Love Shown in Deed

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the challenge of separation from communities we have loved as we practice our conviction that the better part is to give rather than receive.

Separation and Love

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition.

* [20:16–35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:18–21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (Acts 20:22–27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (Acts 20:28–31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament.

* [20:28] Overseers: see note on Phil 1:1. The church of God: because the clause “that he acquired with his own blood” following “the church of God” suggests that “his own blood” refers to God’s blood, some early copyists changed “the church of God” to “the church of the Lord.” Some prefer the translation “acquired with the blood of his own,” i.e., Christ. (Acts, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 68 presents an invitation for all kingdoms to praise Israel’s God.

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. The translation assumes the Psalm accompanied the early autumn Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth), which included a procession of the tribes (Ps 68:25–28)...  and praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions that will be modeled on the ancient exodus-conquest (Ps 68:20–24); 7. procession at the Feast of Tabernacles (Ps 68:25–28); 8. prayer that the defeated enemies bring tribute to the Temple (Ps 68:29–32); 9. invitation for all kingdoms to praise Israel’s God (Ps 68:33–35). (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the climax of The Priestly Prayer of Jesus.

* [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14).

* [17:15] Note the resemblance to the petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “deliver us from the evil one.” Both probably refer to the devil rather than to abstract evil. (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner comments on  “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” She can’t tell you how many times she heard that when she was a child.

The phrase reminds me of a saying from St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” Words are important, but putting love into action, giving of yourself – that’s what Ignatius wants us to do. We are created to love and serve God. We can do that in ways big and small. We can be consistently kind. Sometimes, that’s hard. We can assume good intentions, giving people the benefit of the doubt. (Also hard, sometimes.)

I often pray for the grace to be attentive and to act with intention. To be attentive to God and to find God in all things. To be intentional with giving of myself to others. Acknowledging the many gifts I receive each day: the love and care from friends and family, the beauty of the world around me.

I pray that I remember it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to be appreciative of the gifts and graces that I receive every minute of every day. (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Bond of Christian Unity in Love,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"Christ wishes the disciples to be kept in a state of unity by maintaining a like-mindedness and an identity of will, being mingled together as it were in soul and spirit and in the law of peace and love for one another. He wishes them to be bound together tightly with an unbreakable bond of love, that they may advance to such a degree of unity that their freely chosen association might even become an image of the natural unity that is conceived to exist between the Father and the Son. That is to say, he wishes them to enjoy a unity that is inseparable and indestructible, which may not be enticed away into a dissimilarity of wills by anything at all that exists in the world or any pursuit of pleasure, but rather reserves the power of love in the unity of devotion and holiness. And this is what happened. For as we read in the Acts of the Apostles, 'the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul' (Acts 4:32), that is, in the unity of the Spirit. This is also what Paul himself meant when he said 'one body and one Spirit' (Ephesians 4:4). 'We who are many are one body in Christ for we all partake of the one bread' (1 Corinthians 10:17; Romans 12:5), and we have all been anointed in the one Spirit, the Spirit of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.9.18) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 17:11-19 reminds that no matter how we may feel, we have all the rights and privileges that every citizen of heaven enjoys.

You have the right to enter the presence of God at any time “to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help” (Hebrews 4:16). Nothing can keep you from the Lord or his boundless grace!

You have the privilege, as you gaze on the Lord in prayer, of being “transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Every time you turn to the Lord, he draws you closer to the full glory of heaven.

You have the right to call God, the Creator of all, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15). That’s because you truly are his child, a coheir with Christ himself.

You have the privilege of calling St. Paul, Thérèse of Lisieux, Carlo Acutis, and every other saint your brother or sister. They are your “fellow citizens,” and together you are “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). No matter your situation, you are never alone!

You belong to heaven. Let the truth of this great gift sink in today. Let it fill you with praise and wonder at the goodness and love of the Lord.

“Jesus, I am in awe that you have made me part of your heavenly home!” (Meditation on John 17:11-19, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage in Acts presents the continuation of the farewell of Paul at Miletus. He has told the truth and he warns that wolves and people inside the community would rise against them. Paul worked to supply his own ministry. At the end of the meeting, they weep. The ministry is involved with the people with whom we live and whatever they are going through. The Gospel of John continues the Priestly Prayer of Jesus that He has proclaimed God to the disciples. They will be in the world, with the people who have rejected the Way of Christ, but not of the world. Friar Jude clarifies the "world”, in John’s Gospel, as those who have rejected Christ. Jesus' disciples are set aside and made holy in the truth.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, describes authentic prayer and contemplation as a mutual gaze of love. Much of the early work of contemplation is discovering a way to observe ourselves from a compassionate and nonjudgmental distance until we can eventually live more and more of our lives from this calm inner awareness and acceptance. In a contemplative stance, we find ourselves smiling, sighing, and weeping at ourselves, much more than needing either to hate or to congratulate ourselves—because we are finally looking at ourselves with the eyes of God.

So when you pray, try to stay beneath your thoughts, neither fighting them nor thinking them. Everything that comes also goes, usually in waves. Hold yourself at a more profound level, perhaps in your chest, solar plexus, or deep breath, but stay in your body-self somehow. Do not rise to the mind and its endlessly repetitive commentary.

Just rest in what I like to call our animal contentment. It will feel exactly like nothing, like emptiness. Stay crouched there at the cellular level, without shame or fear, long enough for the Deeper Source to reveal itself. Universal love flows through you from that Deeper Source as a vital energy much more than an idea. (Rohr, n.d.)

We accept the invitation of the Spirit to let our good works, our faithfulness and forgiveness, be the sign to our community that Love, Hope and Faith are the foundation of full life.

References

Acts, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?28 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?11 

Meditation on John 17:11-19. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/19/1571639/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Inner Awareness and Acceptance. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inner-awareness-and-acceptance/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Consecrated in God's Truth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 20, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-20-2026 

Your Name Revealed

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to act on the mission we receive through our relationship with Christ.

Stop and Know Your Name

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Farewell Speech at Miletus.

* [20:16–35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:18–21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (Acts 20:22–27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (Acts 20:28–31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament. (Acts of the Apostles CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 68 offers praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions.

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. 

The settlement in Canaan (Ps 68:10–11) and praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions that will be modeled on the ancient exodus-conquest (Ps 68:20–24); (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, the Last Supper Discourse presents The Prayer of Jesus.

* [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14).

* [17:1] The action of looking up to heaven and the address Father are typical of Jesus at prayer; cf. Jn 11:41 and Lk 11:2.

* [17:2] Another possible interpretation is to treat the first line of the verse as parenthetical and the second as an appositive to the clause that ends v. 1: so that your son may glorify you (just as…all people), so that he may give eternal life….

* [17:3] This verse was clearly added in the editing of the gospel as a reflection on the preceding verse; Jesus nowhere else refers to himself as Jesus Christ.

* [17:6] I revealed your name: perhaps the name I AM; cf. Jn 8:24, 28, 58; 13:19. (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, comments that when we go out into the world and stand for what is right, when we try to live the Gospel with honesty and compassion, we may be called many things. We may be misunderstood, criticized, dismissed, or labeled.

No matter what others call us—or perhaps even what we call ourselves on our harder days—we are children of God.

This reflection also comes at an unusual time for me, as it will be my last reflection before beginning a sabbatical. I certainly cannot say, like Jesus, that I have accomplished all that was entrusted to me. I have not always had answers. I have simply tried to walk honestly with you through questions, struggles, joys, and faith.

The answer was never me. The answer has always been Jesus.

Perhaps the question was never whether we had all the answers.

Perhaps it is whether we have remembered who we are. (Caime, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Eternity will be ours when faith sees,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We are distanced from eternity to the extent that we are changeable. But eternal life is promised to us through the truth. Our faith, however, stands as far apart from the clear knowledge of the truth as mortality does from eternity. At the present we put faith in things done in time on our account, and by that faith itself we are cleansed. In this way, when we have come to sight, as truth follows faith, so eternity may follow on mortality. Our faith will become truth, then, when we have attained to that which is promised to us who believe. And that which is promised to us is eternal life. And the Truth - not that which shall come to be according to how our faith shall be, but that truth that always exists because eternity is in it - the Truth then has said, 'And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.' When our faith sees and comes to be truth, then eternity shall possess our now changed mortality." (excerpt from ON THE TRINITY 4.18.24.34) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 20:17-27 comments that each of us has been called to live as missionary disciples in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Perhaps today you could reflect on how the Lord may be calling you to a life of “proclaiming . . . the entire plan of God” to the people around you. Are there steps you could take to strengthen your witness? Are there ways you could become more attentive to opportunities to share your faith? Sit peacefully with the Holy Spirit and ask him to help you answer these questions. And whatever you do, know that you are never alone. The Spirit is always with you to guide you and empower you.

“Jesus, teach me how to proclaim your good news!” (Meditation on Acts 20:17-27, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, Paul meets the elders at Miletus in a hurry to go to Jerusalem. If he goes to Ephesus, he will be delayed to Jerusalem. He defends his ministry to both Jews and Greeks. He warns them and confirms he preached everything they need to hear. The Last Supper Discourse, in the Gospel of John, comes to a prayer offered to the Father. Jesus gives us the truth of who God is and what he wants of us. The Glory mentioned in John, as the hour of glory, is Christ on the cross. Jesus prays for the people he leaves and not the world, who are those who belong with Satan. Friar Jude notes that Jesus prays for the unity of God and the Father with the believers He leaves behind.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC Dean of Faculty Carmen Acevedo Butcher translated The Cloud of Unknowing, the foundational text for Centering Prayer. Contemplative practice creates space for us to be with God, after which we return to our daily lives and commitments. The anonymous author of The Cloud encourages beginners to enter contemplation with simple instructions.

We need contemplation because, as our globe gets more crowded by the hour, more and more we act like elbow-to-elbow passengers in cheap coach seats on a commuter flight…. Who doesn’t rush through the day? Who never feels the pressure to produce? How often are you in cyberspace? Our new frantic pace is like poison to our holding hands with those we love. That is where contemplation comes in. It reconnects us to ourselves, to God, and to others. It helps us learn to forgive and heal our souls….

For the first sixteen centuries of the Christian church, contemplative prayer was the goal of Christian spirituality, and now in our own time of transition and upheaval, … we are returning to our roots. Contemplative prayer is more relevant than ever before. More and more of us are practicing this ancient form of prayer and finding peace in a world of war, extreme political divide, epidemics, terrorism, technology, overcrowding, noise, inequality, and a Church in need of humility. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We are inspired by the Spirit to explore who we are in our relationships with God and the people in our environment as we continue the mission of our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Acts of the Apostles CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?17 

Caime, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-19-2026 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17? 

Meditation on Acts 20:17-27. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/19/1571639/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Lift Your Heart to God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/lift-your-heart-to-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Is Eternal Life - to Know the Father the Only True God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Examine our Expectations

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the aspects of our daily life that need spiritual support to fill the “pot holes” in our road to love and peace.

Expecting Some Delay

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul supports believers in Ephesus with introduction to the Holy Spirit.

* [19:1–6] Upon his arrival in Ephesus, Paul discovers other people at the same religious stage as Apollos, though they seem to have considered themselves followers of Christ, not of the Baptist. On the relation between baptism and the reception of the Spirit, see note on Acts 8:16. (ACTS of The Apostles, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 68 is a call to praise God as savior

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. The translation assumes the Psalm accompanied the early autumn Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth), which included a procession of the tribes (Ps 68:25–28). Israel was being oppressed by a foreign power, perhaps Egypt (Ps 68:31–32)—unless Egypt stands for any oppressor. The Psalm may have been composed from segments of ancient poems, which would explain why the transitions are implied rather than explicitly stated. At any rate, Ps 68:2 is based on Nm 10:35–36, and Ps 68:8–9 are derived from Jgs 5:4–5. The argument develops in nine stanzas (each of three to five poetic lines): 1. confidence that God will destroy Israel’s enemies (Ps 68:2–4); 2. call to praise God as savior (Ps 68:5–7); (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus invites the disciples to share in the passion.

* [16:30] The reference is seemingly to the fact that Jesus could anticipate their question in Jn 16:19. The disciples naively think they have the full understanding that is the climax of “the hour” of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension (Jn 16:25), but the only part of the hour that is at hand for them is their share in the passion (Jn 16:32).

* [16:32] You will be scattered: cf. Mk 14:27 and Mt 26:31, where both cite Zec 13:7 about the sheep being dispersed. (John, GOSPEL OF JOHN | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer notes that as Jesus so aptly points out in today’s Gospel, we are never alone. No matter how desolate the situation or remote the location, God the Father is with us.

Jesus’s words to the apostles, In the world you will have trouble, still ring true today. As we go about our all-too-hectic lives, we can pause and remember the peace and joy that fill our hearts and souls when we acknowledge that God the Father is our faithful friend. He is always ready to listen, encourage us, and give us the strength to face seemingly overwhelming challenges or difficulties.

During our Daily Examen, let’s pay special attention to God’s loving presence in our lives and reflect on how he is a part of our daily affairs. Let’s also acknowledge the many gifts he has given each of us, which we can use to honor and praise him. Maybe then we can find God in all things. (Scholer, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “In Christ we have peace,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When [Jesus] says, 'These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace,' he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse... He declares this to be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly action and intention." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 104.1.15) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 19:1-8 declares that it takes a certain degree of humility to acknowledge that we need more from the Lord. It takes an open heart and a willingness to change to welcome the Spirit in and ask him to reveal more of God’s will, his love, or his wisdom to us.

God sent Paul to these believers to offer them something they were lacking. Do you feel there’s something missing in your relationship with the Lord? Reach out to him in prayer and ask for it. Remember Jesus’ promise: “If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).

“Father, help me to be humble enough to welcome your Spirit today!” (Meditation on Acts 19:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments, in Acts, Paul is in Ephesus where he meets disciples who only know of the Baptism of Remission of sin of  John the Baptist. He tells them of the fullness of Christian Baptism and invites them into the Life of the Spirit. Glossolalia of charismatic groups is a response to an experience so profound that words do not suffice. It presents our need to have a language beyond language. In the continuation of the Last Supper Discourse in the Gospel of John, the disciples find Jesus speaking plainly. In His Revelation, Jesus foretells His Passion as a Love that conquers that part of the world rejects Him and The Father. Friar Jude notes that Jesus is reassuring His followers that His Passion is part of the Father’s plan.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, considers that true prayer begins with a positive “yes,” a surrender to God and Reality. Father Richard advises “neither clinging nor opposing” when it comes to facing distractions in contemplative prayer.

We must listen honestly to ourselves. We must listen to whatever thought or feeling arises long enough to ask, “Why am I thinking this? What is this thought revealing in or about me? Why am I willing to entertain this negative, accusatory, or lustful thought?” 

We don’t have to hate or condemn ourselves for a thought or feeling, but we do have to let it yield its wisdom. Then we will realize it is a wounded or needy part of us that creates these unhealthy thoughts. Our true self, our whole self, doesn’t need them, and will not identify with them. 

If we can allow our thoughts and feelings to pass through us, neither clinging to them nor opposing them—and without ever expecting perfect success—I promise that we will come to a deeper, wider, and wiser place. Even our inability to fully succeed is, in itself, another wonderful lesson. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit to enlighten our understanding of the diversity of response to the Love of God as we humbly accept our path and passion in life.

References

ACTS of The Apostles, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/19?1 

John, GOSPEL OF JOHN | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?29 

Meditation on Acts 19:1-8. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/18/1570052/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Forgiving Our Thoughts. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/forgiving-our-thoughts/ 

Scholer, S. (2026, May 18). Daily Reflection May 18, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-18-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Peace in Overcoming the World. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/