Separation and Seekers

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the nature of our choice of fullness of life and the consequences of our choice.

Separation with Seeking

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts Freedom from Sin and Life in God.

* [6:20] You were free from righteousness: expressed ironically, for such freedom is really tyranny. The commercial metaphors in Rom 6:21–23 add up only one way: sin is a bad bargain.

* [6:22] Sanctification: or holiness. (Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 1 proclaims Two Ways of Life.

* [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death. (Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus identifies His Way as 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. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jane Stein comments that the Gospel from Luke gives us a challenging dimension of discipleship. Jesus declares that His coming is not simply to bring a superficial peace but to set the world on fire with God’s love and truth—a fire that purifies, unsettles, and divides.

Taken together, these scriptures do not paint a comfortable picture of discipleship. They remind us that to follow Christ is to choose deliberately: life over death, sanctification over sin, rootedness in God’s word over drifting with the winds of the world, radical fidelity to Jesus above all earthly loyalties. This reality may be jarring, but with it comes the promise that living as servants of God leads to freedom, flourishing, and eternal life. As the psalm assures us, blessed indeed are those whose hope is in the Lord. (Stein, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in the Holy Spirit,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"

We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the Gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the divinely inspired Scripture's custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 94) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Romans passage declares we have to live the Law of Christ in our bodies to Gentiles who did not live a life of purity and sexual morality. We are called to respond to the dignity that God gives us. The wages of sin is death and the gift of God is life, worthy of what God called us to be and not a degraded life of pleasure and comfort.  Luke challenging because Jesus did not come to bring peace His message will create division in the world. A life of love will be rejected. No good deed goes unpunished. Very few Arrested? Enough evidence to convict? Friar Jude reflects on the daily struggle to live a Christian life, as the martyrdom of pinpricks, of St. Therese of Lisieux where love and care may be thought have one be a push over or weak by society.

Fr. Mike Schmitz begins to wrap up 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike directs our attention to how 2 Maccabees will tell the same story in a different way. In Sirach, we are encouraged to know our own hearts, so that we can know our strengths, weaknesses, and where we might need healing. The readings are 1 Maccabees 15, Sirach 36-37, and Proverbs 23:26-28. 

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Cassidy Hall who describes the solidarity she feels with other contemplatives who continue to explore new ways of understanding themselves, their lives, and God. Her quest led her to the wide and evolving lineage of Christian contemplation—from Thomas Merton’s writings to the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, to the work of Dr. Barbara Holmes.

We come from all walks of life, cultures, and markers of identity. There is a unity in our uniqueness, and that common thread binds us together, allowing us to recognize each other…. As I learned from more diverse voices, I came to understand Christian contemplation as a living tradition. The word living insinuates an ongoing, even growing nature. Life necessitates space, breathing room, and an openness to change. That which is living cannot exist in a place of complete certitude—to do so would be to count it dead: not continuing, not evolving, not ever-becoming. In this way, contemplation is its own spiritual paradox, one of tradition and change, stillness and action. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the separation between the view of a world gifted to seekers by God for the full life of all and the disruptive decisions that bring destruction and conflict in the pursuit of personal privilege and power.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?49 

Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-community-of-seekers/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/6?19 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came to Cast Fire upon the Earth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Stein, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-23-2025 

Contemplative Life and Joy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate our journey and the opportunities we have to be agents of support and life to the people in our environment.

Contemplate Life

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts us to Freedom from Sin and to Life in God.

* [6:12–19] Christians have been released from the grip of sin, but sin endeavors to reclaim its victims. The antidote is constant remembrance that divine grace has claimed them and identifies them as people who are alive only for God’s interests.

* [6:17] In contrast to humanity, which was handed over to self-indulgence (Rom 1:24–32), believers are entrusted (“handed over”) to God’s pattern of teaching, that is, the new life God aims to develop in Christians through the productivity of the holy Spirit. Throughout this passage Paul uses the slave-master model in order to emphasize the fact that one cannot give allegiance to both God and sin. (Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 124 heightens the malice of human enemies by linking them to the primordial enemies of God’s creation.

* [Psalm 124] A thanksgiving which teaches that Israel’s very existence is owed to God who rescues them. In the first part Israel’s enemies are compared to the mythic sea dragon (Ps 124:2b–3a; cf. Jer 51:34) and Flood (Ps 124:3b–5; cf. Is 51:9–10). The Psalm heightens the malice of human enemies by linking them to the primordial enemies of God’s creation. Israel is a bird freed from the trapper’s snare (Ps 124:6–8)—freed originally from Pharaoh and now from the current danger. (Psalms, PSALM 124, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke advocates that Vigilant and Faithful Servants prepare for the End Times.

* [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.)

Maggie Knight is reminded of one of the meditations in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She encountered it through Kevin O’Brien, SJ’s book The Ignatian Adventure, which includes George E. Ganss, SJ’s traditional translation of the Principle and Foundation from the Spiritual Exercises. It begins:

“What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ? May all decisions and actions help me praise, reverence, and serve God.”

For me, returning to these questions helps keep my focus where it belongs. If I use them as a touchstone, it becomes much harder to serve any master other than the Lord. Of course, living this out is easier said than done. But this simple reminder has become both powerful and comforting in my own life.

Paul’s reminder in Romans 6 and the wisdom of the Spiritual Exercises both seem to call us to the same truth: real freedom comes from choosing God and living as His servants.(Knight, n.d.)

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 Paul speaks that justified through faith we cannot reject a moral life for licentiousness. We are aiming to be a slave to the Love of God that requires a moral good life. In Luke, we are reminded that we don’t know the hour when the Master returns. Therefore we need to build up the kingdom with our gifts and talents. Our punishment will be based on our response. “Much is required of those given much” We avoid need to avoid the trap of living just for ourselves.

Fr. Mike Schmitz mirrors the story of 1 Maccabees and Israel’s expectations of continued success onto our own lives, emphasizing that God’s marvelous plan exceeds our expectations and what we think should happen next in our lives. He invites us to worship and give to the Lord with freedom and generosity in response to God’s sacrificial love for us. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 14, Sirach 34-35, and Proverbs 23:22-25.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces E. Trey Clark, a Professor of Preaching and Spiritual Formation, who considers the rich history of Black contemplative preaching.

Black contemplative preaching is shaped by the holistic spirituality, communal orientation, and vibrant orality that is part of the rich Africana heritage—even when embodied outside of predominantly Black contexts. Moreover, Black contemplative preaching unites the head and the heart, the personal and the communal, and spiritual formation and social transformation as it bears witness to the liberating and life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. While recognizing that contemplation is ultimately a gift, Black contemplative preachers seek to guide people to experience loving communion with the divine, while also pursuing the flourishing of Black people and all of God’s creation.… 

It is essential to note that Black contemplative preaching is not a recent development. Its deep roots can be traced to the lineage of biblical prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, Mary, and Jesus himself. Moreover, it stems from a tradition of African mystics, including St. Anthony, Moses the Black, and St. Mary of Egypt. It is also part of a larger history of mystic preachers in the Christian tradition that includes Augustine of Hippo, Hildegard of Bingen, St. Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, Dona Beatriz, Kimpa Vita, and others. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the “Cloud of Witnesses” in our tradition that model for us the fullness of life in being the faithful servant of Jesus Way.

References

Knight, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-22-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?39 

Psalms, PSALM 124. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/124?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/black-traditions-of-contemplation/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/6?12 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Be Ready to Answer - the Lord Draws Near. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Contemplate Contrast

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept a struggle with dualism as part of our transformation that is witness to the Love of God for all people.

Community Contrast

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans contrasts Humanity’s Sin through Adam with Grace and Life through Christ.

* [5:12–21] Paul reflects on the sin of Adam (Gn 3:1–13) in the light of the redemptive mystery of Christ. Sin, as used in the singular by Paul, refers to the dreadful power that has gripped humanity, which is now in revolt against the Creator and engaged in the exaltation of its own desires and interests. But no one has a right to say, “Adam made me do it,” for all are culpable (Rom 5:12): Gentiles under the demands of the law written in their hearts (Rom 2:14–15), and Jews under the Mosaic covenant. Through the Old Testament law, the sinfulness of humanity that was operative from the beginning (Rom 5:13) found further stimulation, with the result that sins were generated in even greater abundance. According to Rom 5:15–21, God’s act in Christ is in total contrast to the disastrous effects of the virus of sin that invaded humanity through Adam’s crime.

* [5:12] Inasmuch as all sinned: others translate “because all sinned,” and understand v 13 as a parenthetical remark. Unlike Wis 2:24, Paul does not ascribe the entry of death to the devil.

* [5:20] The law entered in: sin had made its entrance (12); now the law comes in alongside sin. See notes on Rom 1:18–32; 5:12–21. Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more: Paul declares that grace outmatches the productivity of sin. (Romans, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)

Psalm 40 is a thanksgiving combined with a lament.

* [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Ps 40:2–13) has been combined with a lament (Ps 40:14–17) that appears also in Ps 70. The psalmist describes the rescue in spatial terms—being raised up from the swampy underworld to firm earth where one can praise God (Ps 40:2–4). All who trust God will experience like protection (Ps 40:5–6)! The Psalm stipulates the precise mode of thanksgiving: not animal sacrifice but open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced (Ps 40:7–11). A prayer for protection concludes (Ps 40:12–17). (Psalms, PSALM 40, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Vigilant and Faithful Servants are recognized.

* [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, n.d.)

Jay Carney comments that Romans 5 narrates the theological equivalent of a Hollywood blockbuster. In just seven verses, today’s first reading captures the crux of Paul’s gospel of salvation.

What struck me today is how the two Adams reflect two distinct ways of living out our humanity in the world. The First Adam offers a way familiar to any observer of the powerful men and women of our own day – insecure, self-seeking, avaricious, aiming to transcend all limits “to become like gods” (Genesis 3:5). Yet the First Adam’s ambition is also his undoing: the divine thread is severed, and he ends up painfully tilling and dying in the soil from which he was formed (adamah in Hebrew literally means the “earth-man” or “dust-man”). Jesus, the New Adam, offers a different way: righteous obedience to the Father’s will exemplified in self-sacrificial service for and with others. This is symbolized in Luke’s gospel by a master waiting on servants who have faithfully waited for him. (Carney, n.d.)

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.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:35-38 comments that life lived to the fullest is one in readiness to serve the Lord. He is always at work, and he is always giving us the opportunity to join him in that work.

Whatever Jesus calls you to, you can be sure of one thing: the more time you spend serving him, the less you will fear him. Because you’ll be working alongside him, you’ll see how loving and compassionate and patient he truly is! Then, when you finally do meet him, you’ll also be surprised by how generous he is. The One you have been serving for so long will serve you (Luke 12:37). He’ll have you rest your tired bones and treat you to the wonders of his heavenly banquet!

“Jesus, my Master, help me to be ready and willing to serve you every chance I get!” (Meditation on Luke 12:35-38, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Adam's sin brought death into the world and Jesus’ death brought life into the world. Life is better than death and the power of grace is more than the power of our guilt. We may have trouble with self forgiveness and trust in forgiveness from God. If we are ready for Christ  to come, the Gospel indicates the Master will reward us. In a Jewish teaching manner we ponder that He will serve us and later we will serve Him. Friar Jude reminds us of the importance of being aware of the maxim “nothing left unsaid; nothing left undone.”

Fr. Mike Schmitz focuses on our reading of 1 Maccabees today. Fr. Mike highlights the establishment of the new independent sovereign nation of Israel in the land of Judah. We learn how Simon takes command and enforces the law all around the land. Fr. Mike reminds us that even today, Christians are governed by Jesus himself and ultimately to belong to him. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 13, Sirach 32-33, and Proverbs 23:17-21.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces spiritual writer Katie Gordon who shares how her life has been shaped by living alongside Benedictine nuns.

Where, once upon a time, nuns in habits observed the Grand Silence, there is now laughter ringing through the rafters from the kids in the daycare program on the first two floors. On the grand wooden staircase once meticulously cleaned with toothbrushes by the sisters, the kids now run up and down, speaking the several languages of the migrant communities represented in the program. Just upstairs, there are offices for several ministries that evolved out of the sisters’ faithful presence in the city, including a soup kitchen and food pantry, an online monastery of contemporary seekers, and an association of monasteries sharing resources across the globe. These might hardly be recognizable to the original sisters who settled here in the 1850s to educate German immigrants, but they are nonetheless extensions of the same call to community and ministry, yet in a new era of need. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek Wisdom from the Spirit as we work with the tensions in human relations to build communities of care and compassion.

References

Carney, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-21-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 12. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?35 

Meditation on Luke 12:35-38. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/21/1412070/ 

Psalms, PSALM 40. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?7 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ancient-wisdom-ever-new/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/5?12 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Master Knocks - Open at Once. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/