Seeing the Father in Joy

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invites us to contemplate the role of joy in being workers in the vineyard of Christ.

Harvest in the Vineyard

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Address to the Gentiles

* [13:46] The refusal to believe frustrates God’s plan for his chosen people; however, no adverse judgement is made here concerning their ultimate destiny. Again, Luke, in the words of Paul, speaks of the priority of Israel in the plan for salvation (see Acts 10:36). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 98 is extolling God for Israel’s victory. 

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Last Supper Discourse on knowing the Father.

* [14:7] An alternative reading, “If you knew me, then you would have known my Father also,” would be a rebuke, as in Jn 8:19.

* [14:8] Show us the Father: Philip is pictured asking for a theophany like Ex 24:9–10; 33:18. (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Kent Beausoleil, SJ, comments “I bring these burnt biscuit moments from the memories of my mind, for today we celebrate the life of Saint Athanasius. Athanasius was a man whose theological rigor ensured that his articulations of the faith included all the necessary and correct ingredients. He defended his faith with spiritual truth, paying close attention to theological matters that required careful oversight and defense, ensuring he was never burnt in his defense of the faith.  In the end, Athanasius was a man whose theological presuppositions were never half-baked, and always came out ‘quite right’.”

Jesus is, on this day where we celebrate Saint Athanasius, where Saint Paul and Barnabas stood in defense of God’s good news in the Acts of the apostles, where Jesus proclaims in the Gospel of John, ‘I and the Father are one”, that Jesus is the essential ingredient of our faith that can never be left out of the recipe. That with Saint Athanasius we, like him, know that our faith through prayer needs to be forever practiced and watched over despite persecution so that in the end our faith comes out ‘just right’ not underdone, and not overdone and dried out. 

Finally, in living out the truth of our faith, we—along with Saint Athanasius, Barnabas, Paul, and Philip—must temper our spirit with humility. We must never form a hard theological crust too quickly, remaining open to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit moves us away from half-baked understandings of our faith. This allows the Spirit to ‘rise’ ever more within us: this great and awesome mystery of God and us together in love. (Beausoleil, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Father's portrait in the Son”, by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"By means of this image the Lord showed Philip the Father. Yes, he who looks on the Son sees, in portrait, the Father. Notice what kind of portrait is spoken of. It is truth, righteousness, the power of God. It is not silent, for it is the Word. It is not insensible, for it is Wisdom. It is not vain and foolish, for it is power. It is not soulless, for it is the life. It is not dead, for it is the resurrection." (excerpt from ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 1.7.50) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:7-14 comments on the way Jesus related to these crowds. He told relatable parables about prodigal sons, sowers and seeds, and goodhearted Samaritans. When he healed and drove out demons, he did it without any flashy demonstrations of force. He didn’t demand any sacrifices before acting, and he didn’t command those he healed to become his servants. He simply worked wonders and moved on.

Jesus was so humble and unassuming. And that’s the point: he came to reveal God’s true character. He came as One who calls, “Come, follow me,” not as a god who forces us to believe (Luke 18:22). He came to offer his life as an atoning sacrifice for us, not to overpower us or coerce us into becoming his disciples. In fact, he is not like any god that humans had imagined up to that point. He is so much better!

So fix your eyes on Jesus today and hear the Spirit say to you, “Behold, your God!” Simply worship him for his goodness, and that will be enough.

“Jesus, perfect image of the invisible God, help me to see you more clearly!” (Meditation on John 14:7-14, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts we have a pattern in Paul’s ministry: first preach in the synagogue which is followed by jealousy and being expelled from the Synagogue and then to the Gentiles with eventual expulsion from the city. In all of this they are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. They are the way they should be with nothing to worry about. In the Last Supper discourses Jesus declares He is one with the Father. Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father and if we embrace Jesus we are already living with the Father. Friar Jude reminds us this is not a “get out of jail free card”. We can ask for what we really need, not our wants. We are assured of receiving the most loving answer from God.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Father William McNichols and Mirabai Starr who partnered to create a book of icons and prayers, Mother of God Similar to Fire, to honor the many representations of Mary found across the world and time. They invite us to pray with an image of Mary…

Walking on water,

You come carrying the light of the world, Blessed one.

You part the tempestuous tide of my life

and shine your candle into the dark corners of my mind,

banishing the shadows that have collected there.

I have lost my way, radiant Lady,

lured by the false lights of the mundane world.

I need to return to the garden of my soul.

You are the Morning Star, sweet Mother, 

and I welcome you.

I am ready to rise from the darkness

and greet this new day.

Help me to shed the burdens of my past

and begin again,

galvanized with faith,

cleansed with light.

 

 “Our Lady of the Lake.” (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit to inform our journey with joy that comes from our relationship with Jesus who models our path to full life.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?44 

Beausoleil, K. (n.d.). Daily Refelections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-2-2026 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?7 

Meditation on John 14:7-14. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/02/1555842/ 

Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Do Not Be Afraid: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/do-not-be-afraid-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lord, Show Us the Father. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 2, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Way Truth and Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, May Day: International Workers Day, invite us to ponder the Way, Truth, and Life of Jesus to guide our work and organization for justice and life giving work for all in the Vineyard of the Lord.

The Way

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles proclaims the theme of the Galilean witnesses.

* [13:31] The theme of the Galilean witnesses is a major one in the Gospel of Luke and in Acts and is used to signify the continuity between the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of the church and to guarantee the fidelity of the church’s teachings to the words of Jesus. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 2 praises making the Israelite king the earthly representative of God.

* [Psalm 2] A royal Psalm. To rebellious kings (Ps 2:1–3) God responds vigorously (Ps 2:4–6). A speaker proclaims the divine decree (in the legal adoption language of the day), making the Israelite king the earthly representative of God (Ps 2:7–9) and warning kings to obey (Ps 2:10–11). The Psalm has a messianic meaning for the Church; the New Testament understands it of Christ (Acts 4:25–27; 13:33; Heb 1:5). (Psalms, PSALM 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents the Last Supper Discourses.

* [14:1–31] Jesus’ departure and return. This section is a dialogue marked off by a literary inclusion in Jn 14:1, 27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

* [14:1] You have faith: could also be imperative: “Have faith.”

* [14:3] Come back again: a rare Johannine reference to the parousia; cf. 1 Jn 2:28.

* [14:4] The way: here, of Jesus himself; also a designation of Christianity in Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22.

* [14:6] The truth: in John, the divinely revealed reality of the Father manifested in the person and works of Jesus. The possession of truth confers knowledge and liberation from sin (Jn 8:32). (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney comments that, in the first reading, Paul says Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus when he was alive and did not understand that he was the one.

Jesus says in the gospel that he is the way, the truth, and the life. And those who recognize him and follow him will have a place prepared and waiting. But as we have seen lately, it is hard to recognize Jesus. Even those closest to him have not recognized him. Those who were around him and heard him talk did not recognize him. And following him is not the easiest path. Recognizing him means realizing he is the one and that he is the way. And following that way means doing what is right, and looking out for others and not just ourselves. I look around, and I am afraid that not everyone gets it, and I am concerned about the state of the world. I wish everyone here actually recognized and was following. I think it would be great if this was a safe place. But I am still comforted to know that a place is prepared, and there is a path to follow to get there. (Whitney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes  “Walk by faith in the truth,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Persevere now in walking by faith in the truth, that you may succeed in coming at a definite and due time to the sight of the same truth. For as the apostle says, 'While staying here in the body, we are away from the Lord. For we are walking by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:6-7). We are led to the direct sight and vision of the Father by Christian faith. That is why the Lord says, 'No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (excerpt from SERMON 12.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:1-6 comments that it’s easy to relate to Thomas’ frustration. It’s normal to feel uncertain and to long for a clear road map to our Father’s house. But what Thomas and the other disciples didn’t yet understand is that they didn’t need a map to reach this destination; they needed a Person.

Now ascended to heaven, Jesus calls us to live in trust and surrender to our Father. And it’s not beyond our reach! Jesus will teach us, mold us, and help us to live as God’s children. He will show us how to stay close to our Father, know his will, and carry it out, just as he did.

What a comfort! The more you spend time with Jesus, the more you will know “the way,” and the farther you will travel down the road to union with God. The way is a Person, to know and love. And this Person is Jesus, who loves you. (Meditation on John 14:1-6, n.d.)

“Thank you, Jesus! You are my way.”

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, Paul continues his discourse to the Jews and “God fearers,” in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. Today, he proclaims how Jesus preached the Gospel and Paul tells them it fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 2 “You are my Son”. This proclamation is a revealing of truth and a challenge to the community. Many of the early converts from Judaism were the “God fearers” and they joined the “new group”. In John’s Gospel, the Last Support discourse, Jesus is going away to prepare a place for them and then return. Jesus proclaims He is the Way to do what God wants of us to reveal the Love of God. The Truth means we hear the very message of God as a faithful witness. The Life of Vitality is experienced by embracing the knowledge of Jesus. Friar Jude comments that the measure given to Martha of living in Jesus is the measure of how much we are loving.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches that a practice of contemplation carries us into the “Big River” of God’s love, enabling us to release our fears. 

 

I believe that faith might be precisely that ability to trust the Big River of God’s providential love, which is to trust its visible embodiment (the Christ), the flow (the Holy Spirit), and the source itself (the Creator). This is a divine process that we don’t have to change, coerce, or improve. We just need to allow it and enjoy it. That takes immense confidence in God, especially when we’re hurting. Often, we feel ourselves get panicky and quickly want to make things right. We lose our ability to be present and go up into our heads and start obsessing. At that point we’re not really feeling or experiencing things in our hearts and bodies. We’re oriented toward making things happen, trying to push or even create our own river. Yet the Big River is already flowing through us and each of us is only one small part of it. 

Faith does not need to push the river precisely because it is able to trust that there is a river. The river is flowing; we are already in it. This is probably the deepest meaning of “divine providence.” So do not be afraid. We have been proactively given the Spirit by a very proactive God.  Rohr, R. (n.d.)

We contemplate the great gift of the Spirit that guides our journey in the Way, Truth, and Life of Jesus.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?26 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14? 

Meditation on John 14:1-6. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/01/1555375/ 

Psalms, PSALM 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/2?6 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A River of Safety. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-river-of-safety/

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Whitney, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 1, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-1-2026 

Experience Shared for Change

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the action of Jesus in preparation of His Disciples to proclaim His Message in their mission to the world.

Experience and Example

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Arrival at Antioch in Pisidia and Paul’s Address in the Synagogue.

* [13:4–14:27] The key event in Luke’s account of the first missionary journey is the experience of Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14–52). The Christian kerygma proclaimed by Paul in the synagogue was favorably received. Some Jews and “God-fearers” (see note on Acts 8:26–40) became interested and invited the missionaries to speak again on the following sabbath (Acts 13:42). By that time, however, the appearance of a large number of Gentiles from the city had so disconcerted the Jews that they became hostile toward the apostles (Acts 13:44–50). This hostility of theirs appears in all three accounts of Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts, the Jews of Iconium (Acts 14:1–2) and Beroea (Acts 17:11) being notable exceptions.

* [13:5] John: that is, John Mark (see Acts 12:12, 25).

* [13:6] A magician named Bar-Jesus who was a Jewish false prophet: that is, he posed as a prophet. Again Luke takes the opportunity to dissociate Christianity from the magical acts of the time (Acts 13:7–11); see also Acts 8:18–24.

* [13:9] Saul, also known as Paul: there is no reason to believe that his name was changed from Saul to Paul upon his conversion. The use of a double name, one Semitic (Saul), the other Greco-Roman (Paul), is well attested (cf. Acts 1:23, Joseph Justus; Acts 12:12, 25, John Mark).

* [13:16–41] This is the first of several speeches of Paul to Jews proclaiming that the Christian church is the logical development of Pharisaic Judaism (see also Acts 24:10–21; 26:2–23).

* [13:16] Who are God-fearing: see note on Acts 8:26–40.

* [13:18] Put up with: some manuscripts read “sustained.”

* [13:20] At the end of about four hundred and fifty years: the manuscript tradition makes it uncertain whether the mention of four hundred and fifty years refers to the sojourn in Egypt before the Exodus, the wilderness period and the time of the conquest (see Ex 12:40–41), as the translation here suggests, or to the time between the conquest and the time of Samuel, the period of the judges, if the text is read, “After these things, for about four hundred and fifty years, he provided judges.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 89 declares how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings.

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52). (Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, today’s discourses precede the traditional narrative of the passion.

* [13:1–19:42] The Book of Glory. There is a major break here; the word “sign” is used again only in Jn 20:30. In this phase of Jesus’ return to the Father, the discourses (Jn 13–17) precede the traditional narrative of the passion (Jn 18–20) to interpret them for the Christian reader. This is the only extended example of esoteric teaching of disciples in John.

* [13:1–20] Washing of the disciples’ feet. This episode occurs in John at the place of the narration of the institution of the Eucharist in the synoptics. It may be a dramatization of Lk 22:27—“I am your servant.” It is presented as a “model” (“pattern”) of the crucifixion. It symbolizes cleansing from sin by sacrificial death.

* [13:16] Messenger: the Greek has apostolos, the only occurrence of the term in John. It is not used in the technical sense here. (John, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ, comments that, like the disciples, we often struggle to fully understand this call. We may hear the words, even participate in the rituals, yet fail to connect them to our daily lives. 

The washing of the feet is not meant to remain within the walls of the liturgy; it is an invitation that extends into every encounter, every relationship, every moment that calls for compassion, patience, and generosity. 

At the same time, in the first reading, we are reminded of another dimension of discipleship. With conviction and clarity, Paul speaks to the people, helping them see how God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ.

Today, we are invited to be attentive, to notice the quiet opportunities to “wash the feet” of others, and to recognize the moments when a word of encouragement, guidance, or truth is needed. May we be open to the Spirit, who works through both our actions and our words. And may we grow into disciples who serve with humility, speak with love, and lead others closer to God through the witness of our lives. (Cardoso, n.d.)

Don Schwager comments that “The Master wants his servants to reach their potential,” by Origen, 185-254 A.D.

"The Savior, who is Lord, does something that surpasses all other lords, who have no desire to see their servants rise up to their level. He is such a Son of the Father's goodness and love that, although he was Lord, he produced servants who could become like him, their Lord, not having the spirit of bondage, which comes from fear, but the spirit of adoption in which they too cry, 'Abba, Father.' So then, before becoming like their teacher and lord, they need to have their feet washed because they are still deficient disciples who possess the spirit of bondage to fear. But when they attain the stature of master and lord... then they will be able to imitate their master and wash the disciple's feet as the teacher. (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.120-22) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 13:16-20 comments that as Jesus’ self-emptying love softened and changed the apostles’ hearts, their own humility and self-emptying could do the same for the people around them. Though we are not apostles, we, too, are called to model Jesus’ sacrificial love. That might feel uncomfortable at times.

Chances are, if you’ve been deeply touched by another person’s love, it was when they cared for you in a personal way. When the love of Christ touched you through them, you might have resolved to pass it on to someone else. Their mercy led you to be more merciful; their generosity inspired your giving; their closeness to Jesus made you thirst for the same.

So begin today. Imitate Jesus by serving someone with humility and tenderness.

“Lord, help me to love as you love.” (Meditation on John 13:16-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, Paul, Barnabas and Mark go to Pisidian Antioch and Paul takes as an insult Mark’s return to Jerusalem. Paul could hold grudges for a while. In Jerusalem, Paul offers a teaching and in the middle Saul is mentioned and the choosing of David. The chosen can be rejected if they turn away. Being chosen as People of God brings a responsibility. The Gospel of John begins the Last Supper Discourse. The disciples should follow His example of service and give their life for others. The betrayal of Judas was part of God’s plan and it has Jesus show them He is the “I Am”. Friar Jude notes that Jesus talks of a future community that will honor His name in a community of believers in future generations.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces spiritual director Therese Taylor-Stinson who offers Harriet Tubman as a model of spiritual courage. She describes how Tubman’s faith has inspired her own reliance on prayer in times of crisis.

Reflecting on the way Harriet faced uncertain times, times of need, even as she sought to help others, I think of a time in my own life—a time of great trial, a time I was unable to pray, a time I felt silenced by others; I fell silent myself, except for one name I repeated again and again: “Jesus.” I did not know what significance the name held, but it was all I had. As the saying and the song go, “There’s something about the name of Jesus!” I found that my silence was prayer. My willingness to trust the unknown was prayer. My desolation was prayer. My intention for a Presence surely greater than me was prayer. I would say, like Jacob, “I will not let go until you bless me.” Though uncertain about what the blessing might be or how the blessing would be delivered, I walked in trust. I trusted that something greater than myself lived in me and would see me through. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the inspiration of the Spirit to see in our life experience the gift of a Way to share the life giving of Christ in our action in support of the people in our environment.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13? 

Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-30-2026 

John, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/13?16 

Meditation on John 13:16-20. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/30/1553021/ 

Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/holding-steady-in-prayer/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The One Who Receives Me. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/