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?  

Prudence

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Forethought

Discrete     Knowledgeable

Examining     Reasoning     Choosing

Prudence Was Given Me

Wisdom

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture: Wisdom 7: 7 to 12

As I was at prayer, prudence was given to me. I cried out and Wisdom came upon me. I valued this more than a scepter or a throne. 

I thought of riches as minor in comparison to her and I did not equate any valuable jewel with her.

All gold in comparison with her is like sand and silver is just mire.

I loved her more than health and beauty.

I chose her over light because her splendor never ends.

All good things came to me because of her and numerous riches from her hands.

I was joyful in all of them because Wisdom is their leader even though I did not realize that she was their mother.

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara) 

This passage from the Book of Wisdom celebrates the importance of prudence. The author praises the value of this virtue which connects closely with Wisdom.

Prudence helps us to take the right path in life. So many times we are confronted with difficult choices.

It helps us to know when to speak to someone and how to phrase it in such a way that the person we are communicating with will hear what we are trying to say. 

We can all think of situations when we had to communicate some difficult news or something unpleasant. Think of a supervisor at work who has to let an employee go. No one wants to deliver that news.

Yet if we soften the blow in a compassionate way and express our disappointment in having to do this, it can make such a difference. We can communicate that the person was valuable but that we were forced to downsize.

Such an important virtue---a real difference maker in our own lives and in the lives of those we know. This is why the author can say that prudence is so much more valuable than gold or silver. 

All of the riches of this world are as "mire" in comparison to prudence. This is because prudence can transform situations of darkness and negativity into light and growth. 

Prudence shows us a path forward when we did not think there was one. Think of those who negotiate peace treaties. Where many thought war was inevitable, the skilled diplomat finds a way to bring opposing sides together.

The author even states that prudence is more important to us than health and beauty. Inevitably health deteriorates and beauty fades. Prudence, like all virtues, grows stronger the more we exercise it.

We know that we are being prudent because the author tells us that goodness and riches will flow from our prudent actions. Prudence leads to true joy.

The author compares prudence and Wisdom to a mother---a mother who knows us well and who guides us towards Love. 

Kathy found her photo this week as we walked at the beach. It is important to fight for the things that are meaningful to us and that we believe in. The prudent person does it in such a way that others join in. Wisdom from the beach!

1. How important is prudence in your life?

2. Who is the person in your life who most demonstrates the virtue of prudence?

3. What have you found to be the best way to get others to join you in fighting injustice?

Pentecost

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Pentecost

Birthday     Church

Breathing     Unlocking     Equipping

Receive the Holy Spirit

Dwell

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture: John 20: 19 to 23

It was the evening of the first day of the week and the doors were locked because the disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood right in their midst. He said to them, "Peace be with you." After He said this, Jesus showed them His hands and His side. The disciples were thrilled to see Jesus. He said to them another time, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And after Jesus said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. When you forgive someone's sins, they will be forgiven. When you retain their sins, they shall be retained."

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection

Jesus comes to the disciples in the very same Upper Room where He had celebrated the Last Supper with them just four days before. The atmosphere on this night was very different. 

On Holy Thursday there was a sense of both celebration of a special meal and anticipation of what was to come. Now on Easter Sunday night there is confusion and fear.

Jesus knows exactly what He is coming into this night. He could have spoken words of reproach to the disciples. "Why did you all abandon me?"

Instead Jesus spoke words of healing. "Peace be with you." He calmed the disciples down.

 Jesus shows them His wounds. He reminds them of what He had suffered for them and for all of us as He witnessed to the mission that the Father gave Him.

He was faithful and that led to His suffering. The disciples react with great joy---they are excited and overwhelmed. Jesus is risen. He is with them again.

This time it is not about Jesus. It really is about them. Jesus will be "sending" them. He is not going to be staying with them and continuing His instruction. 

However, He will not be leaving them alone. Jesus breathes on them just as God breathed in the act of creating the world.

The disciples will be the New Creation. They will bring the gift of forgiveness to all through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus knows that those first disciples, like the disciples of today, will need the assistance of the Holy Spirit. There will be moments of difficulty and suffering. 

They will not be alone.

The Spirit will be with them. 

Come Holy Spirit!

1. How do you deal with the confusion and fear you encounter as you try to follow Jesus?

2. Where is Jesus sending you?

3. How does the Holy Spirit help you as you try to follow Jesus and bring forgiveness to others?

Advocate

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Advocate

Glorious     Everlasting

Inspiring     Guiding     Leading

Where Is The One

Paraclete

(picture and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Isaiah 63: 11b to 14

Where is the one who brought out of the sea the shepherd of his flock? Where is the one who placed the holy spirit among them? Who took Moses by the hand and led him by his glorious arm? Where will we find the one who separated the waters before them---winning for himself an eternal reputation? Who helped them to make it through the depths, like horses on the range? As cattle going down into the valley, they did not fall. The spirit of the Lord was with them . You led your people and you made your name glorious!

Reflection

In our scripture passage Isaiah reminds us of all the amazing things God has done for the people. Sometimes we can take these for granted.

We are reminded of the time when God led the people through the sea during the Exodus. The people were enslaved in Egypt and the conditions were getting more difficult 

God called Moses to lead the people---to become the shepherd of the flock. It was a difficult challenge that Moses faced but Isaiah reminds us that God was with Moses every step of the way. God showed this by leading the people through the sea and to the Promised Land.

As the people were wandering in the desert, once again God was with them. The Holy Spirit was guiding them and they made it to the land that was promised to them.

This reminds us that God continues to lead us today. God does not turn away from us.

The people in the time of Moses faced a difficult challenge. The Egyptian authorities did not want to let the people go.

Moses placed his trust in God and God was with him and showed him the path to take. At times it seemed bleak and at times the people were upset with Moses.

Like us they wanted God to answer more quickly and they became frustrated. We sometimes ask "Where is the one? Where is God?"

God sent the spirit among the people as they were seeking the Promised Land. God sent the Advocate to help the apostles at Pentecost.

God has promised that we too will receive the Holy Spirit and the Advocate, the Paraclete, will lead us through all the depths that we encounter. 

God is the One.

God is always with us!

1. How does God lead you today?

2. Do you want God to answer more quickly?

3. When has the Holy Spirit touched your life?