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Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full textWe are on this Advent journey, one that is leading us towards the Christ Child on Christmas morning. The journey can be laborious and hard to navigate. There is much to do, especially this time of year as the semester ends, the days are shorter, preparations for Christmas are upon us. At this time of year, I feel worn down and weary when I am not stopping to reflect and spend time with God. When I try to rely on my own strength, my own schedule, my own abilities alone, I feel defeated and exhausted. And, I am the mother of a four month old infant, so the weariness and tiredness can feel even more pronounced. It can feel I am doing it all on my own.|Yes, our readings offer me, and all of us, a different way. Jesus encourages us to join him, by saying "take my yoke upon you and learn from me….you will find rest…my yoke is easy and my burden light." He yearns to be with us and for us to collaborate with him in our daily work and our daily lives.|Perhaps, today, we can offer ourselves, our meetings, our tasks and our struggles to him, in a little bit of a deeper way. Let us be like "they who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,…they will run and not grow weary" as our first reading from Isaiah in the Advent theme, reminds us. I invite us today, in our own way, to accept this invitation to collaborate, to share the burden, to hope and to rest in God. For me, the encouragement is in a few extra moments of prayer and thanksgiving in the middle of the night, as I awake to comfort and feed my little infant son…that this journey is shared with and led-by God. And that makes all the difference!|On this Feast of Saint Ambrose, let us pray for the leaders of our Church, especially the bishops. We pray that they may lead us in a Christ-like example of trusting in the Lord in our daily lives during this Advent season and always
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full textToday's readings invite us to examine how we act. They are clear and descriptive and pretty intense!|The beginning of the school year is upon us here in the Midwest United States. Perhaps because I work with a program here at Creighton that forms new Catholic school teachers, and perhaps because the air is abuzz with the beginning of the school year around here, but looking at these readings with the backdrop of the teaching profession seems to bring them to life in a new way for me.|Paul is reminding the Thessalonians about the ways in which he shared good news with them. Not just dictating or commanding, but really putting in the effort, lovingly and patiently modeling the Word of God… "we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory." Wow! How moving and inspiring and encouraging! He is not just telling this new group of Christians how to live or how God is, but rather he is laboring with, alongside them, showing care, concern and mercy. He writes about "how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers." Paul reminds them that the Word of God is actually at work in "you who believe."|I invite us to picture a phenomenal classroom teacher saying this to a group of students that he or she has taught. Perhaps the image is even of an actual teacher whom we have had in our own schooling. Isn't this description that Paul gives describing what an amazing teacher does? Saint Ignatius of Loyola wrote about how he felt like God was treating him like a schoolmaster teaches a student, lovingly and patiently guiding him, not that far off from what Paul is describing here.|This first reading also beautifully demonstrates St. Ignatius' famous line that "love ought to manifest itself in deeds rather than words" from the Spiritual Exercises.|The description in Paul's letter in the first reading is the opposite of the legalistic scribes and Pharisees that Jesus is condemning, "which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside…are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing." Yikes! We can imagine what that looks like.|I invite us to pray today for a way to model Paul in his ministry to the Thessalonians, using the description of the First Reading as our guide. May we "walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls [us] into his Kingdom and glory" and through our actions, encourage others to do the same
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full textToday, in our readings, we are reminded of the power of faith and the inevitable persecutions as a result of our faith … of our trust in God's love for us, and in the promise of everlasting life. As we know, the journey of faith can be difficult and filled with trials and tribulations along the way. As disciples, we are not 'above our master,' and therefore likely to experience the same fate as Jesus. As followers of Christ, we will be ridiculed for our values, we will experience hardships and we'll endure suffering. And yet, the message of courage and accompaniment is clear; Jesus reassures us by saying "do not be afraid," several times throughout this passage.|The lines that struck me as I read today were:|Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?|Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.|Even all the hairs of your head are counted.|So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.|In these lines, I am reminded at how intimately God knows me (us), and how much I am (we are) deeply loved. On a practical level, I think of the daily task of brushing my almost five year-old daughter's hair. It's a labor of love to tame her hair in preparation for leaving the house each morning. The dark, thick, straight locks hang below her shoulders in a tangled mess most of the day. The several minutes it takes me to (painstakingly? lovingly? hurriedly?) brush it each morning (a difficult task for us both, most days) offer me only a glimpse into counting all the hairs on her head. The time, effort and desire I have for her, as displayed by the routine of brushing her hair each morning, is only a fraction of the intimacy God has of us. On a similar level, it is noticeable to see the confidence that my daughter displays knowing she is loved and sent off for the day, a tip of the iceberg in knowing her worth is "more than many sparrows." Maybe I can also learn from my daughter about the confidence to meet the world each day with the profound understanding that my worth is also "more than many sparrows," in God's eyes.|Today, let us take God's love for us, God's reassurance ('be not afraid') and God' accompaniment with us, as we endure the sufferings of today
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full textToday's first reading, about God's promise to make all things new, offers us hope for things to be restored. But, we are not just to sit around and wait passively. We are encouraged to "be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him" and directed to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord."|Today, I invite us to reflect on ways in which can be open to opportunities to "grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord"…how does Jesus act, how might I imitate him more closely? How might I get to know him better?|Our psalm today, reminds us and reassures us that "in every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge." Whenever I read this line in Scripture, I immediately recall the hymn "In Every Age" that we often sing here at St. John's Church during Sunday Mass. Here is a beautiful version of the song by composer Janet Sullivan Whitaker . When my worries or insecurities grow, having the reputation of the refrain and lyrics repeating over and over in my mind, or being, "stuck in my head" gives me peace and reassurance.|Another invitation for us today might be to rest in the reassurance of God being a source of comfort and shelter from our struggles. In what areas do I need to be encouraged by God's promise of refuge today? Might I find a few minutes to listen to the beautiful song?|In the Gospel reading from Mark, we see the Pharisees and Herodians arguing and trying to catch Jesus by asking if they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus doesn't answer a simple 'yes' or 'no,' but rather shares with them the directions to "repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."|As followers of Christ, we have a duty to participate and live out our faith in all areas of our lives, including and especially in the public sphere. Jesus highlights this duty for us in this interaction. Religion and the public life/common good are not in opposition with each other. Even more so, it is an important part of our duty as Christians to hold each other accountable, to promote social justice and help bring about the Kingdom of God here on earth. Our relationship with God has to extend out to others; we can't just neglect the work and avoid our civic responsibilities. Respectful and just laws, like paying taxes, deserve our support and cooperation.|Finally, what ways might I be able to go a little deeper in my Christian responsibility to contribute to the common good? What one small change can I make today in this area
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full text|As we move through the dramatic events of Holy Week, we hear today's readings reminding us of God's eternal love for us and the prediction of Jesus' impending death. I invite us to linger a little longer, utilizing our imagination through Ignatian contemplation, to enter deeply into these powerful words and scenes.| |The first reading predicts and prophesizes God's generosity and the plan for us to be saved from sin. We are reminded of the magnitude of what is to happen later in this Holy Week when Jesus will rise again.|I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,|I have grasped you by the hand;|I formed you, and set you|as a covenant of the people,|a light for the nations,|To open the eyes of the blind,|to bring out prisoners from confinement,|and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.|During the Gospel reading, we hear the familiar story of the anointing at Bethany when Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with the costly oil and dries his feet with her hair. And, then, Judas Iscariot, tries to argue about use of such precious oil on Jesus, rather than using utilizing funds for the poor. Judas appears to be altruistic, but Jesus sees through his attempt to cover up ulterior motives of greed and deceit. Through it all, we receive the chilling message that Jesus' time on earth is drawing to a close.|As I was reading these passages, two points and related questions surfaced for me. |First…how can I continue to model faith and love like Mary does in this passage? What does this anointing have to do with my current situation, today?|Perhaps this point from Pope Benedict XVI may help us with this first question: "There is only one anointing that is strong enough to meet death and that is the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the love of God. There is, then, something that is both exemplary and lasting in Mary's anointing of Jesus at Bethany. It was above all a concern to keep Christ alive in this world and to oppose the powers that aimed to silence and kill him. It was an act of faith and love. Every such act can have the same effect."|I invite us to ask ourselves, how are we modeling Mary's actions to keep Christ alive in the world, and to oppose the powers that sought to silence him?|The second question that surfaced for me, is… How might I be covering up disordered motives using an altruistic facade? What am I distracted by and where do I need to redirect my focus to Jesus, even if Jesus is sharing some startling or sobering news in my own life, that could be difficult for me to accept?|May this Holy Week be one that enables us to slow down, enter into Jesus' final days on earth and emerge with a renewed sense of love for him and motivation to always act with faith and love
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full text|Today is Thursday, in the Second Week of Lent, and we hear the story of Lazarus and the rich man from Luke, Chapter 16.|This story is familiar to us - the unnamed rich man enjoys a life of wealth and overabundance and fails to notice a poor man, named Lazarus, who would lie at his door. "When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham." When the rich man dies, he finds himself in the netherworld and realizes that Lazarus is with Abraham. Additionally, the rich man's pleas of warning for his brothers who are still alive, are answered with the reminder than Moses and the prophets have already shared the important message.|As we move through Lent, the theme that has been on my mind these days with reflections, homilies I've heard and in my own prayer is repentance; repent in the sense of changing perspective. We are called to repent, or to change our perspective, and move beyond the mindset that we usually have. We are called to know our own belovedness, which helps us reach out to help others know their own belovedness. We are asked to enter deeper into our relationship with Jesus, and the poor. We are called to see each person the way God sees them. We are called to build a more loving and inclusive world through our acts of penance, almsgiving and fasting.|As I have been reading and unpacking Fratelli Tutti (Pope Francis's most recent encyclical), with my Christian Life Community faith sharing group over the past several weeks, I couldn't help but make the connection to chapters 2 and 3. Pope Francis calls us to move out of the social category that we are in, beyond borders and norms. He urges us to reach out, like the Good Samaritan, to built a social fraternity built on love, respect and care for each individual person, even if they are not in our own circle or tribe. He calls us, like Christ does, to envision and work towards a more inclusive community that welcomes and lifts up each person. Christian love means prioritizing, or changing our mindset towards, a growing concern for everyone's personal, communal, national and international good, especially by including those hidden on the margins (93-98).|The rich man in the Gospel today is in need of repentance, of a mindset and perspective change, isn't he? He's like me, and probably many of us, I believe, who are guilty of just going about his business, not realizing that his actions (and his inactions) are preventing Lazarus from being welcomed into a loving relationship with him. The rich man has blinders on which prevent him from changing his perspective, from seeing someone from the margins as lovable and full of dignity. He is consumed with his own priorities. And, the rich man suffers severe and lasting consequences for his lack of repentance and selfish ways.|There are sobering implications for us, here. But, there are also beautiful invitations in this Gospel passage: to be co-creators of this loving community that Jesus envisions and Pope Francis reminds us of, in Fratelli Tutti. Perhaps some of these questions, that I have been reflecting on, might be good reflective prompts for us: What am I focused on that prevents me from seeing another perspective? Am I accumulating my own wealth? Am I protecting my own territory or reputation? Am I simply just concerned about myself and my loved ones so much so that I cannot see someone struggling, just beyond my door? Who or what am I overlooking? A person begging for money on the sidewalk as I drive to work? A struggling student in the back of the classroom? A neighborhood of refugees struggling in a new country? Instances of racial injustice in my setting that I am fearful to get involved in, to help dismantle? Where, this Lent, might I find God and the poor, in an unexpected place? Do I have a sense already, of where I'm being invited? Do I want to pray for the grace to be aware when someone or something is right outside my door?|Let us continue to hold each other in prayer this Lenten season, as we repent … as we change our perspective …. as we move beyond our usual mindset …. growing in closer unity with our God, and with all of our brothers and sisters, particularly those on the margins
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full textThese readings today offer us solace and comfort. The first reading also reminds us that we all have different gifts and none of us is strong or perfect or capable on our own. God calls each of us - in our lowliness, our foolishness and our weakness. The Gospel reading reminds us that we're called to use those gifts in service to God and others. We are asked to do our best with the "possessions" or talents entrusted to us.|Two lines from the Gospel stick out to me. The first is "well done, good and faithful servant." I admit that I seek the response of "well done, good and faithful servant" that the Lord responds to the servants who multiplied their talents. I want to hear those words from God! That response exemplifies the loving God I know and the loving God that I am eager to serve faithfully. How can I do this on a regular basis, in my everyday life? In these hot summer days, in our part of the world, when the humidity and temperatures tempt me to slow down, become lazy or fall into my own little world without consideration for God and neighbors, this message calling me to act in a manner worthy of being good and faithful, is inspiring and motivating.|The second line that resonates with me from this reading is "for to everyone who has, more will be given..." Sometimes that can be a daunting situation when one is doubting or insecure. But when I trust, it seems like the only logical solution. Sometimes, I am nervous about being entrusted or given more responsibility. Sometimes, I would rather stick to something I'm good at and be successful at without new responsibilities or challenges. But that's not how it works, right?|On this feast day of St. Monica, it is hard for me to ignore the surprising relevance to my own life. I have an 8 week old son. While I haven't yet wept for him, I feel the same desires Monica does in her strong desires for her son. I'm hoping for my son Xavier Arrupe to hold on to his faith throughout his life. I am hoping that he'll be a model of Christian service and love, modeling the examples of the two great Jesuits (St Francis Xavier and Fr Pedro Arrupe, SJ). Those of us who are mentors, teachers, parents get this same feeling; hoping, desiring for the young ones entrusted to our care.|May St. Monica guide and encourage us all these days, as if we're one of her children
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full text|As I first read the first line from the Gospel today, I could not help but feel some resistance. "Jesus said, 'Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.'" I have to admit that on some level, I really do want Jesus to bring peace to the earth! I do wish that my expression of faith and commitment to discipleship to smoothly bring peace to the divided, messy and tumultuous parts of my life. But, we are clearly being warned, instructed and invited into another understanding of discipleship. This understanding of discipleship doesn't value convenience, ease, a lack of wrinkles or "smooth-sailing" pathway.|Our country is so divided, our Church in the United States, and throughout the world, is so divided, too. And, I imagine that there is division, strife and animosity in the various groups and families that each of us are a part of. It seems sometimes, that we get caught in valuing other external loyalties. In the Gospel reading here, Jesus instructs us there to be shaken out of our little bubbles, and remember that being a disciple can be difficult and countercultural.|I was recently reflecting on a colleague in anticipating of writing a nomination letter for her to receive a mission-related award. The person for whom I wrote the supporting letter exemplifies how to live in this tension well. She lives the various aspects of her life…her actions, words, values – in personal and professional spheres – in a way that consistently shows her orientation towards Christ and living a life of discipleship. She doesn't create division or ignore the tension that can surface with conflicting loyalties. But, she's able to navigate it well by gently and intentionally confirming her commitment, and our shared commitment, to Christian discipleship.|My colleague will often choose the choice that is more simple, more loving and more generous (it is evident she is a discerner of the magis). She will often think out loud about the best way to care for those on the margins as we move forward with our work. While she no doubt has strong, loving relationships, she knows she also had to make some hard choices in life to follow Jesus and live in a way that is consist with his values.|My reflection left me with some questions for further prayer; perhaps some of them might be helpful for you… Being a disciple often involves discovering our deepest sense of self. When have I experienced consolation and joy in living from my deepest sense of self as a companion of Christ? Being a disciple is countercultural – following Jesus involves choices about loyalties, values, actions, which can sometimes (often) be in conflict with what the world asks of us or what the world pulls us toward. When, recently, have I felt the countercultural tension of being a Christian disciple in our world? Jesus warns us a bit as he instructs in this Gospel passage: that we have to struggle to put Christ first among our other values, relationships and loyalties: essentially, not putting anything else above our relationship with him. When have I put other values or priorities above living in a way that prioritizes my love of Christ and those on the margins? We save our lives by losing them in our efforts and energies to lift up the dignity of and good of others. What small efforts could I do or what areas might I be invited to give my energies towards the good of others?|Let us continue to pray for each other, as we continue to discern, each day, our path as disciples of Christ. May we seek to listen to Christ as he guides us, even along a path that can be countercultural, tense or disruptive to an easier or more comforting lifestyle
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full textWhen I let the words of the first reading sink it, they give me reassurance that God is "in charge." God hopes for more than I can alone and knows more than I myself am aware. We are reminded that when filled with God's strength, we shall have no fear, no insecurities about how young or inexperienced we are, no second-guessing that we are alone or completely responsible for a giant task. As one who appreciates a bit of control in my life (even if I don't like to admit it), this can be difficult to accept on the surface level. But, deep down, I admit that I am reassured, comforted and relieved to be invited to trust in God's timeline and course of events. Similarly, the Gospel reminds us of the seeds that are planted in many different kinds of soil. Some thrive, but many do not. The hardships and threats are real and prevalent. This parable is an excellent reminder of this same theme of trust. God is "in charge" and although we are co-creators (planting and nurturing seeds) in this world, we are called to trust and be patient that God's work will unfold on God's timeline. These readings seem appropriate for this growing season here in Eastern Nebraska in the United States. Currently, much of my backyard garden is thriving, but there are still some uncertainties. A bunch of green tomatoes, ready to turn red any day. Pumpkin and squash stems and leaves that seem to be growing exponentially longer each day. Finicky eggplant plants that are struggling with height and have been visited by an insect that has left lots of little holes in the leaves. Plentiful strawberry plants that make me wonder if and when they will produce fruit. And yet, the difference from just eight or ten weeks ago is visibly different. I am always quite nervous and skeptical in early spring whether the investment of time, weeding, preparation and cost of purchasing seeds and seedlings will be worth it. Will any of this really grow or am I just wasting my time? I find hope and then along comes a hailstorm that sets things back. I feel like the sower, uncertain of the future of these plants and seeds…wanting control and assurance but still skeptical. In the midst of political division, unrest and violence across the U.S. and world, I find myself doubting again, just like I have doubted with my backyard garden, just as I have doubted as I read this parable in the Gospel passage. I wonder if peace, justice and unification are at all possible. I wonder if the violence and division will ever end. I wonder what my role is, and whether my well-intentioned efforts will be fruitless. My prayer is for continued trust in God's omnipotence and authority. When I pray for the reassurance that I am not "in charge," the prayer attributed to slain Archbishop Oscar Romero (written by Bishop Ken Untener) directly my focus and my hope. The familiar prayer never seems to lose it's relevance or its power for me. Perhaps it will speak to you, today, as well. As we continue our good efforts, which may not seem like enough, may we also journey together to trust more deeply in God's authority and timeline for bringing about the Kingdom of God here on Earth. "The Romero Prayer"|It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.|The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.|We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work.|Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.|No statement says all that could be said.|No prayer fully expresses our faith.|No confession brings perfection.|No pastoral visit brings wholeness.|No program accomplishes the Church's mission.|No set of goals and objectives includes everything.|This is what we are about.|We plant the seeds that one day will grow.|We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.|We lay foundations that will need further development.|We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.|We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.|This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.|It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.|We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.|We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.|We are prophets of a future not our own
Daily Reflections (Meditations) on the Scriptures from the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
No full text|Today we celebrate the baptism of the Lord. This feast day is one that helps bridge the Christmas season and Ordinary Time. Today's feast is also a bit like a third epiphany, when Jesus appears or is presented to the world, after the first two "epiphanies" of the Nativity and the Magi's visit.|There are two great choices for the first reading, the responsorial psalm and the second reading. If, like me, it is hard for you to choose, I invite to you read and reflect with both options.|The hopeful descriptions of the first readings are building up to a straight path, good news, the glory of the Lord shining, justice coming to the nations, a victory in justice, a kept promise, a chosen one. The exiled people were experiencing devastation, low morale and hopelessness during the Babylonian exile. These words bring promise and hope. And, the hope is not just for the Jewish people, but rather for the whole world.|The second reading from Titus reminds us that God's kindness and generous love, and the gift of our Savior Jesus are not because of "any righteous deeds we have done, but because of his mercy." The second reading from Acts mentions a similar theme in reminding us that God's love and mercy is for all (Jews and Gentiles in this context) and God doesn't show favorites. Jesus' baptism is also mentioned, that God anointed Jesus "with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."|The Gospel story is both familiar and surprising. John the Baptist paves the way in saying that "one mightier than I is coming," highlighting Jesus' specialness. John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, then, after Jesus prays, "heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove," with a voice saying "You are my beloved Son with who I am well pleased." Jesus is definitively here among us, living as a human and ministering on earth.|What does this feast mean for us, and we recently embarked into new year, 2022? What does this feast mean for us, as we conclude our Christmas celebrations and move into Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar? What does this feast mean for us as we still battle COVID, racism, extreme divisiveness, climate change, forced migration, and other overwhelming injustices and struggles?|I would suggest two points for reflection that are helping me as I pray with these readings: How might we learn from and grow closer to Jesus as he begins his adult ministry here on earth? Maybe we can renew our commitment to be in awe of both his humanity and divinity? Maybe we can closely follow him, walk with him, learn from him during his "ordinary" events of his public ministry in the coming weeks. How might we better understand that each of us is called "beloved" by God and named as someone with whom God is well-pleased? Our own identity - that God loves each of us without condition or merit - might be more clearly defined! What might that mean for our public ministry (or our private ministries each day)as beloved sons and daughters of God?|May this feast, and this message of God's love, of Jesus' humanity, and our own belovedness be a hopeful reminder of how we are called to live in this new year and new liturgical season
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