Temples of the Spirit of Love

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, present our opportunity to join our community at the places that have been foundational in our experience of the Presence of God in our communal worship.

Archbasilica of St. John Lateran

Reading from the Book of Ezekiel presents the coming transformation he envisions for the exiles and their land.

* [47:1–12] The life and refreshment produced wherever the Temple stream flows evoke the order and abundance of paradise (cf. Gn 1:20–22; 2:10–14; Ps 46:5) and represent the coming transformation Ezekiel envisions for the exiles and their land. Water signifies great blessings and evidence of the Lord’s presence (cf. Jl 2:14).

* [47:8] The sea: the Dead Sea, in which nothing can live. This vision of the Temple stream which transforms places of death into places of life is similar in purpose to the oracle of dry bones in 37:1–14: it offers the exiles hope for the future. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 47 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 46 praises divine protection of the city from its enemies.

* [Psalm 46] A song of confidence in God’s protection of Zion with close parallels to Ps 48. The dominant note in Ps 46 is sounded by the refrain, The LORD of hosts is with us (Ps 46:8, 12). The first strophe (Ps 46:2–4) sings of the security of God’s presence even in utter chaos; the second (Ps 46:5–8), of divine protection of the city from its enemies; the third (Ps 46:9–11), of God’s imposition of imperial peace.

* [46:1] Alamoth: the melody of the Psalm, now lost.

* [46:3–4] Figurative ancient Near Eastern language to describe social and political upheavals.

* [46:5] Jerusalem is not situated on a river. This description derives from mythological descriptions of the divine abode and symbolizes the divine presence as the source of all life (cf. Is 33:21; Ez 47:1–12; Jl 4:18; Zec 14:8; Rev 22:1–2).

* [46:8] The first line of the refrain is similar in structure and meaning to Isaiah’s name for the royal child, Emmanuel, With us is God (Is 7:14; 8:8, 10). (Psalms, PSALM 46 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians reveals the cultic sanctity of the community is a fundamental theological reality to which Paul frequently alludes .

* [3:10–11] There are diverse functions in the service of the community, but each individual’s task is serious, and each will stand accountable for the quality of his contribution.

* [3:17] Holy: i.e., “belonging to God.” The cultic sanctity of the community is a fundamental theological reality to which Paul frequently alludes (cf. 1 Cor 1:2, 30; 6:11; 7:14). (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus' Cleansing of the Temple.

* [2:13–22] This episode indicates the post-resurrectional replacement of the temple by the person of Jesus.

* [2:13] Passover: this is the first Passover mentioned in John; a second is mentioned in Jn 6:4; a third in Jn 13:1. Taken literally, they point to a ministry of at least two years.

* [2:14–22] The other gospels place the cleansing of the temple in the last days of Jesus’ life (Matthew, on the day Jesus entered Jerusalem; Mark, on the next day). The order of events in the gospel narratives is often determined by theological motives rather than by chronological data. (John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments that Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that while cathedrals and churches play a significant role in our faith, it is we who are the living stones of God’s church. Each one of us serves as a cornerstone, for holy is God’s temple, which you are.

The Lateran Basilica or the church we attend need to be constantly cared for, lest they fall into disrepair and crumble in ruin. And so too with us.

So today let’s reflect on renewing our faith through prayer and by reflecting on God’s word. Like a strong cornerstone, our hearts and minds remain firmly focused on what we are asked to do, to love God above all things with our heart, soul, and mind and to share this love with our neighbor.

Today, and for the rest of this year, which is soon to end, let’s live our lives in sacrifice to God, through our willingness to trust God’s plan for us and know his needs are paramount to ours. Purposely demonstrate our gratitude for that which we have been given and freely share with those who are less fortunate.

In so doing, we can use God’s spiritual gifts to strengthen the cornerstone of his glorious church, which resides in each of us. (Scholer, n.d.)

*The author utilized AI for this summary of the history of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus cleanses the temple - his Father's house,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"But why did Christ use such violence? He was about to heal on the sabbath day and to do many things that appeared to them transgressions of the law. However, so that he might not appear to be acting as a rival to God and an opponent of his Father, he takes occasion to correct any such suspicion of theirs... He did not merely 'cast them out' but also 'overturned the tables' and 'poured out the money,' so that they could see how someone who threw himself into such danger for the good order of the house could never despise his master. If he had acted out of hypocrisy, he would have only advised them, but to place himself in such danger was very daring. It was no small thing to offer himself to the anger of so many market people or to excite against himself a most brutal mob of petty dealers by his reproaches and the disruption he caused. This was not, in other words, the action of a pretender but of one choosing to suffer everything for the order of the house. For the same reason, to show his agreement with the Father, he did not say 'the holy house' but 'my Father's house.' See how he even calls him 'Father,' and they are not angry with him. They thought he spoke in a more general way, but when he went on and spoke more plainly of his equality, this is when they become angry." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 23.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. The readings to celebrate today’s feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica present Ezekiel who has a vision in Babylon of the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. The water flowing in his vision is grace or the action of the Holy Spirit will flow out like the mystical energy that comes from our worship today. Paul declares we are the temple of God as sacred vessels of the Holy Spirit. We believe God is truly present in us and in the community. In the Book of Revelation heaven will not need temples. Jesus cleans the Temple of those selling things to pilgrims for sacrifice. This was a needed service but they are gouging the people. In John, Jesus cleanses the Temple at the beginning of His Mission. In the synoptic Gospels it occurs on Palm Sunday and is the judicial reason for his capture. Friar Jude notes that Jesus refers to His Body that at the end of three days would be raised up.

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17 reminds us we are all “the temple of God” in whom “the Spirit of God dwells” (3:16). We, the people of God, are also called to be set apart, like the Lateran Basilica, as a place for God to dwell.

The next time you pass through the doors of your own church, thank God for all the ways in which he has brought restoration from the “fires, earthquakes, and invasions” in your life. Thank him also for the privilege of gathering with your fellow believers publicly. Look around, and marvel that together you are God’s very own building and temple, with Jesus Christ as the foundation.

“Lord, thank you for restoring me and making me a part of your holy temple!” (Meditation on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17, 2026)

Randy Woodley, theologian and co-founder of Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice, reflects on his unique call in service to others. Indigenous peoples traditionally made major decisions with the seventh generation in mind. That’s roughly 175 years into the future. Think about that for a moment.

I’ve planted oaks that I will never see fully mature. When you plant a seed, thinking about people who won’t be born for another century and a half, it changes your relationship to time, to despair, and to what counts as success.

I will not see most of what I’m planting for. That’s fine. That’s the work. The people who for generations saved the seeds we plant at Eloheh didn’t save seeds for themselves. They saved seeds for us—through removals, through boarding schools, through every attempt to erase them. And we save seeds for people we’ll never meet.

That’s what is ours to do. Not to solve everything, but to plant faithfully. Not to despair at the harvest we won’t see, but to trust that the seeds are good, the soil is alive, and the Creator is still at work in the dirt and the mess of it all. (Woodley, n.d.)

We ponder our role as Temples of the Holy Spirit and sources of love, affirmation, support, and gratitude in our community.

References

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 47 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/47?1 

John, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/2?13 

Meditation on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17. (2026, November 9). The Word Among Us. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/11/09/1710749/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/3? 

Psalms, PSALM 46 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/46?2 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection November 9, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-9-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zeal for the Father's House. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Woodley, R. (n.d.). Serving the Seventh Generation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/serving-the-seventh-generation/ 

Prudent Preparation

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to Wisdom concerning our preparations for encounters with God, now and at our final hour.

Prudent Plans

The Reading from the Book of Wisdom urges prudence and seeking comfort in our gift of Wisdom .

* [6:1–21] The first part of the book closes with an exhortation comparable to 1:1–15, and it leads into “Solomon’s” personal comments on wisdom in chaps. 7–9. (Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 63 proclaims Hope for the Christian Dead.

* [Psalm 63] A Psalm expressing the intimate relationship between God and the worshiper. Separated from God (Ps 63:2), the psalmist longs for the divine life given in the Temple (Ps 63:3–6), which is based on a close relationship with God (Ps 63:7–9). May all my enemies be destroyed and God’s true worshipers continue in giving praise (Ps 63:10–11)!

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians expresses the idea of “the rapture” in a scheme of millennial dispensationalism.

* [4:17] Will be caught up together: literally, snatched up, carried off; cf. 2 Cor 12:2; Rev 12:5. From the Latin verb here used, rapiemur, has come the idea of “the rapture,” when believers will be transported away from the woes of the world; this construction combines this verse with Mt 24:40–41 (see note there) // Lk 17:34–35 and passages from Revelation in a scheme of millennial dispensationalism. (1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, the Parable of the Ten Virgins advises that we know not the day nor the hour.

* [25:1–13] Peculiar to Matthew.

* [25:1] Then: at the time of the parousia. Kingdom…will be like: see note on Mt 13:24–30.

* [25:2–4] Foolish…wise: cf. the contrasted “wise man” and “fool” of Mt 7:24, 26 where the two are distinguished by good deeds and lack of them, and such deeds may be signified by the oil of this parable.

* [25:11–12] Lord, Lord: cf. Mt 7:21. I do not know you: cf. Mt 7:23 where the Greek verb is different but synonymous.

* [25:13] Stay awake: some scholars see this command as an addition to the original parable of Matthew’s traditional material, since in Mt 25:5 all the virgins, wise and foolish, fall asleep. But the wise virgins are adequately equipped for their task, and stay awake may mean no more than to be prepared; cf. Mt 24:42, 44. (Matthew, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes "The Kingdom of God compared with ten maidens,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).

"The whole story is about the great day of the Lord, when those things concealed from the human mind will be revealed through our understanding of divine judgment. Then the faith true to the Lord's coming will win the just reward for unwavering hope. For in the five wise and five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:2), a complete separation between the faithful and unfaithful is established... The wise virgins are those who, embracing the time available to them, were prepared at the first onset of the coming of the Lord. But the foolish were those who were lax and unmindful. They troubled themselves only over present matters and, forgetting what God said, did not direct their efforts toward hope for resurrection." (excerpt from the commentary ON MATTHEW 27.3,5)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. The Book of Wisdom speaks of Lady Wisdom at the gate to initiate those about Wisdom and would guide the judgement of the elders. Wisdom is an attribute of God and is personified in this Woman. This one of the emanations of God’s goodness in our life, that informs us of Who God is and what God wants of us. Someone in the Thessalonika community had died and Paul instructed them about the last day. Those alive will be “caught up into heaven” Some denominations understand as “rapture” that their group will be raised up and others will not. The text is not referring to a select group but everyone on the earth. The Gospel Matthew presents a parable of being wise. It is the prudence of the wise virgins with extra oil who are admitted and foolish have no entry because they failed to be wise about their oil. Friar Jude comments that the point of the parable is not about sharing but exhorts readers to  “Be Read” for we know not the hour or the day and we should seek the situation where “Nothing is left unsaid, nothing is left undone.”

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 25:1-13 comments that just as oil fuels a lamp, the Spirit we received at Baptism enkindles our love for Jesus and keeps our eyes looking to Him. 

This “Spirit of truth” will open the Scriptures to you (John 16:13). As the Counselor, he will encourage you and pour his love into your heart so that you can love the people around you (John 14:26; Romans 5:5). Just as oil soothes a bruise, the Spirit will restore you to health when you’re wounded by sin. As oil strengthens your skin, the Spirit will empower you in your struggle against temptation. And since the “the lamp of the body is your eye,” the Spirit will keep your lamp burning brightly so that you are ready to behold the Lord (Luke 11:34)

So lean on the Spirit; let him open your eyes and your heart to behold your Bridegroom (Matthew 25:6)!

“Holy Spirit, enkindle in me the fire of your love!” (Meditation on Matthew 25:1-13, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr invites us to discern what is ours to do in service to others. He thinks there are three basic levels of social ministry.

At the first level, we rescue drowning people from the swollen river, dealing with the immediate social problem right in front of us:... 

At the second level, there are ministries that help people not to fall into the swollen river in the first place, or show them how to survive despite falling in…. 

Finally, on the third level, some ministries build and maintain a dam to stop the river from flooding in the first place.

I don’t think most people feel called to activism; I myself don’t. It was initially humiliating to admit this, and I lost the trust and admiration of some friends and supporters. Yet as we come to know our own soul gift more clearly, we almost always have to let go of other “gifts” and opportunities so we can do our own one or two things well and with integrity. I believe that if we can do one or two things wholeheartedly in our life, that is all God expects.

The important thing is that we all should be doing something for the rest of the world! We have to give back, particularly those of us born into privilege and comfort. We also must respect and support the other two levels, even if we cannot do them. Avoid all comparisons about better or lesser, more committed or less committed; those are all ego games. Let’s just use our different gifts to create a unity in the work of service (Ephesians 4:12–13), and back one another up, without criticism or competition. Only in our peaceful, mutual honoring do we show forth the glory of God. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit as we reconcile the goal of “Nothing is left unsaid, nothing is left undone.” with our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25?1 

Meditation on Matthew 25:1-13. (n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/11/08/1709514/ 

1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/4? 

Psalms, PSALM 63 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/63?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Our Call to Serve. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/our-call-to-serve/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Foolish Will Miss Heaven's Wedding Feast. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/6? 

Graceful Gratitude for our Way

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder the generosity we have experienced on our journey from family, friends, and strangers.

Gratitude for Grace

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians expresses gratitude for the Philippians’ Generosity.

* [4:10–20] Paul, more directly than anywhere else in the letter (cf. Phil 1:3–5), here thanks the Philippians for their gift of money sent through Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25). Paul’s own policy was to be self-sufficient as a missionary, supporting himself by his own labor (1 Thes 2:5–9; 1 Cor 9:15–18; cf. Acts 18:2–3). In spite of this reliance on self and on God to provide (Phil 4:11–13) Paul accepted gifts from the Philippians not only once but more than once (Phil 4:16) when he was in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9), as he does now, in prison (my distress, Phil 4:14). While commercial terms appear in the passage, like an account of giving and receiving (Phil 4:15) and received full payment (Phil 4:18), Paul is most concerned about the spiritual growth of the Philippians (10, 17, 19); he emphasizes that God will care for their needs, through Christ.

* [4:15] The beginning of the gospel: it was at Philippi that Paul first preached Christ in Europe, going on from there to Thessalonica and Beroea (Acts 16:9–17:14).

* [4:18] Aroma…sacrifice: Old Testament cultic language (cf. Gn 8:21; Ex 29:18, 25, 41; Lv 1:9, 13; Ez 20:41) applied to the Philippians’ gift; cf. Eph 5:2; 2 Cor 2:14–16. (Philippians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 112 presents the blessings of children, magnanimous giving, and virtue.

* [Psalm 112] An acrostic poem detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by obedience to the commandments. Among their blessings are children (Ps 112:2), wealth that enables them to be magnanimous (Ps 112:3, 5, 9), and virtue by which they encourage others (Ps 112:4). The just person is an affront to the wicked, whose hopes remain unfulfilled (Ps 112:10). The logic resembles Ps 1; 111.

* [112:3] Righteousness: in the Second Temple period the word acquired the nuance of liberality and almsgiving, cf. Sir 3:30; 7:10; Mt 6:1–4.

* [112:9] His horn: the symbol for vitality and honor. (Psalms, PSALM 112 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents an Application of the Parable of the dishonest steward.

* [16:8b–9] The first conclusion recommends the prudent use of one’s wealth (in the light of the coming of the end of the age) after the manner of the children of this world, represented in the parable by the dishonest steward.

* [16:9] Dishonest wealth: literally, “mammon of iniquity.” Mammon is the Greek transliteration of a Hebrew or Aramaic word that is usually explained as meaning “that in which one trusts.” The characterization of this wealth as dishonest expresses a tendency of wealth to lead one to dishonesty. Eternal dwellings: or, “eternal tents,” i.e., heaven.

* [16:10–12] The second conclusion recommends constant fidelity to those in positions of responsibility.

* [16:13] The third conclusion is a general statement about the incompatibility of serving God and being a slave to riches. To be dependent upon wealth is opposed to the teachings of Jesus who counseled complete dependence on the Father as one of the characteristics of the Christian disciple (Lk 12:22–39). God and mammon: see note on Lk 16:9. Mammon is used here as if it were itself a god. (Luke, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Anish Kochanichottil, SJ, comments that in today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings”. Money and material possessions are not bad in themselves, but they come with responsibility. We need to look after ourselves and live with dignity, but we must also be aware of those around us who struggle to meet their basic needs.

However, generosity involves risk. We may worry about our future and wonder whether we are being imprudent. What if we need that money tomorrow? What if we do not have enough for ourselves? At such moments, I am reminded of St. Paul’s words: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me”.

Perhaps today’s Gospel invites us to examine how we use what has been entrusted to us. Do we hold on to it out of fear, or do we trust enough to share it? We may not be able to help everyone, but we can make a difference in someone’s life. True wealth lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we generously give away. (Kochanichottil, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus recommends the foresight, prudence, and ingenuity of the steward,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Mammon is the Hebrew word for 'riches,' just as in Punic the word for 'profit' is mammon. What are we to do? What did the Lord command? 'Make yourselves friends with the mammon of iniquity, so that they too, when you begin to fail, may receive you into eternal shelters.' It is easy, of course, to understand that we must give alms and a helping hand to the needy, because Christ receives it in them... We can understand that we have to give alms and that we must not really pick and choose to whom we give them, because we are unable to sift through people's hearts. When you give alms to all different types of people, then you will reach a few who deserve them. You are hospitable, and you keep your house ready for strangers. Let in the unworthy, in case the worthy might be excluded. You cannot be a judge and sifter of hearts." (excerpt from Sermon 359A.11-12) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. Paul is grateful to the Philippians.The community sent donations while he was under house arrest in Rome where at the time he was expected to pay for his upkeep and his jailor. It was sent to him as it was in Thessaloniki. He did not identify as the Sophists who would argue for you for money. Paul is in it for the service. Luke who warns his followers to be trustworthy in small matters and then also to be trustworthy in great matters is about serving the Lord and not skipping terrible things but to use the everyday events of life to serve. We can’t serve God and mammon. Friar Jude notes that we have to make sure our possessions do not own us and we use our blessings to serve others.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 4:10-19 comments it wasn’t about Paul’s accomplishments; it was about his faithfulness to God and his trust in God’s ability to care for him in every situation. He knew that the same Jesus who had saved him would also sustain him as he sought to follow God’s call for himself.

Like Paul, we all face our own highs and lows as we try to follow the Lord. And like Paul, we can confidently proclaim that Jesus will give us the strength we need to keep moving forward no matter our situation. We may not conquer every obstacle. We may not see our every dream come true. But we will know the guidance, the comfort, and the strength to endure as we stay close to “him who empowers” us!

“Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the strength to do all that you have called me to do.” (Meditation on Philippians 4:10-19, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author and poet Joyce Rupp who offers this prayer, honoring the many ways we transform as we age.

Generous-Hearted Spirit,

Enlarge my capacity to give and receive love

in these elderhood years that I call “my life.”

During the times I doubt my significance,

show me how I truly do matter to you.

May I see ever more clearly how my life

has been graced in hardship and in happiness.

When loneliness stalks me, turn my attention

to the ways that I can reach out to others.

Thank you for how I have grown more loving

and wiser in my relationships as I have aged.

Help me to accept the increasing emptiness

when yet another beloved person departs.

May I remember to lean on you when I am

feeling defeated, vulnerable, or insecure.

Teach me the worth of slowing down in order

to experience life more wholeheartedly.

Guide me as I attempt to peacefully weave

together the threads of my inner and outer life.

Ancient One, you desire that I accept myself as the person you fashioned with love many years ago. I will open my entire being to you as fully as I can. I trust that you love me as I am and that you will stay by me in these eldering years. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to guide our aging with the foresight, prudence, and ingenuity that preserves our faith, hope, and love as the strength we share with others.

References

Kochanichottil, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-7-2026 

Luke, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16?9 

Meditation on Philippians 4:10-19. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/11/07/1709000/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/4?10 

Psalms, PSALM 112 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/112?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Ripening: Aging with Grace: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ripening-aging-with-grace-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Who Will Entrust to You the True Riches? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 7, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/