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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

Wednesday January 14, 2009

+ Wednesday, 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: Hebrews 2:14-18 Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 Mark 1:29-39

“Charity begins at home” but is global in nature.

Let us go elsewhere to the neighboring country towns so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils. [Mark 1:39]

With the restoration of the permanent diaconate over thirty years ago, it became necessary to establish criteria for the screening of candidates most of whom were married and fathers of children. It became apparent that a few men were seeking Church ministry as an escape from family responsibilities. In fact the wives of some applicants had already become ‘church widows.’

Ministry and Christian service is never an alternative to the fulfillment of our obligations at home. In fact this is more a justice issue than one of charity.

Saint Paul’s letter to Timothy established the criteria for the appointment of a bishop: “He must be sober, married only once and a faithful father!” This applies not only to the bishop and other official Church ministers but also to those who engage in works of charity.

Jesus went to the home of Peter and cured his mother-in-law. This passage is really a ‘resurrection story.’ “He took her by the hand and lifted her up; … and she began to wait on them.” The phrase “… lifted her up” is akin to being raised up. Jesus freed her from the fever so that she could resume her responsibilities.

Then Jesus went out to the other villages to do the same.

The quality of who we are ‘at home’ will determine in large measure the quality of who we are away from home. Moreover, the greatest charity we can extend to others is to empower them to do what they need to so for themselves and for others.