon. “See, the Lord is coming, and with him all his saints. Then there will be endless day.” What very much characterizes Roman Catholics is our belief that our ancestors, our loved ones live and continue to love us. We are all, the living and the dead, the Body of Christ.
While Zechariah was writing about the Lord God, the church applies this to Jesus, the cosmic Christ. How do you picture the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ? Can you picture all those whom you know who have died and are alive with Christ? How do they look on you? Notice: Jesus is never without all his saints because we are all one Body.
Come, Holy Spirit, into all of our hearts: Jesus Christ is Lord. We adore you, Lord. We thank you for all your saints, and for including us among them.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23; Matthew 15: 29-37
“The Lord is coming and will not delay,” promises Habakkuk; Paul adds: “Christ will bring every hidden thing to light and reveal God to every nation.” Advent insists that every nation is involved in receiving Christ’s coming. Muslim nations, Israel, Hindu nations, Buddhist nations, all are welcome.
What hidden thing in your life might Christ bring to light? What do you want? He will not judge you or make you ashamed. What if he brings a gift to light, or a special grace that you may have forgotten. How do you want Jesus to use your prayer to reveal God to every nation? Perhaps you would like to choose a small, poor, forgotten nation to pray for each day in Advent.
Good, abundant God, thank you for the abundance of light whom Jesus is, scattering the darkness, healing the world. He is our radiance and our hope.
Thursday, December 3, 2009 - St. Francis Xavier
Isaiah 26: 1-6; Psalm 118; Matthew 7:21, 24-27
“This is a holy man who became God’s friend and glorious herald of God’s truth.” Do we become a friend of God, or has God befriended us from the first moment of our life? How do we accept the friendship already offered? Francis with great eagerness, was so zealous that Ignatius had so keep him grounded in his studies. When Francis would dream of traveling to Asia, Ignatius told him to give God his great desires and turn back to his books. Ignatius taught that God loves and uses our great desires.
What is your great desire? Maybe you have a number of great desires? Give them to God who can turn our desires for unity and peace, for love and truth into a building up of Christ’s body in various parts of the world.
With Francis, Therese and all missionaries with great desires, we beg you, Holy Spirit, to deepen and expand our desires. May all peoples hear the gospel of God’s love.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27; Matthew 9:27-31
“The Lord is coming from heaven in splendor to visit God’s people, and bring them peace and eternal life.” The wonder of this season is the Lord Jesus came not to visit but to become one of God’s lowly, poor people, a carpenter without many prospects for splendor and glory. Not in splendor but in a manger, not from heaven but from a peasant woman’s womb, here is the peace and the very life of God, pitching his tent among us. Becoming human, like us in all things.
The Word was made flesh and continues to dwell not only among us but within us. Contemplate the living Lord, the cosmic Christ who penetrates every cell of your being with life and peace. Breathe in that peace, and breathe out all that troubles you.
Holy Spirit, we breathe in your peace, and we exhale all the greed, pride, ambition that is not for God’s glory. Fill our minds and hearts with God’s own love for the lowly.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Isaiah 30: 19-26; Psalm 147; Matthew 9: 35-10:1, 5-8
“Come, Lord, from your cherubim thrones. Let us see your face and we shall be saved.” This antiphon is from Psalm 79 and refers to God as Lord. The reference is to the Ark of the Covenant with its carving of the cherubim rank of angels. Jews then and now never refer to God as YHWH, so sacred is that holy name. Instead they substitute Adonai, Lord. Moses had seen the burning bush, and back of God; Israel had seen the cloud and the pillar of fire. Their longing, like ours, is never satisfied. They want to see God’s face, and then they will be truly free, saved.
Have you seen God’s face? Where, when, how? How has that experience set you more free? If you have never seen God’s face, BEG that this be the Advent when you can see God’s face and be freed hatred, from fear.
We long to see your face. Help us to find your face in the faces of the distressed here and the violated overseas. Forgive us for making war and show us your face.
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Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Second Sunday of Advent
Baruch 5: 1-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1: 3-6, 8-11; Luke 3: 1-6
Luke moves from his infancy narratives to this historical context, listing who was ruling when the adult John appears on the scene, baptizing. Luke emphasizes Isaiah’s promise that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God,” for Luke’s Jesus wants everyone included. There is such joy in our reading from Baruch. “Put on forever the garment of the beauty of the glory of God.” We shall be named “evermore, Just Peace, Godly Glory.” God is leading us “in the light of God’s glory.” The psalm echoes the transformation from tears to shouts of joy. And Paul overflows with joy and thanksgiving, love, longing and prayer for this community, founded by women.
Ponder in your heart the glory and the beauty of God. Ask the Spirit to remind you when your tears were turned into joy. Savor those memories. Linger there for a while. If you are writing Christmas cards, who makes your heart overflow with joy, thanksgiving, love and prayer? Write each card as a prayer.
Compassionate Christ Jesus, make our “love overflow more and more” with knowledge and discernment to “produce a harvest of justice.” (Phil 1). We thank you for your great glory!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Isaiah 35: 1-10; Psalm 85; Luke 5: 17-26
To honor St. Ambrose, theologian and inspirer of Augustine, the entrance antiphon declares: “The learned will shine like the brilliance of the firmament, and those who train many in the ways of justice will sparkle like the stars for all eternity.” This applies not only to major theologians and great teachers. All who listen to the Word, who read spiritual books, who pray are “learned”. Many—parents, families, parishes, teachers and preachers—are training youngsters and adults in the ways of justice.
Whom do you teach, and how? Before? Now? Your children may be grown or you may have been childless. You may be incapacitated, bedridden. How do you want God to use your suffering to make a more just world? Tell God.
Thank you, God, that nothing is lost. Every tear, every joy, every prayer gives you glory. Every work, word, and/or suffering builds up the Body, and we thank you!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - Feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception
Genesis 3: 9-15, 20; Psalm 98; Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12; Luke 1: 26-38
The words of Isaiah 61 are put on Mary’s lips: “I exult for joy in the Lord; my spirit rejoices in my God, for God has clothed me in the garment of salvation and robed me in the cloak of justice, like a bride adorned with her jewels.” We often compare Mary’s Magnificat with the joyful song of Hannah over her son Samuel. Here is another refrain. We are invited to put on Christ; Mary here exults that God is clothing her with salvation and justice. Obviously salvation means more than getting to heaven and justice more than giving everyone his/her due.
What does salvation mean to Mary? Ask her; listen. How does this peasant woman do justice day by day? Ask her; listen. What do you want? How will this clothing fit you and your life style?
Thank you, God of glory, for our baptism, for immersing us in Jesus and filling us with his Spirit. Expand our hearts to take in the whole world, as Mary did and does.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Isaiah 40:25-30; Psalm 103; Matthew 11:28-30
“The Lord is coming and will not delay. God will bring every hidden thing to light and reveal God’s own self to every nation.”
How do you feel about Christ’s coming? As infant, as Eucharistic self-gift, as cosmic Christ, coming on the clouds? Where do you find Christ hidden in your daily relationships, activities? Try to imagine how God will reveal Christ to every nation. Pray for all who are afraid of being exposed.
Thank you for revealing yourself through Jesus. Thank you for the light he brings to our darkness and that of so many nations: sin, violence, war, greed. Show us our sin.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145; Matthew 11:11-15
“Lord, you are near. All your commandments are just; long have I known that you have decreed them forever.” God’s self-expression to the people of Israel is Torah, the Law with its 613 commandments. God’s self-expression to Christians is Jesus. We don’t ask “what would Jesus do?” When we do, speak, serve, be, it “is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Paul was “perfect” in keeping the 613 commands, he wrote to the Philippians (ch 3) and counts it so much garbage for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. When we are young, we need law, boundaries (Gal 4), but as adults Christ has set us free from law (Gal 5). It is easier to “measure” our “progress” if we can tally up commandments kept. How much more difficult to believe, to trust that Christ is growing us in wisdom and grace.
How does God express God’s own self to you now? How can you listen more deeply to Christ and incorporate him more fully? Examine each task you will do today and see how it is Christ living in you who works, who speaks, who loves. Offer all you do in word and in work for the glory of God.
For freedom you have set us free, Lord so very near. Show us what traps us, and help us work for freedom for those enslaved by trafficking, addictions, abusive relationships.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Isaiah 48: 17-19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11: 16-19
“The Lord is coming from heaven in splendor to visit all people, and to bring them peace and everlasting life.” So we hope. “We long for you, O Lord!” But Christ is among us already, usually not visible in splendor but in weakness, poverty, degradation. He often brings more peace and life to those so needy than to those who don’t know their need for God.
When are you most likely to long for Christ to come near? When are you most alert to his word, his presence, his work in your heart and in our world? What do you want? Tell him what you want for a Christmas present this year. Trust he wants to lavish all good gifts on you. He might not even wait until December 25.
How much we want peace, Lord Jesus. Open our eyes, ears and hearts to find new and creative ways this season to let you add peace and life to our world through us.
Saturday, December 12, 2009 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zechariah 2: 10-13; canticle of Judith, 13; Luke 1: 39-47
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” This is Mary, Mother of the Americas, our patroness. The picture left on the cloak of the peasant Juan Diego very much resembles this verse from Revelation. The rays of the sun flow out from her, and at least ten stars adorn her cloak.
What are we to learn from Mary’s apparitions? So often they are given to the young and the poor, those whom the world disregards. We call her “Our Lady,” “Notre Dame,” but scripture scholar John McKenzie says she more resembles the scullery maid in the basement of the castle than its lady and queen. As Elizabeth Johnson so aptly names her, Mary is “Truly Our Sister.” How is Mary your sister? What other names and titles do you give her?
Hail Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Pray for those who are dying now with no human comfort, no medicine, no help. You are the help of the weak.
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Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Canticle of Isaiah 12; Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 10-18
In the “Living with Christ” missalette, the woman who introduces this Sunday’s readings notes that a good teacher realizes that one who is full of fear is not free to learn.
Zephaniah knows that too. God puts aside all judgments, “and the Father will dance as on a day of joy,” sing the people. “You shall fear disaster no more,” says our God. Another hymn is based on the canticle-response: “You will draw water from the springs of God’s great kindness.” “Rejoice!” exhorts Paul, and “let your gentleness be known.” Gentleness too dispels fear. All this joy undergirds the peace which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Then when the Baptizer urges justice, our knowing that we are so well, so kindly, so gently loved, we hurry to do what is right in relationships.
Try to remember some fears that once distorted your learning, your relationships. How did they get healed? Imagine yourself standing before God and drawing a pail up from the very depths of God, a bucket overflowing with kindness and gentleness. Let this water wash over you, even as those baptized in the Jordan were washed in justice.
Let our gentleness be known, tender God! Take our hearts and make them yours, gentle and humble and welcoming all kinds of people. Remove fear from our world.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Psalm 25; Matthew 21: 23-27
On this feast of John of the Cross, our entrance antiphon mirrors his devotion, but also reminds us that every Eucharist is a sharing in the dying and rising of Jesus. “I will boast of nothing but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him the world is crucified to me and I to the world,” writes Paul.
How do you feel about the cross? Is it your boast? Have you other accomplishments dear to you? Name them for your gifting God who empowers you. Then ask to know Christ crucified more deeply, not because God needed to be paid off, but because Jesus was lifted up to draw all the scattered children of God into one new family (John 11:52). Gaze with him at this new family.
Thank you, Jesus, for your courage, your emptying yourself to be like us in all things, even rejection, suffering and death so that we might all become and be one.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Zephaniah 3: 1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34; Matthew 21: 28-32
“See, the Lord is coming and with him all his saints. Then there will be endless day,” writes Zechariah. This is the same antiphon that opened our December 1 liturgy.
The communion antiphon is from the New Testament: “The Lord is just. He will award the crown of justice to all who longed for his coming.” The Lord in the NT is the cosmic Christ.
How have you changed, grown in wisdom and grace since the beginning of Advent? What do want the cosmic Christ, working in and through his Spirit, to do for you, with you, through you? Spend some time just longing for and savoring his presence.
“We long for you, O Lord! (twice) Risen savior, king of glory, come today in mystery. Let us share your death and rising till you come in majesty.” If you know the tune, sing this frequently today.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Isaiah 45: 6-8, 18, 21-25; Psalm 72; Matthew 1: 28-32
“The Lord is coming and will not delay. Christ will bring every hidden thing to light and reveal himself to every nation.” This was our entrance song on December 2. Note how repetition can help the Word sink more deeply into our hearts. The communion antiphon today is “The Desired of all nations is coming, and the house of the Lord will be filled with glory.”
Since December 2, has Christ brought any hidden thing in your life to light? Ask the Spirit to remind you. Then wait a while to see what the Spirit bubbles up from deep within you. Do you even want to be full of light, so transparent to the Christ-light within you? What do you desire? What do the nations desire? Pray for your nation.
We beg you to convert all nations to yourself, cosmic Christ. Deepen our desires to find you hidden in “pagan” nations, even our own. Cleanse us of judgments, we pray.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Psalm 72; Matthew 1-17
Today we come closer, and begin the seven O Antiphons which we will use for our closing prayers each day. Our entrance antiphon is: “You heavens, sing for joy, and earth, exult! Our Lord is coming and God will take pity on those in distress.” We call it a “new” cosmology, but the ancient peoples seemed to have even more reverence for the enormity and beauty of the heavens, stars, planet, clouds, elements. They were awed by mystery, and yet knew (without proof) that all creatures praise their creator.
If you can take a walk today, notice everything and invite it to sing and exult for joy because its creator is taking flesh to live among us. Wisdom is the co-creator with God, according to Proverbs, and Lady Wisdom in history becomes the Logos taking flesh, Jesus. If you cannot leave your room or bed, notice everything within your sight, hearing or touch and ask it to join you in praise.
O come, Wisdom of our God most high, guiding creation with power and love. Teach us to walk in the path of knowledge. Alleluia!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72; Matthew 1: 18-24
“Christ our King is coming, the Lamb whom John proclaimed.” Short, and so direct. Three titles of Jesus: Christ, king and lamb. The communion antiphon adds another: Emmanuel.
Of the four titles above, do any move your heart? Why? In our O antiphon we call Jesus “leader” or “pioneer.” Actually Jesus didn’t give the Law to Moses; God did. What titles do you use in addressing Jesus? Don’t be boxed in by conventional, scriptural titles. Honey, dear heart etc, do quite nicely!
O come, Leader of ancient Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, rescue us with your mighty power. Alleluia.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71; Luke 1: 5-25
“He who is to come will not delay. Then there will be no fear in our lands, because he is our savior.” How is it that human beings are so mired in terror? The media knows that horror can attract attention and “sell papers.” Existential philosophy teaches that we are born with angst from which our English anxiety comes. In Greek, angostos means a narrow, choked up space—the birth canal. But we have a savior who wants to set us free from fear.
How shall you respond to Jesus’ deep desire that we do not be afraid. More than any other words in the gospels, he urges, “Do not be afraid.” Ask the Spirit to show you your fears. Take each one to Jesus and hear him ask you: “Is this realistic?” and “IF that were true or realistic, what would be so bad about that?” Any time you feel fear, turn to him and pray: Set me free, savior of the world.
O come, Flower of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all people! Save us (set us free) without delay! Alleluia!
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Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5: 2-5; Psalm 80; Hebrews 10: 5-10; Luke 1: 39-45
Micah promises a shepherd-king like David to be Messiah. All will be gathered together and he will feed his flock. “He shall be peace.” In Psalm 80, God is addressed as the Shepherd. If God’s face shines on us, we will be saved. In Hebrews, words of the psalmists are put in the mouth of Christ, the risen one, to show that God does not want sacrifice, but obedience: “See, I have come to do your will, O God.” (And we remember that God’s will is shalom). The Alleluia verse narrates Mary’s obedient response to God, and the gospel, her loving response to her cousin’s need. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and gives a “loud shout,” calling Mary blessed. For God to bless means that God has poured all of God’s self into the one who is blessed. This is true. God has lavished on Mary all that God is.
And you? How do you feel about God’s desire to lavish on you all that God is?
Do you want to do God’s will? Is it easier to “do” shalom or to receive all that God is?
How do you feel about God’s face shining on you? Do you want God to light up the dark spots deep within you? “They shall live secure,” promises Micah. Do you believe that this light shining in the darkness will make you more secure? Pray for inner security and world wide peace.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.” As we ponder this Mystery of God’s coming close, gather us together in closeness.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Psalm 33; Luke 1: 39-45
“Soon the Lord God will come, and you will call him Emmanuel, for God is with us.” Actually, Isaiah said to the king: “The young girl will conceive and bear a son and he shall be Emmanuel.” This child from Isaiah’s time will be an ordinary child. Royal indeed, but ordinary. All children might well be called Emmanuel, for God is with us in each one.
Remember gazing on a newborn or an infant and finding God there. Gaze on the child who still lives within you and wonder at the mystery of you, the depths and beauty of you, belonging so totally to God that you put flesh on God in 2009. Savor the God within and pray to reveal God to all whom you meet today.
(I am using the Canadian translation of the O antiphons) “O come, Emmanuel, God’s presence among us, our King, our Judge. Save us, Lord our God!” Set us free, and set free all those cowed by violence or those addicted.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
1 Samuel 1: 24-28; canticle from 1 Samuel 2; Luke 1: 46-56
“Gates, lift up your heads! Stand erect, ancient doors, and let in the king of glory!” We may know the tune put to Psalm 24: “The king of glory comes, the nation rejoices. Open the gates before him, lift up your voices!” This instruction to the “gates” could be directed to our hearts, that they open before Christ, Christ in the Eucharist, Christ in every ordinary thing. And would the nation rejoice to see him coming on the clouds?
Is there any “gate” in you that you prefer to keep closed to Christ? Ponder this, asking the Spirit to show you your sin or your preferred closedness. Pray today: “Holy Spirit, do not let me deny the truth. Open to me the gates of justice.”
“O come, king of all nations, source of your church’s unity and faith. Save all people, your own creation.” Open church leaders to unity, and the inclusion of all.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Malachi 3: 1-6; Psalm 25; Luke 1: 57-66
“A little child is born for us, and he shall be called the mighty God. Every race on earth shall be blessed by him.” This antiphon synthesizes Psalm 72, a hymn begging that the king’s son be anointed with justice. Instead of the usual “every nation,” this promises that every race will be lavished on by God. Nations are arbitrary entities; races spring from God’s own creativity, God’s hope for unity among so much diversity.
Everyone comes to the baby: shepherds deemed unclean by the Pharisees, wise men who are Gentiles, the elderly Anna, the layman Simeon. “In Christ there is no Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, slave nor free” (Gal 3:28). Can we add, no gay nor straight, no Muslim nor pagan, no long-haired hippie nor clean cut business woman, no poor nor rich? All are one in Christ. BEG to believe this in a new and deeper way this
season when all are welcome.
(US translation) “O King of all nations and keystone of the church, come and save humankind whom you formed from the dust.” Jesus is justice, is unity, is our cornerstone.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 16; Psalm 89; Luke 1: 67-79
“The appointed time has come! God as sent God’s own son into the world!” All the promises, made to Abraham, Moses, David, made by all the prophets, are made full! God’s mercy and faithfulness are clothed with flesh, the dust of yesterday’s O antiphon, and fashioned into a baby. God lavishes all that God is on this child and on his mother. They put no block to God’s generous outpouring. They are light for the world.
We sing, “the weary world rejoices.” Feel your own weariness, sadness, discouragement, burdens both physical and emotional. Ask God to send the light into your heart, mind and body so that your own weary world might rest and rejoice. Pray for those who are alone in their pain.
“O come, radiant dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice and shine on those lost in the darkness of death.” Only you can bring them hope and joy. You are the savior of the world!
Friday, December 25, 2009 - Nativity of the Lord
Since many of us may celebrate Eucharist during the Midnight Mass
or during the day, we choose to ponder the Mass at dawn.
Isaiah 62: 11-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3: 4-7; Luke 2: 15-20
“Light dawns, and gladness!” proclaims the psalmist. Titus then makes very clear what the good news is which breaks in upon us like the dawn each day: “Not by any work that we do, but according to God’s mercy God has saved us.” It is because God is generous and kind, Titus teaches, that God richly pours the Holy Spirit on us. What righteous deed had the shepherds done, what long prayers, heroic sacrifices, extraordinary service? Yet they see the glory of God, the generosity of God made manifest in the angels’ song of “Peace to all of good will.” They rush off to find the infant in the manger. Mary ponders their words, their excitement, their amazement, and keeps on reflecting in her heart.
What are some of the things you ponder in your heart? If you are obsessed by any thing or person, give God a Christmas present and hand over the obsession so the savior can set you free today. Think long and hard about God’s generosity and your not needing to prove yourself to God. Good news: you are already loved, just as you are! How will you respond?
Thank you that Mary is like us in all things, that she suffered labor pangs with no mother or midwife, alone and frightened; that Joseph could only find a manger for the baby. Comfort all parents who feel helpless, alone, unable to provide.
Saturday, December 26, 2009 - Feast of Stephen, martyr
Acts 6: 8-10, 7:54-59; Psalm 31; Matthew 10: 17-22
The gospel is taken from Jesus’ missionary sermon, fitting for the One whom God sent into the world. Stephen never was a missionary, but his death sparked the first missionary movement. Christians, except the apostles, fled in various directions, bringing the good news with them. Why Stephen so enraged the Sanhedrin is that missing piece between our two selections for today. Stephen speaks against the Temple, arguing that we have a tenting God, not one whom we can capture in a building. This is the original language of John’s prologue: “The word became flesh and pitched his tent among us.”
How have you at times tried to capture God, confine God, define God (for to define is to set limits)? What did you learn from those experiences (discipulus/a is a learner in John’s theology)? Before we are sent, we learn. Jesus learned from the depths of God and then was sent to make God known (Jn 1:18). When have you known God/Jesus/Spirit as a tenting God? What implications does that have for your life?
Thank you, God, for calling us, teaching us, consecrating us in truth and sending us to proclaim your new kin-dom of love and peace, justice and unity. Give us courage.
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Sunday, December 27, 2009 - Feast of the Holy Family
1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84; 1 John 3: 1-2, 21-24; Luke 2: 41-52
A shadow of the cross falls across this Christmas feast. Mary belonged to two different families, the one with Joseph and Jesus, celebrated today; the one celebrated in Eucharist every day, when Jesus, lifted up, “gathers into one new family all the scattered children of God (Jn 11: 52). We are the new family and Mary is our mother. John’s letter reminds us we are already children of God and what we will become has yet to be revealed. The gospel piece is probably a tradition of Jesus’ becoming a Bar Mitzvah, a “son of the commandment.” That commandment is according to John is that believing which means trust, and loving.
If we are already God’s children, what more could we want? What do you want? Share that with God or Jesus or Mary. Of what commandment are you a son or daughter?
How is your loving in family, community, parish? How loving is your outreach to the poor and/or despised?
May we come to share the divinity of him who emptied himself to share our humanity. God, our father and mother, embed us more deeply in Jesus’ new family.
Monday, December 28, 2009 - Feast of the Holy Innocents
1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124; Matthew 2: 13-18
How many modern wives pay attention and obey the dreams and visions of their husbands? Angels continue to announce to Joseph and he too is obedient, taking his family into exile in Egypt. Whether there is any historical basis for this “flight” is not important because Scripture does not call for faith in history, but trust that God’s word
gives us truth we need for our salvation. What truth for our salvation here, when so many innocents are being slaughtered, abandoned, trafficked in today’s world! The children of addicts in our countries, children in refugee camps around the world, children sold by their own parents, children maimed by war and violence.
Let your imagination take you around the world. Go to the burnt out villages of Sudan, the refugee camps of Kenya, the Arizona desert along the Mexican border. “Flee” with Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Watch Joseph and Mary with the baby enter these situations, perhaps even the violent family home next door. How can they help?
O God, spare the infants, heal the children, and enrage us to the point of action.
Show us, holy Spirit, some way in which we can stop abuse, even if it is a small step.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
1 John 2: 3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2: 22-35
Art work can distort the scriptures. For example, the Annunciation, most of us would say, was made to Mary by Gabriel. Right, in Luke’s gospel, but not in Matthew’s where Joseph receives the annunciation. For some reason Simeon is portrayed as an old man and often thought of as a priest. He might be your age, and is undoubtedly a lay man. He knows whom he is holding and warns Mary of what will come. John’s letter warns us against hating. Today we celebrate Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury and martyr. There are many Catholics who are deeply disturbed by the admission of whole Anglican parishes and dioceses into the Roman communion. Do we welcome communion, John would ask, in the light who is Christ?
Can you pray with Simeon: “Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation”? Then he looks down on the face of an infant. It is enough for him. When will you be ready to die? What more do you think you must do? Discuss this with the adult Jesus.
You are dawn from on high who breaks upon us, the light of the Gentiles. Bring us into communion with all people, walking in your light, bathed in your light and life.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
1 John 2: 12-17; Psalm 96; Luke 2: 36-40
Luke throughout his gospel parallels a man with a woman. Perhaps because Anna, called a prophet, is 84 years old, we imagine Simeon to be old as well. “She never left the temple” is an overstatement; there were no facilities for women (even for men; the priests lived at home and came at their appointed time to serve). Luke is steeped in a biblical spirituality so perhaps he is remembering Psalm 84 (see last Sunday) or even Psalm 23: “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”
How do you name your type of spirituality? Biblical? Liturgical? Sacramental?
Marian? Christocentric? Spirit-ed or charismatic? What feeds your spiritual life, your relationship with God? Centering prayer? Ignatian contemplation? Not that it really makes any difference, for we pray as we can, not as some book or guru tells us. Thank God for the richness of our spiritual tradition.
Thank you for Anna’s speaking your word, God of grace and glory, to all who had ears to welcome salvation in the person of this helpless infant. Give us ears to hear the cry of children and the cry of the poor.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
1 John 2: 18-21; Psalm 96; John 1: 1-18
“God of grace and glory” is how we addressed God in yesterday’s prayer. Now let us look back over the whole year. Where have you noticed grace at work in your life?
Jesus came full of grace and truth, which in Greek can be translated back to Hebrew as
hesed and ‘emet. Hesed means grace, love that is tender, unconditional, abundant, another name for God. So Jesus puts flesh on this unconditional and faithful love of God for us. “Not one has ever seen God, but the one who is closest to the Father’s heart has made God known.” Yes, to see Jesus is to see God in the flesh, joining us sinners to journey with us until sin is nailed to a cross and God raises Jesus into glory. “Grace has come through Jesus Christ. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace upon grace upon grace.” The Greek word for “upon” means a continuing. Grace and glory have been flowing throughout 2009.
Ask the Spirit to open your eyes to see, and take time to write down some personal realizations of God’s faithful love, and some national or global experiences of grace.
Thank you for this year of grace, God of unconditional and faithful love! Thank you for Jesus who embodies you. Thank you for the Spirit who fills us with grace.
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istening
to the Spirit: