Daily Bread Archive The Lectionary provides a kind of spiritual script for the universal church that keeps us, literally, all on the same page as we journey through the liturgical seasons. These short reflections, written by four authors who meet weekly to share the readings, are intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. Authors are identified by their initials, with short bios provided. Daily Bread Authors Patricia Russell graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich., with degrees in English and secondary education. Paige Byrne Shortal earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Saint Louis University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Mary E. Waldron received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee.  She later earned a doctorate in American studies from Saint Louis University. Elizabeth C. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree in theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology. ● For 36 years, Celebration, the homiletic resource of The National Catholic Reporter, has promoted worship and preaching tied to justice.  Celebration is now fully electronic. ● Click below to learn more. http://www.celebrationpublications.org/FreeOffer/

March 2008 DAILY BREAD

Third Week of Lent (continued)

Sat., Mar. 1: Hos 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

Let us strive to know the LORD. Can we ever comprehend the Almighty, the Maker of all things? Can we ever truly know this One who is so great, so good, so merciful? Our best efforts to know God will dispose us toward greater awareness of God’s care and presence: disciplines of prayer (both personal and communal), spiritual reading and study of the sacred scriptures; habits of looking for the good (God) in others and immersing ourselves regularly in the beauty of creation. We might also do well to “keep it simple,” as do those who work the 12 Steps, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry it out.” For knowledge of God’s will for us and the wherewithal to act upon it, we pray. ECW

Fourth Week of Lent

Mon., Mar. 3: Isa 65:17-21; John 4:43-54

You may go; your son will live. The royal official asks Jesus to heal his son. Though Jesus chides the people for their lack of faith without signs, he performs one.  The official believes Jesus will cure the child, and he does. We take comfort that the Lord is at our side in times of sickness and pain. We know he shares the burden of our illnesses. We take even greater solace in the recognition that the earthly life to which Jesus restores the boy is little compared to the eternal life that likewise has been secured for him and us. This Lent, let’s remember to trust in the signs of the resurrection as we look forward to the glories of Easter.  For the faith to hand over our affl ictions to the Lord, we pray. PR

Tues., Mar. 4: Ezek 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-3, 5-16

Immediately the man became well, took up his mat and walked. How long will we linger, mired in sickness and sin, before we trust that the only way to true wellbeing is through the word of God? The crippled man sits for 38 years beside the pool with no relief. Only when he encounters the Christ, the source of living water and healing grace, does he fi nd aid. One utterance from Jesus and he’s healed. More than anything else, he needs to hear God’s voice assuring him that he’ll be well. The man doesn’t necessarily suffer due to his sin, although Jesus tells him to avoid further sin. No, the man continually suffers until he turns to Jesus for healing and hope. O, Lord, you alone have the words of everlasting life.  Amen. PR

Wed., Mar. 5: Isa 49:8-15; John 5:17-30

I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me. Jesus doesn’t simply assert his power to work as the Father does. He shows that a son replicates the work of his father; their relationship is dependent. They’re truly one. Jesus can do what he does only because the Father wills it. His mission reveals the Father.  By knowing one, we come to know both. Through the love of the Father, the Son came into the world. We, too, must recognize that we’re sons and daughters of God. Jesus was the one called upon to suffer and sacrifice, but we are also sent to do his will. That we may be one with the Father by following the example of the Son, we pray. PR

Thurs., Mar. 6: Exod 32:7-14; John 5:31-47

But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words? The message is simple. If Moses, John and the numerous others who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah can be ignored, then even Christ will not convince some people that he comes from the Father. Neither Jesus’ words nor his works will persuade their hard hearts. We all have selfi sh areas within us that hold us back from surrendering our lives and our wills to God. This Lent, let’s be ever more attentive to the word of God and believe. That we may listen and believe, we pray. PR

Fri., Mar. 7: Wis 2:1, 12-22; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs

Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. The people of Jerusalem don’t recognize Jesus as the Christ because they don’t know the Father.  Sure, they think they know God. But all they truly know is their own narrow and limited expectations of him. Jesus’ insinuation that they lack knowledge of the Father angers them, and they lash out against the one who can truly lead them to a better awareness of God. Jesus’ words are an invitation to a serious self-examination of who we believe God is. While it is foolhardy to think that we fully comprehend God, we cannot pass up the opportunity at least to seek to know him better. For wisdom and understanding, we pray. PR

Sat., Mar. 8: Jer 11:18-20; John 7:40-53

The Messiah will not come from Galilee, will he? It’s easy to criticize those in the crowd who don’t recognize Jesus as the Christ. They seem oblivious to countless signs.  We’re all, at times, like those among the crowd who are confused — intrigued by the message but unsure of the source. Even those who try to focus on the Lord need direction and assurance. John of God was 42 when he converted.  Even after that, he needed to be reminded to focus on the Lord and on the needs of others instead of seeking public expressions of piety. We can be assured that the true prophet will not draw attention to himself; rather, he will lead us all to the Kingdom. May we know Christ and see him in all who truly seek to do his will, we pray. PR

Fifth Week of Lent

Mon., Mar. 10: Dan 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; John 8:1-11

According to the law of Moses, they infl icted on them the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor. The law of Moses was intricate and complex, but still a more black-and-white world than Jesus asks us to live in. In a world ruled by law, the guilty are punished as the law demands.  In a world ruled by mercy, accusers examine their own consciences, the accused is given another chance to change her life, and the judge — in this case, the savior of the world — withholds judgment. Jesus writes in the dirt and in so doing, creates space and time for all to consider their own actions and allows judgment — and mercy! — to develop in the minds and hearts of all concerned. Jesus is asked to decide a question of guilt. He suggests a different question:  Who is innocent enough to take the life of another? Lord Jesus, when we are tempted to condemn another, help us to remember you kneeling in the dust. PBS

Tues., Mar. 11: Num 21:4-9; John 8:21-30

‘We are disgusted with this wretched food!’ Manna was welcome when they were starving. Manna wasn’t good enough when their bellies were full. This seems to be a universal condition. We long for more — always more.  And when we live in a place where there is more than we can possibly consume, we long for different. We want designer manna. Nor are we content to trust that there will be enough tomorrow. We want manna in the bank.  Yet the only more that satisfies us and our only source of security is the one who called himself I AM. The holy is in the present: gratitude for the gifts of today, trust that tomorrow we will have what we need. Lord Jesus, you are our bread of life, our manna in the desert. Let us feast on you and become what you are — bread for the world. PBS

Wed., Mar. 12: Dan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; John 8:31-42

‘You are trying to kill me because my word has no room among you.’ These direct words were spoken to those Jews who thought that their status as children of Abraham guaranteed their righteousness. What guarantees our righteousness? What word of God has no room among us?  The word challenging us to forgive? The word challenging us to consider the lilies? The word challenging us to care for the least ones? Perhaps we kill this Word by calling it a “metaphor” or an “ideal” or making exceptions for our situation. Lord Jesus, during these last days of Lent, broaden my mind to receive your word; open my heart to embrace the truth that will set me free. PBS

Thurs., Mar. 13: Gen 17:3-9; John 8:51-59

God said to Abraham, ‘… you and your descendants … must keep my covenant throughout the ages.’ Which descendants?  The children of Isaac, those known as Jews and Christians?  Or the children of Ishmael, Abraham’s fi rstborn, those we know as Muslims? As Bruce Feiler examines in his lyrical book Children of Abraham, the defi ning confl ict of our time is really a family feud. We are not all brothers and sisters in Christ, but we are cousins in Abraham. There is an overlooked verse in Genesis that is, perhaps, a source of hope.  According to Genesis 25:9, Abraham’s sons, Isaac and Ishmael — these rivals and fathers of future opposing nations — come back together to bury their father. Lord Jesus, lead us to peace with all people, and help us know we are sons and daughters of the one God and creator of us all. PBS

Fri., Mar. 14: Jer 20:10-13; John 10:31-42

I hear the whisperings of many: ‘Terror on every side!’ We are not whispering about terror. We shout it from the rooftops, in daily headlines, on the nightly news. We are a terrified people. No freedom is too precious to sacrifice if we can only save ourselves. No person is too precious to sacrifice if it means we are safe for another day. No moral ideal is too precious to violate if it is in the name of combating terrorism.  Just so do the terrifi ed become terrorists. Terror wins.  What is the antidote to this cycle of terror? Perhaps Jeremiah’s song: Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked! PBS

Sat., Mar. 15: 2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Moved from Mar. 19)

Do not be afraid to take Mary home with you as your wife. Joseph, model of justice, is placed in an impossible dilemma.  By all appearances, Mary, his wife-to-be, has been unfaithful and, according to the law, must be put aside. An angel comes in a dream and tells Joseph not to be afraid to go forward in one of the greatest of all love stories. The leap from old to new, from Law to Love, is not possible by logic alone. Only dreamers will know how to move through apparent contradiction and anguish to the joy of the Christ event. When we have exhausted all human hope, give us grace and dreams to show us the way forward. PM

Holy Week/Triduum

Mon., Mar. 17: Isa 42:1-7; John 12:1-11

Here is my servant … he shall bring forth justice to the nations.  Yesterday we entered  Jerusalem with Jesus in triumph.  Today we begin to walk with him, step by step, up Calvary’s hill. Although he is the suffering servant, Jesus is not a passive victim. His obedience to God is free and loving. We, too, are called to serve, freely and in love, all whom God places in our path. The most mundane act of unselfi sh service done in the love of God helps to spread the Gospel message of God’s astonishing love and forgiveness.  The way of the cross may be hard and dark, but it leads to the blazing, glorious light of Easter. We praise you, Lord, for sending your Son Jesus to be our Savior and for calling us to share in his mission. MEW

Tues., Mar. 18: Isa 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38

Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  We are quick to condemn Judas. How deeply his betrayal of Jesus must have hurt, yet our Lord speaks no word of

condemnation. Like Peter, we hurry to assure the Lord that we’re “different” — he can always count on us! Only a few hours later, Peter will be confronted with his own sinfulness, as we all are, especially during this most holy week. But what a perfect time to repent and turn back to the Lord. Let us focus not on the enormity of our sins but on the infi nite mercy and love of our God who will cause divine justice to shine in us like the sun. Lord, in your justice, rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. MEW

Wed., Mar. 19: Isa 50:4-9a; Matt 26:14-25

And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. These words certainly describe Jesus. How seldom do they apply to us.  We turn back to our same sinful habits again and again.  The Tempter whispers, “What good does it do to repent of your sins, confess them and resolve to change? You’ll just do the same thing again.” Stop! Remember that Jesus is with us each moment, that he knows what temptation feels like, that he continues to keep his promise not to leave us orphans. He is with us in the words of scripture, in the sacraments and in the Spirit-filled faith community of the church. Let us rely on Christ’s strength and not be discouraged by our weakness. Lord, teach us to look to your grace, not our own efforts in our battle with sin.   MEW

Thurs., Mar. 20: Exod 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

Holy Thursday (evening)

‘Do you realize what I have done for you? As I have done for you, you should also do.’ What a shock it must have been to the disciples: Jesus kneeling before them to wash their feet, a task considered so demeaning that it was relegated to slaves. Jesus, the eternal Son of God and  savior of the world, kneels before us and humbly requests that we allow him to take away the sins and fl aws that weigh us down. If we refl ect fully and deeply on this, can we possibly consider ourselves “above” any act of service and love we are called upon to perform for the old, the young, the sick, the poor, the defeated? Lord, show me your face in the faces of all those in need. MEW

Fri., Mar. 21: Isa 52:13-53:12; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ And bowing his head, he handed over his Spirit. We are especially aware today of the cross, of our sins and our great unworthiness. Let us remember that our sins have been forgiven and the burden of them borne by a willing Victim out of absolutely pure and unselfish love.  We should be sober and reflective on this day, but not sad.  Jesus has handed over his Spirit to us that we might grow in the divine, eternal light of the Resurrection. Of  course we are unworthy! Let us accept it the only way we can: with humility and thankfulness. Lord, I thank you for having loved me so much that you gave your only begotten son for my sake. MEW

Sat., Mar. 22: Gen 1:1-2:2; Rom 6:3-11; Matt 28:1-10 (Lect. #41 for all readings)

Holy Saturday (night — Easter Vigil)

‘Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here … he has been raised.’  O glorious night! Alleluia! We celebrate the church’s birthday on Pentecost; tonight we celebrate its genealogy. We ask, and answer, the questions: Where do we come from and how did we get here? Luke’s angels tell the early morning visitors to the tomb not to seek Jesus among the dead (i.e., in the past). They return at the Ascension (Acts 1:10-11) to tell the bewildered apostles not to seek him in the skies either (i.e., in the future). We seek and fi nd our risen Lord in the community of believers and among people everywhere, yearning for his gifts of healing and hope. Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia! MEW

Octave of Easter

Mon., Mar. 24: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Matt 28:8-15

Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’ We live in a fearsome, fearful world. We’re programmed to tune in daily to learn which new terror threatens: plague, violence, starvation, economic collapse, ecological disaster, anarchy. Our imaginations run wild with recollections of disasters past and projections about those yet to come. Then, within the chaos, we encounter One who calls us to experience an opposite reality. We are told to go unafraid into the world — troubled as it is — with Good News: Jesus, our Lord and Savior, has conquered death! These days of Easter renew us in the wonder of Christ’s love and power. May we rejoice in them fully — energized by joy, strengthened in faith, hope and love, emboldened by the vision of God’s Kingdom come. For joy in the Good News of salvation, we pray. ECW

Tues., Mar. 25: Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18

‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Am I a living example of the themes Peter preaches? Am I truly repentant of my sins, actively living out the vows of my baptism?  True disciples of Jesus confidently reject the seductions of the world and exhort others to do the same. Do I? Have I welcomed the Holy Spirit of Jesus into my heart and my life? Jesus has won the victory for us, but we are not without a part in that victory. Our part is to respond to what Christ has done: to let wonder over the mighty love of God fi ll us that we might be effective agents of the Kingdom.  Through our ongoing celebration of Easter, may our love and commitment to Christ grow. For ardent faith, joyful hope and steadfast love, we pray. ECW

Wed., Mar. 26: Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35

He asked them, ‘What are you discussing as you walk along?’  The question to the disciples on the road is for us, as well.  What we think, feel and believe is revealed in what we say, whether we talk about current events, plans, politics or the weather. Moreover, our discussions form us, for better or worse. It might be a good exercise to imagine Jesus walking with us today, listening intently to all we have to say.  He called the disciples on the road “foolish” and “slow of heart.” What would he say about us? Do we choose forums where discussion amounts to little more than inane blather, or perhaps do we meet regularly with others for the explicit purpose of offering support, studying scripture or sharing faith? For spiritually edifying fellowship and conversation, we pray. ECW

Thurs., Mar. 27: Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:35-48

You are witnesses of these things. We are charged with testifying to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We carry his message of peace, love and forgiveness to the world.  Moreover, we testify that the Crucified-Risen One is present among us as we welcome strangers, tell the story and break the bread in Eucharist. Whether our witness to Jesus is overt (e.g., as a catechist or preacher) or more subtly offered in our practice of faith and compassionate service to others let us remember the words of St. Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body now but yours.” May we always be mindful of the great responsibility and privilege that are ours as we live the Gospel and model Christian life for others? For faith that is evident in all we do, we pray. ECW

Fri., Mar. 28: Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14

‘Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.’ When we’ve floated aimlessly through a long night of nothingness, we’re more apt to listen to a stranger on the shore. “You will find something,” he tells us. We want to believe it, so we take the risk. Then, suddenly, things come together and we realize: It is the Lord! Night and nothingness are not without value. Sometimes they are the necessary means of opening us to the will of a God who doesn’t always operate in ways we like or understand. We may need to let go of our ideas of precisely how God should care for us, but we can always trust that God wants to fill our nets with good things. For trust in God’s deep, abiding love, we pray. ECW

Sat., Mar. 29: Acts 4:13-21; Mark 16:9-15

‘It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.’ Peter and John have to proclaim the great truth of their lives: Jesus — in whose name yet another person has just been healed — is Lord and Savior of all! We have to wonder why the authorities do not also marvel over the miraculous healing. Rather, they are fearful of losing control of the people. This threatens the old order. If people listen, things might change. Perhaps the trouble is the worldly power they possess. It only creates desire for more of the same, while apparently it dulls or destroys ordinary sensibilities like wonder and compassion. In contrast, the disciples of Jesus know fullness of life that compels them in the Spirit to proclaim the power of God. For courage and conviction, we pray. ECW

Second Week of Easter

Mon., Mar. 31: Isa 7:10-14; Heb 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38

Annunciation of the Lord

Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. With this greeting, God intimately enters creation in a marvelous and astounding way. It’s a miracle beyond our limited reasoning. No wonder Mary’s first reaction is disbelief. We’re the beneficiaries of her willingness to accept this astonishing gift despite her inability to fathom it. With her simple response, Christ came into the world, and the Lord has been with all of us ever since. God trusted Mary to respond favorably and guided her since her own conception. Her statement of faith and God’s extraordinary love ensure that all of us will receive that same loving protection. O Lord, let us graciously accept the call to do your will, not just for our own sake but for the good of all your children, we pray. PR

• Patricia Russell graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich., with degrees in English and secondary education.

• Paige Byrne Shortal earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Saint Louis University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis.

• Mary E. Waldron received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee.  She later earned a doctorate in American studies from Saint Louis University.

• Elizabeth C. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree in theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology.