Faith Out Of Season

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the challenge of bringing the Good News to an environment that is rejecting the call to bear the fruit of love and compassion.

Faith seeking to Bear Fruit

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter exhorts us to Christian Charity even during the Trial of Persecution.

* [4:7–11] The inner life of the eschatological community is outlined as the end (the parousia of Christ) and the judgment draws near in terms of seriousness, sobriety, prayer, and love expressed through hospitality and the use of one’s gifts for the glory of God and of Christ.

* [4:8] Love covers a multitude of sins: a maxim based on Prv 10:12; see also Ps 32:1; Jas 5:20.

* [4:11] Some scholars feel that this doxology concludes the part of the homily addressed specifically to the newly baptized, begun in 1 Pt 1:3; others that it concludes a baptismal liturgy. Such doxologies do occur within a New Testament letter, e.g., Rom 9:5. Some propose that 1 Pt 4:11 was an alternate ending, with 1 Pt 4:12–5:14 being read in places where persecution was more pressing. But such doxologies usually do not occur at the end of letters (the only examples are 2 Pt 3:18, Jude 25, and Rom 16:27, the last probably a liturgical insertion).

* [4:12–19] The suffering to which the author has already frequently referred is presented in more severe terms. This has led some scholars to see these verses as referring to an actual persecution. Others see the heightening of the language as only a rhetorical device used at the end of the letter to emphasize the suffering motif. (1 Peter, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 declares even inanimate creation is to offer praise to Israel’s God.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, CHAPTER 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Curses a Fig Tree, initiates a Cleansing of the Temple and returns to the Withered Fig Tree.

* [11:12–14] Jesus’ search for fruit on the fig tree recalls the prophets’ earlier use of this image to designate Israel; cf. Jer 8:13; 29:17; Jl 1:7; Hos 9:10, 16. Cursing the fig tree is a parable in action representing Jesus’ judgment (Mk 11:20) on barren Israel and the fate of Jerusalem for failing to receive his teaching; cf. Is 34:4; Hos 2:14; Lk 13:6–9.

* [11:15–19] See note on Mt 21:12–17.

* [11:26] This verse, which reads, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions,” is omitted in the best manuscripts. It was probably added by copyists under the influence of Mt 6:15. (Mark, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Daily Reflections by Members of the Creighton University Community, who offer written reflections on the day’s Scripture readings are not available at publication time.

Don Schwager quotes “Attaining the fruit of mercy and goodness in the school of Christ,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Some who witnessed Christ's miracles did not understand what they meant, and how they spoke to those who knew they had special meaning. They wondered only at the miracles themselves. Others both marveled at the miracles, and attained some preliminary understanding of them. For this we must come to the school of Christ himself. Those fixed only upon the plain sense of Scripture tend to focus merely upon miracle for miracles' sake. Hence they may prematurely conclude that Jesus himself was ignorant of the time of the year, something any ordinary farmer could discern. For it was not yet the season for the tree to bear fruit. Nevertheless, since he was hungry, he looked for fruit on the tree (Mark 11:13). Does this imply that Christ knew less than what every peasant could easily discern? Surely not. Wouldn't you expect the maker of the fig tree to know what the ordinary orchard worker would know in a snap? So when he was hungry he looked for fruit on the tree, but he seemed to be looking for something more from this tree. He noted that the tree had no fruit, but was full of leaves. It was at that point that he cursed it, and it withered away. So what terrible thing had the poor tree done simply in not bearing fruit? Could the tree reasonably be faulted for its fruitlessness? No. But human beings who by their own free will decide not to bear fruit - that is a different matter. Those found wanting in accountability in this case are those who had the benefit of the law, which was meant to bear fruit, but they had no fruit to show for it. They had a full growth of leaves (the law), yet they bore no fruit (works of mercy)." (excerpt from SERMONS ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 48.3.16) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 11:11-26 comments that these examples of Jesus’ anger can be frightening. But remember the message behind the image: left to our own devices, we cannot bear fruit for the Lord. It is as we read in the Book of Isaiah, “We have all withered like leaves, and our crimes carry us away like the wind” (64:5). But just as Jesus entered the Temple, God has entered our story to set things right. He didn’t abandon us; instead, he gave his life for us. So yes, Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, but he replaced it with another tree, the cross. And that tree, planted in our hearts, has the power to bear “fruit that will remain” (John 15:16).

You are not a withered fruitless tree. Jesus came, and comes even today, not to curse us, but to save us and make us fruitful. By your Baptism you have his own divine life in you, and that life is capable of producing abundant, lasting fruit. No doubt you have already seen some of this fruit—perhaps in healed wounds, reconciled friendships, or growth in virtue. But Jesus is not done with you! He is always working to help you bear even more fruit.

“Lord Jesus, come into my life more deeply today so that I can bear fruit for you.” (Meditation on Mark 11:11-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 1 Peter the theme is that the end is at hand and the disciples must be dedicated to the Lord. Like the Pauline parenesis, they are called to serve in love and hospitality and to perhaps have a trial of fire. Some will reject their message and try to punish them. They will accept that and accept the price to die to self to live for Christ. In the Gospel of Mark Chapter 11 the typical technique of the Marken sandwich interrupts the story of the figs by Jesus going to the Temple. In April, at Passover time, Jesus cursed the sellers at the temple. The animals are being sold in a very precious position making the Temple a den of thieves. The fig tree has died and withered because of the lack of faith like that lack of the Pharisees not bearing spiritual fruit. Jesus, like the fig tree, was out of season. As a humble servant the Pharisees failed to bear fruit. Friar Jude observes that the disciples do get it wrong initially, but realize who Jesus is at the Cross and get it right.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Brian McLaren who describes how the Holy Spirit empowers us to carry on Jesus’ work. Jesus describes the Spirit as another comforter, another teacher, another guide—just like him, but available to everyone, everywhere, always. The same Spirit who had descended like a dove upon him will descend upon us, he promises. The same Spirit who filled him will fill all who open their hearts….

At the core of Jesus’ life and message, then, was this good news: the Spirit of God, the Spirit of aliveness, the Wind-breath-fire-cloud-water-wine-dove Spirit who filled Jesus is on the move in our world. And that gives us a choice: do we dig in our heels, clench our fists, and live for our own agenda, or do we let go, let be, and let come … and so be taken up into the Spirit’s movement?…

When we open up space for the Spirit and let the Spirit fill that space within us, we begin to change, and we become agents of change…. So let us open our hearts. Let us dare believe that the Spirit that we read about in the Scriptures can move among us today, empowering us in our times so we can become agents in a global spiritual movement of justice, peace, and joy. (McLaren, n.d.)

We invoke the assistance of the Spirit when we witness to our faith in times and seasons beyond that authorized by the restrictions of society.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/11?11 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). The Spirit of Christ Within Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 29, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-of-christ-within-us/ 

Meditation on Mark 11:11-26. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 29, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/29/1580451/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/4?7 

Psalms, CHAPTER 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?10 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Have Faith in God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 29, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Healed of Spiritual Blindness

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to consider if the lack of “spiritual milk” in our daily actions is blinding us to the beauty of our role in living in community with others.

See Our Community

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter exhorts us to live in God’s House and be Christian Examples.

* [2:1–3] Growth toward salvation is seen here as two steps: first, stripping away all that is contrary to the new life in Christ; second, the nourishment (pure spiritual milk) that the newly baptized have received.

* [2:3] Tasted that the Lord is good: cf. Ps 34:8.

* [2:4–8] Christ is the cornerstone (cf. Is 28:16) that is the foundation of the spiritual edifice of the Christian community (1 Pt 2:5). To unbelievers, Christ is an obstacle and a stumbling block on which they are destined to fall (1 Pt 2:8); cf. Rom 11:11.

* [2:9–10] The prerogatives of ancient Israel mentioned here are now more fully and fittingly applied to the Christian people: “a chosen race” (cf. Is 43:20–21) indicates their divine election (Eph 1:4–6); “a royal priesthood” (cf. Ex 19:6) to serve and worship God in Christ, thus continuing the priestly functions of his life, passion, and resurrection; “a holy nation” (Ex 19:6) reserved for God, a people he claims for his own (cf. Mal 3:17) in virtue of their baptism into his death and resurrection. This transcends all natural and national divisions and unites the people into one community to glorify the one who led them from the darkness of paganism to the light of faith in Christ. From being “no people” deprived of all mercy, they have become the very people of God, the chosen recipients of his mercy (cf. Hos 1:9; 2:23). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 100 is a hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings.

* [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings for the God who created them. (Psalms,CHAPTER 100 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals the physical and spiritual blindness of Bartimaeus.

* [10:46–52] See notes on Mt 9:27–31 and 20:29–34. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley reflects on considering love as knowledge, Augustine theology would imply that truly loving someone or something requires deep knowledge of it.  She thinks that’s why as so many of us age, we delve deeper into the Bible and spiritual readings to more deeply understand our relationship with God and our need to connect. 

Perhaps this reads as more of a classroom presentation than a reflection and thank you for indulging me.  The need for this deeper understanding is what drives my ability to reflect – I need that knowledge to put perspective on my life. I leave you with one last quote from St. Augustine – his most famous quote on beauty:

Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!

The Institute of Catholic Culture asserts that it reflects a spiritual awakening to divine beauty, describing it as a transcendent force that calls to the soul and offers peace.  I suppose that is what happened to me when I attended mass on Thanksgiving Day, 1997 and found peace for my soul. While I have listened many times to the song O Beauty, Ever Ancient (the link is below) by Father Roc O’Connor, I never really understood its meaning until now. I am a Beloved Child of God!! (Shirley, 2026)

O Beauty, Ever Ancient

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12 comments that in today’s first reading, St. Peter describes the “before” and “after” experience that his Gentile readers had after they first “tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:3). Once they were in darkness, but now they have stepped into God’s “wonderful light” (2:9). Once they were “no people,” but now they are “God’s people.” Once they “had not received mercy,” but now they have received God’s mercy (2:10).

Today, spend some time thanking and praising the Lord that you are among the countless people who know they belong to him. Thank him that you have received his mercy—and continue to receive it. Then “taste” his goodness when you come to him in prayer, when you read his word in Scripture, and when you receive his grace in the sacraments. You will grow closer to him every day!

“Lord, I am in awe of your goodness and mercy! With all my heart, I thank you!” (Meditation on 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from 1 Peter speaks of seeking pure spiritual milk, We are living stones that build up spiritual life. Peter proclaims a chosen race, now the Gentile Christians who called as a holy nation to live in the world and not of the world, marked as different to show other values and to follow Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus is in Jericho on the way to Jerusalem. Blind Bartimaeus addresses Him: “Jesus , Son of David, have mercy on me.” We are reminded that there are times of insistent prayer when we pound our fist on gates of heaven. Friar Jude comments that Jesus' proclamation that “Your faith has saved you” indicates the blind man is healed physically and spiritually. Friar Jude observes that by identification of Jesus as “the Son of David”, the blind man could see more clearly than the sighted that Jesus was the Son of David.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces his friends, Andreas Ebert and Patricia C. Brockman, who summarized how the Spirit was at work during this period of Richard’s ministry.

The young people he taught and led on retreats were overwhelmed with the gospel message. They gathered around this enthusiastic young priest, hungry for Scripture, increasingly eager for the shared life described there. Their weekly prayer gatherings began with fervent charismatic prayer and expanded from a group of teenagers to, at times, more than a thousand persons of many ages and diverse backgrounds. All the signs and wonders of the early church flourished among the prayers. It eventually became clear that enthusiasm was not enough, and among those followers some desired to live in a closer bond and within the discipleship of Christian community. Thus, New Jerusalem came into being, a laboratory-church where many came to commit themselves to the dream of a church that follows and trusts Jesus. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the work of the Spirit in the growth and development of the Church and the increase of love and compassion in our own growth as followers of Christ.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?46 

Meditation on 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/28/1579869/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/2? 

Psalms,CHAPTER 100 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Birth of a New Community. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-birth-of-a-new-community/ 

Shirley, N. (2026, May 28). Daily Reflection May 28, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-28-2026 

Ambition for Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, proclaim our mission to live in mutual love with the people in our environment.

Care in Service

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter proclaims Mutual Love of Christians.

* [1:19] Christians have received the redemption prophesied by Isaiah (Is 52:3), through the blood (Jewish symbol of life) of the spotless lamb (Is 53:7, 10; Jn 1:29; Rom 3:24–25; cf. 1 Cor 6:20).

* [1:22–25] The new birth of Christians (1 Pt 1:23) derives from Christ, the imperishable seed or sowing that produces a new and lasting existence in those who accept the gospel (1 Pt 1:24–25), with the consequent duty of loving one another (1 Pt 1:22).

* [1:23] The living and abiding word of God: or, “the word of the living and abiding God.” (1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 147 exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created.

* [Psalm 147] The hymn is divided into three sections by the calls to praise in Ps 147:1, 7, 12. The first section praises the powerful creator who restores exiled Judah (Ps 147:1–6); the second section, the creator who provides food to animals and human beings; the third and climactic section exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created and made the place of disclosure for God’s word, a word as life-giving as water. (Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents a Third Prediction of the Passion and notes the Ambition of James and John.

* [10:38–40] Can you drink the cup…I am baptized?: the metaphor of drinking the cup is used in the Old Testament to refer to acceptance of the destiny assigned by God; see note on Ps 11:6. In Jesus’ case, this involves divine judgment on sin that Jesus the innocent one is to expiate on behalf of the guilty (Mk 14:24; Is 53:5). His baptism is to be his crucifixion and death for the salvation of the human race; cf. Lk 12:50. The request of James and John for a share in the glory (Mk 10:35–37) must of necessity involve a share in Jesus’ sufferings, the endurance of tribulation and suffering for the gospel (Mk 10:39). The authority of assigning places of honor in the kingdom is reserved to God (Mk 10:40).

* [10:42–45] Whatever authority is to be exercised by the disciples must, like that of Jesus, be rendered as service to others (Mk 10:45) rather than for personal aggrandizement (Mk 10:42–44). The service of Jesus is his passion and death for the sins of the human race (Mk 10:45); cf. Mk 14:24; Is 53:11–12; Mt 26:28; Lk 22:19–20. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that, in today’s gospel, we see that even the apostles behaved selfishly and badly. Even though they lived with Jesus and heard his teachings, this intimate knowledge did not prevent them from seeking after their own glory at the expense of others.

This divine mystery was not yet known to them. But it has been made known to us. Does that knowledge have the potential to change the way we see ourselves and others? Even those we find difficult to love?

As we journey on toward our eternal destiny, we are accompanied by these mysteries. Let us draw hope and strength for the journey, even though we do not understand them fully. Perhaps for now it is enough to know that we are deeply loved, even when we struggle to love others, who are also deeply loved by God. And perhaps grace and mercy will be nearby, helping us to love more fully, as we ought. Thanks be to God. (Morse, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:32-45 comments that, at first glance, being a “servant” doesn’t usually seem appealing. It’s only when we remember how much Jesus loves us that our hearts begin to soften. It’s as we recall that we were created to give him glory by reflecting his own generosity and kindness. The simple truth is that the more we give of ourselves, the more Christlike we become. We grow in holiness. We become more peaceful, more contented, and even more joyful!

Probably the best way to look at our call to serve is to look at Jesus. He is the perfect model of what a life of service looks like. We can ask him, “How can I serve you today, Lord?” If the opportunities before you seem mundane—like making a meal for your family or taking an elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment—remember Jesus’ great promise: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Every opportunity to care for someone else is another opportunity to meet Jesus!

“Lord, help me desire to serve you and your people above all else!” (Meditation on Mark 10:32-45, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage today is in tenor with 1 Peter yesterday that presents the ransom by the blood of Christ as God’s plan from the beginning and we are called to live godly lives and dedicate ourselves to brotherly love as the text notes that all flesh is grass as a symbol of our limited life. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus predicts His Passion in Chapters 8, 9, and 10. He presents the image of  the Son of Man from Daniel 7 who has authority over all the nations and the Suffering Servant from the poems in Isaiah that define the mission of Jesus. James and John ask to sit on His right and left as they talk about inheritance and when Jesus speaks of death. They claim to be willing to take up their crosses. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus declares the Son of Man came to serve and not be served. We are called die in our ministry, a bit each day, to our selfishness to serve those who most need God’s love.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, envisions the Holy Spirit as the loving immensity of God’s presence within us. Consciousness, the soul, love, the Holy Spirit, on both the individual and shared levels, have sadly become largely unconscious! No wonder some call the Holy Spirit the “missing person” of the Blessed Trinity. No wonder we try to fill this radical disconnectedness through various addictions.

There is an Inner Reminder, an Inner Rememberer, (see John 14:26, 16:4) who holds together all the disparate and fragmented parts of our lives, fills in all the gaps, owns all the mistakes, forgives all the failures, and loves us into an ever-deeper life. This is the job description of the Holy Spirit, who is the spring that wells up within us (John 7:38–39)—and unto eternal time. This is the breath that warms and renews everything (John 20:22). These are the eyes that see beyond the momentary shadow and disguise of things (John 9); these are the tears that wash and cleanse the past (Matthew 5:4). And better yet, they are not only our tears but are actually the very presence and consolation of God within us (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

You must contact this Immensity! You must look back at your life from the place of this Immensity. You must know that this Immensity is already within you. The only thing separating you from such Immensity is the ego’s unwillingness to trust such an utterly free grace, such a completely unmerited gift. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We recognize our need for the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit as we proclaim our desire to work with Jesus in the mission to serve with love in our environment.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?32 

Meditation on Mark 10:32-45. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/26/1578480/ 

Morse, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-27-2026 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/1?18 

Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/147?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Is Always with Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-is-always-with-us/