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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Readings: Acts 20:17-27 Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21 John 17:1-11

I am in the world no longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. [John 17:11]

Shakespeare ‘penned’ the phrase quoted above. I didn’t understand it as a student of Shakespeare in high school but I began to understand it when I waved goodbye to my family as I sailed off to Italy on September 21, 1963 for a three-year stretch in Rome. In fact, it has multiple meanings and applications that I appreciate now more than ever before.

There is another phrase that perhaps gives credence to my thoughts so poorly expressed and it’s this: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Ah, that’s it. At times we need to separate from ‘the source’ in order to appreciate how important it is to stay connected.

The farewell speech of St. Paul in Acts and the farewell ‘prayer’ of Jesus in John’s gospel were more likely composed by the authors of these texts along the lines of the farewell speeches of great leaders of their times in order to attract the attention of Jesus’ followers.

The departure of Jesus and later that of Paul created ‘fallow’ time in the hearts of the neophyte believers that was absolutely necessary if they were to grasp the significance of Jesus’ message and the teachings of St. Paul.

We are once again in ‘fallow’ time as we prepare for Pentecost. It’s a time of discernment during which we are invited to ponder the words and deeds of Jesus so that in his absence, we may come to know his presence in the Spirit that remains within us and around us.

As we ponder, it is important to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and reverence of the Lord. And the fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are characteristic of a community living in Christ: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control and chastity.

There is much to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Daily Scripture

Saturday January 1, 2005

+ Octave of Christmas – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Readings: Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21

Bless you!

“The Lord said to Moses and said, ‘Say this to Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the children of Israel. You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to y ou. May the Lord show his face to you and bring you peace.” [Num 6:22-26]

Sister Marie Schultejann, SMIC was my ‘partner in ministry’ for many years during my service as diocesan director of the permanent diaconate and secretary for pastoral ministry. During that time, I experienced first hand the benefits of team ministry particularly with a woman. Marie was a gift and more than that, a rich blessing to me and to all to whom we ministered. I understand more clearly now why the Lord sent his disciples forth ‘two by two’ to bring the Good News to others. I truly believe now that his disciples included many women.

At any rate, Marie concluded every conversation or human encounter of any kind with the words, “Bless you.” She meant every word. She was not a superficial disciple. She knew the Lord intimately and it showed in every exchange. That’s why she was a blessing because she was truly open to God’s word in her life.

What would our world, our family, our Church be like if we were a blessing to all we meet? Sounds like a good New Year’s resolution to me. I think we could scrap many of those other resolutions that we will not keep anyhow but this one can make a difference.

The name “Marie” comes from “Mary.” Mary was a blessing and what a difference her openness to God’s word has made on the world.