Misery meets compassion - Tomorrow's reading reflection

Do you seek the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? No one who sought Jesus out was refused his help. Even the untouchables and the outcasts of Jewish society found help in him. Unlike the people of Jesus' time who fled at the sight of a leper, Jesus touched the leper who approached him and he made him whole and clean. Why was this so remarkable? Lepers were outcasts of society. They were driven from their homes and communities and left to fend for themselves. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as "already dead" even by their relatives. The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper, lest ritual defilement occur.

This leper did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally a leper would be stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a rabbi. Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical touch. The medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such contact as grave risk for incurring infection. Jesus met the man's misery with compassion and tender kindness. He communicated the love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more eloquently than words. He touched the man and made him clean – not only physically but spiritually as well.

How do you approach those who are difficult to love, or who are shunned by others because they are deformed or have some physical or mental weakness? Do you show them kindness and offer them mercy and help as Jesus did? The Lord is always ready to show us his mercy and to free us from whatever makes us unclean, unapproachable, or unloving towards others.

(Adapted from Don Schwager)

Life's ups and downs - Tomorrow's reading reflection

Voyagers: Life can be viewed as journey (Pilgrim’s progress; Exodus; Odyssey), or still better as voyage (because driven by forces more powerful than ourselves, like wind and wave.) We sail upon a rippling surface of events, feeling the joy of movement, being alive and going somewhere. When things go well, we feel the contentment of those experienced sailors, the apostles on their way home across the quiet lake of Galilee.

Staying afloat: A gale blew up, changing their mood. Danger and fear of drowning. Our own life-voyage has its share of storms too, anxieties, problems and pressures of various kinds. How often a sudden turn of events can rob us of inner peace. Are we on a charted course, or just drifting along without any determined direction? Many find it hard enough to stay afloat, pressurized by the bewilderingly changing times, ill-at-ease in their relationships with others, discontented and insecure in themselves. That’s exactly what the frightened apostles in the storm mean for us today: we are those sailors, tossing about in the waves.

Finding remedies: Many prescriptions are suggested, to ease the upsets of our voyage. Like different brands of medication for sea-sickness! A long quiet rest, a change of occupation, psychiatric help or counselling, a course of Yoga or Transcendental Meditation, Contemplative or Charismatic Prayer. Doubtless, every remedy has its own advantages, but what better support can be found in times of stress than an understanding friend? Today’s gospel suggests that our first and most constant recourse should be to none other than, Christ himself.

A hidden presence: God is present where we least expect him, although it is a hidden, unseen presence, not always easy to discover. It takes faith nearer than the door.” So the apostles were amazed to see Christ coming to them in the middle of the storm, for (at that stage) they were men of little faith. Elijah, that lonely refugee, faithful to his God despite cruel persecution by Jezebel, discovered the mysterious presence of God in the still, small voice of his own soul. Standing at the mouth of a cave, on the slopes of the holy mountain, he got strength and comfort from the Living God. Where God is, there is peace. But his presence is everywhere, for those who learn to discern it.

Safely into harbor: We do not expect to be immune from the hardships and problems faced by all the other voyagers through this life. Indeed, Christ himself shared fully in all of these anxieties, being tested as we are. If the Church be seen as a boat (in which there are no idle passengers, but all are needed to row!), then we have as destination the safe harbor of eternal life. With the compass of faith, and Christ himself as unseen captain of the ship, that harbor will surely be reached. In the meantime, though tossed about by circumstances, he tells us: “Courage! Do not be afraid, men of little faith!’"

(Adapated from ACP)

Calming fears - Tomorrow's reading reflection

Do you ever feel tested or let down by the Lord? Right after Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, he left his disciples by themselves so he could go away and pray alone for a while.  It was at Jesus' initiative that the disciples set sail across the lake, only to find themselves in a life-threatening storm. Although they were experienced fishermen, they feared for their lives. The Lake of Galilee was known for its sudden storms which sank many boats because of its fierce winds which swept down from the nearby mountains. The disciples must have called out for their Master to come and rescue them.  Although Jesus was not with them in the boat, he, nonetheless watched for them in earnest prayer. When he perceived their trouble and heard their cries, he came out to them walking on the troubled waters.  The disciples were terrified rather than joyful when they saw Jesus' presence on the water.  They couldn't believe it was really him until he spoke words of assurance:  "Dont give in to fear or panic, but take courage and be calm, because I am here for you and ready to help you in your need."  Jesus not only calmed their fears, but the threatening waves and storm as well.

Does the Lord seem distant when trials and difficulties come your way?  The Lord nevers leaves us alone, but keeps constant watch over us at all times, especially when we are tempted and feel weak or helpless.  Do you look to the Lord to give you his strength and help when you are in need?  Jesus assures us that we do not have to give into fear or discouragement if we put our trust in Him and remember his great love for us.  He will see us through any trial that comes our way. When calamities and trials threaten to overwhelm you, do you respond with faith and hope in God's loving care and presence with you?

(Adapted from Don Schwager)

In the beginning was self-giving - Tomorrow's reading reflection

“. . . for God is love.”

Every time I read this passage – and others like it – I have to keep reminding myself that the word we have translated “love” doesn’t exactly mean affection or liking, at least in the ordinary sense in which we use those terms. It is better translated as “self-giving”. “For God is self-giving” is how verse 8 should perhaps read. More than affection, self-giving means caring deeply about someone. How deeply? Enough, in this case, for God to send God’s Son “into the world so we may have life . . .” Jesus came bringing – and giving – not just any life, but amazingly, God’s life – the ultimate in self-giving. And not just God’s life in the person, Jesus, but God’s life as a gift to human beings, a gift by which we can live.

For many of us it is too much to believe. We can accept that we’re supposed to be holy. But to live with God’s own holiness. Too much!

Adam and Eve, in the creation story, aspired to immortality. That’s what being “like Gods” meant (as the snake told Eve would happen if she ate). Their reaching for what was God’s alone to give is what constitutes the fall. Eternal life is gift – pure gift – gift we are invited to accept, but cannot snatch (Phil 2:6), just as we are invited to the royal banquet (Luke 14:15–24) – an invitation we can accept or reject but cannot demand. 

That self-giving of God underlies everything else in the Bible and in Christianity. The late Andrew Greeley, in his book The Sinai Myth, stressed, for example, that the Ten Commandments were not rules by which the Hebrews would earn God’s favor, but instead were a description of how a people sharing God’s life would appropriately behave. After all, if you’re sharing God’s life you can’t go around lying, cheating, stealing, coveting, and so forth. But the rules don’t come first. It’s God’s self-giving that comes first. 

It’s sobering to reflect that the exalted, inspiring rhetoric of this first letter of John was composed in a situation of dissension and conflict. The Johannine community had splintered into factions fighting one another. The author stresses what ought to have been obvious (to us as much as to them). Dissension is not of God. Do we encounter similar divisions today? Are we paying attention? This is not to suggest that differences are unimportant or that all views are equally valid. But it is to stress that what is primary is God’s self-giving love and the life of God that Christ has given us. Once we lose sight of that, then splintering and factions take over. 

The author of 1 John, in a few verses preceding today’s reading, stresses that we are to manifest that love – that self-giving – not “in word or speech but in deed and in truth”. (1 Jn 3:18). We’re past Christmas and into “Ordinary” time. Deed and truth should be the “ordinary” feature of our “ordinary” lives.

(Adapted from Robert P. Heaney)

Epiphany - Sunday's reading reflection

An "epiphany" is a discovery or an amazing insight. It just makes things clear, all of a sudden. The feast we are celebrating is about the historic evolution of God's relationship with us, at the birth of Jesus. The promise made to the people whom God called his "chosen people" is now given, revealed, shown, made manifest to the rest of the world. The seekers, who studied the stars for an understanding of "mysteries," are led to the mystery of a child born in a stable. They could not have comprehended the full meaning of this discovery, nor could the child's parents have fully explained it to them. However, their presence as part of this story fulfills the promises of the prophets. God's saving presence among us would be a gift for all the nations, for everyone.

For us today, we can ask for the grace that we might have an epiphany - that a light will go on and that we will be filled with a sense of being gifted with the abundance of a deep mystery. The way Paul uses the word, a mystery is something like the "plot" a playwright has in his or her mind. When the curtain opens, the mystery of the story is revealed, for all of us to see it played out.

For us today, the mystery of God's love for us is revealed in the image of the child born for us - born to be one of us, and born in poverty and powerlessness, with us. We could say "God is with us, is one of us, is with me in my darkest moments," over and over and it won't sink in. But, if we contemplate that baby - and all that that simplicity and vulnerability means - we can become deeply moved by a profound appreciation of this gift. We can kneel before him today - in our own way of expressing our reverence and awe for the holy ground on which we find ourselves. We can offer him "gifts" which recognize that we are in the presence of the God who made us and the friend who died to save us from the power of sin and death. Might we offer our simple prayer of gratitude today? Might we rest a while, savoring who we are, when we realize what God has done for us in Jesus? We don't have to stop and apologize for not having fully seen it before. We just need to let is soak in now.

I may have missed the mystery of the baby in the manger last week. If I have time to let it become clear to me today, what a gift that would be. Perhaps, I could pause, and in my imagination, enter that scene. I could pick up the child, receiving him the way I receive the Eucharist. I could say, "Amen." Amen to this gift, this love, this saving redemption, this mysterious way of surprising me into seeing my vulnerable God's love for me. I can imagine how different it will be to say "Amen" when I next receive the Eucharist! Perhaps, I can talk with the child about what I have been unable to say in prayer before.

And, this week, when we read about how this child became the healer, the calmer of storms, the feeder of crowds, and the one who brings good news to the poor, then I can continue to grow in appreciation and gratitude all week. And, the more my heart can be set on fire with this love, the more I can imagine being a light for others, sharing this wondrous light with others.

(Adapted from Andy Alexander, SJ)

Jesus, the Redeemer - Tomorrow's reading reflection

John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites in Egypt from slavery and death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28). It is significant that John was the son of Zachariah, a priest of Israel who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). John recognized that Jesus was the perfect unblemished lamb offered by the Father in heaven as the one and only sacrifice that could cancel the debt of sin, and free us from death and the destruction of body and soul in hell.

When John says he did not know Jesus (John 1:31,33) he was referring to the hidden reality of Jesus' divinity. But the Holy Spirit in that hour revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us his Spirit as our helper and guide who opens our hearts and minds to receive and comprehend the great mystery and plan of God - to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Do you want to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ? Ask the Lord to pour his Holy Spirit upon you to deepen your faith, hope, and love for God and for the plan he has for your life.

"Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit and let me grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may know and love you more fervently and strive to do your will in all things."

(Adapted from Don Schwager)

Discovery - Tomorrow's reading reflection

Today’s psalm sings for me, in more ways than one.  The obvious reason is that it has been recast as Responsorial Psalm music by several authors, perhaps most familiarly by David Haas and Marty Haugen.  We hear its uplifting melody frequently, singing a new song unto the Lord for God has done wondrous deeds.

But even without the melody, the psalm’s words sing to me when I reflect on them.  God HAS done wondrous deeds.  How can one be aware of and respond to these wonders without singing joyfully to the Lord?! 

I think the wondrous deeds of God are known to anyone who takes the time to look for them and to reflect on what they see, or hear, or sense in any way.  During these short days in the northern half of our world (I am writing this with the winter solstice but days away) it is easy to see both a glorious sunrise and sunset only a few short hours apart.  Comets are circling the sun, skeins of geese are still flying south, intricate patterns of frost appear magically on chilly mornings, air is crisp and clean to the nose, and the scent of wood fires adds a pleasant touch to the morning.  The warmth of the house feels good when I come in from the cold, and hot soup beckons with a wonderful aroma.  Other wonders come because people take the time to use the knowledge God instills in them to discover the mysteries of life.  We have man-made devices sending us signals from across the galaxy and intricate explorers roaming about on distant planets.  The papers and other news media are filled with items explaining the wonders of this new procedure or that new drug, engineering advances, scientific discoveries, new inventions and adaptations of not so new knowledge.  The wonder of life itself is manifest through all these other wonders.

This time of year we also are reminded of the wonders of people caring for each other.  While people are homeless and hungry and ill-clothed throughout the year, something about Advent and Christmas reminds us that this is a special time to care for our sisters and brothers.  Toy drives, food collections, fuel subsidies, and other programs unite givers and receivers during this time of year more than any other.  We mirror God’s wondrous generosity with our own.

And yet, it is so easy to take all this for granted, to demand and expect wonders because they have become part of our lives and so mundane.  These wonders become ingrained in our short memory horizons, and so we expect that we will always be comfortable in our needs, that “they” will certainly develop a new something to fix this or that problem.  It is amazing that the marvel of new things has a short life of public interest because something new is coming soon.  If we stop to think we might appreciate the wondrous things about us, but too often we are lulled by complacency.  We forget that what we know today is the culmination of all our prior human understanding of the mysteries that God has created.

I think one of the most wondrous things that God has done is to give us children and grandchildren, for as they grow they remind us by their exuberance to truly appreciate the wonders we encounter.  Since their memories are short, children see with the new eyes of one who is not jaded.  My 3-year-old grandson, Isaac, recently went to his first Creighton basketball game, and was very excited.  But the most “wondrous” thing he saw was not the game, but an escalator – for the first time in his young life he rode on stairs that moved, positioned alongside stairs that did not.  How could this be?  How could something he had always known, non-moving stairs that he had learned to climb with some effort, be somehow changed so drastically – they MOVE!

And so my prayer today as I start this new year, and my wish for you, is for the grace to be like a child, discovering with joy every minute of every day the wonders the Lord has done, and for the freedom to break into songs of praise for the God who loves us.

(Adapted from Tom Purcell)