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/ 

Work in the World

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today implore us to work in the world, where God is rejected, with the strength of Love, Faith, and Hope.

Witness to the World

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul in Lycaonia invites Timothy to Europe with him.

* [16:3] Paul had him circumcised: he did this in order that Timothy might be able to associate with the Jews and so perform a ministry among them. Paul did not object to the Jewish Christians’ adherence to the law. But he insisted that the law could not be imposed on the Gentiles. Paul himself lived in accordance with the law, or as exempt from the law, according to particular circumstances (see 1 Cor 9:19–23).

* [16:7] The Spirit of Jesus: this is an unusual formulation in Luke’s writings. The parallelism with Acts 16:6 indicates its meaning, the holy Spirit. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

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

* [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings for the God who created them.

* [100:3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are conscious of being the chosen people of God. (Psalms, CHAPTER 100| USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John, prepares the disciples for the “World’s” Hatred.

* [15:18–16:4] The hostile reaction of the world. There are synoptic parallels, predicting persecution, especially at Mt 10:17–25; 24:9–10.

* [15:20] The word I spoke to you: a reference to Jn 13:16.

* [15:21] On account of my name: the idea of persecution for Jesus’ name is frequent in the New Testament (Mt 10:22; 24:9; Acts 9:14). For John, association with Jesus’ name implies union with Jesus. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Vivian Amu comments that in today’s Gospel, John 15:18-21, Jesus reveals another layer of the challenge of discipleship. He said that those who walk in His ways and live by His teachings naturally stand out—they love differently, act differently, and prioritize differently. With that difference comes rejection, being misunderstood, or even disliked.

When doors close, God opens new ones. When others push us away, God stays with us, reminding us of who and whose we are. Jesus did not sugarcoat anything—living out our faith authentically may not always bring applause or a loving and positive response, but it is always worth it.

Can we place our trust in God’s way, even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable, believing God has designed our path for a greater good and our best interest in mind? How might it look to boldly bring God’s love into places and among people who may not accept it? What would it be like to find genuine peace, simply knowing we are following in Christ’s footsteps? How would it feel to live and speak as Christ did, without letting the fear of rejection hold us back?

Merciful God, help us lean on your strength and trust in your love for us when the way feels difficult.

Amen. (Amu, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Those who suffer with Christ reign with Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"It is just as if Jesus said, 'I, the creator of the universe, who have everything under my hand, both in heaven and on earth, did not bridle their rage or restrain ... their inclinations. Rather, I let each one choose their own course and permitted all to do what they wanted. Therefore, when I was persecuted, I endured it even though I had the power of preventing it. When you too follow in my wake and pursue the same course I did, you also will be persecuted. You're going to have to momentarily endure the aversion of those who hate you without being overly troubled by the ingratitude of those whom you benefit. This is how you attain my glory, for those who suffer with me shall also reign with me.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:18-21 comments that by choosing us “out of the world,” Jesus has given us real hope—the hope of a life spent in a living relationship with him and of eternal life in heaven. At his resurrection, he broke down the barrier between heaven and earth so that life in this world could be infused with the grace of his kingdom.

So if you feel yourself getting tired or discouraged, remember that you don’t belong to this fallen world. Ask the Spirit to raise your heart to the promise of heaven. Let that promise fill you with hope again. You are a fellow citizen with all the saints!

“Lord, thank you for filling me with the hope of heaven!” (Meditation on John 15:18-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts we hear a disciple Timothy who begins to follow Paul is circumcised because his mom is Jewish and descent from a Jewish woman is his identity marker for his heritage. Paul’s plan to go to the coast of Turkey is prohibited by the Spirit as he is not to go to a community where the Good News is already preached. He is invited in a dream by the Spirit to Macedonia. The Gospel of John raises the question of how we are invited into the Life of the Father? The “world” that rejects the Love of God, lives in concupiscence. We try to live a life of love, and often, we are hated for our efforts. Friar Jude reminds us we will pay a price accused of being naive, experiencing rejection, having a sense of being better. We too have to be willing to suffer and die for Him as He does for us.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley who describes how the dance of union and separation experienced by lovers can be a reflection of how we experience our relationship with God. There isn’t a distinction that says, “Over here is oneness, and over there is twoness.” It’s the alchemy of the endless interplay of the oneness of the two who are one. 

I think love’s nature is like that.

It doesn’t really matter if we’re married, single, or celibate. We can all experience this. My sense is that God says to us, “It may be true that the thread of your constancy, your ability to be aware of my oneness with you, often breaks. But know that no matter how often it breaks from your end, it never breaks from my end. Furthermore, when it breaks from your end and you can’t find me, I’m infinitely present as love in your inability to find me. Your inability to find me is me, because the fact that you long for me, even though you can’t find me, bears witness to your longing for me. Therefore, every time the thread breaks from your end, know that it will reawaken your desire to lean into and renew the thread that never breaks from mine.” The rhythms of oneness and separation are reflected in death, married love, or people in love. The love and the oneness permeate both endlessly and unexplainably. I think that’s love’s rhythm. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invite the Holy Spirit to accompany our mission to live out our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader as our source of Wisdom and consolation when we need a Plan B after setbacks and rejections.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16?1 

Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-9-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15? 

Meditation on John 15:18-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/09/1560874/ 

Psalms, CHAPTER 100| USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Lover and Beloved in the Song of Songs: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/lover-and-beloved-in-the-song-of-songs-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Not of the World. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 9, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Respond in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine how our experience of Love is the motivation for our work in the vineyard of the Lord.

Consistent Life Ethic

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Letter of the Apostles to the Delegates at Antioch.

* [15:13–35] Some scholars think that this apostolic decree suggested by James, the immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, derives from another historical occasion than the meeting in question. This seems to be the case if the meeting is the same as the one related in Gal 2:1–10. According to that account, nothing was imposed upon Gentile Christians in respect to Mosaic law; whereas the decree instructs Gentile Christians of mixed communities to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols and from blood-meats, and to avoid marriage within forbidden degrees of consanguinity and affinity (Lv 18), all of which practices were especially abhorrent to Jews. Luke seems to have telescoped two originally independent incidents here: the first a Jerusalem “Council” that dealt with the question of circumcision, and the second a Jerusalem decree dealing mainly with Gentile observance of dietary laws (see Acts 21:25 where Paul seems to be learning of the decree for the first time).

* [15:34] Some manuscripts add, in various wordings, “But Silas decided to remain there.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 57 contains a prayer for rescue from enemies.

* [Psalm 57] Each of the two equal strophes contains a prayer for rescue from enemies, accompanied by joyful trust in God (Ps 57:2–5, 7–11). The refrain prays that God be manifested as saving (Ps 57:6, 12). Ps 108 is nearly identical to part of this Psalm (cf. Ps 57:8–11, Ps 108:2–6). (Psalms, PSALM 57 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents the depth of love for friends.

* [15:13] For one’s friends: or: “those whom one loves.” In Jn 15:9–13a, the words for love are related to the Greek agapaō. In Jn 15:13b–15, the words for love are related to the Greek phileō. For John, the two roots seem synonymous and mean “to love”; cf. also Jn 21:15–17. The word philos is used here.

* [15:15] Slaves,friends: in the Old Testament, Moses (Dt 34:5), Joshua (Jos 24:29), and David (Ps 89:21) were called “servants” or “slaves of Yahweh”; only Abraham (Is 41:8; 2 Chr 20:7; cf. Jas 2:23) was called a “friend of God.” (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Hopp comments that focusing on applying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is indeed a determining factor of how well we love others. Through our interactions we are to demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That is what loving others really looks like in real life. Thoughtful application of these elements is certainly the true test of how well we are loving others. The “fruit of the spirit” test must remain at the forefront of our thoughts, words, and actions every waking moment of our lives if we truly are seeking to love as Jesus has loved us.

Dear Heavenly Father, we genuinely want to live to serve you, to follow all your commands. On this day, help us to specifically focus upon your simple directive to love one another. Help us to solidify our focus upon the fruits of the Spirit, knowing that each of those characteristics is key to loving others as you have loved us. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen (Hopp, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Love encompasses the other commandments,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD).

"This is my commandment." Have you then only one precept? This is sufficient, even if it is unique and so great. Nevertheless he also said, "Do not kill" (Matthew 19:18) because the one who loves does not kill. He said, "Do not steal," because the one who loves does even more-he gives. He said, "Do not lie," for the one who loves speaks the truth, against falsehood. "I give you a new commandment" (John 13:14). If you have not understood what "This is my commandment" means, let the apostle be summoned as interpreter and say, "The goal of his commandment is love" (1 Timothy 1:5). What is its binding force? It is that of which [the Lord] spoke, "Whatever you want others to do to you, you should do also" (Matthew 7:12)."Love one another" in accordance with this measure, "as I have loved you." That is not possible, for you are our Lord who loves your servants. But we who are equals, how can we love one another as you have loved us? Nevertheless, he has said it... His love is that he has called us his friends. If we were to give our life for you, would our love be equal to yours?... How then can what he said be explained, "As I have loved you"? "Let us die for each other," he said. As for us, we do not even want to live for one another! "If I, who am your Lord and God, die for you, how much more should you die for one another." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 19.13) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:12-17 comments that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not the first time he laid down his life. Think of the countless times that he gave of himself to the crowds that followed him, even when he was tired. Or the patience he showed when his disciples didn’t understand what he was trying to teach them. We can follow in his footsteps in these ways as well.

It’s just a matter of stepping out and doing what God has put before you. And every time you say yes, you’ll find Jesus there, ready to pour out the grace you need to lay down your life. Each act of obedience to God’s call to love is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to reflect his self-giving love.

“Jesus, give me the grace to say yes to your call to love, just where I am today.” (Meditation on John 15:12-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, we have a report of the Council of Jerusalem for Gentile Christians that following Jewish Law or circumcision was not required. The report of this agreement letter in 1 Corinthians raises the question of when this decision was made. In John 15:13, Jesus describes great love as laying down one’s life for one’s friend. We have a freedom to be able to choose to be one with Christ. Friar Jude comments that the concept that some people aren’t called, known as predestination, does not fit the image of God presented by Jesus. God wants to live with all of us for all eternity in heaven.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Mirabai Starr who describes how the language of romance and erotic love is the universal experience of mystics across religious traditions.

In the Song of Songs, the lover sings of her search for her beloved:

At night on my bed I longed only for my love.
I sought him, but did not find him.
I must rise and go about the city,
the narrow streets and squares until I find my only love.
I sought him everywhere but I could not find him. (Song of Songs 3:1–2)(Rohr, 2026)

Starr describes longing as an essential aspect of nuptial mysticism:

Something in our souls recognizes this dynamic of exile and return. We remember that our source is Love. We suffer from the illusion of having been pulled up from our soul roots. We long to go home. We engage every practice we can get our hands on to restore our birthright of belonging. And when we attain those fleeting moments of union, we realize we were never two to begin with. We were always one and always will be one.

The language of love is like a spaceship that blasts us through the layers of illusion and delivers us to the truth of our essential connectedness with the Divine and our interconnectedness with all of creation. There’s nothing like a passage of mystical poetry, incandescent with the fire of longing and besotted by the wine of union, to evoke our own burning yearning and reveal our capacity for melding. [2] (Rohr, 2026)

We recognize that understanding of Love in Jesus is mystical and we implore the Spirit to reveal this love in our interactions with the people and places in our environment.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15? 

Hopp, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-8-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15? 

Meditation on John 15:12-17. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/08/1560393/ 

Psalms, PSALM 57 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/57 

Rohr, R. (2026, May 6). The Blueprint of Our Soul. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-book-of-devotion/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Have Called You Friends. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/