Monthly Archives: May 2010

Throwing a Mountain into the Sea

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Click here for today’s Scripture readings.

1 Peter 4:7-13
Mark 11:11-26

Throwing a mountain into the sea seems like a pretty big thing to do, but that’s what Jesus says in today’s gospel we can do by prayer. Is he exaggerating? We’re not always sure about the power of prayer, it seems so less tangible than concrete action, and so we may not give it high priority or much thought.

Prayer can be a way of meeting God and entering his presence. But the prayer of petition, which this reading talks about, adds something else. It says that God can be so involved with us and our world that things, real concrete things, can change when we ask.

In the prayer Jesus taught us we ask for real things: “Give us this day our daily bread.” That petition takes in a lot. But in asking we also say “Thy will be done.” Petitionary prayer is more than getting what we want; it’s about getting what God knows is good for us.

Jesus told us to ask, seek and we shall find. Maybe that means the little prayer we say that the day go well or we get that bus in time. But let’s not forget the big things either. Peace for poor Jamaica. Better relations in Korea. Wisdom to deal with immigration problems. These things look as impossible as throwing a mountain into the sea.

But they’re not beyond God’s power to bring about, so we pray for them.

Fr. Victor Hoagland, CP is the Director of Passionist Press and a member of the Passionist Community in Union City, NJ.

There’s a call for you!

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1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12
Mark 10:46-52

With the advent of the cellphone, communication with the world is literally at one’s fingertips.  In any city or town, look around you and there will be somebody with a hand at their ear making contact with another (not to mention drivers doing the same thing on busy roads, streets and highways – a danger to themselves and others - unlawful at that!). While there is great merit in this electronic form of contact toward others, we can easily become oblivious, forgetting the fact that we humans call out to others in a variety of ways – a sign, a gesture, a moan, a cry, in pain, in loneliness, in a facial expression or with our eyes – to name just a few.

The Gospel stories of Jesus’ healings: the man born blind; a woman who for years suffered hemorrhaging; a young girl in a coma; the raising of Lazarus – all of these and more, are at once as mysterious as they are awesome, especially for the recipients!  While some people may be inspired and think of these simply as divine attributes of Jesus, they could well be missing an important lesson being taught to us by The Miracle Worker.

The story from Mark (10:46-52), tells us, only after a “sizable crowd trying to quiet the man who was loudly shouting out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”, did Jesus respond saying, “Call him over.”  At that, the crowd “…called the blind man over, telling him … you have nothing whatever to fear from him … He is calling you!”

As is true in many passages from Sacred Scripture, the Word is speaking to each of us.   “He is calling you…..” and that call may well be for you and me, and  many people calling out in their trials and difficulties.  Daily life can be difficult for so many of our brothers and sisters, for ourselves as well.  No easy thing carrying burdens weighing us down with no one to call for comfort and sharing.  The sorrow and loneliness of losing a loved one, their leaving a void for a  spouse and in children’s lives, who in turn call out for solace and support.  An outcast child in a cruel society calling to someone for protection and to be cared for, lest they perish in a hostile environment.

Yes, Jesus was there responding to the calls and demands asked of Him and He is here with us.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta tells us in her prayer, “…..you are the heart, the arms, the voice, the presence of Jesus in reaching out ”…. to the call of those in need…..

A cellphone isn’t necessarily needed for us to be aware and respond to the fact “there’s a call for you!”

Fr. Xavier Vitacolonna, CP is a member of the Passionist community in Union City, NJ.

Memorial of St. Philip Neri

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1 Peter 1:18-25
Mark 10:32-45

Today, the Church recognizes the life and contributions of Saint Philip Neri.  Not everyone is familiar with Philip Neri, but he is a special favorite of mine.  First, he is the Patron Saint of Rome-one of my very favorite cities in the world.  Secondly, he is a Patron Saint of pilgrims-at least for pilgrims to Rome.

During his lifetime, Philip Neri encouraged many individuals on their spiritual journeys and he set up “Oratories” to gather seekers and to provide them with spiritual direction, and opportunities for prayer and renewal.  My favorite Philip Neri story is how he sought to counteract the temptations of Carnivale by gathering youth to set out on a pilgrimage to visit the Seven Churches of the city by foot.  After walking many miles throughout the day, the young people were too tired by evening to indulge in the frivolity of Carnivale!  But, he was not a complete kill-joy.  Instead, he is also known to as the Patron Saint of joy and humor-qualities he exhibited in abundance.  We can all use a Saint that makes us laugh!  Appeal to St. Philip Neri if you need a smile or some lightness in your life.

Clearly, not all Catholics will have an opportunity to visit the Seven Churches of Rome in person.  While a pilgrimage to Rome under the inspiration of St. Philip Neri may not be in your summer plans, it is possible to make a “virtual pilgrimage” by watching a wonderful video produced by Passionist Father Victor Hoagland entitled “Pilgrim Churches of Rome.” http://crossplace.com/store/product32.html In an age of “staycations”, we can still be active spiritual pilgrims-through reading, prayer, contemplative walks, and interesting audio visual aids. I highly recommend Fr. Victor’s production as an informative way to experience the richness of our Church history as told by this very insightful Passionist priest.

Finally, in the spirit of St. Philip Neri, consider organizing an “Oratory” of your own.  Perhaps you might invite some friends and/or young people to gather in your home, retreat house or parish to talk about what they are experiencing on their spiritual journey.  We have much to teach each other!

Pilgrim blessings to you and yours!!

Angela Howell, angela.howell@mayfieldsenior.org, is a retreatant and volunteer at Mater Dolorosa Passionists Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.