Habits and Hope

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to ponder the power of the habits and security concerns to distract us from actions that rely on faith and Providence to bring us fullness of life.

Bread of Life

The Reading from the Book of James presents Temptation and Trial.

* [1:12] Temptation: the Greek word used here is the same one used for “trials” in Jas 1:2. The crown of life: in ancient Palestine, crowns or wreaths of flowers were worn at festive occasions as signs of joy and honor. In the Hellenistic world, wreaths were given as a reward to great statesmen, soldiers, athletes. Life: here means eternal life. He promised: some manuscripts read “God” or “the Lord,” while the best witnesses do not specify the subject of “promised.”

* [1:13–15] It is contrary to what we know of God for God to be the author of human temptation (Jas 1:13). In the commission of a sinful act, one is first beguiled by passion (Jas 1:14), then consent is given, which in turn causes the sinful act. When sin permeates the entire person, it incurs the ultimate penalty of death (Jas 1:15).

* [1:16–18] The author here stresses that God is the source of all good and of good alone, and the evil of temptation does not come from him.

* [1:17] All good giving and every perfect gift may be a proverb written in hexameter. Father of lights: God is here called the Father of the heavenly luminaries, i.e., the stars, sun, and moon that he created (Gn 1:14–18). Unlike orbs moving from nadir to zenith, he never changes or diminishes in brightness.

* [1:18] Acceptance of the gospel message, the word of truth, constitutes new birth (Jn 3:5–6) and makes the recipient the firstfruits (i.e., the cultic offering of the earliest grains, symbolizing the beginning of an abundant harvest) of a new creation; cf. 1 Cor 15:20; Rom 8:23. (James, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 94 is a lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people.

* [Psalm 94] A lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people. The danger affects the whole community. Calling upon God as judge (Ps 94:1–2), the Psalm complains about oppression of the holy community by people within (Ps 94:3–7). Bold declarations of faith follow: denunciation of evildoers (Ps 94:8–11) and assurance to the just (Ps 94:12–15). The Psalm continues with further lament (Ps 94:16–19) and ends with strong confidence in God’s response (Ps 94:20–23). (James, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents The Leaven of the Pharisees.

* [8:15] The leaven of the Pharisees…of Herod: the corruptive action of leaven (1 Cor 5:6–8; Gal 5:9) was an apt symbol of the evil dispositions both of the Pharisees (Mk 8:11–13; 7:5–13) and of Herod (Mk 6:14–29) toward Jesus. The disciples of Jesus are warned against sharing such rebellious attitudes toward Jesus; cf. Mk 8:17, 21. (Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Margo Minnich comments that the words of James pull our attention away from the illusion of self-sufficiency and reorient our hearts towards God, the true source of all that sustains us. In Ignatian spirituality, this moves us toward the grace of faith as we trust that God will indeed provide and gratitude as we open our eyes to God’s continuous work in our lives.

The miraculous feedings of the crowds were never just about bread and fish. They were signs that God provides for us. We do not need to be dependent on our own limited resources, but on God’s limitless love for us. Jesus calls the disciples and us to remember and trust. 

Today, we can prayerfully reflect on where we are experiencing scarcity or insecurity in our lives. Is it a scarcity of time, energy, clarity, or hope? We can remember what “miracles” God has done in our own lives and we can ask God for the gift of faith that He will continue to provide for us. (Minnich, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Heed the truth of the Gospel,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).

"The apostles are ordered to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They are warned not to be involved in the disputes of the Jews. The works of the law are now to be viewed in the light of faith. They are forewarned that they, into whose time and age the truth had appeared incarnate, should judge nothing except which lies within the position of hope in likeness of the truth that is revealed. They are warned against allowing the doctrine of the Pharisees, who are unaware of Christ, to corrupt the effectiveness of the truth of the gospel." (excerpt from commentary ON MATTHEW 16.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 8:14-21 comments that like the disciples, we can focus on our immediate needs and problems, which can keep us from hearing the Lord as he seeks to teach us the eternal truths of his kingdom.

Of course God is concerned about your daily needs. But don’t let them be the only things you bring to him in prayer. Take time to listen to him, to hear him on his terms. Remember: he wants to reveal his heart to you. He wants to share his thoughts with you. He wants to give you his perspective on your life.

So listen for God’s voice today. Even if all you “hear” at first is silence, know that he is present to you. Rest in him; wait on him. Let his word become the bread that sustains you.

“Lord, give me ears to hear your voice.” (Meditation on Mark 8:14-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that James speaks about temptation. It is not sent by God but originates in pride, jealousy, and entitlement. Reflect on God as a parent who gives everything we need. The disciples miss the meaning of the leaven of Pharisees. Jesus is not referring to the bread that they forgot to bring. The teaching of the Pharisee is dangerous because if their teaching is accepted in the smallest way, it may take hold. Friar Jude warns about the leaven, today, of mass media and our need to sort it out to make sure we are on God’s path.

Stephen Copeland recounts how the stories of the desert fathers and mothers have inspired modern Christians to take contemplative practice more seriously. Twentieth-century authors like Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen helped to reclaim the importance of this desert form of Christianity, forging a path for laypeople to experience the transforming way of contemplation, which had long been reserved for monastics and religious.

 Richard Rohr writes about why this ancient tradition still matters: “It is a unique window into how Jesus was first understood, before the church became an imperial, highly organized, competitive religion.” [2]

A core principle of the desert—and something worth considering while cultivating our own inner freedom—was the notion of apatheia. Author Laura Swan explains: “Apatheia is purity of heart. The ammas [desert mothers] teach us to intentionally let go of all that keeps us from the single-minded pursuit of God: feelings and thoughts that bind us, cravings and addictions that diminish our sense of worth, and attachments to self-imposed perfectionism. Apatheia is nourished by simplicity grounded in abundance of the soul.” [3]

Such letting go can feel like emptiness. It can feel disorienting, crazy, nonlinear—terrifying even—as if we are like the desert fathers and mothers, leaving behind the comforts of the city for the vast emptiness of the desert. This powerful metaphor invites the disruption of our own unhealthy patterns, as we interrupt the ways that we are being controlled (sometimes unconsciously) by the ways of the world and our false selves to make room for something deeper to be born within us: For aspects of the true self to be discovered. For our awareness of the divine within us to grow. For love to expand. For the same spiritual truths that arose in the desert centuries before to dwell and deepen within our souls. (Copeland, 2025)

We invoke the Spirit to alert us to programs and policies that may be leaven of pride, jealousy, and entitlement tempting us away from the “Bread of Life”.

References

Copeland, S. (2025, March 13). Inner Liberation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/inner-liberation/ 

James, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/1?12 

Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/8?14 

Meditation on Mark 8:14-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/16/1500523/ 

Minnich, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-17-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 94 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/94?12 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Humility and Strength in the Mission

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist, restate our mission as followers of Christ and asserts our strength in humility.

Community of Faith

The reading from the First Letter of Peter offers advice to the Community on humility and strength before giving final greetings and a Benediction.

* [5:5–11] The community is to be subject to the presbyters and to show humility toward one another and trust in God’s love and care (1 Pt 5:5–7). With sobriety, alertness, and steadfast faith they must resist the evil one; their sufferings are shared with Christians everywhere (1 Pt 5:8–9). They will be strengthened and called to eternal glory (1 Pt 5:10–11).

* [5:5] Younger members: this may be a designation for office-holders of lesser rank.

* [5:12] Silvanus: the companion of Paul (see 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thes 1:1; 2 Thes 1:1). Jews and Jewish Christians, like Paul, often had a Hebrew name (Saoul, Silas) and a Greek or Latin name (Paul, Silvanus). On Silvanus’s possible role as amanuensis, see Introduction.

* [5:13] The chosen one: feminine, referring to the Christian community (ekklēsia) at Babylon, the code name for Rome in Rev 14:8; 17:5; 18:2. Mark, my son: traditionally a prominent disciple of Peter and co-worker at the church in Rome, perhaps the John Mark referred to in Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; and in Acts 15:37–39, a companion of Barnabas. Perhaps this is the same Mark mentioned as Barnabas’s cousin in Col 4:10, a co-worker with Paul in Phlm 24 (see also 2 Tm 4:11). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)

Psalm 89 praises God’s Covenant with David.

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52).

* [89:3–5] David’s dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the same verbs (establish, stand) both of the divine love and loyalty and of the Davidic dynasty and throne, cf. Ps 89:29–30.

* [89:7] The sons of the gods: “the holy ones” and “courtiers” of Ps 89:6, 8. These heavenly spirits are members of God’s court. (Psalms, PSALM 89, n.d.)

The Longer Ending to the Gospel of Mark describes the Commissioning of the Eleven and the Ascension of Jesus.

* [16:9–20] This passage, termed the Longer Ending to the Marcan gospel by comparison with a much briefer conclusion found in some less important manuscripts, has traditionally been accepted as a canonical part of the gospel and was defined as such by the Council of Trent. Early citations of it by the Fathers indicate that it was composed by the second century, although vocabulary and style indicate that it was written by someone other than Mark. It is a general resume of the material concerning the appearances of the risen Jesus, reflecting, in particular, traditions found in Lk 24 and Jn 20. (Mark, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)

Julie Kalkowski comments that we all can hear what we need to hear to make our lives better if we don’t feel judged or are made to feel ashamed.

After urging humility, St. Peter goes on: “…Cast all your worries upon him (God) because he cares for you.”   As the weeks of financial education go on, people build community among themselves.  Learning they are not along in their struggles and suffering gives them compassion for themselves and others in the same boat. It also gives them courage to believe in their ability to manage their finances better and to make different choices.  They celebrate each other’s small victories and share resources they know about.

Change is not easy nor is carrying out the work Jesus calls his disciples to do in the Gospel. We all do better with a community to support us and keep us focused, whether it’s about managing money or following Jesus. (Kalkowski, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The Gospel proclaimed to all creation,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The command to the apostles to be witnesses to him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8) was not addressed exclusively to those to whom it was immediately spoken. They alone would not be the only ones who would carry such an enormous task to completion. Similarly he seems to be speaking to the apostles very personally when he says: 'Behold I am with you even to the end of the world' (Matthew 28:20), yet who does not know that he made this promise to the universal church which will last from now even to the consummation of the world by successive births and deaths?" (excerpt from LETTER 199,TO HESYCHIUS 49) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Peter 5:5-14 comments that a brief look at the Gospel of Mark shows us that some of these stories portray Peter, who referred to Mark as a “son”, in a less than flattering light.

It seems that Mark also struggled at times. Another tradition tells us that he was the same “John Mark” who abandoned Paul and Barnabas very early in their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13; 15:36-38). Like Peter before him, Mark had his own ups and downs along the path of discipleship. But he stayed on that path, and Jesus stayed with him and continued to work in his heart.

Despite their missteps and weaknesses, we honor both Mark and Peter as saints because even in the midst of their struggles, they stayed close to Jesus. Humbled by their failings but lifted up by the love and mercy of the Lord, they learned a very important lesson: Jesus loves us too much to give up on any of us.

May we never give up on him!

“Lord, teach me how to persevere in my faith, just as you taught St. Mark.” (Meditation on 1 Peter 5:5-14, n.d.)

Niall S. Leahy SJ, a deacon of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, comments that the first disciples of Jesus are ever-present and important characters in the Gospel of Mark, and the arc of their journey is one that today’s disciples can recognise and learn from.

If the desired human response to Jesus’s public ministry in the first place is faith in the sense of assenting to his divinity, then in the second it is discipleship: fidelity in following Jesus. This is first made clear by Jesus when he exhorts the disciples to ‘take up their own cross and follow me’ (8:34). The Father did not send Jesus into the world on a solo mission: there is also a co-operative dimension to his mission whereby he will gather a community of disciples who will work with him to bring about God’s reign on earth. We are given an early hint as to the priority of this co-operation in the first act of Jesus’s public ministry, which is not the working of a miracle but the calling of the first disciples. From the beginning, Jesus worked on the assumption that discipleship does not just entail knowing him as the Christ but also following him as the Christ. (Leahy, 2020)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the resonance of the language used by Mark with that of Rome, disguised as Babylon, that supports the close connection with Peter and his stories as the basis for the eye witness testimony in the Gospel.  The Longer Ending is written by a scribe from material by the evangelists Matthew and Luke. Friar Jude notes that Mark exhorts us to proclaim the Good News to the ends of the earth.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Laura Swan who explores the goal of “apatheia” (mindfulness or equanimity) in the teachings of the desert mystics.

Apatheia is purity of heart. The ammas [desert mothers] teach us to intentionally let go of all that keeps us from the single-minded pursuit of God: feelings and thoughts that bind us, cravings and addictions that diminish our sense of worth, and attachments to self-imposed perfectionism. Apatheia is nourished by simplicity grounded in abundance of the soul. This simplicity is in balance and harmony with the human community and the created world. To cultivate apatheia, we must be uncluttered in mind and heart and continue to be watchful and vigilant about those “seeping boundaries” where we can be deceived out of simplicity and into complexity under the guise of a “good.” (Rohr, 2023)

We are called to attend to the influence of the Spirit as we respond to the mission of Jesus described by Mark and implemented by our work today.

References

Kalkowski, J. (2023, April 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/042523.html 

Leahy, N. (2020, April 23). Faith and discipleship in the Gospel of Mark. Thinking Faith. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/faith-and-discipleship-gospel-mark 

Mark, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/16? 

Meditation on 1 Peter 5:5-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/04/25/664072/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/5?5 

Psalms, PSALM 89. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2 

Rohr, R. (2023, April 25). The Freedom of Detachment — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-freedom-of-detachment-2023-04-25/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=apr25a