Reflection for Scripture Readings August 31, 2014
by Dave O’Donnell (Chicago)
It is my contention that each and every one of us has been given by God a path, a task, a cross and a key. When Jesus says to Peter: “Get behind me Satan! You are an obstacle to me. you are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Jesus is telling me his cross is his task, given to him by God. Then Jesus says: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Is He speaking to everyone? No just to those who want to be his followers. He is telling me here that each of us has a task and a cross. In accepting and embracing my cross I discover life. That is the paradox of the Cross for me. It looks like death, and I should embrace it. I don’t need to worry—resurrection is to follow. Denial is the opposite of embrace and what I resist will persist. To accept and intensely look at my addictions is to embrace them, to learn lessons from them, grow in faith and move on with my life.
Jesus with the example and lesson of the cross is the first time in human history that I am aware of, that the shadow or dark side of the human psyche is dealt with. Another name for Jesus could be The Father of Depth Psychology. Should we credit Jesus for being the first Depth psychologist?
History Question
by Mark Amato (Houston)
Mark Amato of the Houston Community raised some good questions regarding the history of the Partners in a phone conversation we had this past week. In response to that we have added a “History” page to our CPP Blog. I hope that answers your questions Mark. I encourage all members to read our History feeling free to “Comment” making additions or corrections as they have experienced the Partners over the years.
We are a community of laymen and laywomen who, with vowed Passionists, seek to share in the charism of St. Paul of the Cross through prayer, ongoing spiritual formation, and proclamation of the message of Christ Crucified.
