Hospitality

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Hospitality

Peaceful     Welcoming

Contributing     Enduring     Persevering

Regard For One Another

Exercise

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Romans 12: 12 to 18

Cry out with joy in hope.

Endure all affliction.

Persevere in prayer.

Help out with the needs of the spiritual ones.

Exercise Hospitality.

If anyone opposes you, bless them---do not speak badly about them.

If someone is rejoicing, share in that joy with them.

If someone is weeping, share in their tears.

Have a good regard for one another: do not be proud but accompany those that no one notices.

Do not think that you are so wise in your own opinion of who you are.

If someone treats you in an evil way, do not treat that person with evil.

Be concerned with what is noble and just for everyone.

Try in every way possible to live at peace with all.

Reflection

The gift of hospitality is a wonderful way to welcome each person. St. Paul in this reading from The Letter to the Romans helps us to reflect on how this gift can transform our own lives and those of others.

Paul starts out with reminding us of the importance of hope. He shows us how this virtue can help us as we battle afflictions. He is clear eyed about the reality that there will be struggles and adversity in life.

As we have all had to fight through this pandemic, we are well aware that there will be "afflictions" as Paul puts it and that we need to have hope to fight through them.

The key, Paul tells us, is to "persevere" in prayer. When we are tempted to give up, when we think we do not have the strength to continue, when it seems that all is lost, those are the moments when we have to continue our fight against evil and injustice and adverse conditions.

We are challenged by Paul "to help out". We are called to see what the needs are of those around us and to do whatever we can, each in her or his or their small way, to reach out with compassion and kindness---"to have regard for one another".

We are called to a Ministry of Hospitality.

What does this involve?

Paul tells us: for those people who oppose you, simply bless them. There is no need to yell or scream at them. Simply let them know that God loves them and that you are extending the blessing that God gives to you each moment of your life to them and to their families.

When you are hospitable, there are times when you will be rejoicing with others and times when you will be weeping with them. Those times come from your "hospitable" listening: you put your own needs on the back burner and reach out to those who need your caring.

We are challenged by Paul to reach out particularly to those who go unnoticed. These are the ones who need our greeting and our time in a special way because they are overlooked by so many.

In this way, Paul reminds us, we are not overcome by the evil and adversity but we spread the Peace of Jesus to others. The call to Exercise Hospitality is an invitation for all to experience the Healing Love of Jesus through us.

It is the path to true justice.

Time to exercise!

1. When you hear the word "hospitality", what comes to mind?

2. Can you think of a time in your life when hospitality made a difference in your life?

3. What helps you to persevere in the face of adversity?

4. Why is it such a challenge for us to bless those who oppose us?

5. Are you one of those who is"unnoticed", one who reaches out to the "unnoticed", or a mixture of both?

6. How do you try to overcome evil?

(Scripture adapted and reflection by John J. McNamara)

Squalls

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Squalls

Darkening     Damaging

Rebuking     Ceasing     Calming

Live By Fear/Faith

Deliverance

(picture and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 4: 35 to 41

On that day, as the sun was setting, Jesus said to His disciples: "Let us go over to the other side of the sea." 

Going away from the crowd, they went with Jesus in the boat just as He was. There were other boats with them.

A powerful squall arose and suddenly there were big waves rising over the side of the boat so that it was filled quickly with water.

Jesus was sleeping in the stern of the boat on a cushion. The disciples woke him up and said, "Teacher, are you not worried that we will sink?"

Jesus woke up and calmed the wind and then said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"

The wind died down and suddenly there was a great calm.

Then Jesus spoke to the disciples and said, "Why are you so upset? Where is your faith?"

They were amazed and said to one another,        "Who is this that even the wind and sea are under His control?"

Reflection

In this reading from Mark Jesus and the disciples are probably eager to get away from the crowd. It has been a long day. The sun is setting. 

I can sense that everyone is ready for some rest. As wonderful as the ministry is and as great as it is to be with the people, they all need some space to recharge.

It must have been a great feeling to get into the boat, to be with one another, and to be able to finally relax. We all know that feeling---coming home after a long day at work or at school or visiting with friends and family and finally able to take it easy!

That peace and quiet does not last long! A sudden and rather violent storm pops up (these were well known on the Sea of Galilee). This one must have been particularly rough since the disciples were experienced with these types of storms and they still got upset. 

No problem for Jesus! He takes care of it quickly. He seems, however, to be very disappointed with the disciples. He feels that their issue is a lack of faith. 

At first that surprises us. If we were in the boat at the time, most of us would have thought of Jesus as our first option. 

After all we would have witnessed many of the miracles that Jesus did and would have had a sense that He possessed some pretty extraordinary powers.

Jesus seems to be saying that if you truly believe in me, there is no need to wake me. I will be with you no matter what.

But

you have to have faith in me!

1. How do you set aside time when you need to "get away from it all"?

2. Were you surprised at how Jesus challenged the disciples after He had calmed the storm?

3. What are the best ways that you have found to handle the squalls in your life?

(Scripture adapted, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)  

Parable

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Parable

Word     Seed

Rooting     Growing     Producing

The Kingdom Of God

Sower

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 4: 26 to 34

Jesus was speaking to the people: "The kingdom of God is like a man who spreads seed on the land. He would sleep and get up at night and during the day and see that the seed would ripen and grow. He could not explain how it happened. The land produces fruit: first we see the blade, then the ear, and finally the full grain in the ear. When the grain is ripe and ready, he gets the sickle right away: it is time for the harvest.

Jesus continued, "What is a good comparison for the kingdom of God? What is a good parable to explain it? It is very much like a mustard seed. When it is sown in the ground, it is one of the tiniest seeds on the earth. After it is sown, it grows quickly and becomes one of the largest plants and develops big branches. The birds of the sky can gather in its shade."

Jesus spoke to them with many such parables to the degree they were able to comprehend His word. He always used parables when speaking with the people, but He would explain all these matters to His disciples privately.

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

Jesus is trying to explain a difficult concept to the people: the kingdom of God. He has come to proclaim this special kingdom but it is not an easy task.

The concept that many people at the time of Jesus had was more focused on a political reality. They were hoping to overthrow Roman rule and establish once again their own state with their own king. The expected Messiah would lead them in this effort.

Jesus is trying to lead the people in another direction. Teaching with parables was the way Jesus chose to do this. A parable tries to explain a moral or spiritual concept by illustrating it through a story. 

Our reading from The Gospel of Mark offers two parables to expand knowledge about the kingdom.

The first parable talks about the relationship between our effort and the growth of the crop. We have to work hard in sowing the seed and at the time of the harvest. In between the seed, the soil, water, and sun do all the work. We simply check on the progress of the crop.

How is this like the kingdom of God? Initially we respond to God's invitation to be part of the kingdom. 

After we say "Yes" to God, God leads us in our growth. God shows us the path. God nourishes us. God brings us to the harvest.

We cooperate. God leads.

The second parable has to do with how we judge things. In the eyes of the world small things, like the mustard seed, seem insignificant and unimportant.

It is those very tiny things, however, that can make a big difference in the kingdom of God. Our small acts of love and kindness can have huge consequences. 

This brings to mind the life and example of Therese of Lisieux. Her theme was always to do every small act for, with, and in God. Her Mustard Seed grew tremendously around the world as she became one of the most popular saints after her death at an early age.

Her life resonated with so many because most of us will never be famous for amazing events and accomplishments but we can all do our everyday tasks with dedication and care just as Therese did. 

The kingdom of God can grow within us. Jesus teaches us in these parables that we should first say "Yes" to God and them follow God's lead. That path might seem small and insignificant like the mustard seed but God can bring about the most amazing results.

It is God's Kingdom!

1. Do you enjoy the parables of Jesus?

2. How difficult was it for Jesus to change the minds of the people about the kingdom of God?

3. Is it hard for you to say "Yes" to God?

4. Have seemingly small and insignificant things and events in your life ever had huge consequences for you?

Mystery

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Mystery

Eternal     Life

Searching     Sacrificing     Sharing

Follow the Water-Bearer

Home

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  Mark 14: 12 to 16, 22 to 26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where should we go and get the Passover meal ready for you?"

Jesus sent two of his disciples into the city with these instructions: "You will meet a man in the city who will be carrying a jug of water. Follow after him and when he enters a home, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room that is furnished and all set for the meal. Get the Passover ready for us there." The disciples followed what Jesus had told them and found it exactly as He indicated. They prepared the Passover meal.

During the meal, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and passed it to them saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then He held the cup and again gave thanks, passing it to each one and they all drank from it. Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the time when I drink it anew in God's Kingdom." Then, after singing a hymn, they traveled to the Mount of Olives. 

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

In this passage from the Gospel of Mark the disciples were wondering where they could go to celebrate the Passover together. They are well aware that the authorities are looking for Jesus. This is going to be a difficult situation.

The instructions that Jesus give seem very mysterious. The two disciples that Jesus choose have to place a lot of trust in Him and this plan. As we look at it, it seems very vague.

As the disciples enter the city, they follow the man carrying the water jug. This would have been unusual because it was a woman's role.

They follow the man and it develops in exactly the way that Jesus had indicated. The trust that the disciples placed in Jesus was rewarded. His word is true.

During the meal Jesus adds to the Passover ritual. He makes the point that He wants to share Himself with the disciples in a very personal way. He wants to give Himself totally---and not only to the disciples but to all of us.

This amazing mystery, which we call the Eucharist, indicates how deeply Jesus loves us. He was celebrating this Passover in very difficult circumstances. All the preparations had to be done secretly as we have seen.

Jesus ignores all the hardships and thinks only of us---how can I show them how deeply they are loved?

The Eucharist reminds us of how giving Jesus is. He will allow nothing to separate us from His embrace. It is an embrace that makes us feel comfortable. It leads us home.

Enjoy that embrace.

Always!

1. Do you find it hard sometimes to place your trust in Jesus?

2. Who are some of the Water-Bearers you have followed who have led you to Jesus?

3. How do you feel when you reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist?

4. What can separate you from the embrace of Jesus in the Eucharist?

5. As you reflect on Kathy's photo what do you see?