​Sunday Scripture Reflection November 17, 2024: Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 13: 24-32

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory.

The beginning sentences of this scripture tend to make us feel tense and wary with so many references to darkness (i.e. the sun  darkened; the moon not emitting light).  It even goes on about the fig trees losing their leaves, which is another metaphor for the end.  However, as we read, we begin to have hope.  The remaining part of the scripture is reminding us of Jesus’ promise that he will return.
 
This passage is especially meaningful because it is just before the last week of the liturgical year.  And, so, to put these two pieces together – ‘the end’ and ‘Jesus’ return’, I think we are meant to reflect and apply this scripture to our lives.  We will be wary of the darkness, but Jesus will return and this gives us hope.    
There are some days when you may feel everything in your life is falling apart.  It feels dark.  

There are some days that we feel our world, as we once knew it, is coming to an end; that forces greater than us are against us.   This is the situation that Mark is describing and we sometimes find ourselves in these situations in our life when we are in crisis or chaos. 

Our message from this scripture is:   to create calm within this chaos, we must try to keep giving it over to God, and trusting him.

Carol Landry 
Journey Theresians, Austin, TX

Sunday Scripture Reflection: Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I:   1 Kings 17: 10-16
Reading II:   Hebrews 9: 24-28
Gospel:   Mark 12: 38-44

Drought prevails in the first reading when Elijah visits the widow of Zarephath.  God has ordered Elijah to seek out the widow and ask her for some nourishment.  But because of the dire conditions this widow faces, she explains that she has nothing baked to offer.  And she also has just a handful of flour and very little oil to prepare bread.  With this small number of rations, she had planned on using as the last meal for her and son to eat before they died. What a sad situation…….   but Elijah insists that if she prepares a small cake for him, God will provide her with enough flour and oil to last until God sends rain to fall upon the earth.   The great faith of this widow is remarkable.  By obeying Elijah, she acknowledges the authority of God.  This situation makes me ponder:   how would I or my fellow Theresians face a dilemma such as this.  Would we respond with “great” faith?  How about acknowledgement of the authority of God and complete trust? Hmmm……..

In today’s gospel, Jesus is teaching to the crowds.  He observes that many rich people have put in large sums into the treasury.  A widow comes along and puts in two small coins worth a few cents. (notice here, another widow, different story)  Of course, Jesus who is all-knowing recognizes that the poor widow has put in more than the other contributors. For Jesus KNOWS what lies in the hearts of people. The rich people had contributed from their surplus wealth, but the widow had contributed ALL she had, her whole livelihood.   She has withheld nothing just like the widow of Zarephath.  But no promise of more provisions had been offered as in the first story.  
Here is our invitation to examine our lives.  Do we give everything over to God? Not just financially, but also our time, talents, our worries, joys, prayer life? Are we just “talking the talk” or actually “walking the walk”. We must shine the light of Christ and share his love with others.   A M E N   Eileen Eskew, Petals of Faith, Jennings, LA    ​

​Scripture Reflection: November 3, 2024, Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 18:2-4,47,51
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28-34

Today readings encourage us to “fear the Lord” on Moses advise to the Hebrews.
What kind of fear is that I asked. God is our Father, Who love us so much that send his son Jesus to show us the way of salvation. The path that will guide us to our Father’s Kingdom. Then, I realized that it is the fear of a heavy conscience that will prevent us to sleep, it is the fear of not obeying His commandments that we know was sent only for our wellbeing, growth and prosperity.

The readings also reinforce the two most important commandments. First thru Moses and then thru God the Son Himself, our Pastor and Priest that leaves forever.
The first is this:
“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
 Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God,
 with all your heart,
 and with all your soul,
 and with all your strength.
 Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today."
The second is this:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
 There is no other commandment greater than these." 

Great! The path to Heaven is set in front of us, we just must follow it. However, how difficult it is!
Loving God is to follow His commandments All the time, no excuses and no subterfuges.
And how to love my neighbor like myself, even when they can go completely against all that I treasure as must sacred?

The response comes from David at his Psalms “I love you, Lord, my strength.” and “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
God, Father and Creator, alone is the only One that will give us strength to stay in the “path” and one day be in His presence.

We just celebrate All Saints Day Friday and All Souls Day Saturday.
The Saints understood and demonstrated that it is possible to follow the path Jesus lay down for us. May they intercede to God in our behalf, so we will be able to follow their footsteps. That we may have the courage as Joan of Arc, determination as Saint Fracis, humbleness as Therese of Lisieux, strength as Theresa of Calcutta and love as Saint John Paul II to complete our personal journey of daily obedience to God’s will.

That our beloved departed found that they complete their path and are ready to join the saints in the presence of God The Father, God The Son and God The Holly Spirit.

Cheers and blessings,

Consuelo de Souza Silva, East Valley and North Mountain, Arizona

Scripture Reflection: October 27, 2024, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer 31:7-9
Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Heb 5:1-6
Mk 10:46-52


In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus healed Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who called out to him as Jesus is leaving Jericho. Had Bartimaeus listened to the crowd urging him to be silent and not continued to call out to Jesus, he never would have gained his sight. It is his faith which gave him the courage to approach the Lord and request healing. 

In our own lives, we, too, are often blind. While our physical sight may be intact, we can be “visually impaired” when it comes to the spiritual world. We may be blind to opportunities to love or grow or to recognize things, people, or situations that keep us from living a life of holiness. Or perhaps we are inclined not to see the judgement, unwillingness to forgive, or anger that prevent us from reconciling, seeing as God sees, or offering forgiveness. As we reflect on this Gospel, let us pray that we, like Bartimaeus, may have the strength of faith to continue crying out to God for healing in these areas and to have the courage to “spring up and come to Jesus” when He bids us come to him. 
Aimee Morvant, Reflections, Fort Bend, TX

​Jesus is the Good Shepherd, from the Casa de Pilatos in Seville, Spain

​Scripture Reflection for Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Mark 10: 35 – 45

As a Christian, how are we called to live out our vocation? Today’s gospel reading helps remind us that we are called to humble ourselves and serve one another, which is often contradictory to our human nature and societal norms.  

At the beginning of the reading, James and John ask Jesus for a position of prestige and authority in return for their obedience…much like someone would ask a good friend to give them a job in a supervisory or managerial role.   Jesus goes on to explain that power and position over others has no place in his kingdom, and abuse and mistreatment of others will never be acceptable. He then makes the point that his way is different from the human way in that the first among us will be those willing to humble themselves and serve humankind.   Because it is the way of Christ, Jesus is both Lord and Master and servant and slave of humanity.  He came to earth in order to serve us, giving his life as payment for our deliverance from sin.  This includes deliverance from the battle for power and prestige.  

This was an especially radical idea during his time period, just as it still is today in the 21st century.    After all, we have all heard the saying “nice guys finish last” or “look out for number one”.  However, as a Christian we can become great and participate in his glory by becoming like Jesus, who was a servant and slave, committed to making the world a better place.

Choosing a path of servanthood, raising others up in status and serving them is a decision we make to live as a witness to the way of God.

Janet Maurin, Angels in the Outfield Community, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

​Scripture Reflection: October 13, 2024 - Twenty- Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 7:7-11
Heb 4:12-13
Mk 10:17-27

Becoming a follower of Jesus is difficult. Every day to live out as one is challenging. So we are called to pray for the gift of wisdom. To allow us to understand the Scriptures and the commandments. Sometimes these words are a blur to us. How should we live out our lives in accordance to the Will of God? While at the same time trying to be as human as possible. We pray and discern so that our eyes and hearts may be opened. And this is beautifully experienced during our communion with Jesus during the Holy Eucharist. Each mass is an opportunity for us to allow Jesus to touch and embrace us - our sinfulness, longings, questions, doubts and physical hardships - we can offer everything up to Him. And when you receive the gift of this Union - Jesus is telling me, it’s okay. You will be with me one day in my paradise. 
Marge Catajay, Manila, Philippines

​Here is a photo I captured last Sept 23 at 5:35am from our balcony. I was so amazed at how the sunrise can be so beautiful. But for some or most people nowadays - it’s nothing but ordinary. I am grateful that I still have the feeling of awe within me. Because everyday is indeed an awesome gift. Marge Catajay, Manila, Philippines

Scripture Reflection:  September 29, 2024, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
Nm 11:25-29
Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14
Jas 5:1-6
Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
*Reflection is on the First Reading.
 
“Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!” Moses’ words to Joshua in the first reading should resound with all of us as Christians. Through our Baptism, we are all designated priest, prophet, and king, and as such, we are commissioned to prophesy. Of course, we’re not all called to predict future events, but in the context of speaking God’s message to the world, each of us has a job to do. 
 
It can be difficult to “be a prophet” in the traditional sense of the word. It is hard to imagine that going out into the wilderness or preaching in the streets would be very effective conversion tactics today. But those kinds of extreme measures are not necessary. We have enough “wilderness” and “streets” within our own lives in which to prophesy. We just have to look with eyes open to opportunities to share the Love and Grace we ourselves have received from the Lord. This may involve introducing someone to God for the first time or helping someone find their way back to God. And sometimes, it simply may be living in such a way that people want to know God because they know you.  Aimee Morvant, Reflections, Sugar Land, TX
​

Scripture Reflection: September 15, 2024 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 50:5-9a
Jas 2: 14-18
Mk 8:27-35
 
Today’s readings are masterfully woven together to remind us that the way of the cross is the only way to God. No sugar-coated doctrine here. All three readings stress how hard following and witnessing, in word and in action, for Christ can be. It is not the way of the world. It is not popular. And it certainly isn’t easy.

In the second reading, we are reminded that faith without deeds is meaningless. This particular passage in James 2: 14-18 touches my heart and moves me to action through service:

If a brother or sister has nothing to wear
and has no food for the day,
and one of you says to them,
"Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well, "
but you do not give them the necessities of the body,
what good is it?
So also faith of itself,
if it does not have works, is dead.

I have found that action equals faith and expresses love. When I utilize my time, talent and treasure in service to others, it is as much a blessing to me as it is to the person being served. We have only to make the choice to act. Sometimes that means deny our own wants and needs.
​
In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus asks “Who do people say that I am?” I find that when I recognize Jesus in all those around me, especially those in need of help, I find God’s love for me. Taking up the cross, trusting and accepting God’s path, is the road less followed. But it is our only way home.

Bridget Hilbe
Spiritual Springs Community
Richmond, Texas

Scripture Reflection: August 4, 2024 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 16:2-15
John 6:24-25

What is that? What is that?" The child's voice broke the silence of the congregation that was focused on the Priest who was holding up the Host during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. After reverently placing the Host back on the altar and genuflecting, the priest stood up and looked out at the congregation. He said, "I have to stop for a minute. I'm sure everyone heard the child just now. What you may not know is that in Hebrew the word MANNA means 'What is this?' That child yelling out just now was prophetic! This is Jesus, our Manna from heaven!" After he said these words to the congregation, the priest attempted to begin reading the Eucharistic Prayer once again. He started with so much emotion and at one point had to stop because he was holding back tears. At that moment, I began to truly hear the power of the words of the Eucharistic Prayer.

The child's question broke into my internal, wandering mind as the Eucharist Prayer was being spoken, "What is this?" Once bread and wine; THIS is the real presence of Jesus Christ! I am grateful for the prophetic child's voice crying out during mass reminding me to ask the question, "What is this?" every time I go to mass. My faith response and my belief...THIS is Manna from heaven. THIS is the real presence of Jesus Christ!
Sara Fontana
Wildflowers Community
League City, TX
 
Photo: The Real Presence - welded art sculpture by Ralph Guidroz, Sara Fontana's father

Scripture Reflection: July 28, 2024 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
2 Kings 4:42-44
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:1-15
 
The Old Testament reading describes Elisha, through the power of God, feeding 100 people with twenty barley loaves, the food of the poor. John’s Gospel reading depicts Jesus’s multiplication of five loaves of bread (also barley) to feed 5,000 men as well as women and children. With both miracles, food was left over. Consider that sufficient food is a basic human need and that “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them,” a foretelling of the Last Supper.
 
As God provides spiritual sustenance through the Eucharist, we in the Body of Christ can provide earthly food to those in need. Food insecurity exists even in the U.S. where over 44 million people including 13 million children experience food insecurity annually. One way to fulfill the Theresian dimension of Ministry is to give to food banks. Our Esprit de L’Ame community responded to a 100-item Food Challenge - we collected 10 items each of ten different staples to donate to our local food bank. Perhaps other groups could consider accepting this call as well. St. Paul urges the Ephesians (and us) to “live in a manner worthy of the call you have received… bearing with one another through love.”
 
Anne Broussard
Esprit de L'Ame Community
Lafayette, LA