Love without Limit

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the extent of the action we would take to demonstrate the Love, compassion, and mercy of God to the people in our environment.

Celebrate Family

 

The Reading from The Letter of Paul to the Romans declares his Love for Israel.

* [9:1–5] The apostle speaks in strong terms of the depth of his grief over the unbelief of his own people. He would willingly undergo a curse himself for the sake of their coming to the knowledge of Christ (Rom 9:3; cf. Lv 27:28–29). His love for them derives from God’s continuing choice of them and from the spiritual benefits that God bestows on them and through them on all of humanity (Rom 9:4–5).

* [9:5] Some editors punctuate this verse differently and prefer the translation, “Of whom is Christ according to the flesh, who is God over all.” However, Paul’s point is that God who is over all aimed to use Israel, which had been entrusted with every privilege, in outreach to the entire world through the Messiah. (Romans, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 147 exhorts the holy city as the place of disclosure for God’s word.

* [Psalm 147] The hymn is divided into three sections by the calls to praise in Ps 147:1, 7, 12. The first section praises the powerful creator who restores exiled Judah (Ps 147:1–6); the second section, the creator who provides food to animals and human beings; the third and climactic section exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created and made the place of disclosure for God’s word, a word as life-giving as water. (Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Heals the Man with Dropsy on the Sabbath.

* [14:1–6] See note on Lk 13:10–17.

* [14:2] Dropsy: an abnormal swelling of the body because of the retention and accumulation of fluid.

* [14:5] Your son or ox: this is the reading of many of the oldest and most important New Testament manuscripts. Because of the strange collocation of son and ox, some copyists have altered it to “your ass or ox,” on the model of the saying in Lk 13:15. (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney comments that sometimes it’s more important to do the right thing than to just follow the rules.

Our lives are different now, and a lot of businesses are open every day that are not in the emergency business, but even in Jesus’ time, people knew that some things just need to be done and can’t wait. On the Sabbath, the farmers still feed and water their animals, and they take the animals out of their yokes. Animals would not be denied their exercise and food on the Sabbath. (Whitney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The law does not forbid mercy on the Sabbath,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"As they were silent from ill will, Christ refutes their unrelenting shamelessness by the convincing arguments that he uses. 'Whose son of you,' he says, 'or whose ox shall fall into a pit, and he will not immediately draw him out on the sabbath day?' If the law forbids showing mercy on the sabbath, why do you take compassion on that which has fallen into the pit?... The God of all does not cease to be kind. He is good and loving to people."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 101) (Schwager, n.d.) 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 9:1-5 comments that Paul knew what his Jewish kin were missing—a life-changing encounter with Christ. His fellow Pharisees were devout, God-fearing men and women. They loved God and treasured his word. They devoted themselves to helping their people follow the Law of Moses. But so many of them just couldn’t see how Jesus was the fulfillment of all their hopes and dreams.

Like Paul, we, too, may feel separated from loved ones who don’t share our faith. We long for them to know how Jesus can change their lives. We want them to know how he can help them overcome sin and fill them with hope.

We’ll never know why some people accept Jesus while others don’t. We’ll never know why some of the people we love keep Christ at a distance. But Paul never gave up sharing his faith, and neither should you. Keep praying for your loved ones and keep sharing with them. And most of all, keep loving them!

“Jesus, give me the courage and compassion of St. Paul.” (Meditation on Romans 9:1-5, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes how God’s mercy is incredible as Paul admits to a broken heart rooted in the decision of people to reject Jesus. Paul’s example of the essence of True Love that puts others ahead of self, includes accepting the torment of hell for the salvation of another. Faith is about how we can love and extend  “You first” to our worst enemy. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man with edema and critiques the rule that it is lawful to cure on the Sabbath only when a person is at the point of death. Jesus cites care of animals on the Sabbath. Friar Jude comments that we make a day of service on Sunday to bring a bit of God’s love to others.

Fr. Mike Schmitz focuses on the powerful theme that connects all of our readings today- the reality of life beyond death. In the story of the martyrdom of the seven brothers in 2 Macabees, we see how the brothers and their mother fiercely reject the temptation to violate God's law, and boldly hold onto their hope in the resurrection of the dead. Our readings from Wisdom also remind us that death is not the end, because we know that eternal life is waiting for us beyond death. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 7, Wisdom 3-4, and Proverbs 24:27-29.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, honors the significance of “thin times” that draw us nearer to the threshold between this realm and the next as he asks notes that what became All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1–2) was already called “thin times” by the ancient Celts (as were February 1–2: St. Bridget’s Day and Candlemas Day, when candles were blessed and lit). The veil between this world and the next world was considered most “thin” and easily traversed during these times.

Thin Place

Living in the communion of saints means that we can take ourselves very seriously (we are part of a Great Whole) and not take ourselves too seriously at all (we are just a part of the Great Whole) at the very same time. I hope this frees us from any unnecessary individual guilt—and, more importantly, frees us to be full “partners in God’s triumphant parade” through time and history (2 Corinthians 2:14). We are in on the deal and, yes, the really Big Deal. We are all a very small part of a very Big Thing! (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit as we wrestle with our priorities and the tension that exists with our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?1 

Meditation on Romans 9:1-5. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/31/1418480/ 

Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/147?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Fullness of Time. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/fullness-of-time/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/9?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Were Watching Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Whitney, T. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-31-2025 

Gathered in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept Providence as our protection as we invite all to share love and community in a polarized world.

Stepping Up for Love

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans proclaims God’s Indomitable Love in Christ.

* [8:31–39] The all-conquering power of God’s love has overcome every obstacle to Christians’ salvation and every threat to separate them from God. That power manifested itself fully when God’s own Son was delivered up to death for their salvation. Through him Christians can overcome all their afflictions and trials.

* [8:38] Present things and future things may refer to astrological data. Paul appears to be saying that the gospel liberates believers from dependence on astrologers.

* [8:39] Height, depth may refer to positions in the zodiac, positions of heavenly bodies relative to the horizon. In astrological documents the term for “height” means “exaltation” or the position of greatest influence exerted by a planet. Since hostile spirits were associated with the planets and stars, Paul includes powers (Rom 8:38) in his list of malevolent forces. (Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 109 laments a poor victim (Ps 109:22, 31) and by that fact a friend of God and enemy of the wicked.

* [Psalm 109] A lament notable for the length and vehemence of its prayer against evildoers (Ps 109:6–20); the cry to God (Ps 109:1) and the complaint (Ps 109:22–25) are brief in comparison. The psalmist is apparently the victim of a slander campaign, potentially devastating in a society where reputation and honor are paramount. In the emotional perspective of the Psalm, there are only two types of people: the wicked and their poor victims. The psalmist is a poor victim (Ps 109:22, 31) and by that fact a friend of God and enemy of the wicked. The psalmist seeks vindication not on the basis of personal virtue but because of God’s promise to protect the poor. (Psalms, PSALM 109 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents Herod’s Desire to Kill Jesus and His Lament over Jerusalem.

* [13:32] Nothing, not even Herod’s desire to kill Jesus, stands in the way of Jesus’ role in fulfilling God’s will and in establishing the kingdom through his exorcisms and healings.

* [13:33] It is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem: Jerusalem is the city of destiny and the goal of the journey of the prophet Jesus. Only when he reaches the holy city will his work be accomplished. (Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ, notes there is a difference between walking alongside a friend in compassion and holding others to account from a place of superiority. The former reflects Christ’s love; the latter echoes the very behavior St. Paul cautions us against.

The Gospel challenges us as Christ’s followers to be vessels of that same love. To let go of the instinct to critique and instead embrace the discipline of self-reflection. When we are tempted to focus on the flaws of others , whether a family member who frustrates us, a co-worker whose actions we question, or even public figures whose choices trouble us, instead, we can turn to God in that moment. We can ask for His grace to see others as He sees them: beloved, redeemable, and worthy of love. 

So today, may our hearts reflect the mercy of God. The same mercy that has been so freely offered to us, and in doing so, let us live more fully for the Lord. (Cardoso, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus foreshadows his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"'And I tell you,' he says, 'you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.' What does this mean? The Lord withdrew from Jerusalem and left as unworthy of his presence those who said, 'Get away from here.' And after he had walked about Judea and saved many and performed miracles which no words can adequately describe, he returned again to Jerusalem. It was then that he sat upon a colt of a donkey, while vast multitudes and young children, holding up branches of palm trees, went before him, praising him and saying, 'Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' (Matthew 21:9). Having left them, therefore, as being unworthy, he says that when the time of his passion has arrived, he will then barely be seen by them. Then again he went up to Jerusalem and entered amidst praises, and at that very time endured his saving passion in our behalf, that by suffering he might save and renew to incorruption the inhabitants of the earth. God the Father has saved us by Christ."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 100) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 8:31-39 comments that we probably haven’t faced shipwrecks or a sword, but our trials are still real, and they still matter to Jesus. When we are struggling, we can cry out with the psalmist, “Help me, O Lord, my God; save me, in your mercy” (Psalm 109:26).

So if it feels like you are in a losing battle today, remember that Jesus has already won the real battle. He triumphed over sin and death and now offers you a share in his victory! You are never alone—he is with you. In moments of despair, loneliness, or suffering, as well as in moments of joy, consolation, and peace, nothing can separate you from his love!

“Lord, even when I don’t feel it, I will trust in your unfailing love.” (Meditation on Romans 8:31-39, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains that, in the Romans 8 passage, Paul says that God has chosen us and sent the Son to die for us. God loves us to death. Nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ. He cites Julien of Norwich's testimony to Mercy so much greater than we can understand. We can rely upon hope. The Gospel of Luke reveals that Herod wants to kill Jesus. “A Prophet can only die in Jerusalem” Luke presents the Journey to Jerusalem to fulfil the will of God. Jerusalem, the sacred place, has refused to accept Him. Friar Jude reminds us that God invites but does not force, reflecting on the tragedy of what we have lost by refusal and rejection.

Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a recap of Eleazar's martyrdom and marvels at Eleazar's courage to avoid both sin, and the temptation to lead others into sin. As we begin reading the book of Wisdom today, we also learn three valuable lessons; God did not create death, death entered the world through sin, and we are wise when we walk in the truth but foolish when we walk in evil. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 6, Wisdom 1-2, and Proverbs 24:21-26.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Chickasaw poet and author Linda Hogan who describes how a sweat lodge ceremony draws together elements of the earth to accompany those inside. The ceremony seeks to repair any disconnections.

We speak. We sing. We swallow water and breathe smoke. By the end of the ceremony, it is as if skin contains land and birds. The places within us have become filled. As inside the enclosure of the lodge, the animals and ancestors move into the human body, into skin and blood. The land merges with us. The stones come to dwell inside the person. Gold rolling hills take up residence…. We who easily grow apart from the world are returned to the great store of life all around us, and there is the deepest sense of being at home here in this intimate kinship. There is no real aloneness. There is solitude and the nurturing silence that is relationship with ourselves, but even then we are part of something larger. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the consolation of the Spirit as we continue our personal “journey to Jerusalem” as visible followers of Jesus' Way of love in troublesome times.

References

Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-30-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/13?31 

Meditation on Romans 8:31-39. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/30/1417931/ 

Psalms, PSALM 109 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/109?21 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/remembering-all-my-relations/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?31 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Blessed Is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/