The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the model offered by Paul and Luke to respond to the prompting of the Spirit to encounter people who are becoming aware of New Life available in community with Christ.
1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the entry of Paul and Luke into Europe.
* [16:11–40] The church at Philippi became a flourishing community to which Paul addressed one of his letters (see Introduction to the Letter to the Philippians).
* [16:14] A worshiper of God: a “God-fearer.” See note on Acts 8:26–40.
(Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 149 celebrates God in song and festive dance.
* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9). (Psalms. PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of John proclaims the discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples in realization of the World’s Hatred.
* [15:1–16:4] Discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of the departure of Jesus. (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)
* [16:2] Hour: of persecution, not Jesus’ “hour” (see note on Jn 2:4).
Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)
Jeanne Schuler comments that Jesus foretells difficult times to come for his followers. At its core, truth abides in love, but the road is rocky. In truth we are creatures who may try our best but never have all the answers. We are vulnerable and cannot make it alone.
Luke was at Paul’s side during this journey: “We set sail…” He will be with him until Rome. Sometimes the Spirit warns them to change their plans and take another route. They listen. When we seek to hear God’s word, we will change. We might sing a new song. In gratitude we will open our lives. Even strangers are not turned away. (Schuler, 2025)
Don Schwager quotes “The Comforter is with us in our troubles,” by Cyril of Jerusalem, 430-543 A.D.
"He is called the Comforter because he comforts and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), that is, he makes intercession to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to him, 'Wait on the Lord' (Psalm 27:14). What is now happening to you is a small matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with angels forever. 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). He portrays to the person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight." (excerpt from CATECHETICAL LECTURES 16.20) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 16:11-15 comments that we probably know people like Lydia—maybe even someone dear to us—who have yet to embrace the “life” in the life-giving message of the gospel. It could be a family member or friend who was raised Catholic but who doesn’t attend Mass regularly because they don't feel a connection to God or the Church.
Some of this guilt may come from the mistaken idea that it’s all up to you. That’s just not true! As much as you love someone, as much as you want that person to encounter the Lord, know that Jesus’ love, and his desire for them to encounter him, far exceeds yours! And so, too, does his power to work in their hearts far exceed the persuasive power of your words or example. He may already be working in hidden ways that you can’t even imagine.
So yes, play your part. Let your words and actions reflect the love of Christ. But remember Lydia, and leave room for the Spirit to play his part. Let him “open the heart” of that person in whatever way he wants (Acts 16:14)!
“Lord, help me to surrender my loved ones to you!” (Meditation on Acts 16:11-15, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Acts passage of Paul’s journey to Europe. In Philippi, he meets Lydia, a women dealer in purple cloth, which was a source of wealth. She hosts Paul and the community in her house. In John’s Gospel, Jesus' Last Supper Discourse, describes how the Paraclete will help to testify to the Father. The Advocate will console and comfort in the suffering they will endure to know their fate will be like His, the Father’s Will to embrace.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes the temptation to hide and deny what we’ve been taught is unacceptable within us. Neither our persona nor our shadow is evil in itself; they just allow us to do evil without recognizing it. Our shadow self makes us all into hypocrites on some level. Hypocrite is a Greek word that simply means “actor,” someone playing a role rather than being “real.” We’re all in one kind of closet or another and are even encouraged by society to play such roles. Usually everybody else can see our shadow, so it’s crucial that we learn what everybody else knows about us—except us!
The closer we get to the light, the more of our shadow we see. Thus, truly holy people are always humble people. Christians would have been done a great service if the shadow had been distinguished from sin. Sin and shadow are not the same! We were so encouraged to avoid sin that many of us avoided facing our shadow, and then we ended up “sinning” even worse—while unaware besides! As Paul taught, “The angels of darkness must disguise themselves as angels of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). The persona cannot bear to see evil in itself, so it always disguises it as good. The shadow self invariably presents itself as something like prudence, common sense, and justice. It says, “I’m doing this for your good,” when it actually manifests fear, control, manipulation, or even vengeance. Isn’t it fascinating that the name Lucifer literally means “light bearer”? The evil one always makes darkness look like light—and makes light look like darkness. (Rohr, n.d.)
We are challenged by our hypocrisy that may inhibit our action to share our time, talent, and treasure to invite people on our journey to surrender to full life with Christ.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16?11
John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15
John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16
Meditation on Acts 16:11-15. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/26/1284658/
Psalms. PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149?1
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Humility Welcomes the Shadow. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/humility-welcomes-the-shadow/
Schuler, J. (2025, May 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052625.html
Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Counselor Comes, the Spirit of Truth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may26
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