 istening
to the Spirit:
Reflections for
March 23-29, 2008
EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2008 ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
Jesus says: “O give thanks to our God, for God is good!”
And we respond:….
Monday, March 24, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 2: 14, 22-33; Psalm 16; Matthew 28: 8-15
Jesus hopes to set us free from striving, to show us that it is all God’s work. Notice how often in Peter’s sermon Jesus is passive: “God raised him up….You [God] make me full of gladness in your presence…This Jesus God has raised up…” What can we do but “come to him, take hold of his feet, and worship him” as did Mary Magdalen and the other Mary who meet him on the road?
How is your balance of activity and passivity? In your various relationships? In your relationship with God? Could you let go and let God raise you up? What might that look like? What needs raising in your life? Could you cling to Jesus? If so, what change might that effect today in you?
“Our hearts are glad, our bodies rest secure….You show us the path to life, fullness of joy in your presence.” Let us let you raise us, change us, rest us, fill us. You are Lord.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Solemnity (Annunciation: March 31)
Acts 2: 36-41; Psalm 33; John 20: 11-18
God continues to work on Jesus, according to Peter: “God has made him Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified.” Our question echoes the question of those who heard Peter speak: “What should we do?” Peter’s response then, and Jesus’ call now, even amid the joy of Easter, is “Repent.” We always need to change our take-charge ways. Then Peter says: “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
If you really did receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, what might happen in your life? What would be changed? What do you want? Share your great desires with Jesus.
As you spoke Mary’s name in the garden and she recognized you, Risen Christ, help us to hear you call our own name throughout the day. Help us to respond to you as the Spirit leads.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 3: 1-10; Psalm 105; Luke 24: 13-35
Peter and John give what they have to the lame beggar: the name of Jesus. Jesus continues to receive. As he walks with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “he walked ahead as if to go on. But they urged him strongly, saying: “Stay with us because it is almost evening …
So he went in to stay with them.” He who would wash feet now is himself cared for. He who would include everyone in his new kin-dom is now included in their supper.
What are you strongly urging Jesus to do now? What is Jesus urging you to do, to give, to receive? If you really knew that he stayed with you, what would change in your life? How would you let him tend you, and how would you tend him?
We are foolish and slow of heart, Jesus. Open our minds to your wisdom, and fire our hearts with your Spirit. Make us zealous in loving and receiving love.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 3: 11-26; Psalm 8; Luke 24: 35-48
God does the work: “God has glorified God’s servant, Jesus…the Messiah appointed for you.” According to this earliest understanding of Jesus (Christology) Jesus is the appointed Christ but will not operate as Messiah “until the time of universal restoration.” In the gospel, Jesus asks for some fish and then explains the Scriptures to his friends: “The Messiah is to suffer…” God did not need or want Jesus to be tortured in a classic abuse of power, but to be fully human, to love his brothers and sisters so totally, Jesus “had to” experience this kind of injustice in his dying, as so many continue to do today.
Ask Jesus to open your mind and explain the Scriptures to you. How is Jesus, in the last 24 hours of his life, like us in all things? What does it mean for him, not to cling to divinity, but to empty himself? What about you, your self absorption and your self emptying? Talk this over with Jesus.
“May we come to share the divinity of Jesus who emptied himself to share our humanity.” Help us to be human in the face of this world’s inhumanity. Make us instruments of peace and unity, we pray.
Friday, March 28, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118; John 21: 1-14
In the gospel, Jesus comes to find his own lost sheep, the apostles who return to “normal” by fishing all night and catching nothing. This story is replete with details. First, a call, “It is the Lord,” by one who is beloved and so very attentive. Then, a naked Peter jumps into the water. Finally, a charcoal fire with fish and bread on it (can’t you just see Jesus fumbling with flint, scaling and gutting the fish, digging deep into his bag for bread to toast?). Then he invites: “Come and have breakfast.” Instead of foot washing, which most of us in our culture won’t have a chance to offer, he makes a meal. Whatever it takes to serve, that is our master, leader and lord!
Every gospel invites us to get involved, to participate in the action. Are you someone who frequently recognizes the Lord? Are you impetuous, so eager to get to him that you jump into the sea? Are you so identified with Jesus that you find various ways to be of service to friends and “sinners” alike? To be “in” this scene is to be “out” of your self and its self-absorption. It is totally to identify with, or to keep your eyes and heart on Jesus. That is contemplation. Enjoy him. Eat his fish and bread and sit with him on the beach a while. Listen.
Great meal, Jesus! Thank you for all your services throughout each day. Open our eyes to the services others might need, and give us generous hearts, quick to love.
Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Solemnity
Acts 4: 13- 21; Psalm 118; Mark 16: 9-15
Throughout the week, the psalm refrain has always been Alleluia. Our solemnity, our week long celebration is coming to a close. The gospel reminds us of all the weeping the friends of Jesus had been doing when Mary of Magdala is sent to them with good news. It is the reading from Acts of the Apostles, however, which issues us a challenge, not only to pray for our governments, but to stand fiercely in opposition to laws which oppress the poor, the marginalized, and minorities. Peter and John have been forbidden to use the Name of Jesus in public and Peter boldly asks: “Whom shall we obey, God or human beings?” That is the question.
Ask the Spirit to show you whether like some of Jesus’ friends, you sit mourning the injustices in our countries and in the world, or whether you could challenge in public some of the policies which threaten our children, people of color, the hungry and have-nots. Wait. Listen. See what bubbles up. What is the Spirit enlightening you about? What to do? How to do it? Beg for wisdom and courage to change the things you can. Can you locate a group who have long thought it was better to obey God and struggle for justice and peace?
O God , grant us the serenity and the trust that you too are hungry for justice, the courage and the creativity to join you in changing what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
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rayer
brings our whole religious life into focus; it supports the
rhythm of our lives emphasizing now the person, now the community,
now the world we serve.
ister
Rea McDonnell, SSND, offers daily reflections on the Liturgical
Readings for each day. If
you wish to share your own reflections or have comments or
questions, please feel free to