Victory, that is, true happiness—joy—can never be had in isolation, or at the expense of another’s wellbeing.
The readings for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time call attention not only to the degree of God’s mercy and compassion, but also to the Lord’s openness to dialogue and mutual respect, as well as calling attention to the degree that living through and embracing the way of love, mercy, and compassion on behalf of others makes all the difference, playing part in salvation—individual and collective.
In the first reading (Genesis 18:20-32), there is discussion between the Lord and Abraham about Sodom and Gomorrah, the twin sin cities. The Lord can surely do whatever, whenever. However, that is not God’s way. In this passage, we see another example of God engaging with humanity, in response to seeing what’s going on in the two cities.
What do you make of the Lord desiring to bring Abraham along as he looks more closely?
The Lord not only listens to what Abraham has to say, but also receives it without offense, and honestly considers it with great openness and humility.
What’s it like to put yourself in Abraham’s shoes? Envision yourself in the setting and saying to the Lord:
“Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Should not the judge of all the world do what is just?” (v. 23-25).
In the verses that follow, Abraham continues to question the Lord. He asks 5 more times, referring to equally less quantities of righteous among the unrighteous. This back and forth ends with the following:
“But he persisted: ‘Please, do not let my Lord be angry if I speak up this last time. What if ten are found there?’ For the sake of the ten, he replied, I will not destroy it.” (v. 32).
Throughout this passage, one can see that the Lord does not grow impatient with Abraham, nor does he shut down the conversation, berate or demean him.
What strikes you most about the exchange between the Lord and Abraham?
The passage in the first reading can be referred to as “Abraham intercedes for Sodom.”
Think of a situation that you’re aware of and that is of concern to you. Pray for grace to receive the Lord’s view with openness and humility, without taking offense or turning away from questions and challenges but instead facing them with patience and a focus on what is truly right and just.
In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 138:1-3,6-8), the response is, “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” (v. 3a). The entirety of verse 3 is,
“On the day I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.”
Reflecting on what you intercede for, spend some time crying out to the Lord, and expressing a desire for your spirit to be strengthened in the Lord. Invite the Lord to help you to see the places where you and He are on the same page, and the places where you may vary.
In verses 12-14 of chapter 2 of the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, the second reading, we are reminded of the life-giving power of being baptized in the Lord. Nothing is insurmountable to spiritual wellbeing in and through the Lord. St. Paul writes in part,
“And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions;” (v. 13).
Notice which phrase in the verse above grabs your attention. Considering this phrase amid earthly cares, how might the Lord be inviting you to greater peace and harmony? And how might you extend greater peace and harmony to others?
In the Gospel (Luke 11:1-13), Jesus’s response to a disciple’s request of, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” (v. 1) is:
“When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” (v. 2-4)
It’s important to remember that to live authentically and to truly overcome obstacles, one must consider who is being lifted up from words/actions. How is something giving glory to God? Who is benefiting and to what extent? And, in what ways does it fit in with the Lord’s example of love, mercy, and compassion to oneself and others?
Going back to the concern you were praying about, ask the Lord to help you to see (or to reaffirm for you) what’s most important, or what the final test is, in the situation. Take time to share and rest in the Lord with your thoughts and feelings on this, and to receive and desire to carry forward His.
The Gospel passage continues with Jesus giving an example of two friends, one asking the other for loaves of bread in the middle of the night. Jesus says,
“I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.” (v. 8)
Returning to your prayer, where, or with whom, does the bulk of your concern lie? Is it with yourself, others, a mix, or something else? Ask the Lord to reveal to you, from moment to moment throughout each day, the spot(s) to invest your time and energy. Where is greater persistence needed? How might you need the Lord’s help in this area?
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” – Luke 11:9-13
Miniature minds flexing muscles, Washing brains, and rinsing guts out. Little things taking time, making strife, Acting big, or bigger than life. Right is right, except when it is not. Heart of God, heart of gold, not cold. Small hearts growing smaller all the time, Lost and losing, no way, no sight.
Walking, listening, thirsty to learn, Simon Peter wanted to see. Hungry to serve God, searching for Truth, Simon Peter humbled himself. Then came binding, loosing… holding keys. Simon Peter—rock—he could see.
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:13-19
In the Gospel passage for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Luke 9:11b-17), it is written that as the end of the day is drawing near, Jesus’s disciples go to him with their plan on how to proceed with regards to the crowds who have followed Jesus and his disciples to Bethsaida, a town near the Sea of Galilee, and have witnessed Jesus’s preaching and healing. The disciples say, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” However, Jesus seems to have other ideas. He responds, “Give them some food yourselves.”
Take a moment to consider how you might receive Jesus’s words in this situation. How might your response vary based on whether you are in a deserted place? What’s it like to consider yourself as part of the solution, no matter where you are?
Next, the disciples focus on what they might do, but recognize it’s not possible for them to do much with what they have:
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.”
Think of a situation where you feel that all you have is not enough to address it. Now, envision Jesus coming into the situation and inviting you to tell him more about it. Start with the words, “All I have is …” Notice what you include (things, people, thoughts, feelings, etc.).
What happens within you as you name what you bring to the situation? How does Jesus receive you and respond?
Now imagine Jesus instructing his disciples, and you, “Have them sit down in groups…”. Then Jesus, with abundant love and patience, turns to you, and tells you more. Pray and converse with Jesus about what this might mean for you and your situation. Share any, and all, thoughts and feelings that arise within you.
In the Gospel passage, after the disciples listened to Jesus and did as he asked, it is written:
“Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.”
What’s it like to contemplate the fact that with Jesus, all you have is enough, and can even be more than enough?
Take time today, and throughout the week, to set down whatever is on your plate or is occupying your mind. Then pause and invite Jesus to say the blessing over you and your concerns. Next, allow the peace and wisdom of Jesus, the Bread of Life, to wash over you, and reveal how what you have can meet this moment and the moments ahead, and be more than enough.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. – John 6:51
Celebrating the Sixth Sunday of Easter and moving toward the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, the First Reading (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29) begins with:
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.”
But then after much debate, or “dissension,” Paul, Barnabas, and others go to meet with the apostles and the elders to discuss this issue further. From this, comes:
“It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.”
This is a great reminder of the need to leave room for the Holy Spirit. It can be tempting to want to understand or “know” something and then to consider it a closed book. Yet here we can see that the Lord’s way calls for openness, flexibility, and trust that the Holy Spirit can lead and guide us toward what is right and just according to God.
In the Second Reading (Revelation 21:10-14,22-23), describes the magnificence and glory of “the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.” There is a place for every tribe and three gates facing each direction (east, north, south, and west). The foundation, stones representing each apostle of the Lord. Then, the following is written:
“I saw no temple in the city for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.”
Perhaps a prompt, or a gentle nudge to recall, that although the things of earth can at times bring comfort or a sense of security, nothing can surpass the love and protection of God. It’s more than a lifetime guarantee!
The Gospel reading for this Sunday is as follows:
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.” – John 14:23-29
What thoughts and desires arise within you when you contemplate this passage?
What’s it like when you consider loving the Lord as being equal to keeping the Lord’s word, openness to being taught and reminded of the Lord’s word by the Holy Spirit and receiving the gift of the Peace of Jesus?
Take some time to reflect on your Easter journey thus far, and your relationship with Jesus. How do moments of peace and moments of distance from peace that you’ve experienced differ? And how are you inspired toward greater love and peace through the above Scripture passages and your experience of the risen Lord?
Your Peace, the greatest gift next to Your lasting Love. Exemplar of goodness, kindness… integrity, those wise, could hope to be.
Eastertide through days and nights, forty… fifty… ever more. It is truly right and just, here, above, and all around. Presence of mind, truthful heart; the soul of goodness triumphs.
Genuine faith, obeying, not tyrant, nor king—Savior. Wanting good for goodness sake, bearing with things, not grasping, nor pulling apart, as if at odds, and fighting within.
In a boat fishing around, who’s there? What sides are you on? Is it right, or something else? Casting nets, or casting stones? From where does your wisdom come? What sentiments control you?
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. – John 21:15-17
Looking up at the nighttime sky, Your artistry on full display. Shades of hope… brighter, better times, Memories reckoning what was, Speculation of what will be, But then light, your glorious light, Bringing me back to my senses. Troubled, wretched waters may be, Times for standing up together, Praying that this beat finds its end. Looking up at the nighttime sky, Your artistry on full display. The stones are crying out for all. Forsaken? No, nor shall any be.
The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (John 8:1-11) can be seen as providing an opportunity to consider what’s at the root of one’s reactions and the ensuing responses or decisions to the situations or news that arises from day to day.
Read the passage below to familiarize yourself with the situation described.
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” – John 8:1-11
Next, take some time to revisit this reading from different perspectives.
First, put yourself in the shoes of the crowd. You’ve come to see and listen to this new teacher. What has drawn you to him?
Envision yourself listening to Jesus preach when suddenly, there’s an interruption. A group of men push there way through the crowd, pulling along and forcibly putting a woman into the middle of the gathering. Then they publicly call her out and ask the new teacher what he has to say about the impending doom called for by the law. What’s your first thought or feeling? What do you imagine the expression on Jesus’s face is as this is happening?
Allow yourself time to process and discuss with Jesus what it’s like to be in the crowd, witnessing this occurrence.
Next, put yourself in the shoes of the scribes and Pharisees. What do you imagine led them to essentially drag the woman, not only to where Jesus was, but also to where there was a crowd around him? The passage tells us they wanted to test Jesus. What about consideration of the woman?
Invite Jesus into the thoughts and feelings that come up as you contemplate this perspective. Ask Jesus to show you if there are areas where you might be prioritizing something to the extent that it causes a blind eye toward side effects, such as disregard for the circumstances and/or well-being of others.
Now, put yourself in the shoes of the woman caught in adultery. What’s it like to envision being forcibly taken from one place to another, put in the middle of a crowd, having your transgressions publicized, and being used as a pawn, as you await your fate, which doesn’t look good according to Mosaic law, and may or may not be determined by this new teacher?
Again, share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus. Ask him to impart wisdom and grace to you in whatever challenges you face. Also ask him to reveal anything that might be detracting from your ability to be at your best and/or to choose what is best in His eyes.
Finally, put yourself in Jesus’s shoes. You’re preaching to a crowd that has gathered around you. You see and sense the need in each person’s face. Your heart, full of peace, love, and purpose, is moved with compassion. As you’re speaking, the scribes and Pharisees arrive with the woman in tow. What do you notice most as this interruption is occurring? What’s happening internally, and from where does your response come?
Allow yourself time to pray and reflect on this experience with Jesus. What insight does Jesus want you to prioritize at this moment in your life? In what ways, and toward what, is your heart, full of peace, love, and purpose, moved with compassion?
Where can Divinity meet, and raise, your humanity for the greater glory of God?
Hope rooted in the Lord, is well placed; with the Lord, nothing is impossible.
For a time, many things are only for a time. Some things forever gone, others, on hiatus. Sometimes returning, welcome on arrival, Sometimes returning, unwanted and in dread, Sometimes slithering, seeping in, seeping out, Creating a stir, unease or great unrest. But Light, the Great Protector, shines thru, Revealing all, shedding lies in time, And casting out, what Time ordains as passed.
The Gospel passage for the First Sunday of Lent (Luke 4:1-13) is referred to as the Temptation of Jesus. After his baptism, Jesus is led into the desert by the Holy Spirit for forty days. And after these days of fasting, he is tempted by the devil in three ways:
First, to use his status as the Son of God to relieve himself of his situation of hunger.
“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” (verse 3)
Second, to exalt himself by paying homage, or worshipping, the devil to receive earthly power and glory.
“I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” (verses 6-7)
And third, to show doubt in God, by throwing himself from the parapet of the temple, and thereby testing Scripture:
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: ‘With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” (verses 9-11)
Jesus responds to these temptations as follows:
“It is written, ‘One does not live on bread alone.’” (verse 4)
“It is written ‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.’” (verse 8)
And lastly, when the devil tries to zero in on and twist Scripture verses to tempt Jesus away from the truth of who God is calling him to be, Jesus, again focuses on God—a higher purpose—responding:
“It also says, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’” (verse 12)
The “Temptation of Jesus” Gospel passage ends with, “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” (verse 13)
Oftentimes, after going through a challenging situation or event, it is common to be grateful for that time to be over. It can also be tempting to walk away with a notion of achievement or learning from it in a way that we see as being complete. Yet, whether good or bad, there are times when the same, or a similar challenge returns, offering an opportunity to draw even closer to God, and to see or learn even more.
Take some time to consider how open you are to remembering what you’ve learned as well as to learning something new when repeat or similar situations of challenge occur?
Reflecting on Jesus’s words in response to each of the temptations he faced in the desert, what invitation(s) are there for you and Jesus to explore? Allow your prayer to extend into these areas. Express your wants, needs, fears, etc. to Jesus, and allow Jesus to express His thoughts and wisdom to you.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
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