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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 November 8, 2008

+ 31st Week in Ordinary Time

“Little things mean a lot.”

Readings: Philippians 4:10-19 Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 Luke 16:9-15

The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. [Luke 16:10]

This reading brought to mind the song made popular by Kitty Callan back in the fifties, “Little Things Mean a Lot.” Indeed they do.

Most of us are not going to be remembered for our spectacular accomplishments but for our faithfulness in small matters. I think of the many people in my life past and present whose attentiveness to their routine made and continue to make such a difference in the lives of others.

There are Eucharistic minister who visit hospitals once a week. Approaching each visit with great sensitivity, they have enriched the lives of many who are ill. In many ways, they are ministers of healing, important members of the healing team comprised of doctors, nurses and technicians. There are others who bring the Eucharist to the elderly who are unable to get to church.

And there are still so many others who minister to the homeless on the streets and in shelters or who drive them to their appointments.

And there are those who serve on school boards or as teacher aids for the young. The list is long, unsung heroes who incorporate quietly into their daily routine, little things that matter, seeking no reward other than knowing that they are conduits of grace, instruments of healing, heralds of good news.