Notes from a Journey - Provincial Minister John Celichowski
For Spiritual Reflections, click here
January 30, 2012
Middle East
Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Mark 5:1-20
Lord Jesus, healer of body, mind and soul, have mercy on me. In those times when I feel as though the problems I face are legion and my spirit feels almost overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, confusion, helplessness, and other things, help me to be mindful of your grace. When I feel bound and shackled by memories of the past, things to do in the present, and uncertainties about the future, may I remember your power to save. Restore me to my right mind; and when I again witness your healing spirit at work in me and in others may I never forget to share what you in your goodness have done for me.—JC
January 27, 2012
Detroit
St. Angela Merici
2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17; Mark 4:26-34
Source of all life and power for good, help me to learn from the mistakes and sins of others as well as my own. Help me to use the power that I have been given for good and not abusively, to follow the example of your Son and choose to serve and not to be served. Let me remember that just because I can do something doesn’t mean that I should.
As I consider how the plants of the earth grow in their various ways and rhythms may I humbly recognize and accept your own hand in the establishment of your kingdom and realize that not everything (thankfully!) is up to me.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
January 23, 2012
Detroit
Day of Penance and Prayer in Defense of Human Life (USA)
Mark 3:22-30
It seems like the campaign for President of the United States has already been way too long. Here’s the bad news: we still have ten months to go! Over that time we are sure to hear a lot more talk of “demonization,” the popular term for describing how the party on one side of an issue, debate, controversy or contest tries to turn the other into the very embodiment of evil.
Demonization has become a regular feature of our political life. It’s no longer sufficient to disagree with or criticize someone. We now have to condemn them and all who are aligned or agree with them to the fires of hell. Here’s the danger: in demonizing people, parties, or groups, we are one step closer to dehumanizing people; and from the gas chambers of Auschwitz to the jungles of Rwanda, history has shown that when we dehumanize others we give ourselves permission to do the very worst things possible to them.
Unfortunately and ironically, this phenomenon has wormed its way into the life of the Church. From matters of liturgy to governance, liberals/progressives and conservatives/traditionalists too often demonize each other. It has even been the case even on issues involving the sacredness of human life. Despite the teachings of Jesus in the gospels and the Church’s proclamation of the sacredness of all human life from the moment of conception to natural death, people too often seem to use their political beliefs and affiliations to pick and choose which human lives are worth saving. In the process the Church’s unity is undermined and our ability to promote a Culture of Life is compromised.
Jesus, a victim of demonization in today’s gospel reading, warned against the dangers of it. May we recognize the inherent dignity of human life and the dignity of those with whom we disagree, remembering that in God’s eyes their lives are also precious and in Christ they are our brothers and sisters.
January 18, 2012
Tucson, AZ
Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Unlike human beings “it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves.” Can we, like David, trust that “the battle is the LORD’S?” Our lives are filled with “battles” of various kinds. Some are with people; others are against principalities and powers; and many are within ourselves and our own sins and defects of character.
Making these battles God’s battles required that we surrender and let go of our pride, willfulness, timetables, ways of doing things, fears, etc. and put ourselves in God’s care and under his direction. It’s not an excuse for inaction; but it demands that we become more prayerful, humble, and patient.—JC
January 16, 2012
Washington, MI
Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 13:16-23; Mark 2:18-22
Obedience to God and submission to God’s will are important virtues, but they demand humility and discernment in order to be effective. Saul made the mistake of thinking that he knew better what God wanted, and he wanted to please his troops. Jesus, by contrast, declined to impose on his own followers the practice (fasting) of John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees because he discerned that the times and his own ministry demanded something different.
Give us, O God, the humility and discernment we need to be obedience to what you want, whether you speak to us directly, through others, or through the signs of the times.—JC
January 13, 2012
Washington, MI
St. Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop & Doctor
2 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a
Sometimes we want what we want when we want it, regardless of the evidence that it may not be good for us. Samuel gave the people of Israel a big warning about how oppressed and miserable they would be under the rule of an earthly king; but because they wanted to be “like the other nations” they insisted upon having such a king appointed for them. So they ended up with Saul. Rather than placing their trust in God and submitting to God’s rule over them, they demanded a human being. They got what they asked for: Saul was very human!
Lord, I have all kinds of needs, wants, and desires. Not all of them may be good for me. Give me an open mind and heart to pay attention to the people and signs that you put in my life and counsel different choices and directions.—JC
January 9, 2012
Detroit
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Mark 1:7-11
Because of the way the dates happen to fall this year, today marks a rather abrupt end to the Christmas season—usually there’s a week between our celebrations of the Epiphany of the Lord and the Baptism of the Lord. Tomorrow we start Ordinary Time. It’s fitting in a way because this is also Year B of the Sunday Lectionary cycle, the year of the Gospel of Mark which in contrast to the other two synoptics (Matthew and Luke) tells the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in a more compact, rapid-fire way.
Jesus obviously didn’t need to be baptized by John. Instead he chose it. His immersion in the Jordan, joining the masses of others who came, was another sign of his total immersion in our humanity and an echo of the mystery of the Incarnation we celebrate at Christmas. Mark says that when Jesus was baptized “the heavens were torn open” and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove. Jesus immersed himself in our humanity for a time so that we might be immersed in the divine life for eternity.
As the priest pours the water into the wine during the Preparation of Gifts in our celebration of the Eucharist he prays, “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” Our own baptism sets us on a lifetime journey of coming to share in the divinity of Christ, who immersed himself in our humanity.—JC
January 6, 2012
Detroit
St. Andre Bessette, Religious
1 John 5:5-13; Mark 1:6-11
The water, the Spirit, and the blood: they were all present at the birth of Jesus and at his death. Conceived in the Spirit, he entered the world as we all do, in a bath of water and blood. When he was pierced by the soldier’s lance during his crucifixion, water and blood flowed from his side; and as he died, he surrendered his spirit.
Life and death are never really that far apart. At the moment of our earthly birth, the clock of our mortality begins to count down inexorably to the moment of our death; and the moment of our earthly death is also the portal to eternal life. Yet so many of us fear death! Is it because, deep down, we also fear life?
Lord Jesus help us to embrace the Paschal Mystery, present even in this Christmas season.—JC
January 2, 2012
Detroit
Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors
1 John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28
Both Basil and Gregory were bishops and among that select group of saints (men and women) acknowledged as Doctors of the Church, outstanding teachers who were also remarkable for their holiness. They lived and ministered during a time of great turmoil in the Church, when the “Nicene Creed” (as it is popularly known today) was being formulated through a series of ecumenical councils in the fourth and fifth centuries (Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, Chalcedon). Most notably, they upheld the divinity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit against the heresies of the day.
Basil and Gregory also had the distinction of literally coming from families of saints. In addition, they were good friends, though as friends sometimes do they also had their conflicts. Gregory recalled in one of his writings that they “followed the guidance of God’s law and spurred each other on to virtue.” Would that we were all so fortunate to have such friends, those who spur us on to becoming better and more virtuous people.
Saints Basil and Gregory, pray for us!—JC
December 30, 2011
Detroit
Feast of the Holy Family
Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40
In today’s Office of Readings there’s a wonderful meditation on the Holy Family that Pope Paul VI delivered in Nazareth in 1964. He called the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Nazareth a school where we can learn the values of silence, family life, and work. These are excellent things to reflect upon during this day of recollection for our Capuchin community at St. Bonaventure Monastery.
Silence is a challenge in our “plugged in” and “connected” age. Our plethora of electronic devices—desk top, lap top, and now tablet computers; MP3 players; smart phones; and good old fashioned TV’s and radios—can keep our eyes, ears and minds occupied and preoccupied, stimulated and overstimulated from the time we get up to the time we go to bed. After supper each night we all more or less go to our rooms. Do we find in at least a portion of these valuable evening hours valuable time and space for silence?
Family life for friars is our life in community. Paul VI speaks of family life as “a community of love and sharing, beautiful for the problems it poses and for the rewards that it brings.” Isn’t that what our life together is brothers should be like?
Work is another important element of our lives and our witness as friars. Our Capuchin Constitutions say that we should support ourselves as much as possible through our own work. We sometimes limit our understanding of this to the ministries for which we earn a salary but it is far more. It includes our help-outs at area parishes, our internal (and uncompensated) ministries, doing the dishes, sweeping the floor, taking out the garbage, doing laundry, and cleaning our rooms. There’s value in work: it keeps us active, helps us to avoid any false senses of privilege, and encourages us to serve others.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Holy Family and model for us all, pray for us!—JC
December 26, 2011
Detroit
St. Stephen, Martyr
Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22
Today’s feast calls us to reflect on 3 C’s: crib, cross, and communion. It is a reminder that the crib of Christmas is never far away from the cross at Calvary. Embracing Jesus at Christmas also means embracing him at Good Friday. Christmas has consequences.
This commemoration of Stephen’s martyrdom is also a sobering reminder of another dimension of the Church’s life from its very beginnings. Religious beliefs often bring out deep and powerful passions. They can lead to controversy and debate, the demonization and persecution of one’s opponents, and even death. A lot of blood has been shed in the name of God over the years; and sadly, only some of it has been shed by martyrs.
For that reason, we also need to remember that the crib and cross are also signs and calls to communion. The union of divinity and humanity in Jesus invites us to deeper communion with God and with one another. The cross is the sign of the love that is the foundation of that communion.
St. Stephen, pray for us!—JC
December 22, 2011
Detroit
Luke 1:46-56
Because it’s so familiar—we proclaim it every time the Church celebrates vespers—Mary’s Magnificat can easily be taken for granted and its powerful message lost. Today’s Mass, however, affords us the opportunity to step back and reflect on its meaning and its consequences for our lives.
(1) Do I “magnify”—make bigger and more real—God in my life and do people experience the joy I have because of it?
(2) Do I see myself as God’s “lowly servant?”
(3) Do I recognize and give thanks for the ways in which I have been “favored” and blessed by God?
(4) Do I fear God—i.e., treat God with reverence—and avail myself of his mercy?
(5) Do I recognize the truly revolutionary power of God who: scatters the proud in their conceit; casts down the mighty from their thrones; lifts up the lowly; and fills the hungry with good things but sends the rich away empty?
(6) Do I see how, even today, God comes to the help of his people and is faithful to his promises?
December 19, 2011
Detroit
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25
God makes the seemingly impossible possible.
There are numerous stories in the Bible of women who were childless and thought to be “barren.” That unfortunate term was used because the people of the time had a limited understanding of biology and human reproduction. One consequence was that it place all of the responsibility, and hence all of the shame, for being childless on the shoulders of women.
Today in many countries, cultures, and institutions even today women still live under the burden of outmoded ideas. Some are beaten, maimed and even murdered for “dishonoring” their families when often they are doing little more than asserting their own human dignity. Some are treated like property or used and abused as “the spoils of war.” Others struggle to break through “glass ceilings” of various types and hues.
In response to this state of affairs some counsel silence or an acceptance of the way things are. While religious and cultural values are important and it would be naïve or even unfair to fail to recognize that in some respects men and women are different, fundamental human dignity and human rights cannot be negotiable. Things can change.
Elizabeth, mother of John, and all women of the scriptures who became God’s vessels in the work of salvation, pray for us.—JC
December 15, 2011
San Jose, Costa Rica
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30
God doesn’t send us the prophets that we want; God sends us the prophets that we need.
They may speak in ways that seem harsh; their messages may not be the ones that we want to hear; and they may appear in ways that make us uncomfortable or that make us question their credibility. But like John the Baptist they echo the voice of God, calling us to self-examination, repentance, and conversion. They are God’s timeless form of “tough love” for God’s children.
Give us the grace, O God, to notice and heed the prophets you send us even today.---JC
December 12, 2012
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Detroit
Zechariah 2:14-17; Luke 1:26-38
I suppose that it’s fitting that on this, the feast day of the Patroness of the Americas, I’m heading down to Costa Rica to participate in the Chapter of the Vice Province of St. Felix, which is comprised of the friars in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. One of the remarkable things about this and many other apparitions of Our Lady throughout the world is how her presence and message address the concrete situations of those she visits. With her mestizo features and signs of pregnancy she appeared to Juan Diego as a new nation was being forged in the fires of violent conquest and the encounters of indigenous and invading peoples throughout Latin America.
The other notable thing is Our Lady’s patience with Juan Diego and, less directly but no less significantly, with a skeptical (Franciscan!) bishop. Perhaps that patience was rooted in her memory of her own fears and questions when God visited her through the angel Gabriel and called her to be mother of his Son. Thankfully, she still patiently intercedes for us.—JC
December 9, 2011
Milwaukee
St. Juan Diego Cuauhlatoatzin
Matthew 11:16-19
It is sometimes said that we live in the era of the perpetual political campaign. Cable news outlets and pundits are obsessed with who’s up and who’s down in the polls. Those running for public office sometimes “modify” their positions on issues depending on what they or their pollsters think will be popular with the voters in the primaries and general election.
In fulfilling their missions, neither John the Baptist nor Jesus wasted time sticking their fingers in the air to see which ways the winds of popular opinion or expectation were blowing. They were simply true to whom they were and what they had been called to do. Merciful God, bless us with that same spirit of conviction, integrity, and fidelity that filled your Son and his herald.—JC
December 5, 2011
Detroit
Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26
When we speak of the journey of life, it’s not unusual for us to talk about “making our way.” Today’s scripture readings remind us, however, that we don’t do it alone. Isaiah gives us a vision of a highway called “the holy way,” an initiative of God to give an exiled people a chance to return to their homeland and more importantly to right relationship with God. In Luke 5, a paralyzed man’s friends make a way for him to receive the physical and spiritual healing power of Jesus.
Thank you, Lord, for being a “way-maker” and for putting so many other “way-makers” into my life.—JC
December 1, 2011
New York, NY
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Matthew 7:21, 24-27
When I was in high school and college, some of my favorite classes were the labs. In was one thing to talk in the classroom about the principles of physics, biology, chemistry and the other sciences; but it was something else to see them in action in the labs. Reading and listening to Jesus’ words are like the classroom lecture; but living those words…well, that’s the lab. Even though our Master is a generous grader, we are called to do well on both.—JC
November 21, 2011
Detroit
Dedication of the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul (Rome)
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 53-59; Luke 19:45-48
Temples need to be cleansed. Churches need to be cleaned. Sometimes it’s matter of ordinary maintenance; and sometimes it’s a radical measure demanded by the times and fidelity to the God who is worshipped there.
But the temple that needs the most attention is the temple of the Holy Spirit that each of us are. As each of us grows in holiness we make the church and world a little more holy. The dedication of a basilica can be an inspiring thing; but the dedication of the people of God who are the church to living and loving as Jesus did can renew the world.—JC
November 15, 2011
Detroit
St. Albert the Great, Bishop & Doctor
2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Luke 19:1-10
In Robert Bolt’s classic play, A Man for All Seasons, (St.) Thomas More finds himself stripped of his title as Lord Chancellor of England and imprisoned for his refusal to swear an oath to the Act of Succession put forth by Henry VIII (who wanted a new wife) and Parliament. Then he is brought before yet another commission of inquiry—this one featuring Master Secretary of Parliament Cromwell, Archbishop Cranmer, and his good friend the Duke of Norfolk.
At one point during More’s interrogation, Norfolk pleads with his friend, who will soon be facing a trial for treason and a likely death sentence. Pointing to the list of names of those who have taken the oath, Norfolk implores: “Thomas, look at those names….You know these men! Can’t you do what I did, and come along with us, for fellowship?”
More solemnly replies: “And when we stand before God, and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?”
Sometimes we have to make a stand.
In 2 Maccabees 6, old Eleazar refused to “go along to get along” and even to pretend to violate the precepts of his faith just to spare his life. He was especially concerned about setting a good example for those who were younger. He died for the courage of his convictions.
Zaccheus was also a person of courage; but it was of a different sort. He had the courage to change his life in response to his encounter with Jesus. Refusing to listen to the skeptics and those who dismissed him as a sinner, he stood his ground and was willing to demonstrate by his actions and not just his words that he had changed and had become what Jesus called “a descendant of Abraham.”
Lord God, through their intercession give us the courage of Eleazar, Zaccheus, and St. Thomas More.—JC
November 11, 2011
Appleton, WI
St. Martin of Tours, Bishop
Wisdom 13:1-9; Luke 17:26-37
All that is good and beautiful in our world is a reflection of God who is the source of it all. Yet all of it is only a handful of pieces of a much larger divine mosaic that we can only partially comprehend.
There is a beautiful sitting room here at Monte Alverno Retreat and Spirituality Center that features a series of windows that provide a panoramic view of the changes of seasons. As I gaze out of them in the early morning light I see a variety of trees: evergreens, some with bare branches, others with golden leaves, and still others whose leaves are still green.
The two inches of snow that we had here on Wednesday (now almost completely melted) along with these trees remind us that winter is not far away. Winter: the season of cold, darkness…death. The season, like today’s gospel reading, reminds me that each day is in a sense a day of the Lord, an opportunity to contemplate my mortality even as I give thanks for life—my own and that around me. God has already come for me here and now. God already has a claim on my life.
St. Martin of Tours, soldier of Christ, pray that we may have the courage to live for him and to die to ourselves.—JC
October 31, 2011
SAT (San Antonio International Airport)
All Hallows Eve
Romans 11:29-36; Luke 14:12-14
God,
from whom, through whom, and for whom all things are:
Thank you for your irrevocable gifts and call.
May I always remember that what I give to others is really all from you.
Help me to be generous, humble, and compassionate in my giving.
I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus,
who gave himself completely for us and for the world. Amen.—JC
October 4, 2011
Rome
St. Francis of Assisi, Friar and Deacon
Jonah 3:1-10
Jonah’s preaching and its effects on the people of Nineveh reminded me of St. Francis and the effect of his preaching and life on the people of the 13th century and since. What lessons might St. Francis teach us today?
(1) Be grateful for what you have and receive each day.
(2) Live simply and you won’t be living with the anxiety and disappointment about what you don’t have, what you desire but do not need, or what you are willing to drive yourself to misery to get.
(3) Remember those poor and marginalized, the lepers who need healing.
(4) See creation as brother or sister, to be loved, respected and supported.
(5) Glorify God in who you are and in all you do.
(6) Take time for prayer and contemplation. Commune with God.
(7) Remember that you are part of a community, in fact many communities.
(8) Love the Church, and love her enough to want her to reform; and work for that reform especially by your own example and following Christ with integrity.
(9) Love the Eucharist, Christ’s gift to us and our gift to the world.
(10) Live so well that you are not afraid to die.
—JC
September 30, 2011
Detroit
St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor
Baruch 1:15-22; Luke 10:13-16
Sometimes it’s best just to ‘fess up. Repentance, whether individual or communal, requires that we acknowledge our sins. The Church has traditionally reserved Friday as the day of the week as a day to especially consider our weakness and call upon God’s grace. It’s no accident that the Liturgy of the Hours includes one of the great penitential psalms (Ps. 51) in Morning Prayer (lauds) for every Friday of the four-week psalter.
Lord, I have sinned. Have mercy on me.
Lord, I have been disobedient. Help me to respond better to your love and follow your law.
Lord, I have failed to hear and heed your voice. Open my ears and my heart.
Lord, I have acted willfully. Help me to follow your will.
Lord, I have served other gods. May I serve only you.
Lord, forgive my sins, help me with your grace, and bring me to life everlasting. Amen.
September 23, 2011
Chicago
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Priest and Friar
Haggai 2:1-9
God’s word, spoken to Zerrubbabel the governor of Judah and to Joshua the high priest by the prophet Haggai about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem following the return of the people of Israel from their exile in Babylon, is still timely. It can be applied to any rebuilding project, whether physical or spiritual, church or business, family or community:
(1) Take courage.
(2) Work!
(3) Remember that God is with you.
(4) Let God do what only God can do.
(5) Prepare for something better, greater…and different than what was before.—JC
September 12, 2011
Detroit
Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time; Holy Name of Mary
1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 7:1-10
People who are considered “outsiders” in a given society are often viewed with suspicion by others. Think of what happened to many of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the wake of 9-11 or the experiences of virtually every immigrant group in U.S. history, from the Irish to the Chinese.
The early Christian communities were also “outsiders,” both within the Roman Empire and among the Jewish community. They were variously viewed as unpatriotic, superstitious, and not orthodox. They were the object of suspicions and hostility, and their survival was sometimes in doubt. In his letter to Timothy Paul urged them to work hard to fit in and live in peace, not merely as a survival tactic but also a way to eventually open the doors to future evangelization.
In today’s gospel passage the centurion (the commander of a unit of 100 Roman soldiers), another “outsider,” demonstrated his humility and his deep faith and respect for Jesus as a Jew when he said, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word….” With the implementation of the revised Roman Missal at Advent, we will be repeating those same words in preparation for communion every time we celebrate the Eucharist.
Give us, O Jesus, the centurion’s spirit of faith, reverence, and humility as we prepare to receive you, not only in the Eucharist but in the many different ways in which your grace and power are manifested in our lives.—JC
September 7, 2011
Billings, Montana
Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 6:20-26
With his proclamation of blessings and woes at the beginning of what has come to be known as the Sermon on the Plain Jesus turns conventional wisdom on its head. He calls blessed those who are hungry, weeping, hated, excluded, insulted, and denounced on his account; and he promises woes to those who are rich, filled, laughing and well-regarded.
The key here, however, isn’t in our status or circumstances. Instead it is in our relationship with Jesus and his prophetic ministry and whether we are willing to pay the price for following him and doing God’s will, regardless of the consequences. Putting on Christ has its costs…and its rewards.—JC
August 26, 2011
Detroit
Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 25:1-13
At the conclusion of this passage urges his disciples to “stay awake;” but curiously, in the story all ten of the virgins fail to do so. They all became drowsy and fell asleep as the bridegroom delayed in his coming. Despite their slumber, however, five of them were prepared for his coming because they had oil in reserve.
We’re all human, and because of that we all “fall asleep” from time to time: we make mistakes and we sin, no matter how perfect or holy we may strive to be. But we can still respond to the Lord’s call and presence if we have something our spiritual reserves.
Lord Jesus, help us to build our spiritual reserves through reading and reflecting on your word, prayer, meditation, contemplation, devotions, the celebration of the sacraments and worship with others. Thank you for the many ways that you provide for us to get oil for our lamps.—JC
August 22, 2011
Detroit
Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Matthew 23:13-22; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10
These two passages are wonderful food for thought for anyone called to leadership in the church. St. Paul sets a wonderful example in his letter to the community at Thessalonika. In the midst of the activity and demands of his ministry and even before addressing some significant pastoral concerns, he begins his letter by: (1) giving thanks for them; (2) assuring them of his prayers; and (3) remembering their good work. How often am I in a rush to “get down to business” and forget that part of the “business” of leadership is to thank and encourage others?
In sharp contrast to St. Paul’s affirmations, Jesus lashes out in the gospel reading against the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and their idolatrous worship of rules and external practices, along with their inordinate focus on gifts and offerings. The church today sometimes struggles against these same forces. Some, for example, elevate the observance of liturgical rubrics and canon law to the same status as the works of mercy. Is Christ, who came to us through the gracious submission of his mother to the will of God and was first made manifest in his humble birth in a manger, less present in a Eucharist celebrated with vessels of ceramic or glass than in one celebrated with chalices, patens, and ciboria of silver and gold? Save us, O Lord, from such venality.—JC
August 11, 2011
Detroit
St. Clare of Assisi, Virgin
2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18; John 15:4-10
Most people, including those of us who live a vowed life, don’t necessarily look on poverty as a privilege. Rather, it’s something to be avoided, a cause for embarrassment, and even a social sin. At a primal level, poverty is something we fear: the state or at least the real risk of not having our most basic human needs met.
Could this be the same fear gripping financial markets around the world? Poverty, after all, is a pervading experience of insecurity. In it’s most extreme forms, it’s not knowing where your next meal is going to come from, not knowing where you will sleep tonight, having little more than the clothes on your back. It’s what millions of men, women and children in Somalia are experiencing right now.
Yet St. Clare thought of poverty as a privilege. She fought long and hard to have her voluntary and very rigorous or even extreme form of poverty accepted by the Church and incorporated into the rule for her and her sisters.
For Clare the point was not heroic deprivation for its own sake or to call attention to herself. Instead, it was the way that she though she could best become an “earthen vessel” dependent on God’s grace and how she could completely graft herself onto Christ the vine, whose poverty was expressed in the mysteries of his incarnation, death and resurrection.
St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us that we may better understand the richness of poverty.—JC
August 4, 2011
Mt. Calvary, WI
St. John Vianney, Priest
Numbers 20:1-13; Matthew 16:13-23
God, you who can bring water from a rock, come to the aid of all who suffer, especially those who lack access to a source of safe, clean, and reliable fresh water. Help me to be mindful and not wasteful in my use of this precious resource.
You built your church on an imperfect, uneven rock like Peter—capable of great courage and great cowardice, following your will and standing in your way. Throughout our history, from the very beginning, the people who are your church and its leaders have been capable of holiness, sacrifice, and service but also sin and corruption.
Help us to stay grounded in our faith in you alone. Purify and strengthen us. Make us what you want and need us to be. We ask this through the intercession of St. John Vianney, who dedicated his life to the people he served and to their spiritual growth.
July 27, 2011
Detroit
Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
Exodus 33:7-11, 34:4b9, 28
Moses’ communion with God was so profound that it showed on his face. He very literally had a divine glow about him. His reflection of God’s presence was so strong that it scared his fellow Israelites.
There are people like that in the world. Many of the saints gave off that divine aura. We’ve probably all been blessed to know at least one or two people in our own lives like that. I know that I have. Their radiance, however, tended to be of a quieter intensity. They didn’t need to proclaim it or have to convince others how blessed, holy, or divinely inspired they were. They just were. They demonstrated it by how they carried themselves in the world and how they treated others. It wasn’t hard to see the God in—and on—them.—JC
July 22, 2011
Detroit
St. Mary Magdalene, “Apostle to the Apostles”
Exodus 20:1-17
The Ten Commandments in a Different Key
1) There is one God.
2) Worship God alone.
3) Respect God’s name.
4) Keep the Sabbath holy.
5) Respect life.
6) Respect marriage.
7) Respect the property of others.
8) Tell the truth.
9) Be grateful for the people in your life.
10) Be grateful for the things you have.
July 13, 2011
Newton, MA
St. Henry, Husband, Holy Roman Emperor
Exodus 3;1-6, 9-12; Matthew 11:25-27
Sometimes I forget that revelation is first God’s communication to us and only then our communication of God’s presence and will to each other. God can choose to reveal God’s presence and will in the places we don’t expect (like burning bushes) and to the people we don’t expect (“the childlike” rather than “the wise and the learned”).
Every place can be holy ground. Every person can be a potential prophet or oracle. That’s up to God, not me.
Am I open to that?—JC
July 7, 2011
Detroit
Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5
Sometimes we find ourselves in a difficult, painful, unjust or tragic situation that makes no sense at the time. It can cause headaches, nightmares, depression, or just a general sense of feeling overwhelmed.
Yet somehow, some way, we make it through that situation. We not only survive but we find that the experience has uncovered gifts that we didn’t know we had, developed our character in ways that we didn’t expect, and given us the chance to serve God and others in ways that could not imagine.
That all happened to Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own jealous and resentful brothers he found himself in Egypt. Through his own survival skills, wisdom, integrity, and his gift of interpreting dreams he eventually found himself in a position of great power—second only to the Pharaoh. Though he later had an opportunity to avenge himself on his starving brothers, he chose instead to forgive and help them, his father, and his people in a time of famine.
Joseph, son of Jacob, pray that we can make it through our own times of difficulty, loss, pain, confusion, and even betrayal and discover how the hand of God might use us to write new chapters of hope, peace, reconciliation, justice, and service.—JC
July 4, 2011
Detroit
St. Elizabeth of Portugal, SFO, Queen, Wife and Mother
Independence Day (USA)
A person may be faithful, he may have the power to utter hidden mysteries; he may be discriminating in the evaluation of what is said and pure in his actions. But the greater he seems to be, the more humbly he ought to act, and the more zealous he should be for the common good rather than his own interest.—St. Clement I, Letter to the Corinthians
Pope Clement I wrote those words near the end of the 1st Century, CE to a Corinthian church divided over its leadership. In this passage he points to an issue that is often at the core of many divisions, not only in the church but also in government, business, etc.: ego and self-interest. Rather than point fingers at anyone else, I need to reflect on these words in light of my own ministry as Provincial Minister and a “religious superior” (an ironic title, in light of Clement’s admonition).
Do I always have to “win” when decisions need to be made? Do my ideas, preferences, and even biases need to prevail? Am I really open and do I truly listen to the ideas and experiences of others? Do I have the capacity to compromise? Do I confuse matters of principle with matters of pride? Do my decisions and the other ways that I exercise my authority build up the community and the church or divide them?
St. Clement, pray for the church, pray for me, and on this Independence Day, pray for those whom we have elected to lead our nation.—JC
June 29, 2011
Detroit
Ss. Peter & Paul, Apostles
Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19
When I was growing up in Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Milwaukee, one of the most arresting and inspiring images for me was the high altar in the church. In the center was Christ on the cross, with his mother and the beloved disciple on either side. Then a little further away, on the Lord’s right and left, were imposing statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, the former with his large keys and the latter with a large sword at his side.
At first glance these apostles seem like a study in contrasts: Peter with his keys and Paul with his sword; Peter as “the Insider,” a disciple of Jesus from the beginning of his ministry, and Paul as “the Outsider,” one who considered himself “abnormally born” into life in Christ; Peter the unlettered fisherman and Paul the educated Pharisee and tentmaker; Peter a non-citizen and Paul a Roman citizen; Peter who was crucified upside down and Paul who (because he was a citizen) had the “privilege” of being beheaded.
Both Peter and Paul, however, are considered apostles. Both were martyred in Rome under the maniacal reign of Nero. Both had “checkered pasts,” Peter as a denier of the Lord and Paul as a persecutor of the church. Whatever their flaws, both were used by God to be missionaries and leaders. According to Acts 15 both participated in what has come to be known as the Council of Jerusalem and made important interventions. Both wrestled with how to integrate their Jewish faith with the new Way of Jesus. Both never forgot whom they were proclaiming or the one upon whom they relied for their strength.
Their mission is now the mission of the church. God can use us just as surely as God used them. Ss. Peter & Paul, pray for us.—JC
June 28, 2011
Detroit
St. Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Matthew 8:23-28
Fears, large and small, can easily distract me and keep me up at night. When I reflect on them, however, I realize that most of them are about things over which I may have no more control than I do over the weather. At best, I can only accept and adapt to them as God gives me the wisdom and strength.
It makes it a lot easier when I remember that Jesus has been in the same boat with us—the boat of living in this world, the boat of our humanity. The storms may rage, the waters of trouble and adversity may seem overwhelming, and the Lord may seem “out of it,” asleep in the midst of everything, but he is here with us. He has the power to see us through.
How easily I forget.—JC
June 24, 2011
Detroit
Birth of St. John the Baptist
Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1b-3; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
Q: Who made me?
A: God made me.
Q: Why did God make me?
A: To know him, love him, and serve him….
Underlying those simple responses from the old Baltimore Catechism is a profound truth: we all have a purpose in life. God created each of us for a reason.
The servant in Isaiah 49 recalls, “The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.
In Psalm 139:13 the author similarly remembers, “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.”
Those who witnessed the amazing circumstances surrounding the birth of John the Baptist asked themselves, “What, then, will this child be?” while the Luke adds, “For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
The hand of the Lord is with each of us; but in light of our gift of human freedom, it is not a heavy hand. Instead, God’s hand guides and gives us direction, pointing to us the way of life. That hand is present in our individual vocations and in our daily lives. Do we pay attention to it, to feel the ways in which it might be guiding us, to see the choices that are good and life-giving?
Lord God, by your loving hand you have brought each of us into being and have created us for a holy purpose. Through the intercession of St. John the Baptist and his parents Zechariah and Elizabeth, help us to realize that purpose, to grow in fulfilling it, and to become stronger in spirit.—JC
June 19, 2011
DTW (on the way to Billings, MT)
Solemnity of the Holy Trinity
2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18
Want to live in communion with others? St. Paul notes several steps we can take:
“Mend your ways”—As I continue on my own journey of conversion I make it easier to build communion with others because I become less of a barrier to it. There’s less of me in the way.
“Encourage one another”—It’s much easier to build on strengths and the positive. Jesus did this with Nicodemus by telling him that God sent his Son into the world out of love and not to condemn but to save.
“Agree with one another”—When I build consensus I also build communion, and vice versa.
“Live in peace”—Not the negative peace that comes from oppression or domination but rather that which comes from mutual trust and harmony of purpose.
“Greet one another with a holy kiss”—I build communion when I appropriately express my love for those I work with and have been called to serve.
Help me, O God, to be a better minister of communion for your people and your world.—JC
June 10, 2011
Chicago—Provincial Chapter 2011
Friday of the 7th Week of Easter
Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19
The 44th Chapter of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph began this week with our brother, Gary Wegner, reflecting on farewells in light of St. Paul’s farewell address to the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:17-27). In a way this entire chapter has involved a series of farewells:
In his keynote address on Tuesday Bryan Massingale urged us to say farewell to any naiveté or denial that may remain about some of the demographic, cultural and other changes and challenges that we face as a province and a church.
In her JPE presentation on Wednesday Margaret Swedish exhorted us to say farewell to our earth-depleting lifestyles and to life as we have known it these recent decades.
We said farewell ritually to eleven of our Capuchin brothers and one affiliate who died the previous three years, and the palpable emotion of that prayer service reminded us that saying good-bye isn’t easy.
We said farewell to proposals on pastoral planning and defining what it means to be a “partner” in the province.
We said farewell to two brothers (Mark Carrico and Bob Smith) who had served us so ably on the Provincial Council this past triennium.
We said farewell to Mary Hague, who is completing nineteen years of dedicated service as our Wellness Director and the nurse for the friars in Appleton and Kaukauna.
In today’s gospel reading the risen Jesus asks Peter to also say farewell to a few things: his past failure not only to affirm his love but even to his affiliation with Jesus on the eve of his death; whatever delusions of grandeur or perfection he may have had as a disciple; and his own will and control, symbolized in his capacity to dress himself and go wherever he desired. Those things, Jesus told him, were over. He needed to say good-bye to life as he knew it.
But as we know from our own experiences, our farewells are often accompanied by a hello or welcome. So as we prepare to say farewell in a few hours to this Chapter and to each other, we also say hello to:
• Embracing and responding to the process of evolution in our province, church and in the ministries we have had.
• Simpler, gentler, and less earth-exhausting lifestyles.
• Welcoming and better integrating our diversity as a province, church and nation.
• Plumbing the depths of our spirituality and the richness of our Franciscan charism.
• Welcoming Michael Sullivan and Gary Wegner to the Provincial Council, and welcoming back a few members of the previous administration.
• Welcoming Debbie Van Ermen as our Wellness Director.
We stand on the threshold of a triennium where we will need to make some difficult decisions, let go of some people and things that we love, and embrace an evolution that may lead us, like Peter, in ways that we do not want to go but must if we are to be faithful to our charism, to the pioneering spirit of our founders, to what the church and world need of us today, and especially to the simple mission statement that Jesus gave Peter and now gives us: “Follow me.”
So farewell, brothers…and hello and welcome.—JC
May 31, 2011 (Detroit)
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Romans 12:9-16; Luke 1:39-56
In her reflection on the Visitation in Holiness and the Feminine Spirit: The Art of Janet McKenzie (Susan Perry, Ed., Orbis: 2009) Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB noted that some scientific studies suggest that women deal with stress differently than men. Whereas men under stress tend to resort to the now-classic “fight or flight” response, women under stress “tend and befriend,” i.e., they come together. These varied responses of men and women, the studies say, are primarily biological and are related to the production of testosterone and ocytocin, respectively.
Women are different than men. What a revolutionary concept!
Both Mary and Elizabeth were under stress. Besides the obvious stress of being pregnant, they also found themselves so under rather unusual circumstances. Both understood that their pregnancies were due to some kind of divine intervention, and both had a sense that they were part of a divine plan, though they couldn’t know all of the details.
It was in the midst of all this stress that Mary “hastened” to visit her kinswoman. Their encounter became an occasion for the rhua or pneuma (Hebrew and Greek for “breath” or “spirit”) that is the Holy Spirit to be freed. Elizabeth prophesied and Mary told of God’s greatness and power.
Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” An older translation says, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” hence the name of the prayer is the Magnificat, a scriptural canticle so central to salvation history that it is prayed every time the Church gathers for vespers (evening prayer).
I like “magnifies” better than “proclaims,” for it’s a reminder of the tremendous force that women are in society and in the church…and how much more God could be magnified in them if their gifts were more fully recognized and utilized. –JC
May 25, 2011
Detroit
St. Bede the Venerable, Priest, and Doctor of the Church
St. Gregory VII, Pope
St. Margaret Mary De’Pazzi, Virgin
Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8
Today the Church celebrates an 8th century Benedictine monk and historian, an 11th century Benedictine monk and Pope, and a 16th/17th century Carmelite nun and mystic. Besides monasticism, what do they have in common? They were all branches of the same vine.
In our gospel reading Jesus describes his relationship with his disciples using the familiar image of the vine and branches. He describes the process of the branches being pruned—having parts cut away—to bear more fruit. It’s a very human process: we all have losses in life that can become opportunities for greater spiritual and personal growth.
For Bede, this pruning may have started as early as age 7, when he was taken from home and placed in a monastery, where he remained for the rest of his life. He left the family of his birth and became part of a new family of brothers. It was in the monastery that he wrote his monumental work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. For Gregory VII (Hildebrand), his pruning was through his election and service as Pope—a job which he didn’t want but that the Church beset by various forms of corruption really needed him to have. Margaret Mary De’Pazzi was pruned by the periods of spiritual desolation that were as much a part of her life as the times of spiritual ecstasy and the miracles and prophecies attributed to her. The lesson: if you’re going to be a disciple of Jesus, prepare to be pruned!
The Church, too, has been pruned in various ways throughout its history. In Acts 15 we witness the first major controversy—whether circumcision in particular and more generally observance of the Mosaic Law was required for those who wished to become followers of the Way. We also see one way in which that pruning is done: by bringing together leaders to discuss, debate, discern and decide how the branches can stay true to the vine.
Continue to prune us and our Church, O Lord, that we may remain in you and produce an abundant harvest.—JC
May 24, 2011
Chicago
Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter
Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a
This passage from Acts includes some valuable lessons about evangelization and ministry in general:
• Expect opposition and hardship. They’re part of the deal. Not everyone will accept the gospel and some may oppose it, even violently.
• When you get knocked down, get back up.
• Encourage others. Strengthen their spirits and exhort them to persevere.
• Don’t think you have to do it all. Prepare, appoint, and trust others to carry out the work.
• Remember that it’s God’s grace and power that are really doing the work. We’re just instruments.
• Be accountable. Share with others what you’ve done and, more importantly, what God has done.
• Take time to rest, reflect, and rejoice with others who share in the mission.
The words of Jesus in the gospel, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” should sound pretty familiar. The priest prays them at Mass before we share the Sign of Peace. But what is that “peace?” From the context of Jesus’ discourse, it seems that it comes from knowing that we are dwelling in the Father’s love and doing the Father’s will.
Give us, O Christ, your peace.—JC
May 22, 2011
Detroit
5th Sunday of Easter
1 Peter 2:4-9
“Living stone” seems like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Most of us think of stones as cold and inanimate objects. But they come alive when they are moved, whether by natural forces like gravity or an earthquake or unnatural forces such as mining or construction. Moved by such external forces, they become powerful and useful—living.
As “living stones chosen and precious in the sight of God” we have been moved by a supernatural force, one that stirs within in us, to:
• “Be built into a spiritual house”—A community of faith, the church.
• “Be a holy priesthood”—The priesthood of all believers, a gift and call of our baptism.
• “Offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”—The kinds of sacrifices that require not the destruction or death of things outside of us (animals, grain, etc.) but instead those things that are within us and hinder our growth into the likeness of Christ and the fulfillment of our fundamental purposes to know, love, and serve God; to love and serve our neighbor; and to transform our world through the realization of God’s reign “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Master Builder, help us to be the living stones that you need us to be.—JC
May 18, 2011
Detroit
St. John I, Pope & Martyr; St. Felix of Cantalice, Religious
Acts 12:24-13:5a; John 12:44-50
One of my greatest thrills as a child was to be sent to the store by my mother. Sometimes she’d give me a list and sometimes she wouldn’t. Sometimes the items were stuff for the house and sometimes they were something more personal, like cigarettes. (It was the late 1960’s and early 70’s, and back then kids could do stuff like that with a note from their parents. How times have changed!) It really didn’t matter what I was sent to pick up. What mattered is that I was being sent and entrusted with a mission, no matter how minor it may have seemed to others.
In our gospel reading Jesus also speaks of being sent but with a far more important mission and by God, the one he called Father. It was a way of illustrating his utter intimacy and unity of purpose and message, a message which some accepted and others did not. In our first reading, Paul and Barnabas were also sent—this time by the church at Antioch—to proclaim the gospel on Cyprus. The community laid hands on them as a sign of their being commissioned for this important work.
Today the Church also celebrates the feasts of two saints who were sent forth: John I, a 6th century Pope who was sent as a legate by Theodoric, the Goth who ruled Italy at the time, to Justin, the emperor in Constantinople. John was faithful to the mission he had been given by Theodoric, except for that part which contradicted the gospel and the teachings of the Church; and for that he was persecuted by Theodoric to the point of death. Felix of Cantalice, a Capuchin friar who lived in the 16th century, was sent forth to beg alms for the poor and needy. He carried out his mission with such faithfulness and holiness that he was recognized as a saint, first by the people of God and eventually through the process of canonization.
Finally, today is the 70th anniversary of the first profession of one of our Capuchin brothers in Detroit—Br. Leo Wollenweber. Leo made his first vows as a friar on May 18, 1941—nearly 7 months before the USA entered WW II! He has faithfully lived them ever since and has been especially dedicated to sharing the gospel by promoting the cause of Ven. Solanus Casey, who was himself a wonderful witness of God’s grace, compassion for those who are poor and needy, and the power of faith and prayer.
All of us who have been baptized have been sent forth to proclaim the good news of Jesus, according to our talents, our vocations, and our own times and places. God, give us the strength to be faithful to what you have sent us forth to do and be, just like Jesus, Paul, Barnabas, John I, Felix, and Br. Leo.—JC
May 16, 2011
Detroit
St. Margaret of Cortona, Secular Franciscan
Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18
The church has sometimes been described as “a big tent,” a place where diversity is welcomed and everyone has a place. Peter’s witness in Acts reminds us that it could also be described as “a big sheet” where everyone, even those deemed the “unclean,” is to be acceptable to the community because they are acceptable to God, who has made us all clean by his grace.
In his discourse on the Good Shepherd Jesus speaks of “other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” Today they number in the billions; and among them are those who, for various reasons, have wandered away from the fold…or did the fold and those who are shepherds today walk away from them?
While he was in France in September 2008 celebrating the 150th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope Benedict XVI reflected in an interview: “Everyone has a place in the Church. Every person, without exception, should be able to feel at home, and never rejected. God, who loves all man and women and wishes none to be lost, entrusts us with this mission by appointing us shepherds of his sheep. We can only thank him for the honor and the trust that he has placed in us. Let us therefore strive always to be servants of unity!”
Good Shepherd, watch over your church: continue to call us to follow you, lead us, gather us together, and keep us safe.—JC
May 13, 2011
Detroit
Our Lady of Fatima
Acts 9:-120
For all its drama, the conversion of Saul (later St. Paul) is a model for all of us who continue on our own Damascus roads of transformation toward greater holiness, becoming the people God has created us to be from the moments of our conception and our rebirth in baptism.
Very often its when we’re just taking care of our business (good or bad) that something happens—illness, the loss of a loved one or a job, a natural disaster like the floods plaguing so many of our neighbors in the South, or an unnatural disaster like 9-11—that staggers us and knocks us down. Like Saul in his blindness we become disoriented and are called to look again at our lives and the directions we’re headed in…and ultimately to change. For a time we may have to grope and stumble to find our way.
As we change there may be some who are skeptical, often with justification, and the only possibility that we have to convince them that we have truly changed is to demonstrate it, consistently, over time. Thankfully we may also be blessed with people like Ananias who, whatever their doubts, are willing to walk with us and to help us make that conversion real and lasting.
As we continue on our Damascus roads, O Lord, help us to get up when we are knocked down; to gain insight when we are confused; to have brothers and sisters who are willing to walk with us and guide us; and to be faithful to your call.—JC
May 8, 2011
Detroit, MI
Third Sunday of Easter
1 Peter 1:17-21
Peter urges us: “conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning.” This life isn’t all there is. My journey here on earth is part of one that stretches into eternity.
The tagline for the mission statement of our province is” “Transforming the world through reverence”—reverence for God; reverence for others; reverence for creation; reverence for ourselves. So much of the sojourning language we’ve heard historically in the church focuses on the limitations, imperfections, and sinfulness that are part of life on earth. These are all real; and it would be delusional to pretend otherwise.
But our Franciscan tradition turns its gaze to the light on the other side of these shadows: the possibilities and opportunities, the beauty and goodness that are also part of life on earth. We are blessed and we are called to be instruments of God’s blessing for each other. We honor God by honoring what God has made.
Help us grow in reverence, Lord.—JC
May 5, 2011
Milwaukee
Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Acts 5:27-33
“We must obey God rather than men.”
That declaration by Peter and the apostles before the Sanhedrin has been the inspiration for people throughout the generations to “speak truth to power” and to challenge emperors, kinds, presidents and even popes. It has been the spiritual foundation for many reform movements, both within and outside of the church.
It’s a bold statement, and one that is hard to attack. That’s what makes it so powerful. It’s also what makes it so dangerous, for as powerful as the name of God and appeal to divine support are they have also been used throughout history to justify a host of injustices and evils. We shouldn’t forget that Osama bin Laden claimed to speak and act for God (Allah).
Of course, as people of faith we should obey God rather than human beings. But we need the gifts of wisdom, discernment, honesty, and humility to make sure that it’s really God we’re obeying and not merely an idol we have fashioned from our own interests and for our own purposes.—JC
May 1, 2011
Detroit
2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday
Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
In contrast to the well-accepted idea that “seeing is believing,” Jesus in today’s gospel reading calls blessed those who have not seen and yet believe. There are things that we learn or are compelled by circumstances to accept on faith. When I’m driving to an unfamiliar place, for example, I put my faith in my GPS unit to guide me there even if it’s never done so before. When I’m flying somewhere, I put my faith in my pilots to get me there safely even if I’ve never flown with them before.
But there’s no doubt that faith is strengthened by seeing. The witness of the early Christian community described in Acts 2 drew others to them and, more importantly, to Christ. The community’s own faith was reinforced by seeing this great response. Faith tested and purified by the fires of adversity, 1 Peter reminds us, is a stronger faith. When we pass through various trials and find that the grace and providence of God have helped to us through, our faith is strengthened.
Deepen our faith, Lord. Help us to trust in your divine mercy to see us through.—JC
April 28, 2011
Chicago
Thursday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 3:11-26
There is power in the name of Jesus. Peter and John testified to the people who gathered in Solomon’s Portico that the healing of the crippled man was not done through any power of their own but by faith in the name of Jesus. We continue to recognize that power today as we pray “in Jesus’ name” and petition God “through Christ our Lord.”
People in the ancient world believed in the power of names. By invoking the name of a powerful and authoritative patron like an emperor, one was given (or at least claimed) the power to act on their behalf. On the other hand, demons could be cast out once their names were known and the name of a more powerful spirit invoked.
Names still have power. Coach, Nike, Cadillac, and other brand names control people’s buying habits. They desire the status associated with those brands, even if they can’t really afford them, and even if the actual products are no more useful or of no better quality than alternatives costing far less! It’s doubtful that the power of these names will last for 2000 years. But we know of a powerful name that has lasted that long and will endure to eternity.
Lord Jesus, help us to trust in the power of your name and in the grace, mercy, love, justice, compassion and all the other good things that it embodies.—JC
April 26, 2011
Detroit
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18
In the musical traditions of the Black Church, call and response is one of the ways in which the congregation is drawn together in praise and worship. The minister or soloist calls and the choir or the entire assembly responds. This exchange enables everyone participating to draw on each other’s strength and the Holy Spirit’s movement among them all.
We see a call and response in today’s scripture readings. Peter, having just received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, preached a powerful message and called the crowds in Jerusalem to repentance. In response some three thousand people came forward to be baptized! Mary Magdalene encountered Jesus in the garden and he called her to proclaim to his disciples the good news of his resurrection. She responded by doing as he commanded.
These are dramatic calls and responses, not unlike the altar calls at church revivals, youth retreats, and penance services. But the echoes and reverberations of those calls and responses—what happens in the days, weeks, months, and years that follow—are just as important, perhaps even more so.
Whatever happened to those three thousand who were baptized by Peter and the other apostles on that Pentecost? What will happen to the hundreds of thousands throughout the world who were baptized at the Easter Vigil three days ago? What about so many of us who were baptized as infants?
Help us, risen Lord, to remember that your call and our response is not an event so much as a life commitment.—JC
April 24, 2011
Rosemount, MN
Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34a, 37-43; 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8; John 20:1-9
The burial cloths were still at the tomb. Scripture scholars say that this was an important signal in the gospel account of the resurrection. It underscored that Jesus had risen from the dead and counteracted assertions by some that his disciples had come and stolen his dead body. Further accounts of his post-resurrection appearances cemented the fact that he was alive.
He lives! What difference has that made in my life? Early this morning, before getting into the celebrations of the day, I paused to reflect on the resolutions that I made back on Ash Wednesday to deepen my prayer life, grow in Christian charity, and fast to better discern my real needs from my wants. As I looked at my journal entry for March 9 I saw some growth, halting at times, with room for still more.
Risen Savior, thank you for the gift of life and the many chances you give to experience resurrection, both in this life and in the life to come.—JC
April 21, 2011
Detroit
Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
There’s a danger when we celebrate Holy Thursday, the Easter Triduum, and indeed each time we gather for Eucharist to treat them as the mere commemorations of historical events. It’s not hard to see why. St. Paul notes in our second reading (the oldest written account of the Last Supper, older even than the gospels) that Jesus commanded his disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
It’s critical to recall, however, that Jesus gives this commandment with a particularly Jewish understanding of what it means to remember, especially in a ritual like Passover. It’s not only the recollection of what God has done in the past but also the recognition of what God continues to do here and now, for, with and among his people. It’s also a call for us to make the mysteries we celebrate real in our daily lives: to wash each other’s feet, to offer ourselves for the sake of others, to serve on love.
Lord Jesus, as your church begins another Easter Triduum, open our minds and hearts to understand in an even deeper way what you have done and continue to do for us, and renew in us a spirit of loving service…in remembrance of you.—JC
April 18, 2011
Detroit
Monday of Holy Week
John 12:1-11
Requiem for Judas?
Judas Iscariot has been recently getting a sort of image makeover. A couple of years ago the so-called “Gospel of Judas” was published; and just a few days ago Lady Gaga’s “Judas” video has made its way online and has (not surprisingly) caused some controversy.
If you ask the average person what they know of Judas most could be able to identify him as the one of the Twelve who betrayed Jesus for money, and some could also recall that, overwhelmed by remorse, Judas also committed suicide. But few of us would be willing to admit that there is a bit of Judas in each of us. We, too, can betray Christ in large ways and small by our sins. In today’s gospel passage, we also see in Judas something to which any of us can become prey: doing or saying the right thing(s) for the wrong reason(s).
When Mary the sister of Lazarus extravagantly anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, Judas objected. He claimed to be upholding the needs and rights of the poor; but according to the author of this gospel he had less noble intentions for the money. He was self-righteous and self-serving.
Sometimes I can similarly speak (self-) righteously but with ulterior motives—to receive the praise of others, or to increase my status at the expense of someone else. I can “virtuously” give to the poor clothing that I say I don’t really need…and only weeks later buy something brand new and even similar to replace it.
We shouldn’t be too hard on Judas; for there’s probably a little bit of him in each of us.—JC
April 15, 2011
Detroit
Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42
Being faithful to God, like life itself, isn’t all sweetness and light. In fact, conflict is an inevitable part of a life of faith.
Faith evokes strong feelings, opinions, actions…and reactions. Jeremiah and Jesus experienced this in their prophetic ministries. Both had enemies and felt compelled to defend themselves. More to the point, both relied on God (whom Jesus identified as his Father) to protect them. Our faith is in God, but the reality is that we still have to deal with each other, which is often a joy and a blessing, but not always.
Protect us, O Lord, from our enemies, from each other, and from ourselves. Keep us strong, but especially strong in you and in love.—JC
April 12, 2011
Casa San Jose, Tucson, Arizona
Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent
Numbers 2:4-9
Healing begins when we face the sources of our pain…and deal with what is behind them. The people of Israel found healing when they looked upon the bronze seraph serpent mounted on a pole. More importantly, however, they found healing when they were able to look beyond the surface and through the symbol and deal with the truth of their own sin.
People in Twelve Step programs only begin to recover from their addictions when they face them and take that First Step of admitting they’re powerless over those addictions and that they’re lives are unmanageable. The real healing takes place, though, when they address their underlying defects of character, marred relationships, etc. that were the fuel and the effects of those addictions.
Similarly, when I face and confess my sins in the Sacrament of Penance, I am often led by my confessor to look beyond them to the deeper mental, emotional and spiritual causes. It’s no accident that the Seven Deadly Sins—pride, anger, lust, gluttony, sloth, greed and envy—aren’t actions but rather spiritual conditions and states of mind. They are the venom in the serpent’s bite.
Give us, O God, the humility and honesty to face our sins and the healing grace and power that we need to deal with them.—JC
April 10, 2011
Tucson, Arizona
5th Sunday of Lent
John11:1-45
The story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead is rich in hopeful and challenging reminders of how God can work to help us overcome not only our final earthly death but also the many smaller “deaths” we experience and the death-dealing power of sin.
An opportunity to demonstrate God’s power and glory—Just as he noted in his encounter with the man born blind (John 9), Jesus saw this manifestation of our human weakness and mortality—the death of Lazarus—as a chance for people to see God at work. “This illness,” he said, “is not to end in death, but it is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified in it.”
The Lord’s timetable isn’t always our own.—Even after being informed of Lazarus’ illness, Jesus hung around where he was for two more days, only coming to Bethany after Lazarus’ death.
It’s OK to vent our emotions and question the Lord.—Both Martha and Mary met Jesus and confronted him with the same plea: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!”
Even when things seem like “a done deal,” we need to keep faith.—While acknowledging the reality of her brother’s death Martha said that “even now” she had faith that God (Jesus’ Father) would give Jesus whatever he asked.
We can trust in Jesus’ compassion.—Our Savior is one who could weep and be “perturbed and deeply troubled” over the death of a friend and in the face of human grief and suffering.
Healing, overcoming sin, and coming to new life aren’t always pleasant.—They often come only when we are willing to roll away the stones of secrecy, denial, complacency, etc. and deal with the stench of death and even evil that can be in us, our institutions, families and yes, in the church.
Jesus “calls us out” so that we can be freed from whatever binds us.
Lord Jesus, help us to come to believe more and more in you!—JC
April 9, 2011
Tucson, Arizona
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
John 7:40-53
How many times do we make judgments about others without really knowing who they are or where they’re coming from? The Pharisees refused to believe in the Jesus was the Christ and condemned others for believing because they thought that they knew where he was from; but they were mistaken.
Lord, help me to be sparing in my judgments about others. Give me an open mind, ears and heart to understand where they’ve been and who they are so that I can place what they say and do in proper perspective. Deepen my faith in you, and give me a greater spirit of discernment.—JC
April 7, 2011
Detroit
St. John de la Salle, Priest, Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47
As people of faith we sometimes need to say and hear some tough things from each other, even words spoken in anger. In our first reading from Exodus, God vented his frustration to Moses about his people’s idolatry and infidelity. God felt betrayed and wanted to end his covenant relationship with them…permanently! Moses, however, urged God to let his righteous wrath subside, but a little later he channeled God’s anger in confronting his people with their sins and urging them to repent.
In our gospel reading Jesus similarly expresses his anger and disappointment at the disbelief of so many of his fellow Jews. His words seem almost bitter, but like those of his Father about his ancestors they are motivated by his desire that they accept the truth.
Sometimes I need to say things that I wish I didn’t have to say; and, Lord knows, sometimes I need to hear truths that I would rather avoid. But if they come from God, I need not worry. They may burn, but it is only with the purifying love of God.—JC
April 2, 2011
Detroit
St. Francis of Paola, Hermit
Got a resentment against someone or a hurt that you can’t let go? Here’s something to think about.—JC
“Put aside your hatred and animosity. Take pains to refrain from sharp words. If they escape your lips, do not be ashamed to let your lips produce the remedy, since they have caused the wounds. Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury. The recollection of an injury is itself wrong. It adds to our anger, nurtures our sin and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for the soul. It puts all virtues to flight. It is like a worm in the mind: it confuses our speech and tears to shreds our petitions to God. It is foreign to charity: it remains planted in the soul like a nail. It is wickedness that never sleeps, sin that never fails. It is indeed a daily death.”—St. Francis of Paola
March 31, 2011
Metairie, LA
Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Jeremiah 7:23-28
Thank you, merciful Lord, for your faithfulness to your people. Thank you for freeing us, for making a covenant with us, and for the prophets whom you send among us.
In your grace, O God, help us to be attentive to your presence, obedient to your word, and committed to walking in your ways. When we falter and stray, may we never despair of your love and compassion, your justice and wisdom, and turn back to you.--JC
March 28, 2011
AMS (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent
2 Kings 5:1-15
Like Naaman, we all want to be healed of the “leprosy” that afflicts us—whatever it is is that makes us makes us unclean, alienates us from others, or physically limits us. But also like Naaman, we often want to be healed on our own terms: according to our timetables, by our preferred means, in the easiest way possible, and in a way that doesn’t require that we humble ourselves too much.
When we balk at God’s healing grace coming in the ways and times we do not expect or desire, may we be blessed with people around us who, like Naaman’s servants, will reason with us and encourage us to make the plunge of faith.—JC
March 25, 2011
(Flying Over Ireland)
The Annunciation of the Lord
Luke 1:26-38
Today is not merely the commemoration of an event—the angel Gabriel’s visit to Marry and her conception of Jesus—but also an attitude. Mary worked through her fears, uncertainties and questions to place herself at the service of God’s will. Some three decades later the son she conceived so miraculously would do the same throughout his brief public ministry and ultimately on the cross.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray that we may follow your example and place ourselves at the service of God’s will.—JC
March 22, 2011
Appleton, WI
Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent
Matthew 23:1-12
In preparation for a conference in which I’ll be participating in a couple of weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time lately reflecting on the problem of clericalism in the church. Today’s gospel reading reminded me that it has ancient roots that predate Christianity.
In this passage from Matthew, Jesus describes some of the symptoms of clericalism or any form of religious elitism:
• Hypocrisy: a dissonance between the values proclaimed and the values lived.
• Legalism: the imposition of rules that may make sense in the abstract but are experienced more as burdens, an experience exacerbated by a lock of compassion or pastoral concern by those who make and enforce the rules.
• Pomp and Privilege: too much focus on outward displays of rank and authority and the seeking of and basking in the perks of office.
It’s an old and still malignant cancer; and it hampers our ability to proclaim the gospel with credibility. Fortunately, there’s a cure: following the example of the poor, humble, serving and crucified Christ.
Lord Jesus, you humbly took on our humanity and fulfilled the mission the Father gave you—proclaiming God’s word, healing and reconciling, and ultimately giving your life in service. Help us, especially those of us called to serve you as priests, to follow your example.—JC
March 20, 2011
Detroit
2nd Sunday of Lent
Genesis 12:1-4a
After getting sick of getting lost on the way to unfamiliar places and feeling too distracted by trying to drive and read the turn-by-turn directions I printed from web sites, I recently broke down and purchased a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) unit for the car. I took it out for a “test run” a few days ago and it worked wonderfully.
It’s so easy: just punch in the address of where you want to go and voila! It gives you a map and a gentle female voice tells you where to turn and when. If you miss a turn it recalculates and puts you back on course to your destination.
Abraham didn’t know where he was going when the Lord called him forth from his people and land. But he did have GPS: God’s Promise and Support.
So often in life I think that I know where I am going (or where I should go); but then the destination or the course changes. Three years ago at this time I was in Milwaukee completing the fourth year of what I hoped would be a decade at St. Martin de Porres Parish. Then chapter came, I was elected Provincial Minister, and I moved to Detroit. My life has taken a different direction.
Thankfully, I can still rely on Abraham’s GPS.—JC
March 17, 2011
Detroit
St. Patrick, Bishop
Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Matthew 7:7-12
In his Confessions, St. Patrick wrote of being able to rejoice and glorify God’s name “both in prosperity and in adversity…so that, whatever happened to me, I might accept good and evil equally, always giving thanks to God.” That gratitude and faith in God in bad times as well as good times was forged for Patrick not in the relative comfort of a monastery but rather in the windswept fields of Ireland where he toiled as a slave.
The grandson of a priest and the son of a minor Roman official in Britain who was also a deacon, Patrick was kidnapped from his home at age 16 and sold by pirates to a king in Ireland. He was put to work caring for livestock and other menial tasks. After six years he escaped (or was freed) and managed to make his way across Ireland and then across the sea back to Britain.
By the time Patrick returned home, he was barely alive; but he was also a changed man. His experience of slavery had a profound effect on him, particularly in rekindling his lukewarm Catholic faith. He eventually became a priest and then a bishop. When he was called back to then-pagan Ireland in a dream he didn’t hesitate even as others tried to dissuade him.
As Bishop of Armagh, Patrick ordained hundreds of priests and baptized tens of thousands of people. He planted the seeds of faith that in the very land where he had once been a slave, a land that was sometimes hostile to him and the gospel. He is rightly called the Apostle of Ireland.
There is, however, another message for us today not only in the life of St. Patrick but also in the story of Esther, whose heartfelt and even desperate prayer to God is in our first reading: we don’t always find our vocations or missions; sometimes they find us.
Esther became queen of Persia quite by accident—basically because her predecessor “dissed” King Xerxes. Yet she found herself in a position to save her fellow Jews from extermination, though at the risk of her own life. As her uncle Mordecai counseled her: “Who knows but that it was for a time like this that you obtained the royal dignity” (Esther 4:14b)?
Events and circumstances—good or bad and often well beyond our control—sometimes place us in positions we never expected. They call forth from us gifts that we don’t think we possess. They demand of us things that we don’t think we can do. It is especially in those times that we are invited to remember the words of Jesus in today’s gospel—to ask, seek, and knock—trusting that our good and loving Father will give us what we need to do what he would want us to do.—JC
March 16, 2011
Detroit
Wednesday of the 1st Week of Lent
Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32
Sometimes it’s the “pagans” who teach those of us who claim to be “religious” the way. Jonah preached to the Ninevites, Israel’s enemy and a city of gentiles, and they repented with a fervor rarely found among God’s own chosen people or even Jonah himself, who had attempted to flee when he was first called to his ministry as a prophet.
The sign of Jonah is the timeless and daily call to reform our lives, to heed God’s will and word, and to make God’s reign more real in the world through acts of love, mercy, compassion and justice. Sackcloth and ashes remind us that we have fallen; but their discomfort also reminds us that we don’t have to stay there. God has created us for something greater.—JC
Monday, March 14, 2011
Beacon, NY
Monday of the 1st Week of Lent
Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46
“Be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Many people associate the universal call to holiness summed up in that divine exhortation with various pious practices and spending a lot of time in and around church, synagogue, etc. While those things are good, these passages from Leviticus and Matthew remind us that we are called to a more fundamental, everyday kind of holiness, one that is reflected in our relationships with the people around us: family, friends, neighbors, strangers, “the least of these.” These relationships are marked by: honesty, integrity, justice, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and practicing the corporal works of mercy. Holiness does not so much set us apart from others and the world but instead makes us vessels of God’s love and grace in the midst of it.—JC
March 11, 2011
Detroit
Friday After Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:1-9a
St. John Chrysostom described prayer, as “a partnership and union with God.” In other words, it is directed toward communion. In a similar way, Isaiah reminds us that even a very personal spiritual practice like fasting is directed toward communion not only with God but also with others.
Isaiah told the people of Israel that God couldn’t countenance the compartmentalization of their faith: observing fasting and other penitential practices while using and abusing their workers and ignoring the needs of the poor. Indeed, the very fact of that dissonance testified that the transformative potential of their fasting had not borne fruit.
Prayer, fasting and works of justice and charity—our traditional Lenten practices—are meant to work together to make us whole and to bring us into deeper communion with each other and with God. In the spirit of that communion, we remember our brothers and sisters in Japan who have been devastated by the earthquake and tsunamis there.—JC
March 10, 2011
Detroit
Thursday After Ash Wednesday
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25
The phrase “Choose Life” is probably best known as through an abortion-fighting bumper sticker. In today’s first reading, however, Moses uses that phrase in a more fundamental way. What does it mean to “choose life?” Quite simply, it means choosing God: “loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him.” Paradoxically, however, it also means choosing death as Jesus did through self-denial, embracing the crosses of life, and submitting to the will of the one he called Father.
In her article, “More Than a Desk Job,” (America, July 6-13-, 1999) author Ann M. Garrido describes the many “deaths” that are embraced in a spirituality of administration: death to control, death to ego, and death to my personal and daily agendas as crises large and small erupt and demand attention. Ms. Garrido notes several other dimensions of a spirituality of administration, and each also involves a kind of death. They are good to reflect upon, since so much of my ministry is administrative.
Having a “greatness of vision” or an ability to see the “big picture,” will demand that I die to my personal interests and preferences for the sake of the whole. “Loving blindly” or in the more disinterested agape form means dying to the emotionally satisfying and more intimate but potentially trickier forms of love. Having the courage to make difficult decisions means that I have to die to the need and desire to be liked and understood by everyone.
God of life, help me to learn how to die.—JC
March 7, 2011
Milwaukee
Ss. Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs
Tobit 1:3, 2:1a-8; Mark 12:1-12
Today might be called “Profiles in Courage Day” on the liturgical calendar. The commemoration of the martyrdom of Ss. Perpetua and Felicity remind us (if we needed such reminding) that courage is not a “manly” trait but has been part of women’s witness is the church from the beginning. They held fast to their new faith in the face of entreaties, threats, and finally torture and violent death.
Tobit demonstrates another kind of courage: to do what is godly and right regardless of what others may think. Feeding the poor at his own table and burying the dead even under the cover of darkness were considered subversive acts in his land of exile; but they were the commands of God, and Tobit had to be obedient to God’s law first, over and above the laws of any king.
Finally, in our gospel passage Jesus “speaks truth to power”—in this case religious power—and in doing so further reveals the conflict that would eventually lead to his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death. He uses a parable but leaves little ambiguity about whom its characters represent or its meaning. It would all come to pass.
Give us, O God, the courage of Perpetua, Felicity, Tobit, and Jesus so that we may be your witnesses in our time and circumstances.—JC
March 3, 2011
Detroit
St. Katherine Drexel, SBS
Sirach 42:15-25; Mark 10:46-52
Recalling God’s works, Jesus Ben Sira could only marvel at God’s wisdom, omniscience, creativity and goodness. One of the blessings of having the opportunity to travel as much as I do is that it gives me the opportunity to see God’s creative power in places as diverse as Lima, Peru, Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin and Detroit.
There is beauty and goodness everywhere: from the dawn-streaked skies illuminating the foothills and mountains overlooking a coastal city in South America; to the moon-glowed, snow-covered rolling farmland in Wisconsin; to the glistening waters of the Detroit River, reflecting the lights of two nations’ cities.
We just have to see what’s in front of us. Help us, healer of the blind, to see.—JC
February 27, 2011
Detroit
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 6:24-34
I’m a congenital worrier. When we were infants my twin brother and I shared the same crib. My mom says that even late at night, while Chris was fast asleep, she would find me wide awake, standing up in the crib and peering anxiously over the rails.
So this gospel passage is a challenge and a comfort. It’s a challenge because I know that I still worry a lot…and Lord knows, as provincial minister I have more to worry about! The comfort, however, comes from knowing two things:
(1) God knows what I need.
(2) If I seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, I’ll also receive everything that I need to deal with life.
Lord God, increase my faith in you, my dedication to your kingdom, and my obedience to your will.—JC
February 22, 2011
Lima, Peru
Chair of St. Peter, Apostle
1 Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19
Today’s feast and scriptures tell us some important things about leadership: First, it’s a calling/vocation. Peter was called by Jesus in response to his profession of faith: “You are the Christ.” Second, leadership is service. Third, leadership is stewardship. Those of us called to serve as leaders do it for a time and on behalf of others.
Gracious God, thank you for giving us leaders like St. Peter who were able to nurture and inspire your church despite—and because of—their human weaknesses. Through your mercy and by the power of your Spirit, help us to follow their example.—JC
February 20, 2011
Lima, Peru
Sunday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48
Thank you, Lord, for bringing me here safely and for the hospitality of the friars and people.
Thank you for loving us even more than a mother can love her child.
Thank you for creating us as temples of your Spirit.
Thank you for showing us the way to perfection even though we are a long way off….
Be with our brothers of the Province of Peru as they begin their capitulo. Give them wisdom in choosing their leaders and as they plan for their future.
….and help me to learn Spanish!—JC
February 17, 2011
NAPCC Novitiate, Allison Park, PA
Seven Founders of the Order of the Servites
Genesis 9:1-13; Mark 8:27-33
After the Flood, God gave Noah and his descendants more power over the creatures of the earth and promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood. The power we have, however, is that of a steward. The earth and our fellow creatures do not belong to us but are given to us in trust for the time we are here, to glorify God and to be a source of life for us and future generations. Lord, you have been faithful to your covenant with your people. Help us to be faithful to our covenant with you and to care for all that you have given us.
When Peter rebuked Jesus for saying he would be a radically different messiah than the one he or his other disciples wanted or expected Jesus in turn called him “Satan” or adversary. It’s a reminder that even those who are (or at least seem) closest to the Lord are not immune from sometimes getting in his way or working against him, even when they have the best intentions. Jesus, Christ, give me the faith, humility, and insight to know how to serve as your disciple and to avoid being your adversary, even unintentionally.—JC
February 14, 2011
Milwaukee, WI
St. Cyril, Monk and St. Methodius, Bishop
Genesis 4:1-15, 25; Mark 8:11-13
When God did not look with favor upon Cain’s gift he told him, “Why are you so crestfallen and resentful? If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door; his urge is for toward you, yet you can be his master.” Cain gave in to that demon and murdered his brother Abel.
But this story also confirms that we have a choice: the devil cannot “make” us do anything. God gives us the grace to resist sin. Give me more of that grace, Lord Jesus. Though you did not sin, in the same humanity that caused you to sigh deeply in exasperation over the Pharisees’ demands for a sign you also knew temptation. Through your intercession and the direction of the Holy Spirit you promised to give us, keep me from sin and guide me toward virtue.—JC
February 10, 2011
Detroit, MI
St. Scholastica, Virgin
Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 7:24-30
According to the creation account in Genesis 2, God designed the relationship between man and woman to be a partnership based on how they complement each other. Where do we find such relationships in marriages, the workplace, and in the church? Later, in Genesis 3, the woman comes to be viewed as subordinate to the man—but that’s a consequence of sin and the Fall. Yet as we look around the world—in too many marriages, workplaces and yes, in the church, have we moved beyond that state of sin? How can we make more real the original state of grace in the relationships between men and women around the world, in various social and cultural contexts?
The stories of St. Scholastica and the Syro-Phoenician woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer reminded me of the strength that I have witnessed in so many of the woman I’ve been privileged to work with and serve in the church over the years. How can we promote stronger partnerships between men and women and a greater recognition of women’s gifts and contributions…in marriages, in the workplace, and in the church?—JC
February 7, 2011
Detroit, MI
Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Genesis 1:1-19; mark 6:53-56
Out of chaos, God created something good. Out of “a formless wasteland” God brought about something good to live in. Out of darkness, God gave us light.
It was that same life-giving power that drew people to God’s Son, a power so strong that they only needed to touch his garment to be healed. I witnessed that power this past weekend at a 12 Step retreat—men and women whose lives had been transformed. They had moved from chaos and darkness to a world that, while not perfect, was still very good.
Thank you, our Creator, for giving us life and for the grace that makes even greater life possible.—JC
February 6, 2011
Appleton, WI
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 58:7-10; Matthew 5:13-16
Writing to a people returning to Jerusalem after decades in exile, Isaiah wanted to remind them that true workshop of God could not be limited to the boundaries of the temple. It extended beyond prayer and ritual to words and deeds of compassion and justice, especially to the poor, the suffering, and the vulnerable.
The word of God lives or dies in the world through believers. People either taste the salt of the gospel and behold the light of the world through us or they don’t. The church is called to be a salt mine and a house of light. Otherwise we’re just a darkened pit…and who would want to go there?—JC
February 2, 2011
Detroit
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Luke 2:22-40
The Mosaic Law (Exodus 13) commanded that every first-born male, man or beast, that opened the womb be dedicated to the Lord. Male animals were to be sacrificed, and male children were to be consecrated to the Lord and redeemed. For her part, the mother of the child was to offer a sacrifice for her own purification (Leviticus 12).
Today we recall that Jesus, Mary’s first-born, was consecrated to the Lord at the temple in Jerusalem; and in Simeon’s prophecy we hear the foreshadowing of his sacrifice on the cross. Son of God and servant of God, Jesus was committed to fulfilling his Father’s will. He was presented by Joseph and Mary as an infant and years later he would present himself.
In infant baptism, many of us began our initiation into life in Christ. In a way we (male and female) were dedicated to the Lord and to a life of sacrifice, in whatever ways that God has called us.—JC
February 1, 2011
Detroit
Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 12:1-4
One of the things that one of my college cross country coaches taught me was not to drop my head in a race, even when I was tired. It signal weakness to opponents; but worse, it would only make my stride less efficient and cause even more fatigue. Instead, he urged me to keep my head up and focus on a spot further down the course, even on the horizon.
The author of Hebrews exhorts us to something similar for our race of faith. Sometimes I feel like dropping my head because I feel discouraged, frustrated, overwhelmed, or just plain tired. Help me, Jesus, to keep my head up and my eyes fixed on you and the work you’ve given me to do.—JC
January 28, 2011
Detroit, 05:40
St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor
Hebrews 10:32-39; Mark 4:26-34
The Seed
Seed sown,
scattered, sprouted,
then grown.
The blade appears,
then the ear,
then the full grain.
The harvest is here:
the kingdom of God,
among us and within us
and to come.—JC
January 25, 2011
New York, NY
Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle
Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18
Ananias assured Paul, “The God of ancestors designated you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard.” It must have been disorienting for Paul, this fervent persecutor of the Way, to be called to become its greatest missionary.
I recently received a letter that said, “God does not choose the qualified, God qualifies the chosen.” At the same time, God not only gives us all that we need to do his work; he also builds on the gifts that he has already given us and “repurposes” them his glory and the building of his kingdom.
God certainly did that with St. Paul, who had already demonstrated zeal, persistence, intelligence, knowledge of the scriptures, and the stubbornness that would all make him a great apostle. God, who does the choosing, can do the same for us—building on who we are and what we have.—JC
January 21, 2011
St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Hebrews 8:6-13; mark 3:13-19
Lord Jesus,
You called together a pretty motley crew to be the Twelve, your closest disciples,
and you gave them a share in your mission.
You continue to call men and women (!) from all walks of life to serve you.
Be with us but more importantly help us to be with you.
Put your laws in our minds and write them upon our hearts.
Help us to be faithful to you, as you were faithful to the Father,
with whom you live and reign with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
January 18, 2011
Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 6:10-20; Mark 2:23-28
“Sometimes you need to break the rules.” Creativity, innovation, and even justice can depend on our willingness to go beyond the conventional. Yesterday we celebrated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who revolutionized America by fusing the gospel message and Ghandian non-violence. Near the end of his life, he broke from the civil rights establishment by opposing the war in Vietnam and trying to unify people of all races in the Poor People’s Campaign. As he discovered, breaking the rules can be risky, even deadly.
Years after he was assassinated, we learned Dr. King broke other rules—in his personal life. There’s a lesson there, too. Breaking the rules rarely turns out well when we must do it on our own and in secret. Breaking the rules well requires discernment. Help me, O God, to have the wisdom to know when to break the rules and when to obey them.—JC
January 14, 2010
Friday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
San Antonio, Texas
Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Mark 2:1-12
“Entering into his rest” by hearing God’s word and responding to it in faith is not just something that will happen at the end of our lives. It can also happen as we live with the peace of mind that God is ultimately sovereign over all and that we cannot and need not control everything. I can only do my part and then leave the rest to others and to God. The friends of the paralyzed man did their part. In an extraordinary act of faith or desperation, they opened a roof and lowered him down in front of Jesus who healed him.
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of some of the huge issues and challenges confronting the church, world, and province, not to mention the many challenges and wounds that I encounter in my ministry that are part of the human condition. Empowerment and peace of mind come when I do my part to the best of my ability…and leave the rest in the hands of God and others.—JC
January 10, 2010
Detroit, MI
Monday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 1:1-6; Mark 1:14-20
Today is a day of firsts. With the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord yesterday we crossed the threshold from the Christmas season to the First Week in Ordinary Time. Our readings come from the first chapters of the Letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Mark, part of our Lectionary’s cycle of continuous readings of the books of the Bible.
Unlike the other synoptic gospels (Matthew and Luke), Mark’s gospel does not have an infancy narrative. Instead, it begins with the ministry of the John the Baptist and moves quickly to Jesus’ own baptism in the Jordan and his sojourn in the desert. Today’s passage finds Jesus beginning his public ministry proclaiming the Kingdom of God and calling people to repentance. He also calls forth Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John from the occupation as fishermen to become “fishers of men.”
In calling his disciples in this way, it seems that Jesus was about something more than merely employing a clever play on words. He was taking people where they were at and calling them to serve with the gifts and skills that they had, knowing that those would grow over time as his disciples came to know him and later received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
As it was with the fishermen, so it is with us. Jesus takes us as we are, he calls us where we’re at, to share in his mission; and we grow in our vocations as we develop a personal relationship with him and allow the Holy Spirit—the Spirit that we have received in Baptism and with which we have been sealed in Confirmation—to work with and through us.
January 9, 2010
Detroit, MI
Baptism of the Lord
Today let us do honor to Christ’s baptism and celebrate his feast in holiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives such pleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of men, for whom his every word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force for all mankind, lights shining in the world.—St. Gregory of Nazianzen
January 7, 2010
Appleton, WI
St. Raymond Penyafort, Priest and Religious
Luke 5:12-16
In the midst of a very intense public ministry with all kinds of demands on his time and gifts, Jesus “would withdraw to deserted places to pray.” When I was ordained a priest in 1993, the bishop urged me and the other friar being ordained to make a commitment to spend an hour a day to personal prayer and reflection. At the time I was spending 15 minutes a day, so I knew that this would be “a work in progress.”
Over seventeen years later I’m up to 45 minutes a day and still working toward that hour. What’s remarkable, however, is how much this time of daily prayer has become a habit. As with my morning workout, I just don’t feel right if I miss that time of prayer and reflection. It has become a graced time for me. While it is the only thing that I remember from that bishop’s homily, I am very grateful he gave us that gift.
Keep calling me, O Lord, to deserted places to pray.—JC
January 6, 2010
Milwaukee, WI
St. Andre Bessette, Religious
1 John 4:19-5:4
Sometimes we forget that God’s commandments were given to us out of love. We receive them as burdens because most of us don’t like being told what to do or to have curbs on our behavior. Those commands can also be hard to carry out.
Love sounds great…until we have to do it when it isn’t easy: to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us or tolerance or acceptance to those whom we’d rather avoid. But since love is the very essence of God, we can’t refuse to love as Christians…can we?—JC
January 3, 2011
Detroit
Holy Name of Jesus
1 John 3:22-4:6; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Most organizations these days, from the smallest churches and nonprofits to the largest transnational corporations, have mission statements. The generally accepted advice is to keep such statements simple and concise.
In today’s gospel reading we see Jesus engaged his ministry, and from it we can discern what could be called his mission statement—and ours:
The mission of Jesus Christ and his followers
is to preach repentance and the reign of God
and to heal people in mind, body and soul.
How true am I as a disciple of Jesus to his mission? How true are we as a church?—JC
January 2, 2011
Detroit
Epiphany of the Lord
The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service:
to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men
to find Christ.—St. Leo the Great, Pope
December 28, 2010
Detroit
Feast of the Holy Innocents
1 John 1:5-2:2; Matthew 2:13-18
It seems incongruous to have to commemorate something as horrible as the slaughter of infants so close to our celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Historians estimate that 6-25 children were killed upon Herod’s orders in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. Why recall such a ghastly event in the season we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World?
Scripture scholars point to Matthew’s purpose in revealing Jesus as the new Moses and therefore the similarities between the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth in Matthew 2 and Moses’ birth in Exodus 1. Just as Moses escaped Pharaoh’s cruel hand and lived to liberate the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt so Jesus escaped Herod’s evil designs, fled to Egypt, and then returned to the land of his ancestors to offer liberation not only to them but to the whole world, to lead us to the promised land of eternal life.
But there’s another message in this gospel reading: the reign of God—the one ushered in by the birth of his Son and the one we are called to proclaim—is a threat to many of “the powers that be,” the Herods of this world and the forces of injustice, oppression, violence, and the lack of respect for human life. There are many places in our world where children are abused and neglected; enslaved in homes, factories and brothels; forcibly made child soldiers; deprived of education; living in poverty; and exposed to preventable diseases. In addition, we cannot forget that the church has sometimes been a place where children and teens have experienced more of Herod’s cruelty than Christ’s compassion and care.
As those charged with proclaiming God’s reign in deed as well as word, we have an obligation to make our world, our streets, our schools, our homes and especially our church safe and nurturing places for children, places where they can thrive.
Rachel still weeps for her children—JC
December 25, 2010
Detroit
Christmas Day
Mass at Dawn: Isaiah 62:11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20
A Gift
A gift for the once-forsaken:
kindness and generous love embodied,
in a package of rags,
small, trembling, crying, weak.
Shepherds come, and go,
rustic evangelists
glorifying and praising God
for all they had seen and heard.
Christ is here.—JC
December 23, 2010
Detroit
St. John Kanty, Priest
Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Luke 1:57-66
The prophet Malachi describes the Lord’s messenger as “like the refiner’s fire or the fuller’s lye.” Fire and lye are not exactly gentle in their workings, and neither was John the Baptist. He looked rough and spoke roughly and directly, inviting and admonishing everyone from common folk (soldiers and tax collectors) to religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees), and even kings (Herod) to turn back to God and to change their ways.
Fire and lye are used to purify and refine, but they must burn and destroy in order to accomplish it. As I look at my own life the moments of deepest and most lasting conversion have inevitably been accompanied by some form of destruction, loss, and pain. To use the language of the Twelve Steps, those were the moments that I realized that I was powerless, my life was unmanageable, and I could only be transformed through the grace of a power greater than me.
Merciful God, help us not to fear the fuller’s lye or the refiner’s fire.—JC
December 19, 2010
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4th Sunday of Advent
Matthew 1:18-24
In an apparent quirk of the Lectionary, the gospel reading for today’s Mass is the same as for yesterday. Maybe God is trying to tell us something!
Despite the many differences in the two gospel infancy narratives, both of them feature an encouraging angel who assures a worried Joseph (in the Gospel of Matthew) or Mary (in the Gospel of Luke), “Do not be afraid.” In both the angel also announces that Jesus is (or will be) conceived through the Holy Spirit.
There are plenty of people and things for us to be afraid of in today’s world. Some are more immediate and obvious, while others are more remote and speculative. Realistically speaking, there are some people and things that we should fear! We need to remember that fear is a natural and normal biological response to a threat—real or perceived.
Yet we need not be consumed, paralyzed or made despondent by our fears. God is with us, a God who loved us enough to enter fully into our fearful world and humanity so that we might enter into his grace, love, and peace.
Mary and Joseph, pray that we may be freed from the paralyzing power of our fears, so that we can own and then work through them rather than allowing them to own and work us over!—JC
December 16, 2010
Appleton, Wisconsin
Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30
Though the mountains leave their place
and the hills be shaken,
My love shall never leave you
nor my covenant of peace be shaken,
says the Lord, who has mercy on you.—Isaiah 54:9-10
In a world filled with turmoil, struggle and even scandal in the church, and my own worries and weakness, it’s comforting and encouraging to know that God’s love, peace, and mercy are ever-present. No matter what happens, no matter how bad things seem to be, God’s goodness and faithfulness are constant.
Jesus said that the least in the Kingdom of God were greater than John the Baptist, one who was a prophet and more, the greatest among those born of women. That’s because those in the Kingdom are also born of the Spirit, which binds them forever to divine love, mercy, and peace.
When things seem to be slipping, Lord, help us to remember and trust in what binds us to you.—JC
December 11, 2010
St. Damasus I, Pope
Bronx, NY
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17:9a, 10-13
Who are the “Elijah’s” in our midst—those who urge us to turn our hearts to God and our children and to prepare the way for the Son of Man? There are many candidates, and curiously enough, they often conform to our own visions (and biases) of how our world, nation, or church should be.
But what really matters is not our vision but rather God’s vision.
Help us, God of life and goodness, to not be blinded by our own visions but instead to see and walk according to your light. Help us to recognize, listen to, and be converted by the true prophets that you send to us.—JC
December 6, 2010
Detroit
St. Nicholas of Myra, Bishop
Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26
“The power of the Lord” was with Jesus for healing both body and soul, the same power that Isaiah urged the people of Israel to rely upon for their salvation. Isaiah was trying to challenge and support a people who had lost their courage and hope, largely because they had relied on their own strength and the strength of the nations around them rather than God.
I sometimes get preoccupied with worries. Hope at times is difficult to grasp. It’s tempting to allow myself to slide into depression or cynicism or become overwhelmed by the problems in the world and in the Church. Those are likely signs that I’m relying more on my own strength or that of other people or institutions rather than God.
May I remember, O Lord, that you alone are our salvation. Help me to trust in you and to rely on your power.—JC
December 2, 2010
Detroit
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Action is reinforcement. Hearing the words of Jesus (this passage in Matthew comes at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount) is important; but those words need to be acted upon to truly live. As they are tested, they will also be proven. Truth can be accepted through faith but it is more convincing and internalized when it is demonstrated.
We now have nearly two millennia of accumulated experience of the life-giving power of the gospel, but each generation of believers and each individual disciple of Jesus must make it his or her own by living it. Just as rock is formed by time, heat, pressure and other forces, so our faith and our discipleship are formed by our efforts over time to make the words of Jesus real in our world.
Give me the courage and faith, O Lord, to trust in your word and to put it into practice.—JC
November 29, 2010
Milwaukee
Monday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof….” With the Revised Roman Missal going into effect a year from now, these will be part of the prayer we’ll be offering in preparation for receiving communion at Mass. They will replace the now-familiar “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you….” Putting aside the debate regarding the literal vs. dynamically equivalent principles of translation, the newer version may make clearer not only the biblical origin of this prayer but also its social dimensions and the faith of the centurion. Here he was, part of any occupying imperial army, humbling himself before one of the occupied and putting his trust in the mercy, compassion and healing power of Jesus.
This encounter called me to reflect on my own attitude as I prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Do I take it for granted? Am I too casual about it? Am I grateful for and ready to receive the healing grace that is so freely and generously offered?
Lord, I am not worthy to welcome you; but I’m very glad that you have made a place for me!—JC
November 25, 2010
Detroit
St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr
Thanksgiving Day (USA)
Sirach 50:22-24; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-9
When I was Chaplain of the St. Ben’s Community Meal in Milwaukee (2000-2004) Thanksgiving Day was a time of unparalleled abundance. Thanks to generous donors we had far more than the forty turkeys we would cook—so many, in fact, that we didn’t have room in our freezers for the extras. We gave them to other Capuchin ministries to distribute through their food pantries.
The abundance didn’t stop with turkeys, either. We also had an abundance of donated cakes and pies—so many that our meal guests could have multiple desserts. Volunteers came from throughout the city and suburbs—so many that we stopped signing them up three or four weeks earlier. Of course, that didn’t stop many others from just dropping in to help.
Even our guests swam in a sea of abundance. Because so many churches and nonprofits sponsored Thanksgiving meals, many of them came to St. Ben’s with carryout bags and left with even more.
Of course the rest of the year things, particularly in the summer, weren’t so abundant. We had more people, particularly children, in need. Volunteers would sometimes be in short supply due to vacations. The food we had available to serve was stretched to the limit.
One of the things I most remember, however, was the gratitude of so many of our guests—many of them homeless. Those who bowed their heads in reverent prayer over their Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, and dessert did the same thing over their hot dogs and beans in mid-July. Despite their circumstances, every day for them was a day of thanksgiving.
That’s something that shouldn’t escape us as Catholics. The central ritual act of our faith—the Eucharist—literally means “thanksgiving.”
Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings. Give us a deeper spirit of gratitude so that we count those blessings not only on holidays but each day of our lives.—JC
November 22, 2010
Frascati, Italy
St. Cecilia, Wife, Virgin and Martyr
Luke 21:1-4
The poor widow “offered her whole livelihood” at the temple treasury, while the wealthy people who entered with her “made offerings from their surplus wealth.” I imagine that, as happens many times today, those big donors probably got more attention and praise than she did…except from Jesus.
In many annual reports or fund raising events for nonprofits, the biggest donors are listed first, and then the rest in descending order. Sometimes those who did not give over a certain amount aren’t mentioned at all! How often do we consider not just the size of a person’s gift of time, talent or treasure but also the sacrifice that went behind it?
Help me, O God, giver of all that is good, to be sensitive to and grateful for the contributions of everyone, no matter how seeming great or small. Increase in me your spirit of generosity.
November 19, 2010
Detroit
St. Agnes of Assisi, Religious and Virgin
Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48
Proclaiming God’s word can be a “sweet and sour” experience: sweet in its goodness and truth but also sour when I’m confronted with my own inability to swallow it, digest it, and allow it to become part of me. Proclaiming that word to others who are indifferent or hostile to it can also cause pain in my gut.
In his humanity Jesus must have known something of that feeling; but despite whatever anguish he felt, he remained faithful to his prophetic mission, even when it became clear that it would lead to his death.
Thank you for your word, O God. Give me the courage to receive it and proclaim it as you desire.—JC
November 15, 2010
Detroit
St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor
Revelation 1:1-4, 2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43
Though he lived in the 13th century, Albert the Great is a man for our times. A prolific scholar—his works cover 38 volumes in subjects ranging from chemistry and astronomy to philosophy and theology—he sought to more fully integrate faith and reason, the supernatural and natural worlds. This is a needed gift in today’s world, with its battles over stem cell research, the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution vs. creationism in the public schools, etc.
Today’s first reading is from the Book of Revelation, part of the apocalyptic genre of biblical literature—highly symbolic, speaking of present events in the future tense, and not always easy to understand. However, John’s message to the church at Ephesus is pretty plain: in their efforts to maintain orthodoxy they have neglected love. Even today the church sometimes struggles with that.
Jesus didn’t. In today’s gospel reading, his compassion is obvious: he stops his journey to Jericho to attend to the cries of a man so filled with faith and desperate to see that he doesn’t mind being a little bit rude. In response to his healing, the man does what Jesus would hope that all of us would do: follow him and glorify God, causing others to praise God as well.
Here in Detroit, hundreds of pilgrims a week come to the tomb of Ven. Solanus Casey to cry out to the Lord like that blind man in the gospel. Their cries for healing and hope are often written on scraps of paper, folded, and placed on the tomb of Solanus, asking for his intercession and that of the Blessed Mother. Solanus, in turn, would want the glory for any petitions that are heard to be given to God alone and for the legacy of healing grace to be as evident in lives of deeper discipleship as in miraculous cures.—JC
November 13, 2010
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Religious Founder, Missionary and Virgin
Detroit
Luke 18:1-8
Mother Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint, was a model of persistence.
When she was turned away twice by religious orders who thought that her health was too fragile, she started her own order, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
When she desired to go to China and the Pope told her to go west and minister to the burgeoning community of Italian immigrants in the USA, she was not discouraged. Instead, she immersed herself in founding hospitals, orphanages, and schools throughout the Americas.
When she was told by the Archbishop of New York that she wasn’t welcome and should return to Italy she stood firm, relying on her letters from the Pope, and did the work she had been called and sent to do.
St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, patron of immigrants and hospital administrators, model of prayerful and faithful persistence, pray for us!—JC
November 10, 2010
Detroit
St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor
Titus 3:1-7
In his brief letter to Titus, the leader of a young church in Crete, St. Paul spends a lot of time urging him to promote good order, cooperation, and peace in the community, relying on the powerful and transforming grace of God. Crete was a pretty rough place, and the church had the opportunity to distinguish itself by being obedient to public authority and “open to every good enterprise….peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone.”
The world today is also a rough place. Many places are plagued by violence, whether from a military dictatorship, narcotrafficking, or sadly, religious extremism. In other places, however, the world is plagued by soul-numbing secularism, consumerism, and materialism.
How does the church distinguish itself in the Cretes of today? Do we live and engage with the wider community in ways that evangelize or ways that repel? Do we proclaim the truth of the gospel in humility and love or with arrogance and self-righteousness? Do our actions match our words?
St. Leo the Great, pray for us! -- JC
November 7, 2010
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Detroit
2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
Love…encouragement…hope…and grace; strengthen…guard…and instruct. I’m afraid that many people do not hear enough of these words from the Church. What they too often get are admonitions, cautions, and condemnations, along with news that discourages them and instructions that seem divorced from their own experiences and language.
We sometimes forget that what we are proclaiming is Good News! Holy Spirit, help us to proclaim the word so that it will be received as Good News, even when it may challenge and call for conversion.—JC
November 4, 2010
St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Milwaukee
Luke 15:1-10
God apparently isn’t into cost-benefit analysis. What about the risks of leaving the ninety-nine sheep to look for the one stray? Do the time and effort needed to turn the house upside down and look for that lost coin really make sense?
God’s logic is not ours; and God’s compassion is sometimes beyond our understanding. God’s ways are not our ways. In the face of all of the evidence of the fallibility of human knowledge and wisdom as well as our own sinfulness, we can only be grateful that God doesn’t go along with our program!
Thank you, God, for your mercy and compassion for us. Help us to extend some measure of that love and compassion to others.—JC
October 31, 2010
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 19:1-10
Detroit
Today’s celebrations are a confluence of several saintly streams of hospitality. It’s the anniversary of the death of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, SJ a porter in 16th/17th century Spain. Tonight we’ll have a special Mass at St. Bonaventure Chapel to remember the 1935 meeting of two other porters: St. Andre Bessette and Ven. Solanus Casey—a Holy Cross brother from Montreal and a Capuchin priest from Detroit.
The essence of the porter’s ministry is to open the door for others, not just literally but also spiritually and emotionally. Jesus, though he made himself the guest of Zaccheus, was also a porter. He opened the door of salvation to this tax collector and so many others marginalized as “sinners.”
Lord, through the intercession of St. Alphonsus, St. Andre, and Ven. Solanus make us into porters, ready to open to others the door that leads to you.—JC
October 28, 2010
Ss. Simon and Jude, Apostles
Luke 6:12-16
Before choosing the Twelve, “Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” We can only imagine what those conversations were like; but since they were between a Father and Son who knew each other well and loved each other deeply, there must have been a lot of speaking, listening…and silence—the kind of intimate silence that is not awkward, the kind of silence that sometimes seems out of place in our often noisy world.
When I have big decisions to make, I try to take the time to gather the data, hear different perspectives, and weigh the pros and cons. But Jesus demonstrates that it is also important just to take the time to be alone, to be still, and to pray. Those moments of prayer, meditation and contemplation are not so much times to search for answers but instead to allow them to come to me. They demand that I also be patient and create the necessary space and time.
I can’t get to a mountain too often, as Jesus did; but I need to be mindful that he sometimes just went to “a deserted place” (Luke 5:42). That place can be as varied as my room, my car, or an unused gate area at the airport. The place itself is not so important; who is present and what happens there are the things that matter.—JC
October 25, 2010
Detroit
Luke 13:10-17
As children, we’re taught the importance of following the rules. Lacking the capacity to appreciate the underlying reasons, we’re simply told to obey…or else. As adolescents and teens, we demand to know those reasons and we test the rules as part of our process of maturation.
As we move into adulthood, a greater breadth of experiences and responsibilities help us appreciate not only the immediate reasons for following the rules but also the deeper ones: promoting social cohesion; maintaining public order; providing a certain security in our relationships, protecting rights and enforcing obligations, etc.
But sometimes the rules—or, more often, their application in a particular case—make no sense. They need to be challenged, if not broken. Today’s gospel reading recalls such an instance. A rule (as interpreted by the synagogue leader) dictated that Jesus shouldn’t heal on the Sabbath; but faced with a woman doubled over by a crippling condition for 18 years, Jesus couldn’t make sense of that rule. He couldn’t see her suffering even one more day, particularly when he considered how people showed compassion for their own cattle on the Sabbath by letting them out for water. His compassion informed his judgment which in turn led him to make a very public exception to the rule.
Give us, O God, the ability to discern with wisdom and compassion the times when it’s necessary to break the rules.—JC
October 17, 2010
Denver
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
Luke 18:1-18
The persistent widow sought from the unjust judge that which she could get from no one else. She kept coming and coming. In many respects she was powerless. She had little social status. She had no money for a bribe. The judge admitted that he neither feared God nor respected human beings.
But eventually she got what she needed because of sheer doggedness. She kept showing up, even when she was disappointed and it seemed pointless.
So often, Lord, I come before you like that widow, with nothing. I’m distracted, troubled by many things, rushing into prayer. But I’m there: again and again, I’m there.
Nothing seems to happen—my fault, not yours. Yet in between those times of prayer, in my journeys here and there, I have to ask, “What is it that I really want? What do I really need?” Most of it is what you alone can give…and already want to share with me.
Give me, O just and loving judge, what I truly need, along with the wisdom to recognize it, the gratitude and humility to accept it, and the desire to use it for your glory and to serve your people.—JC
October 14, 2010
Detroit
St. Callistus, Pope and Martyr
Ephesians 1:1-10; Luke 11:47-54
Grace, forgiveness, and redemption are all for the purpose of helping us to become holy revelations of God’s goodness and love, which were most perfectly revealed in his Son. Callistus must have experienced that profoundly. Having gone from being a slave to and convicted criminal, who did “hard time” in the mines of Sardinia, he eventually became Pope and is now recognized as a saint.
It is said that Hippolytus, Callistus’ learned and harsh critic, strongly objected to his alleged laxity in readmitting to the church those who had renounced or fallen away from the faith. Having experienced God’s amazing and transforming grace in his own life, however, Callistus wanted to make it accessible and tangible for others. It would have been difficult if not hypocritical for him to have it any other way.—JC
October 12, 2010
Santa Inez Mission, California
Galatians 5:1-5; Luke 11:37-41
Lord, bring into greater harmony my outer actions and my inner thoughts and motivations. I can do the right thing but for the wrong reasons: ambition, pride, fear, etc. I can also have the right desires or goals but choose the wrong ways to achieve them, e.g. taking over a situation or a project that would be better and more fairly left for others to do their parts.Cleanse me inside and out, O God, and make me more useful to you.—JC
October 8, 2010
1Timothy 6:1-10
This passage from today’s Office of Readings caught my attention. Paul tells Timothy that, “There is, of course, great gain in religion—provided one is content with a sufficiency.” He then warns, “The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Last night’s ICCR [Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility] Annual Event featured a panel presentation on the theme: “Enough is Enough: Re-Imagining Global Prosperity.” It seems that a lot of the economic troubles in the world today are rooted in the love of money and the trappings of wealth. People bought stuff (especially houses) that they couldn’t afford while others were hell-bent on getting rich with few ethical considerations and little thought about how their pursuit might affect others.
But we have to remember that Paul was talking to Timothy first and foremost about the church. With our big institutions, property of various kinds, investments, etc. the church itself often needs to reflect anew on that value of sufficiency. How much do we truly need to fulfill our mission? As followers of Francis of Assisi who have vowed evangelical poverty, addressing that issue shouldn’t be too hard. But it is; and in truth it has been since the time of Francis himself.
God, Creator of all we have and use, keep us focused on sufficiency and steer our eyes and heart away from wealth so that they may remain fixed on you and on what you have called us to do.—JC
September 29, 2010
Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
Revelation 12:7-12a; John 1:47-51
Angels are God’s messengers. As St. Gregory the Great wrote in one of his homilies, “[T]he word ‘angel’ denotes a function rather than a nature.” He went on to say, “They can only be called angels who deliver some kind of message…and those who deliver messages of supreme importance are called archangels.”
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the three archangels whose messages are of supreme importance to the world today:
- In a world where our human power unable to conquer evil in all of its manifestations, Michael reminds us, “Who is like God?” the only one mighty enough to do the job.
- In a world where we are confronted daily with our own weakness, particularly in carrying out God’s will and living as disciples of Jesus Gabriel reminds us that our strength is in God.
- In a world where there is so much suffering in mind, body and soul—and so many forms of blindness more profound than Tobit’s—Raphael reminds us that God and his grace is our remedy.
Holy angels, pray for us and come to our aid!
September 25, 2010
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8; Luke 9:43-45
The silver cord is again snapped, and the golden bowl has again been broken. Today we celebrate the Funeral Mass for our brother, Lloyd Thiel (1930-2010). It’s our sixth funeral in the Province in the past year: Ramiro, Jogues, Dan, Vincent, Giles, and now Lloyd—five men older than our median age of 68 and one much younger.
Doing these funerals can be tough emotionally. It’s always hard to lose a brother, even if he is one whom I don’t know as well as others. But it’s also a blessing in a way. It reminds me of my mortality and of the Creator who is Lord over life and death. It is also an affirmation of the goodness that God has worked in these men, the extraordinary virtues and deeds wrought through those who would have surely described themselves as pretty ordinary.
Remember us, O God, and help us to remember you.—JC
September 22, 2010
Proverbs 30:5-9; Luke 9:1-6
We in the Church invest a lot of time and energy into developing and updating the mission statements of our parishes, schools, hospitals and other ministries. Sometimes we even get special facilitators to help us in the process. These mission statements can be quite long and elaborate, and we can even try to complement them with values and vision statements.
But in today’s gospel passage, Jesus gives the disciples a mission statement that is the essence of simplicity:
- Proclaim the Good News of God’s kingdom.
- Heal those who are suffering in body and soul.
Every other mission statement that we create needs to begin with these simple elements; and they are the standard by which whatever we develop today needs to be measured.
Help us, Lord, to not make following you more complicated that it needs to be.—JC
September 16, 2010
St. Cornelius, Pope and St. Cyprian of Carthage, Bishop, Martyrs
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 7:36-50
Where would the Church be without the heroic efforts of saints like Paul, Cornelius, and Cyprian? Faced with a host of internal conflicts and persecution from the Roman emperors, they trusted in the grace of God to supply them with the strength, courage, and wisdom needed to lead.
It was that same experience of God’s grace that filled the sinful woman with love and emboldened her to demonstrate it so lavishly and publicly, even in the face of condemnation from a religious leader like Simon the Pharisee. Jesus, beholding that power in her very personal hospitality, could only affirm it and announce that her sins had been forgiven.
St. Paul wrote that “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20b, NKJV). Love is the response, the manifestation, and the catalyst for still more of that grace.—JC
September 12, 2010
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, C
Luke 15:1-32
A lost coin, a lost sheep, and a lost son: maybe we should call this “Lost Sunday.” At first glance, that’s what the gospel reading seems to be about. But on closer inspection, what they have most in common isn’t something or someone who’s lost but rather the almost obsessive passion of the one who seeks them out and rejoices over their recovery and return:
• The shepherd who is almost reckless in leaving the 99 sheep who are together to seek the one who is lost.
• The woman who turns her house upside down in order to find a lost coin.
• The father who runs out to greet and welcome home his wastrel son while he is still a long way from home.
We can only rejoice and give thanks that God has such compassion for us, even as we sin and lose our way. What a moment of grace—to have the Father run out to embrace and kiss me while I stand there trying to stammer out an apology, covered in dried mud and pig waste, reeking and in need of purification.
The parable doesn’t mention what happened in the days and years following the son’s return. That underscores all the more that it was really about the father.
Thank you, LORD, for your compassion and grace. Help me to share generously with others what you have so prodigally given to me.
September 8, 2010
Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Romans 8:28-30
St. Paul reminds us that all things work for the good for those who: (1) love God; and (2) are called according to his purpose. Love is important, but so is obedience; and obedience is strongest when it is motivated by love.
So much of our obedience is motivated by fear. The problem is that very often when what or whom we fear doesn’t seem to be present, we do what we want. People stick to the speed limit if they see the sheriff’s deputy or a camera on a pole; but if those objects of fear aren’t around, then it’s pedal to the metal! We fear getting caught more than we believe in what we have been told to do.
We often teach children to obey by using fear because it’s a more primal emotion and seems to work better for those whose moral reasoning is not as fully developed. But a lot of us still operate out of that same fear as adults, even with respect to God; and life based on fear is pretty miserable.
Mary obeyed God out of love and faith. If I truly love someone then I am willing to believe that they want only what is good for me. Joseph had that same faith and love.
LORD, may my love for you and my faith in you deepen so that I may be more obedient to you and your will…and less fearful.—JC
September 5, 2010
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 9:13-18b
“Who can know God’s counsel,” the author of the Book of Wisdom asks, “or who can conceive what the Lord intends?” He then notes several of the obstacles that prevent us from coming to that knowledge: “the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns.”
It’s easy to talk about doing God’s will, and just as easy to use it as a cover or justification for doing what I want to do anyway! After all, who will challenge what God wants? That’s why prayer—conversation with God—and discernment, as well as dialogue with others, is so important. God reveals God’s will through the Holy Spirit, but not every spirit or impulse is from God.
As I grow older, I am coming to appreciate more and more the need for quiet. When I was younger it seemed that I wanted and needed constant stimulation of my senses. Multi-tasking was the order of the day. Novitiate, the time of intense prayer and contemplation that is part of our initial formation as friars, was something to be endured rather than embraced.
Technology has enabled us to do much and to do much at the same time; but it has also made it a lot easier to become over-stimulated, to laden our earthly shelters and minds with ever more concerns, many of them pretty trivial. It’s important to know what’s going on around us and to read the signs of the times in order to respond with the gospel.
However, just as a page needs a certain amount of “white space” to make it readable and to make what is important stand out, we also need the “white space” of silence, prayer, and contemplation. It is in that space that we can discover God’s will.—JC
August 28, 2010
St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
1 Corinthians 1:26-30; Matthew 25:14-30
It Is Grace
It is grace
that claimed me, foolish, weak and lowly.
It is grace
that gave me much and asked much in return.
It is grace
that feeds and changes me.
It is you.
—JC
August 24, 2010
St. Bartholomew, Apostle
John 1:45-51
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Nazareth was a small agricultural village of perhaps 2000 souls located along the Via Maris, a major trade route. There wasn’t much remarkable about it. Nathaniel’s remarks in today’s gospel reading suggest that it was widely regarded as a backwater.
But Nathaniel (who is synonymous with Bartholomew in some early church traditions) didn’t allow his skepticism or prejudices to override his openness in responding to Philip’s invitation to “come and see” about Jesus.
We live in an age of skepticism, even cynicism, about people, places and things that are different. Many of us get our news from media outlets tailor-made to fit our existing biases, which often lead to even more mistrust of “the other.”
Today many people in the suburban and rural areas of Southeast Michigan and indeed the nation ask, “Can anything good come from Detroit?” Philip’s rejoinder to Nathaniel might well echo to them, “Come and see.”
It’s when we “come and see” that we often discover that our perceptions and prejudices may not square with reality. It’s when we “come and see” that we often find out something new about ourselves as well as others. It’s when we “come and see” that we may even find God in our midst, in the people and places we didn’t expect.—JC
August 22, 2010
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30
How do we “strive to enter through the narrow gate?” Discipline, and even more important, self-discipline. In today’s passage from Hebrews 12, the author reflects: “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.”
What do I learn from my pain, mistakes, trials, and chastisements? Do I take the time to reflect on these experiences or do I just do whatever I can to “get past” or avoid them?
Much of the pain in my life is self-induced, brought on by my own errors, refusal to change, and how I choose to respond to the people and things beyond my control. But pain can also be a tutor, though sometimes severe, if I am willing to learn from it…and willing to change.—JC
August 17, 2010
Ezekiel 29:1-10; Matthew 19:23-30
Wealth is seductive. The security that it brings can lead one to take things for granted. The power that it gives can lead one to think that power is somehow personal, which is tied up with what they possess. Wealth and the power it gives can lead to the delusion that one is a “god” or at least does not need God.
Wealth can make us forget that God ultimately reigns over everything. But so can poverty, if it leads to a preoccupation with material survival. Almost anything and anyone can become a substitute for God and the kingdom of God. Our own history demonstrates that even Church, if it causes us to misplace our focus on the maintenance of human institutions and structures or to misuse power, has the potential to lose sight of God and our service in God’s kingdom.
God of heaven and earth, help us to remember where we stand in your kingdom and to seek it with all our hearts.—JC
August 12, 2010
St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Wife, Mother and Religious Founder
Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1
As a prophet, Ezekiel was called to be sign for the people of Israel. He had to do so according to God’s will, proclaiming a message that would be hard to hear and accept by a nation so certain of its own destiny…and so wrong.
As a priest, religious and more fundamentally as a Christian, I am also called to be a sign for others—a sign of God’s love, grace, compassion, justice, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus was such a sign, and so we model our lives and measure ourselves according to his example.
It’s not always an easy example to follow. The Lord’s call to forgive “seventy-seven times,” i.e., without limit requires that I develop a holy remembering and a holy forgetting—remembering all the times that God has been merciful to me and forgetting and letting go of the grudges and resentments I may have toward others, even the “justified” ones.
Thank you, Lord, for your mercy. Help me to be more forgiving and a better instrument of your reconciliation.—JC
July 29, 2010
St. Martha
Lump of Clay at Prayer (Jeremiah 18:1-6)
I’ve turned out badly, or so you see.
Rework, remake, and
Transform me.
The wheel is turning, and I’m still learning.
Rework, remake, and
Transform me.
July 28, 2010
Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
There’s a cable TV show on the Discovery Channel called Dirty Jobs. It features the host, Mike Rowe, profiling “the unsung American laborers who make their living in the most unthinkable — yet vital — ways.” The work profiled is not only dirty but often disgusting and sometimes even dangerous. Without people doing those jobs, however, we couldn’t have a lot of the products or do some of the things that we take for granted as part of our everyday lives.
Being a prophet, Jeremiah discovered, is often a dirty job. You have to say things that people don’t want to hear and do things that others may find disturbing. Prophets don’t get a lot of “props,” especially while they’re still alive. They are often misunderstood, mocked, or discounted. A prophet can often feel lonely and abandoned, even by God.
That’s how Jeremiah felt. In today’s reading he calls God “a treacherous brook, whose waters do not abide,” that is, unreliable and failing to deliver when the prophet has needed God most. I suspect that many people of faith have felt the same way at some point(s) in their lives, even if they wouldn’t want to admit it. I know that I have.
In the face of Jeremiah’s frustration and self-pity God urges something that at first glance seems a little curious: repentance. Isn’t that like “blaming the victim?”
Well, not exactly. It is through repentance and purification—ongoing tasks for all of us—that we grow in holiness, usefulness to God, and develop the kind of intimacy with God that strengthens us into “walls of brass” that are able to withstand much more than we could imagine and to be faithful to the calling that God has given us. While few Christians are called to the ministry of being a prophet, our Baptism and living according to the Gospel will necessarily have prophetic dimensions in a world where they often contradict or challenge the prevailing wisdom and values.
It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it.
July 26, 2010
Ss. Joachim and Ann, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Jeremiah 13:1-11
The Bible, God’s word, isn’t lacking for earthy or vivid images. I’ve heard our relationship with God described in many ways, but most of them don’t involve underwear!
Yet that’s exactly the image that God urges Jeremiah to reflect upon and to proclaim to his people. God tells Jeremiah to purchase a loincloth—underwear!—to wear it for a while, to hide it unwashed, and then to recover it, only to find it has rotted. It becomes a metaphor for the relationship between God and his people:
For, as close as the loincloth clings to a man’s loins, so I had made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the Lord; to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty. But they did not listen (Jeremiah 13:11).
An old commercial used to proclaim, “Nothing gets between me and my BVD’s.” That’s exactly how close God wants to be with us.—JC
July 21, 2010
St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor
Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10; Matthew 13:1-9
In one of his sermons, St. Lawrence of Brindisi described the word of God as “replete with manifold blessings” and “a light to the mind and a fire to the will.” Today’s readings describe both the call to proclaim God’s word and the call to receive it.
Jeremiah at first resisted the call to proclaim God’s word to the people of Israel. He protested that he was too young. In culture in which age and wisdom were often equated, he probably worried that he would have little credibility. But God wouldn’t let him off the hook. In essence, God told him: “Guess what, Jeremiah? It’s not about you. It’s my word you’ll be proclaiming, so don’t worry. I’ll give you the words, send you where you need to go, and protect you.” Like any minister of God’s word, Jeremiah also discovered that he not only needed to proclaim it but also to receive it, even when it was a “hard word,” i.e., one that would really challenge people and call them to conversion.
As Jesus later reminded his disciples, while God’s word is sown freely and generously, just as a farmer scatters seed, it doesn’t always find a welcome place. Help me, Lord, to prepare my heart to be a rich soil that will receive your word and bear a good harvest. Help me to remove the rocks and pull the weeds and thorns that prevent me from receiving what you so graciously give me every day.
July 16, 2010
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Matthew 12:1-8
If he were not true God, he would not be able to bring us healing; if he were not true man, he would not be able to give us an example. —St. Leo the Great, Pope
Jesus was not an enemy of the Torah. In Matthew 5:17-19, for example, he has some pretty harsh words for those who would violate the law. What he objected to, however, was making the law an idol and exalting obedience to it above all other values. That’s why in Matthew 5:20 he counseled, “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees [who defined righteousness by obedience to the law], you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
In today’s passage from Matthew 12, Jesus challenged the Pharisees to consider mercy over sacrifice, the law of compassion for those in need over the law of the Sabbath. In doing so, he wasn’t diminishing the importance of the Sabbath, the need to pause from work in order to acknowledge God as our Creator and the source of all life, or to become so obsessed with work that we delude ourselves into thinking that our blessings come entirely from our own hands. But Jesus also knew that God is honored even more when those created in God’s image and likeness also reflect his loving care. When we promote life for others—when those who are hungry are empowered to feed themselves—we honor and show our trust in the author of all life.—JC
July 13, 2010
St. Henry
Isaiah 7:1-9
“Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm” (Isaiah 7:9).
St. Henry integrated his faith with his role as king extraordinarily well. While he inserted himself in the affairs of church as well as state in ways that would not be tolerated or constitutional in our era, he was also committed to growth in holiness through prayer, penance, and works of justice and mercy. It is no coincidence that his wife, Cunegunda, was also a saint.
In the face of invaders from the north, Ahaz of Judah was shaken and overtaken by fear. Isaiah admonished him to be fortified with faith, not in himself but in God. I often live with fear—not an acute sense of terror but a more generalized anxiety, mostly about people and things that are well beyond my control. It’s not unusual for me to suddenly waken in the middle of the night questioning how I might address a person or situation that is troubling me.
I easily forget that “God is in charge.” No, not in the sense of preordaining everything or moving us all around like pieces on a cosmic chessboard; but rather that God’s reign (the Kingdom of God Jesus proclaimed) is the state of perfect order, perfect justice, and perfect peace. God has already revealed (and continues to reveal) the things that will lead to the greater realization of that reign here on earth and its fullness in heaven
We only need to put our firm faith in God and to act on that faith ourselves.
July 10, 2010
Blessed Junipero Serra, Religious
Amos 7:10-17
Thankfully, God calls the prophets and we don’t. Most of us would otherwise choose those who tell us what we want to hear: the things that reinforce our own worldviews or prejudices, support whatever we want to do, condemn others and call them to conversion, and allow us to wallow in self-satisfaction. Amaziah told Amos to be quiet and go away because, unlike the court or “house” prophets, Amos refused to tickle the king’s ears. Instead, he spoke God’s word and called Amaziah and Israel, especially the rich and powerful, to conversion. Amos refused to go away.
Give us, O God, the humility and the openness to hear the voices of the true prophets, those you have sent in our midst, even when they come from the places we don’t expect and tell us the things we would rather not hear.
JC
July 9, 2010
St. Augustine Zhao Rong & Companions, Martyrs
Matthew 10:12-23
Jesus knew that those who followed him would face persecution. Some like St. Augustine Zhao Rong and the other Chinese martyrs would face even worse. Jesus’ counsel to his disciples is at once practical (“be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves) and prophetic (to trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power in speaking before earthly rulers).
Today Christians are still persecuted in many parts of the world. In some places they are the victim of state indifference and the prejudice of religious fanatics. In other places they are repressed because of their defense of human and civil rights. In still others they are the victims of a prevailing secularization and materialism that, ironically, is the result of our own failure as followers of Christ to effectively evangelize. It may even be a reaction to our own sinfulness and hypocrisy.
Remain with your Church, O Lord. Help us to grow in holiness and integrity and to be true to you.—JC
June 23, 2010 - Detroit
Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 7:15-20
Good fruit is the product of good seed, soil, light, weather and water. Give me, O Lord of the harvest:
- Good Seed—your word, written, spoken and revealed in so many ways.
- Good Soil—an open and willing mind and heart.
- Good Light—your Holy Spirit, to guide me daily.
- Good Weather—an even temperament, not too hot or cold.
- Good Water—strength from my Baptism and the other sacraments I have been blessed to
receive: Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders.
JC
June 18, 2010 - Denver
Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 6:14-23
Where my heart and treasure are centered is largely determined by where I train my eyes. In times past friars were admonished to develop “custody of the eyes”—usually to avoid enkindling the fires of lust.
But in this gospel passage Jesus is speaking of a much deeper and more holistic “custody of the eyes.” Whatever draws my mind and heart away from God and being attentive to his will is another treasure apart from the Kingdom.
Lord, teach me custody of eyes…and mind…and heart.
JC