Climate of Change

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to ponder the change in our relationship to the needs of humanity as we pledge to work for the common good.

Reuse the Resource for Needs

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians exhorts Unity in the Body.

* [4:1–16] A general plea for unity in the church. Christians have been fashioned through the Spirit into a single harmonious religious community (one body, Eph 4:4, 12; cf. Eph 4:16), belonging to a single Lord (in contrast to the many gods of the pagan world), and by one way of salvation through faith, brought out especially by the significance of baptism (Eph 4:1–6; cf. Rom 6:1–11). But Christian unity is more than adherence to a common belief…

* [4:4–6] The “seven unities” (church, Spirit, hope; Lord, faith in Christ [Eph 1:13], baptism; one God) reflect the triune structure of later creeds in reverse. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 24 accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God into the Temple.

* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10). (Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus alerts us to Signs of the Times and urges Settlement with an Opponent.

* [12:59] The last penny: Greek, lepton, a very small amount. Mt 5:26 has for “the last penny” the Greek word kodrantēs (Latin quadrans, “farthing”). (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. John Shea, SJ, comments that we know human activity has contributed to a warming climate, which has increased the intensity and frequency of droughts, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. But many of us want to ignore the signs of climate change.

For many of us, admitting the reality of climate change demands a change of heart. We can no longer continue with a selfish “business as usual” lifestyle. Instead, we must learn to live more sustainably. We must learn to live lives that are in harmony with God’s Creation. To paraphrase St. Paul in today’s first reading, we must, “Live in a manner worthy of the call [we] have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another [and with Creation] through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Instead, many resist the reality of climate change and continue harmful practices that hurt God’s Creation and our common home. As I re-read today’s Gospel, I better understand Jesus’ frustration. (Shea, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Signs from the Law point to the dawn of the Mystery of Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"People focus their attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all. It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards evening and at lighting of lamps (Exodus 12:6).

"We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, 'Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come' (Song 2:10-12). As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 95) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ephesians 4:1-6 comments that unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ isn’t an impossible dream. And neither is it something we create on our own. It’s a gift that we receive from God. Members of Christ’s body are already intimately united. We have one and the same “Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6).

Jesus may have given us unity, but it’s ours to guard, preserve, and protect. It is both a gift and a mission, something that is already present and something that we still need to work toward.

“Jesus, thank you for your gift of unity. Help me work to preserve it!” (Meditation on Ephesians 4:1-6, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez, co-founder of the Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership, who reflects on the influence of empire thinking. Four cornerstones lead to the dehumanization of others and the self.  

• Supremacy captures the belief in our own inherent superiority over others.
• Privilege points to unearned advantages we protect or ignore at the expense of others.
• Hatred names active hostility toward others (or parts of ourselves). 
• Lastly, fear fuels self-protection. When we fear losing control, status, or safety, we build walls inside ourselves, like the walls of Jericho, impenetrable to danger, but also impenetrable to authentic love.

We can rebuild our foundation with the four replacement cornerstones:

1. Humility allows us to see one another as equal, with deep reverence and openness to all and the environment. It reminds us we are stardust amongst the infinite cosmos.  
2. Responsibility teaches us to be accountable for our actions and stewards of one another and the land.  
3. Compassion promotes empathy, love, and benevolence, which help us tap into God’s tenderness for the world.  
4. Connection is the strongest cornerstone. It teaches us about radical solidarity, belonging, and courage. Connection invites us to action. We recognize that when one injustice happens against one group of people, it happens to us all because of our sacred interconnectedness.  (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to connect us to the action that Jesus calls us to exercise to model a climate open to change in our relationship with people and Creation.

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/4? 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?54= 

Meditation on Ephesians 4:1-6. (2026, October 23). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/23/1700070/ 

Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/24?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). New Cornerstones. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/new-cornerstones/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Heed the Warning Signs before It Is Too Late. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shea, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/ 

Devotion and Division

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, Oct 22, challenge us to ponder the division that sometimes is a cause of devotion to the Way Of Christ.

On the Way Together

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians is a Prayer for the Readers.

* [3:14–21] The apostle prays that those he is addressing may, like the rest of the church, deepen their understanding of God’s plan of salvation in Christ. It is a plan that affects the whole universe (Eph 3:15) with the breadth and length and height and depth of God’s love in Christ (Eph 3:18) or possibly the universe in all its dimensions. The apostle prays that they may perceive the redemptive love of Christ for them and be completely immersed in the fullness of God (Eph 3:19). The prayer concludes with a doxology to God (Eph 3:20–21).

* [3:14–15] Every family: in the Greek there is wordplay on the word for the Father (patria, patēr). The phrase could also mean “God’s whole family” (cf. Eph 2:21).

Psalm 33 praises God who created the three-tiered universe

* [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Ps 33:1–3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Ps 33:4–5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Ps 33:6–9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Ps 33:10–11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22).

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus proclaims a Cause of Division.

* [12:49–53] Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire. His message that meets with acceptance or rejection will be a source of conflict and dissension even within families.

* [12:50] Baptism: i.e., his death.

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate the negative reception of some of our role as disciples of Christ.

Mission of Diversity and Belonging

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to persist in our mission to welcome all members of our diverse society as servants of the Lord.

All Belong

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians reflects on Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.

* [3:1–13] Paul reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office (Eph 3:2–3) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church (Eph 3:4–5), has deepened understanding of God’s plan of salvation in Christ. Paul is the special herald (Eph 3:7) of a new promise to the Gentiles (Eph 3:6): that the divine plan includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Not only is this unique apostolic role his; Paul also has been given the task of explaining to all the divine plan of salvation (Eph 3:8–9), once hidden. Through the church, God’s plan to save through Christ is becoming manifest to angelic beings (Eph 3:10; cf. Eph 1:21), in accord with God’s purpose (Eph 3:11). The fulfillment of the plan in Christ gives the whole church more confidence through faith in God (Eph 3:12). The readers of this letter are also thereby encouraged to greater confidence despite Paul’s imprisonment (Eph 3:13).

* [3:1] A prisoner of Christ: see Introduction. Paul abruptly departs from his train of thought at the end of Eph 3:1 leaving an incomplete sentence.

* [3:2] Stewardship: the Greek is the same term employed at Eph 1:10 for the plan that God administers (Col 1:25) and in which Paul plays a key role.

* [3:3–4] The mystery: God’s resolve to deliver Gentiles along with Israel through Christ; cf. notes on Eph 1:10; 3:9.

* [3:9] [For all]: while some think this phrase was added so as to yield the sense “to enlighten all about the plan…,” it is more likely that some manuscripts and Fathers omitted it accidentally or to avoid the idea that all conflicted with Paul’s assignment to preach to the Gentiles (Eph 3:8) specifically.

* [3:10] Principalities and authorities: see note on Eph 1:15–23 regarding Eph 3:21. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The response from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah expresses thanksgiving to the Lord.

* [12:1–6] Israel’s thanksgiving to the Lord, expressed in language like that of the Psalms. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus praises Vigilant and Faithful Servants.

* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia.

* [12:45] My master is delayed in coming: this statement indicates that early Christian expectations for the imminent return of Jesus had undergone some modification. Luke cautions his readers against counting on such a delay and acting irresponsibly. Cf. the similar warning in Mt 24:48. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Margo Minnich comments that discipleship carries with it a responsibility to be attentive, faithful, and ready to respond to God’s call.

Being ready for Christ is not simply about waiting for some future moment for Jesus to appear. It is about being attentive to the opportunities God places before us today. Where am I being invited to use my gifts? What needs around me am I uniquely equipped to respond to?

Ignatian spirituality invites us to look for God actively at work in our lives and to discern how we are being called to respond. Perhaps readiness for Christ is, in part, readiness to say yes when the invitation comes.

Today, I am challenged to consider my gifts with gratitude, but also with responsibility. What has God entrusted to me? How am I using those gifts? And where might God be inviting me to use them differently or more generously? (Minnich, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “God's great promise for faithful and wise servants,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ephesians 3:2-12 comments that with today’s passage and others like it, Paul joined Peter, James, and the other apostles in announcing one of the most amazing—and challenging—truths of the gospel: in Christ, there are no longer distinctions between “clean” and “unclean” people. There are no divisions between those who are deemed “worthy” and those counted as “unworthy.” Everyone is a sinner and everyone can receive salvation from the Lord. So there is no room for prejudice. Or, as Paul says elsewhere, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, emphasis added). (Meditation on Ephesians 3:2-12, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Kat Armas who celebrates how early Christians would have heard the gospel call to dignity and belonging, in contrast to the empire’s insistence on conquerors and those conquered. Armas emphasizes how this movement of God supported both diversity and belonging:

When Colossians speaks of putting off the old self, of shedding the garments of empire, it calls us into a transformation that is not about adornment but about a fundamental rebirth. In Roman triumphs, victors would strip away their old clothes and don the robes of victory in a ceremony that celebrated the rule of the conqueror. In the empire, proper dress symbolized civilization itself. To be Roman was to be clothed rightly, while those deemed “barbarians” were marked by their supposed lack of refinement, cast as outsiders not just by geography but by appearance, by dress, by body. This belief endured through European colonization and still lingers into our modern minds. To belong in the empire is to dress the part. But the gospel invites us to clothe ourselves instead in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all love. This love is no shallow thing—it binds us, mends us, forms a communion where there were once only categories. In this kin-dom, power falls away, and what’s left is a peace so deep that it becomes home, a place where difference can finally breathe. A place of communion, solidarity, and friendship. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek inspiration from the Spirit to continue the mission of Jesus to call all people to be workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/3? 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/12?2 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12? 

Meditation on Ephesians 3:2-12. (2026, October 21). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/21/1698991/ 

Minnich, M. (2026, October 21). Daily Reflection October 21, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-21-2026 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Belonging in God’s Kin-dom. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/belonging-in-gods-kin-dom/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Be Ready to Answer - the Lord Draws Near. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Vigilant and Faithful Servants

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live with consistency in our role as faithful servants of God constantly at work with Jesus in the Father’s vineyard.

Jesus is the keystone

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians praises a new humanity, one body, the household of God.

* [2:1–22] The gospel of salvation (Eph 1:13) that God worked in Christ (Eph 1:20) is reiterated in terms of what God’s great love (Eph 2:4), expressed in Christ, means for us. The passage sometimes addresses you, Gentiles (Eph 2:1–2, 8, 11–13, 19, 22), but other times speaks of all of us who believe (Eph 2:3–7, 10, 14, 18). In urging people to remember their grim past when they were dead in sins (Eph 2:1–3, 11–12) and what they are now in Christ (Eph 2:4–10, 13), the author sees both Jew and Gentile reconciled with God, now one new person, a new humanity, one body, the household of God, a temple and dwelling place of God’s Spirit (Eph 2:15–16, 19–22). The presentation falls into two parts, the second stressing more the meaning for the church. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 85 proclaims to the people who wait humbly with open hearts that God will be active on their behalf.

* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke urges us to be Vigilant and Faithful Servants.

* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. George Meze, SJ, comments that today’s Gospel reveals Jesus’ deep longing for us to become like him and, above all, to allow ourselves to be loved by him. Through his love, he invites us to remain awake and ready for his coming. As Saint Paul writes to the Ephesians, Jesus has broken down the wall of separation and opened the way for us to become citizens of heaven.

His love for us is so great that his gaze is ever upon us. In this sense, our preparation may be as simple, and as profound, simply to gaze upon God in every circumstance, trusting that, even when we are unaware, he is caring for us and guiding all things. Blessed are we, servants, when we attend to his loving gaze and allow his longing to become our own. (Meze, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “The true meaning of 'loins girded and lamps burning'”, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"The girding of our loins (Luke 12:25) signifies the readiness of the mind to work hard in every thing praiseworthy. Those who apply themselves to bodily labors and are engaged in strenuous toil have their loins girded. The lamp apparently represents the wakefulness of the mind and intellectual cheerfulness. We say that the human mind is awake when it repels any tendency to slumber off into that carelessness that often is the means of bringing it into subjection to every kind of wickedness. When sunk in stupor, the heavenly light within the mind is liable to be endangered, or even already is in danger from a violent and impetuous blast of wind. Christ commands us to be awake. To this, his disciple also arouses us by saying, 'Be awake. Be watchful' (1 Peter 5:8). Further on, the very wise Paul also says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall give you light' (Ephesians 5:14)." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the author of Ephesians proclaims that Jesus has called the Gentile believers to His Peace, as part of the temple of God. Jesus is the capstone. We all are brothers and sisters in Christ. Everybody is called by Jesus. We cannot be judgemental as we realize Jesus died for all of them. Luke calls us to be vigilant and ready whenever the Master returns. In the early Church, Jesus' return was expected soon. Friar Jude notes Paul’s impatience to preach to the whole world is consistent with the imminent return of Jesus. If our end comes like a thief in the night, we hear Friar Jude advocate that we die with “Nothing left unsaid, nothing left undone”.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ephesians 2:12-22 comments this is more than just a historical observation. Paul’s words are for us today as well. The power of Jesus’ cross and resurrection to bring people back to God is still present today in the Church. So let’s praise him for his marvelous work!

Jesus, you are building us into one, and you are the capstone (2:20). Thank you, Lord, that we who have been brought near are being built together. You are the capstone, the One who keeps us from falling apart. You give us the grace to grow into a sacred dwelling place of God, a community where God resides always—both within each of us and among us.

“Thank you, Lord, that you are not finished with us yet! Keep building us into one body, one Church!” (Meditation on Ephesians 2:12-22, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Cherokee theologian Randy Woodley who contrasts Western Christianity’s emphasis on salvation through doctrine with the healing work of Jesus. Woodley describes how Jesus offers collective healing rather than individual salvation:

When we look at Jesus through the lens of Indigenous and Hebrew understandings rather than imperial American and Roman frameworks, we see that his ministry was fundamentally about restoring wholeness, healing bodies, bringing outcasts back into community, challenging unjust systems, and mending broken relationships…. Healing is the bigger picture of God’s vision that Western Christianity calls “salvation,” and healing is for all of us now.

Perhaps most importantly, healing language better reflects the Creator’s heart for shalom: that comprehensive peace and abundance in which all creation coexists in harmony. Shalom, and the Indigenous visions of harmony, contains a justice and wholeness that extends far beyond individual souls to encompass whole communities, cultures, and the land itself.

The path forward must be about stripping away the imperial distortions to reveal the Jesus who heals rather than conquers, who restores rather than erases, who empowers rather than overpowers. In this understanding, salvation becomes what it was always meant to be: the healing of all things. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to guide us to proper vigilance without paralyzing our mission of faithful witness as siblings who love all God’s children in our hope and service.

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/2? 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12? 

Meditation on Ephesians 2:12-22. (2026, October 20). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/20/1696976/ 

Meze, G. (2026, October 20). Daily Reflection October 20, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-20-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 85. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Universal Healing. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/universal-healing/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Master Knocks - Open at Once. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/