Gifted and Anointed for Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our blessings and our surrender to the call to serve others with our talents and skills.

Healing for Life

The Reading from the Prophet Amos presents his strong reaction to Amaziah’s attempt to classify him as a “prophet-for-hire”.

* [7:14] I am not a prophet: Amos reacts strongly to Amaziah’s attempt to classify him as a “prophet-for-hire” who “earns [his] bread” by giving oracles in exchange for payment (cf. 1 Sm 9:3–10; Mi 3:5). To disassociate himself from this kind of “professional” prophet, Amos rejects outright the title of nabi’ (“prophet”). By profession he is a herdsman/sheepbreeder and a dresser of sycamore trees, but God’s call has commissioned him to prophesy to Israel. (Amos, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 19 declares the creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents the Healing of a Paralytic.

* [9:1] His own town: Capernaum; see Mt 4:13.

* [9:3] Scribes: see note on Mk 2:6. Matthew omits the reason given in the Marcan story for the charge of blasphemy: “Who but God alone can forgive sins?” (Mk 2:7).

* [9:6] It is not clear whether But that you may know…to forgive sins is intended to be a continuation of the words of Jesus or a parenthetical comment of the evangelist to those who would hear or read this gospel. In any case, Matthew here follows the Marcan text.

* [9:8] Who had given such authority to human beings: a significant difference from Mk 2:12 (“They…glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this’”). Matthew’s extension to human beings of the authority to forgive sins points to the belief that such authority was being claimed by Matthew’s church. (Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth comments on a visit to a brilliant friend suffering from severe dementia. She delights in simple things like the flowers in her garden and the tang of my homemade lemon bars. As we slow down to her pace, we absorb her sense of wonder at things like a smiling child. She heals all of us in a way.

Still meditating on today’s gospel, I left Connie’s house determined to stop missing the miracles I’ve been too busy to notice, like the one I experienced that weekend at a Methodist church pantry program food distribution that St. John’s supports.   

To me the miracle wasn’t that our churches had collected and distributed food but that we volunteers were hit hard by Jesus’ admonitions to welcome the stranger and feed the hungry.  We even talked about this. The experience connected us with our refugee brothers and sisters whom we don’t often encounter in daily life and brought the gospel to life. 

 

Heading back to my comfortable home, I thought about how we all need healing whether we are suffering physically like the paralytic or spiritually like the authorities. We need to let the small miracles of goodness that we experience in daily life transform us. So I’m going to try to notice and live the healing miracles happening all around me. (Wirth, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Healing of soul and body,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).

"Now in the narrative of the paralytic a number of people are brought forward for healing. Jesus' words of healing are worthy of reflection. The paralytic is not told, 'Be healed.' He is not told, 'Rise and walk.' But he is told, 'Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven you.' The paralytic is a descendant of the original man, Adam. In one person, Christ, all the sins of Adam are forgiven. In this case the person to be healed is brought forward by ministering angels. In this case, too, he is called a son, because he is God's first work. The sins of his soul are forgiven him, and pardon of the first transgression is granted. We do not believe the paralytic committed any sin [that resulted in his illness], especially since the Lord said elsewhere that blindness from birth had not been contracted from someone's sin or that of his parents" [John 9:1-3]. (excerpt from commentary ON MATTHEW 8.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Amos 7:10-17 comments that no one grows in holiness if they are surrounded by people who only affirm them. We all need people in our lives who are willing to help us see our blind spots and challenge us when necessary.

The better response is to examine your heart to see if there is any truth to what you’ve heard. Ask the Lord for the grace to correct any area in your life where you may be falling short of his will. And then trust that he will show you the way forward. Remember: God never convicts us of sin without also giving us a sense of hope and a willingness to make amends. If you follow this conviction, repent of any sin you see, and decide to make a change, he will honor your humility and sincerity of heart.

“Jesus, help me to be open to those who will speak a truth that can set me free!” (Meditation on Amos 7:10-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Amos actually came from Judah but preached in the northern kingdom with a region with unstable leaders who could be overthrown by words from a prophet. When Amos is told to be quiet, he declares himself not a prophet and not a member of the community of prophets. What is he saying as a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees he would split the fruit as a poor man. When called by the Lord, Amos curses the priest for attempting to keep him from speaking.  Amos' language is that of one who speaks like a farmer. In the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus heals a Paralytic, the first words out of Jesus’ mouth are that the sins of the Paralytic are forgiven, as Jesus heals the greater hurt first. The Pharisees are scandalized because forgiving sins is the exclusive prerogative of GOD. Friar Jude comments that Jesus heals and the people are struck with awe which is the proper response of those willing to see and anger to those who refuse to see what He is doing.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, writes about the transformative power of accepting our own belovedness. The lives of saints and mystics never point to themselves, but always and forever beyond themselves to the One who chooses them, uses them, and loves them. They become models for us. [1]

To allow ourselves to be God’s beloved is to be God’s beloved. To allow ourselves to be chosen is to be chosen. To allow ourselves to be blessed is to be blessed. It is so hard to accept being accepted, especially from God. It takes a certain kind of humility to surrender to it, and even more to persist in believing it. Any persons used by God know this to be true: God chooses and then uses whom God chooses, and their usability comes from their willingness to allow themselves to be chosen in the first place. What a paradox!  

God’s love is constant and irrevocable; our part is to be open to it and let it transform us. There is absolutely nothing we can do to make God love us more than God already does, and there is absolutely nothing we can do to make God love us less. We are stuck with it! The only difference is between those who allow it and those who don’t. They are both equally and objectively the beloved, but one just enjoys it and draws ever-new life from that realization. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to alert us to the gifts with which we are blessed and inspire us to join Jesus and apply our time and talent to work producing fruit in the vineyard of the Lord.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/7?10 

Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9?1 

Meditation on Amos 7:10-17. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/01/1606059/ 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Loved to Love Others. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loved-to-love-others/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Take Heart - Your Sins Are Forgiven. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wirth, E. (2026, July 2). Daily Reflection July 2, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 2, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-2-2026 

Called to Be A Great Nation

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Canada Day, resonate with themes of the question of what makes a great nation.

Faith and A Great Nation

The Reading from the Prophet Amos contains a double appeal to “seek” the Lord .

* [5:1–17] These verses form a chiastic section beginning and ending with a lament over Israel (vv. 2, 16–17) and containing a double appeal to “seek” the Lord (vv. 4, 14). This editorial arrangement gives the whole section a negative cast, in effect nullifying the only hopeful verse in Amos (v. 15). Israel is as good as dead.

* [5:21–27] The prophet does not condemn cultic activity as such but rather the people’s attempt to offer worship with hands unclean from oppression of their fellow Israelites (cf. Ps 15:2–5; 24:3–4). But worship from those who disregard justice and righteousness (v. 24) is never acceptable to the God of Israel. Through the Sinai covenant the love of God and the love of neighbor are inextricably bound together. (Amos, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 50 presents what is required of the faithful and rebukes the hypocritical worshiper

* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20). (Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus heals the Gadarene Demoniacs.

* [8:28] Gadarenes: this is the reading of Codex Vaticanus, supported by other important textual witnesses. The original reading of Codex Sinaiticus was Gazarenes, later changed to Gergesenes, and a few versions have Gerasenes. Each of these readings points to a different territory connected, respectively, with the cities Gadara, Gergesa, and Gerasa (modern Jerash). There is the same confusion of readings in the parallel texts, Mk 5:1 and Lk 8:26; there the best reading seems to be “Gerasenes,” whereas “Gadarenes” is probably the original reading in Matthew. The town of Gadara was about five miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee, and Josephus (Life 9:42) refers to it as possessing territory that lay on that sea. Two demoniacs: Mark (5:1–20) has one.

* [8:29] What have you to do with us?: see note on Jn 2:4. Before the appointed time: the notion that evil spirits were allowed by God to afflict human beings until the time of the final judgment is found in Enoch 16:1 and Jubilees 10:7–10.

* [8:30] The tending of pigs, animals considered unclean by Mosaic law (Lv 11:6–7), indicates that the population was Gentile. (Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jeanne Schuler of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, notes that as the United States celebrates her nation’s founding, what appears exceptional is entwined with injustice. 

 

We are a remarkable nation settled by immigrants and dedicated to freedom.  We are a nation that enslaved Africans to grow prosperous and decimated native people by taking their land.  Our achievements fill us with pride; what underlies the hoopla unsettles us.  Both matter.  Like our ancestors, we cannot be complacent.  There is work to be done.

In the gospel, two persons are ravaged by destructive spirits.  Their rage and violence make travel near the tombs dangerous.  How do we determine what is good?  Jesus shows mercy to both the men and spirits.  He heals those afflicted with madness and heeds the pleas of the spirits to enter the swine.  Pigs were seen by Jewish people as unclean.  The townspeople, however, view the herd’s demise differently. (Schuler, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ is triumphant over the forces of demons,” by Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD)

"[Jesus] said to them, 'Go!' The foul-smelling animals are delivered up, not at the will of the demons but to show how savage the demons can become against humans. They ardently seek to destroy and dispossess all that is, acts, moves and lives. They seek the death of people. The ancient enmity of deep-rooted wrath and malice is in store for the human race. Demons do not give up easily unless they are forcibly overcome. They are doing the harm they are ordered to do. Therefore the foul-smelling animals are delivered up that it may be made clear to the demons that they have permission to enter the swine but not to enter humans. It is by our vices that we empower them to do harm. Similarly, by our power of faith we tread on the necks of demons. They become subject to us under Christ who is triumphant." (excerpt from SERMONS 16.8)

[Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD) was a renowned preacher and bishop of Ravena in the 5th century] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 comments that God is calling us to “seek good.” He is calling us to actively look for ways we can build up our loved ones and relieve other people’s suffering.

So take the time to listen to a friend who is struggling, and offer to pray with them. Invite a coworker out for coffee, and let them sense how valuable they are to the Lord. Show up with some groceries at the door of a neighbor with financial troubles—or invite them over for dinner.

Seek good! Love the Lord and love your neighbor! It’s the most joy-filled, fulfilling life you’ll ever know!

“Lord, help me to seek and do good to others.” (Meditation on Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from Amos proclaims conversion for the people from evil to good. Amos proclaims that  God is sick of hypocritical worship and going through motions without change for the poor of the country who live in great contrast to the rich. Amos warns that we can’t bribe God. The healing of the demoniacs in Matthew 28 is a parallel to the account in Mark even though there are two demonics in two different events. The demonics were living in a location where the Jews thought was unclean. The “Son of God” is a true recognition from the demonics possessed by spiritual creatures who knew Jesus' divinity.  Swine was raised by non Jews who drowned themselves because the demons caused them to flee Jesus. Friar Jude comments that they beg Jesus to leave the neighbourhood and are frightened by the potential for loss of their herds.

The reflection from the Centre for Contemplation and Action, founded by Father Richard Rohr, OFM, today begins with two quotes.

I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

—Genesis 12:1–4

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

—John 3:16

Brian McLaren reflects on how God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–4 softened the exclusive way his evangelical tradition has sometimes interpreted John 3:16. McLaren summarizes the way that John 3:16 has often been taught, and contrasts it with the biblical message of blessing, which is always to love and bless others.

That is the way many people [have been] taught John 3:16. All you have to do is raise your hand, say yes to the privileges promised to those who are chosen, and you will be pronounced as a “born again Christian,” which means you would have a free ticket to safety, security, and enjoyment in heaven for yourself and yourself alone, forever.

But that is not what Genesis 12 or John 3:16 are actually about, contrary to a very popular belief. God chooses Abram, not for elite and exclusive privilege for his descendants alone, but for deep responsibility and service for all the nations of the world. God chooses Abram not to the exclusion of others, but to the benefit and blessing of others. As Lesslie Newbigin said, you can’t claim God’s blessings for yourself, your race, your culture, or your religion, and leave out and “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”…

God’s desire, Jesus says, is not to condemn everyone or anyone, but to save everyone. In other words, divine blessing is not exclusive; it is instrumental. We are not blessed to the exclusion of others; we are blessed to be a blessing to others, so that through us, others can be included in the generous circle of divine blessing. (McLaren, n.d.)

We invoke the Holy Spirit as we contemplate the characteristics of the people of a great nation who reject hypocritical worship and injustice. People of great nations free injured people from demons and put into action God's blessing for all the people of the world.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/5? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/8?28 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-came-for-everyone/ 

Meditation on Amos 5:14-15, 21-24. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/01/1606059/ 

Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50? 

Schuler, J. (2026, July 1). Daily Reflection July 1, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-1-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Frees Those Who Are Bound Up. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Help Hesed and Holy

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to be aware of the signs of the participation of God in guiding the events, especially when we experience unknown outcomes, that may initially generate doubt and fear.

Care and Calm Waters

The Reading from the Prophet Amos declares his First Summons and Sentence.

* [3:2] You alone I have known: precisely because Israel enjoyed a special status among the nations of the world in the eyes of the Lord (but see 9:7) it was called to a high degree of fidelity to God. Because Israel has failed in this expectation, it must experience God’s punishment.

* [3:3–8] The metaphors in these sayings illustrate the principle of cause and effect, and lead up to the conclusion in v. 8. (Amos, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [4:12] Therefore thus I will do to you: this climax of vv. 6–12, announcing the sentence the Lord intends to pass on Israel, is open-ended. (Amos, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.) 

Psalm 5 contrasts the security of the house of God with the danger of the company of evildoers. 

* [Psalm 5] A lament contrasting the security of the house of God (Ps 5:8–9, 12–13) with the danger of the company of evildoers (Ps 5:5–7, 10–11). The psalmist therefore prays that God will hear (Ps 5:2–4) and grant the protection and joy of the Temple.

* [5:8] Mercy: used to translate the Hebrew word, hesed. This term speaks to a relationship between persons. It is manifested in concrete actions to persons with some need or desire. The one who offers hesed has the ability to respond to that need of the other person. Other possible ways to translate hesed include “steadfast love” and “loving kindness.” (Psalms, PSALM 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus Calming of the Storm at Sea.

* [8:23] His disciples followed him: the first miracle in the second group (Mt 8:23–9:8) is introduced by a verse that links it with the preceding sayings by the catchword “follow.” In Mark the initiative in entering the boat is taken by the disciples (Mk 4:35–41); here, Jesus enters first and the disciples follow.

* [8:24] Storm: literally, “earthquake,” a word commonly used in apocalyptic literature for the shaking of the old world when God brings in his kingdom. All the synoptics use it in depicting the events preceding the parousia of the Son of Man (Mt 24:7; Mk 13:8; Lk 21:11). Matthew has introduced it here and in his account of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Mt 27:51–54; 28:2).

* [8:25] The reverent plea of the disciples contrasts sharply with their reproach of Jesus in Mk 4:38.

* [8:26] You of little faith: see note on Mt 6:30. Great calm: Jesus’ calming the sea may be meant to recall the Old Testament theme of God’s control over the chaotic waters (Ps 65:8; 89:10; 93:3–4; 107:29). (Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Cindy Murphy McMahon comments that sometimes it takes something out of the ordinary, and often frightening, to get our attention and cause us to look a little deeper at who God really is and what role Jesus plays in our lives.

In my own life recently, I had two grandchildren face serious illness within weeks of each other. Having a baby and a teenager suddenly experience severe health issues was a frightening storm that shook our whole family.

While I didn’t think God had been “sleeping,” I was devastated to my core. My perspective shifted and I began to rely on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – at a deeper level.

Other people – healthcare providers, friends, family, and strangers – offered expertise, compassion, concern, support, and most of all, prayers; our whole family felt uplifted and supported throughout the storm. (Murphy McMahon, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Training in courage and endurance”, by John Chrysostom, 347-407 A.D.

"He took the disciples with him, not for nothing and not merely to face an absurd hazard but in order to permit them to witness the miracle that was to take place on the sea. For like a superb trainer, he was gradually coaching and fitting them for endurance. He had two objectives in mind. He wanted to teach them to remain undismayed amid dangers and modest in honors. So, to prevent them from thinking too much of themselves, having sent away the multitude, he kept them near him but permitted them to be tossed with a tempest. By doing so he disciplined them to bear trials patiently. His former miracles were indeed great, but this one contained a unique kind of discipline of exceptional importance. For it was a sign akin to that of old [referring to Moses parting the Red Sea]. To do this, he took his disciples with him by himself. He permitted others to see his other miracles, but when trials and terrors were rising, he took with him none but those he was training to be champions of the gospel. (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 28.1.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 8:23-27 comments that whether it’s danger, tragedy, or an unexpected and immediate threat, terrible things happen that trigger our fight-or-flight reaction. Situations like these can do more than just test our faith; they can draw us closer to the Lord and help forge our character.

Just because Jesus seems distant doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep praying. The disciples cried out, “Lord, save us!” even when it seemed that he might not (Matthew 8:25). They might have been men “of little faith,” but they exercised the faith that they did have, and Jesus saved them (8:26). Even when we feel unworthy, Jesus still loves us. He still cares for us. And he still wants to save us—again, according to his wisdom and his timing.

So don’t let fear overwhelm you. Find your voice again. And find the courage and faith you need to cry out to the Lord.

“Jesus, I know my faith is weak—but so do you. Lord, I still trust that you will save me!” (Meditation on Matthew 8:23-27, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Amos is one of the first prophets. He was a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees, considered a low occupation, and he goes to tell Israel about seven punishments He has been chosen to be a prophet and he could do nothing but that. It is obvious he has received the Word and he has to share it, particularly in the turmoil, instability, and diversity of the Northern “banana” Kingdom. Amos compares Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah. Violent storms on the Seas of Galilee were due to a geography surrounded by mountains that intensify the winds. Jesus demonstrates power over nature and more. The sea was thought to be the home of demonic creatures and the forces of Satan. Friar Jude comments that power over the Sea was a sign of Jesus' power over demonic forces.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author Barbara BrownTaylor who describes a critical moment for the early Christian movement. Peter meets a gentile named Cornelius and shares what he has learned from the Spirit in his vision.

As gently as he could, Peter told them what had happened to him, how God had taken that one thing [the Jewish dietary law] away from him, but had given him something else instead—a vision that included all creatures, all people, whom God alone had the right to call clean or unclean. He had not sold out….

“If God gave them the same gift that [God] gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Peter said, “who was I that I could hinder God?” When he said that, everyone got very quiet. Then they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

How often, in the church, do we try to say where the Spirit may or may not blow, when the only thing God has asked us to do is to try to keep up with it wherever it goes? (Rohr, n.d.)

We have the Presence of the Spirit to assure us of the steadfast love, or “hesed” of God as we journey in stormy situations in union with Christ.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/3? 

Amos, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/4 

Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/8? 

Meditation on Matthew 8:23-27. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/29/1602551/ 

Murphy McMahon, C. (2026, June 30). Daily Reflection June 30, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-30-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/5?4 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/god-shows-no-partiality/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Why Are You Afraid, O Men of Little Faith? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 30, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/