Response with Patience and Peace

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to rethink and rework those situations in which we sense a negative response rising toward others with patience and peace.

Act with Peace and Patience 

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul and Silas' Deliverance from Prison.

* [16:11–40] The church at Philippi became a flourishing community to which Paul addressed one of his letters (see Introduction to the Letter to the Philippians). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 138 is a thanksgiving to God, who came to the rescue of the psalmist.

* [Psalm 138] A thanksgiving to God, who came to the rescue of the psalmist. Divine rescue was not the result of the psalmist’s virtues but of God’s loving fidelity (Ps 138:1–3). The act is not a private transaction but a public act that stirs the surrounding nations to praise God’s greatness and care for the people (Ps 138:4–6). The psalmist, having experienced salvation, trusts that God will always be there in moments of danger (Ps 138:7–8). (Psalms, PSALM 138 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John proclaims Jesus’ Departure and the Coming of the Advocate.

* [16:5] Not one of you asks me: the difficulty of reconciling this with Simon Peter’s question in Jn 13:36 and Thomas’ words in Jn 14:5 strengthens the supposition that the last discourse has been made up of several collections of Johannine material.

* [16:8–11] These verses illustrate the forensic character of the Paraclete’s role: in the forum of the disciples’ conscience he prosecutes the world. He leads believers to see (a) that the basic sin was and is refusal to believe in Jesus; (b) that, although Jesus was found guilty and apparently died in disgrace, in reality righteousness has triumphed, for Jesus has returned to his Father; (c) finally, that it is the ruler of this world, Satan, who has been condemned through Jesus’ death (Jn 12:32). (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

David Crawford asks if we did think of the jailer, would our first impulse be to save him or would we think, “Not my problem.” Or, “He had it coming. Payback!” Maybe we would lump him in with the larger group of Philippians who were responsible for the suffering and imprisonment: “This will teach them to mess with us and our God!” In other words, how many of us would adopt a “me first, them last” attitude?

Christ calls us to love our neighbors and our enemies, in times of crisis – such as Paul and Silas experienced – and in everyday life. As Christians, we often may not be aware of how easily we succumb to the temptation NOT to love those before us. Think of times when we are in a store, frustrated that staff won’t make an exception to a policy in our favor. When we think of those individuals first, we realize that they are not the ones who made the policy, that they would probably lose their job for making the exception, and that berating them makes us hateful and them miserable. The temptations to unlovingness pop up in the political arena, the workplace, at sporting events, in social media, even at church. The temptations may be greater when we are frightened or threatened. Yet it is in those moments that Paul and Silas prayed, praised God, and extended God’s love to others. In those moments of temptation, may the Holy Spirit move in us to color all we do with love and mercy so that others are drawn to Christ, so that God is glorified. 

They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love (Crawford, 2026)

 Don Schwager quotes “Whatever is not of faith is sin,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When the Lord said of the Holy Spirit, 'He shall convict the world of sin,' he meant unbelief. For this is what he meant when he said, 'Of sin because they believed not on me.' And he means the same when he says, 'If I had not come and spoken to them, they should not have sin.' (John 15:22). He was not talking about [a time] before they had no sin. Rather, he wanted to indicate that very lack of faith by which they did not believe him even when he was present to them and speaking to them. These were the people who belonged to 'the prince of the power of the air, who now works in the children of unbelief' (Ephesians 2:2). Therefore those in whom there is no faith are the children of the devil because they have nothing in their inner being that would cause them to be forgiven for whatever is committed either by human infirmity, ignorance or any evil will whatever. But the children of God are those who certainly, if they should 'say that they have no sin, deceive themselves, and the truth is not in them,' but immediately (as it continues) 'when they confess their sins' (which the children of the devil do not do, or do not do according to the faith which is peculiar to the children of God), 'he is faithful and just to forgive them their sins and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness'" (1 John 1:9). (excerpt from AGAINST TWO LETTERS OF THE PELAGIANS 3.4) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 16:22-34 comments that today’s reading shows us that suffering can be redeemed, even in the hardest of times. It can become fertile ground where virtues like patience, hope, and even joy can grow. If we try to stay close to the Lord during these times, our sufferings won’t just strengthen our own faith; they’ll also draw other people to deepen their relationship with the Lord.

This is easier said than done, but every time we take just one step closer to Jesus in the midst of hardships, he takes a thousand steps closer to us. He not only comforts and strengthens us, but he finds a way to bring good from it. So never doubt the goodness of the Lord, even in the hardest times!

“Jesus, reach out to all who are suffering right now. Help them and their loved ones to find you today.” (Meditation on Acts 16:22-34, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts, Paul and Silas made a mistake healing a slave who had been a source of income to an influential family. The next morning, Paul, as a Roman Citizen, had rights to be heard in court. Paul and Silas remain in the cell after the earthquake. The jailer takes them to his home and is received with baptism. God uses all circumstances for good. The discourse in the Gospel of John identifies the “world” as that part of reality that has rejected the Gospel message. The “sin” is to not believe in the Son of God, in John. Jesus shows His righteousness going to Father. Condemnation is by Jesus death of the ruler of this “world”. Friar Jude notes Satan has been convicted by an act of love not violence. This demonstrates how much Jesus loves us.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recounts the work of Theologian Matthew Fox who describes Julian of Norwich as a mystic for our times. He highlighted her writings during the COVID-19 pandemic, living as she did through the Black Death (bubonic plague). He writes:

What is remarkable about her life and teaching is that instead of yielding to despair or blame, she sought out in depth the goodness of life and creation. Indeed, she established her entire worldview on this sense of goodness and the sacred marriage of grace and nature, a sense of God-in-nature. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

Julian’s teachings are encouragement for our time:

Our sister and ancestor Julian is eager not only to speak to us today but to shout at us—albeit in a gentle way—to wake up and to go deep, to face the darkness and to dig down and find goodness, joy and awe. And to go to work to defend Mother Earth and all her creatures, stripping ourselves of racism, sexism, nationalisms, anthropocentrism, sectarianism—anything that interferes with our greatness as human beings. And to connect anew to the sacredness of life. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Spirit of Peace to guide our response from anger and dramatic overreaction to peace, understanding, and gratitude for the opportunity to transform relationships.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16 

Crawford, D. (2026, May 12). Daily Reflection May 12, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-12-2026 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16 

Meditation on Acts 16:22-34. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/12/1562666/ 

Psalms, PSALM 138 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/138 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Mystic Who Suffered. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-mystic-who-suffered/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Will Send the Counselor to You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Guided by the Paraclete

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, remind us to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our labour in the vineyard of the Lord.

Our travels for Faith

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the growth of Christianity into Europe.

* [16:10–17] This is the first of the so-called “we-sections” in Acts, where Luke writes as one of Paul’s companions. The other passages are Acts 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16. Scholars debate whether Luke may not have used the first person plural simply as a literary device to lend color to the narrative. The realism of the narrative, however, lends weight to the argument that the “we” includes Luke or another companion of Paul whose data Luke used as a source.

* [16:11–40] The church at Philippi became a flourishing community to which Paul addressed one of his letters (see Introduction to the Letter to the Philippians).

* [16:14] A worshiper of God: a “God-fearer.” See note on Acts 8:26–40. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 149 invites the people of Israel to celebrate their God.

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims a Paraclete is to be sent by the Father.

* [15:26] Whom I will send: in Jn 14:16, 26, the Paraclete is to be sent by the Father, at the request of Jesus. Here the Spirit comes from both Jesus and the Father in mission; there is no reference here to the eternal procession of the Spirit. (John, CHAPTER 15|USCCB, n.d.)

* [16:2] Hour: of persecution, not Jesus’ “hour” (see note on Jn 2:4). (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Michele Bogard comments she has never listened to Christian or Catholic radio.  But thanks to her son (and no doubt his religion teacher at school!), it may be the most played station in her car nowadays.

I can’t help but think about my unconscious eye roll when the radio came on just an hour earlier.  It wasn’t my choice.  It was a Christian station.  All the stereotypes flew into my mind.  And yet, I kept the station on as I drove home.  Perhaps it was to feel close to my son.  But maybe it was also the Holy Spirit gently nudging me to embrace my faith.  To sit with my preconceived notions of the radio station and what others must be like who listen to it.  And just maybe it was a moment where I was reminded to be proud of my faith and to defend it…not from external persecution but from my own questioning and internal battle. (Bogard, 2026)

The Irish Jesuits have a website called Sacred Space.  An anonymous poster adds “St Ignatius of Loyola is said to have prayed that the members of the order he founded would always be persecuted—it was a sign that they were doing their job. It is a strange paradox, but the message of Christian love and forgiveness, a message of peace and justice, is found by many to be very threatening and one that must be attacked.”

May we all find that internal and external peace that comes with surrendering to our faith.  And may the Holy Spirit continue to light our way. (Bogard, 2026)

 Don Schwager quotes “The Comforter is with us in our troubles, by Cyril of Jerusalem, 430-543 A.D.” 

"He is called the Comforter because he comforts and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), that is, he makes intercession to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to him, 'Wait on the Lord' (Psalm 27:14). What is now happening to you is a small matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with angels forever. 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). He portrays to the person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight." (excerpt from CATECHETICAL LECTURES 16.20) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:26–16:4 urges us to look at what happened when the Spirit came! Wavering men and women became unshakably convinced that Jesus was the Messiah—and they boldly preached that message. Homegrown fishermen traveled to distant lands to proclaim the truths of Christ that would change millions of lives. They wrote Gospels and letters that instructed new believers in the faith—words that touch our lives even today. All because of the Spirit of truth!

So ask the Holy Spirit to testify to Jesus in your heart today. Take today’s Scripture passages to prayer and expect him to reveal something about Jesus to you. Turn to him during your day, and ask for his guidance to help you follow Jesus better. Bring him your concerns, and know that you can rely on him to be your guiding light when you are confused or when, like the apostles, you face challenges. Keep your heart open to him and his words, confident that he can help you and strengthen you so that you don’t “fall away” into fear or sin or selfishness (John 16:1).

Because the Spirit of truth will testify to Jesus.

“Holy Spirit, help me to hear your testimony about Jesus today!” (Meditation on John 15:26–16:4, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts Paul has travelled into Greece at Philippi to a place of prayer to meet Lydia, likely a very rich woman in the purple dye trade. She suggests that Paul might live at her house and form a house Church. They would meet in the atrium. It is unclear whether Lydia was the head or host of the community. The Gospel of John speaks about the Advocate, a witness to the Truth and the presence of the Trinity and Jesus indicates that persecution is coming and they will lay down their lives out of love too. Friar Jude ponders if we are not being persecuted, maybe we are not living as a Christian?

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recounts the circumstances of Julian of Norwich’s mystical experience. What strikes him is the similarity between Julian’s time and our own. Here is how Episcopal priest and scholar Mary Earle describes Julian’s fourteenth-century context.

Julian lived at a time of vast social, [religious,] and political upheaval, incessant wars, and sweeping epidemics. Norwich, with a population of around 25,000 by 1330 … was struck viciously by the plague known as the Black Death. At its peak in the late 1340s in England, it killed approximately three-fourths of the population of Norwich. A young girl at this time, Julian was certainly affected in untold ways by this devastation. When the plague returned, she was about nineteen. [1]

In her anchor-hold, Julian certainly would have recognized the spiritual benefits of contemplation, such as the awakened ability through solitude to be personally present to divine love. Yet we must remember that she also let God’s love flow right through her to those on the street requesting her counsel, and to us through her writings. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, to instill in us the Power of Love that we may be witnesses to Christ in our actions to “renew the face of the Earth” particularly in times of chaos and persecution.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16 

Bogard, M. (2026, May 11). Daily Reflection May 11, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-11-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?26 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16 

Meditation on John 15:26–16:4. (n.d.). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/11/1562135/ 

Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). An Anchor-Hold of Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-anchor-hold-of-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Counselor Comes, the Spirit of Truth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Advocate and Mothers

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to take the risk to share the love we celebrate on Mother’s Day by becoming advocates for others in our love and service.

Sharing our Journey

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the Mission of Philip in Samaria.

* [8:1] All were scattered…except the apostles: this observation leads some modern scholars to conclude that the persecution was limited to the Hellenist Christians and that the Hebrew Christians were not molested, perhaps because their attitude toward the law and temple was still more in line with that of their fellow Jews (see the charge leveled against the Hellenist Stephen in Acts 6:13–14). Whatever the facts, it appears that the Twelve took no public stand regarding Stephen’s position, choosing, instead, to await the development of events.

* [8:3] Saul…was trying to destroy the church: like Stephen, Saul was able to perceive that the Christian movement contained the seeds of doctrinal divergence from Judaism. A pupil of Gamaliel, according to Acts 22:3, and totally dedicated to the law as the way of salvation (Gal 1:13–14), Saul accepted the task of crushing the Christian movement, at least insofar as it detracted from the importance of the temple and the law. His vehement opposition to Christianity reveals how difficult it was for a Jew of his time to accept a messianism that differed so greatly from the general expectation.

* [8:16] Here and in Acts 10:44–48 and Acts 19:1–6, Luke distinguishes between baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and the reception of the Spirit. In each case, the Spirit is conferred through members of the Twelve (Peter and John) or their representative (Paul). This may be Luke’s way of describing the role of the church in the bestowal of the Spirit. Elsewhere in Acts, baptism and the Spirit are more closely related (Acts 1:5; 11:16). (Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES |USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 66 praises God for powerful acts for Israel.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter presents the hope in Christian Suffering.

* [3:13–22] This exposition, centering on 1 Pt 3:17, runs as follows: by his suffering and death Christ the righteous one saved the unrighteous (1 Pt 3:18); by his resurrection he received new life in the spirit, which he communicates to believers through the baptismal bath that cleanses their consciences from sin. As Noah’s family was saved through water, so Christians are saved through the waters of baptism (1 Pt 3:19–22). Hence they need not share the fear of sinners; they should rather rejoice in suffering because of their hope in Christ. Thus their innocence disappoints their accusers (1 Pt 3:13–16; cf. Mt 10:28; Rom 8:35–39).

* [3:18] Suffered: very many ancient manuscripts and versions read “died.” Put to death in the flesh: affirms that Jesus truly died as a human being. Brought to life in the spirit: that is, in the new and transformed existence freed from the limitations and weaknesses of natural human life (cf. 1 Cor 15:45). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the Advocate will guide our ministry.

* [14:16] Another Advocate: Jesus is the first advocate (paraclete); see 1 Jn 2:1, where Jesus is an advocate in the sense of intercessor in heaven. The Greek term derives from legal terminology for an advocate or defense attorney, and can mean spokesman, mediator, intercessor, comforter, consoler, although no one of these terms encompasses the meaning in John. The Paraclete in John is a teacher, a witness to Jesus, and a prosecutor of the world, who represents the continued presence on earth of the Jesus who has returned to the Father.

* [14:17] The Spirit of truth: this term is also used at Qumran, where it is a moral force put into a person by God, as opposed to the spirit of perversity. It is more personal in John; it will teach the realities of the new order (Jn 14:26), and testify to the truth (Jn 14:6). While it has been customary to use masculine personal pronouns in English for the Advocate, the Greek word for “spirit” is neuter, and the Greek text and manuscript variants fluctuate between masculine and neuter pronouns.

* [14:18] I will come to you: indwelling, not parousia. (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ, comments that the Greek word, “Paraclete,” has many connotations:  the Gatherer, the Comforter, the Protector, the Advocate, the one always at one’s side.   He also assures them that Jesus himself will remain in them.  They are not going to be left orphans.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

and kindle in them the fire of your love.” - Prayer to the Holy Spirit

They are not going to be left orphans (Alexander, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “There is no love without the Holy Spirit,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"How, then, did the apostles love, but in the Holy Spirit? And yet they are commanded to love him and keep his commandments before they have received him and, in fact, in order to receive him. And yet, without having that Spirit, they certainly could not love him and keep his commandments. We are therefore to understand that he who loves already has the Holy Spirit, and by what he has he becomes worthy of a fuller possession, that by having more he may love more. The disciples, therefore, already had that Holy Spirit whom the Lord promised, for without him they could not call him Lord. But they had him not as yet in the way promised by the Lord... He was yet to be given them in an ampler measure [at Pentecost]." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 74.1-2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:15-21 comments that Jesus is telling us that two seemingly unrelated areas belong together and depend on each other: loving him and loving one another. We can’t love him, he says, if we are not caring for the people around us. To say that we love the Lord while we are holding someone in contempt or harboring hatred against someone is to miss the point of his gospel message. It’s to miss the point of his cross.

Do you want to observe Jesus’ commandments? And do you want to love him more fully? The answer may be as close as the person sitting across the dinner table from you or the person down the street who needs a helping hand.

“Jesus, help me to love you more deeply by loving others more faithfully.” (Meditation on John 14:15-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the Acts of the Apostles we hear how Philip went to Samaria, an area occupied by intermarried Hebrew people. This is a sign that the message is spreading beyond the traditional bounds. Peter and Paul get the gift of the Spirit often in dreams. In 1 Peter, we are supposed to evangelize with gentleness and humility without judgement. We die to ourselves to give witness to Jesus' death. In the Last Supper Discourses, we are instructed to keep the commandments. In John’s Gospel, that is often meant “to believe that Jesus is the Son sent by God and it is necessary to live the love of Jesus in our action”. Friar Jude comments that Jesus sends the Paraclete, an ambiguous word for “advocate”. All the action of the Spirit is witness to His presence on the earth after the Ascension.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, praises the wisdom of the mystic Julian of Norwich (1342–ca. 1416), who experienced the motherhood of God and Jesus. Father Richard considers the archetypal human need for maternal care.

Julian helps me finally understand one major aspect of my own Catholic culture: why in heaven’s name, for centuries, did both the Eastern and Western Churches attribute so many beautiful and beloved places, shrines, hills, cathedrals, and works of religious art in the Middle East and Europe, not usually to Jesus, or even to God, but to some iteration of Mother Mary? Many people in Julian’s time didn’t have access to scripture—in fact, most couldn’t read at all. They interpreted at the level of archetype and symbol. The “word” or logos was quite good, but a feminine image for God was even better. (Rohr, n.d.)

Mirabai Starr translates one of Julian’s teachings on God as Mother:

Only [God] who is our true Mother and source of all life may rightfully be called by this name. Nature, love, wisdom, and knowledge are all attributes of the Mother, which is God. Even though our earthly birth is low and humble … [God] is the one responsible for the birth of all babies that are born to their physical mothers.

The kind, loving mother, aware of the needs of her child, protects the child with great tenderness. This is the nature of motherhood…. Whenever a human mother nurtures her child with all that is beautiful and good, it is God-the-Mother who is acting through her. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We pray the Spirit will fill our hearts with the Love that will drive our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader in the environment in which we live.

References

Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES |USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?5 

Alexander, A. (2026, May 9). Daily Reflection May 10, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-10-2026 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14? 

Meditation on John 14:15-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/10/1561422/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/3? 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Motherhood of God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/motherhood-of-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Counselor Will Be with You for Ever. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/