Learning to Love

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us to approach our understanding of our faith from a position of humble openness to deeper revelation of our role and understanding of the Life of Love.

Learning Our Way

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Apollos appears as a preacher.

* [18:24, 25] Apollos appears as a preacher who knows the teaching of Jesus in the context of John’s baptism of repentance. Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more fully. He is referred to in 1 Cor 1:12; 3:5–6, 22.

* [18:26] The Way [of God]: for the Way, see note on Acts 9:2. Other manuscripts here read “the Way of the Lord,” “the word of the Lord,” or simply “the Way.” (Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 47 acknowledges the universal rule of Israel’s God.

* [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel’s God (Ps 47:2–5) who is enthroned as king over Israel and the nations (Ps 47:6–9). (Psalm 47, PSALMS | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John proclaims the connection of Jesus to the Father in addressing our needs.

* [16:25] See note on Jn 10:6. Here, possibly a reference to Jn 15:1–16 or Jn 16:21. (John, JOHN | USCCB, n.d.)

Angela Maynard reflects on a time when she asked God for something for a friend and her prayers were answered—resulting in complete joy. 

She had the biggest smile on her face and told me that she was given the opportunity to pick up 16 hours/week in another department. She will be able to continue her work through retirement and maintain her insurance benefits at a place that is affordable for her family. I told her how happy I was for her. I am truly thrilled because the department she will be working in exudes joy! She will be an incredible asset to the individuals served there and her heart will be so full! She agreed. I let her know that I had been praying for her and she told me this had to be a “God thing.” She said she was so worried and she had to give it to God and trust in the prayers she knew were being offered for her. She is grateful for the prayers and I must say, my faith got a nice boost today! (Maynard, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Offer prayers in Christ's name,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 376-444 A.D.

"He urges the disciples to seek for spiritual gifts and at the same time gives them confidence that, if they ask for them, they will not fail to obtain them. He adds the word Amen, that he might confirm their belief that if they ask the Father for anything they would receive it from him. He would act as their mediator and make known their request and, being one with the Father, grant it. For this is what he means by 'in my name'. For we cannot draw near to God the Father in any other way than through the Son. For it is by him that we have access in the one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:8). It was because of this that he said, 'I am the door. I am the way. No one comes to the Father but by me' (John 10:7; 14:6). For as the Son is God, he being one with the Father provides good things for his sanctified people and is found to be generous of his wealth to us... Let us then offer our prayers in Christ's name. For in this way, the Father will most readily consent to them and grant his graces to those who seek them, that receiving them we may rejoice." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 18:23-28 comments that Apollos’ story tells us that it is no lasting shame to find out we are mistaken. There is always so much more to learn! We may have been trying our best to follow Jesus, but perhaps we didn’t fully understand an important point of doctrine. But that should never keep us from seeking greater understanding, and it certainly shouldn’t keep us from trying to serve the Lord!

So let’s rejoice that God looks on us with love before, during, and after these teaching moments. Rather than letting the gloom or embarrassment of our missteps push us to hide from God or withdraw from the people around us, let’s respond with gratitude for his light and clarity, and set out to follow him anew.

“Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, please keep teaching me your ways!” (Meditation on Acts 18:23-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul has travelled to Antioch where he encounters Apollos and he used his knowledge to proclaim Jesus fulfills the promise of the Hebrew Testament. Apollos had to be taught about Christian baptism and when instructed, he continued to refute the Jews in public. The language and vocabulary of the Letter to the Hebrews are different from that of Paul and some scholars suggest that Apollos is possibly the author of Hebrews. He is connected to the Hebrew Testament and Alexandria to support the theory about the author. The Gospel of John proclaims if we ask in His name, the Father will grant it. We are not slaves but friends. Friar Jude comments that God will give what we most need, not what we most want. We are protected from things we may want but do not need for the risk of harm they may contain.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces the sixth season of Turning to the Mystics, where James Finley explores the teachings of Julian of Norwich. 

We know that the wind blows across the surface of the water and the waves rise and fall. We live our daily lives on the surface of the water, the fluctuating patterns of our conditioned states of consciousness, and the constantly shifting patterns of our day-to-day conditions, whatever they might be. As we get into living an interior or contemplative life, we dive beneath the surface of the water. We come to calmer places in the interiority of ourselves where God is with us in the midst of life. Our life of service still goes on. What happens, happens, but we learn to be grounded in a depth of divine presence that sustains us and is one with us in all that’s happening. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate our relationship with Father and Son and offer thanksgiving for the Spirit who enkindles in our heart the fire of Divine Love that inspires our action.

References

Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?23 

John, JOHN | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?23 

Maynard, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-16-2026 

Meditation on Acts 18:23-28. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/16/1568661/ 

Psalm 47, PSALMS | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/47?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Julian of Norwich: A Universal Mystic: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/julian-of-norwich-a-universal-mystic-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Ask in Jesus' Name, That Your Joy May Be Full. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 16, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Going to the Father

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the help we need from our relationship with Christ and to welcome with gratitude the efforts of people in our environment to come to our needs.

Community of Faith

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Ministry of Apollos

* [18:24, 25] Apollos appears as a preacher who knows the teaching of Jesus in the context of John’s baptism of repentance. Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more fully. He is referred to in 1 Cor 1:12; 3:5–6, 22.

* [18:26] The Way [of God]: for the Way, see note on Acts 9:2. Other manuscripts here read “the Way of the Lord,” “the word of the Lord,” or simply “the Way.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 47 praises God’s Rule over the Nations.

* [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel’s God (Ps 47:2–5) who is enthroned as king over Israel and the nations (Ps 47:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises Peace for the Disciples.

* [16:25] See note on Jn 10:6. Here, possibly a reference to Jn 15:1–16 or Jn 16:21. (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock comments that seeing the collaboration of Priscilla and Aquila inspires her to appreciate the good that can come when we make the time and effort to work together.

As I watch our hard-working students and colleagues celebrate the milestone of graduation, I ask for the grace to be open to God’s call to collaboration, especially when there are challenges.  I pray for courage to raise important issues in a respectful manner.  I celebrate when difficult conversations lead to learning, growth and compassion.  I am grateful for the many fruits collaborative ministry has yielded. (Brock, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Offer prayers in Christ's name,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 376-444 A.D.

"He urges the disciples to seek for spiritual gifts and at the same time gives them confidence that, if they ask for them, they will not fail to obtain them. He adds the word Amen, that he might confirm their belief that if they ask the Father for anything they would receive it from him. He would act as their mediator and make known their request and, being one with the Father, grant it. For this is what he means by 'in my name'. For we cannot draw near to God the Father in any other way than through the Son. For it is by him that we have access in the one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:8). It was because of this that he said, 'I am the door. I am the way. No one comes to the Father but by me' (John 10:7; 14:6). For as the Son is God, he being one with the Father provides good things for his sanctified people and is found to be generous of his wealth to us... Let us then offer our prayers in Christ's name. For in this way, the Father will most readily consent to them and grant his graces to those who seek them, that receiving them we may rejoice." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 18:23-28 comments that Paul travels throughout Galatia “bringing strength to all the disciples” along the way (Acts 18:23). Then, we meet Apollos, a believer with great zeal but little understanding of the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila spend time “fertilizing” his faith, and as a result, he becomes an even more powerful witness to Christ. So much so that when they send him out to preach, he is able to give “great assistance to those who had come to believe” (18:27).

Today, thank God for the ways that your faith already builds up the people around you. But also consider if he is inviting you to spend a little extra time with him so that you can become an even more effective witness to his love. You don’t have to memorize the entire Bible, and you don’t need a theologian’s training. You just need to take one small step. He does the rest.

“Here I am, Lord; I’m ready to learn. How can I become a better witness to your love?” (Meditation on Acts 18:23-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the arrival of Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, who is instructed in the Way by Priscilla and Aquila, and who preaches powerfully. The language and knowledge in the Book of Hebrews suggests an author other than Paul. Martin Luther thought Apollos may be a candidate. Friar Jude reminds us that the Gospel of John teaches that eternity begins with our encounter with Christ and His Resurrection and return to the Father.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Kaitlin Curtice who writes about the sacred legacy of home.

I believe some of the most powerful places on earth are the rocking chairs on front porches, the benches nestled around dinner tables, the stones set up around firepits, and the rug at the base of a child’s bed. They are the places where we tell stories, where we examine what it means to be human and decide how much kindness we will show ourselves and one another. 

Those are the places where we learn who God is and who God isn’t, where we are taught what kind of lives to live, where we learn about how the children and the elders are connected and find the Sacred in their everyday experiences because they are leaning in and listening with their whole beings. 

May we always return to the places where the stories begin, to challenge them, to accept and honor them, and to whisper to ourselves and one another that we are always, always arriving. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the growth we have experienced through communion with human and Divine influences on our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?23 

Brock, M. L. (2024, May 4). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/051124.html 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?23 

Meditation on Acts 18:23-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/11/961602/ 

Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/47?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Homecoming: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/homecoming-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may11 

The Way in the Love of God

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today reassure us that the Spirit will guide our work to build up community in relationship with Christ.

Building Community

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles introduces the Ministry of Apollos.

* [18:24, 25] Apollos appears as a preacher who knows the teaching of Jesus in the context of John’s baptism of repentance. Aquila and Priscilla instruct him more fully. He is referred to in 1 Cor 1:12; 3:5–6, 22.

* [18:26] The Way [of God]: for the Way, see note on Acts 9:2. Other manuscripts here read “the Way of the Lord,” “the word of the Lord,” or simply “the Way.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18, n.d.)

Psalm 47 praises God’s Rule over the Nations.

* [Psalm 47] A hymn calling on the nations to acknowledge the universal rule of Israel’s God (Ps 47:2–5) who is enthroned as king over Israel and the nations (Ps 47:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 47, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus offers Peace for the Disciples.

* [16:4b–33] A duplicate of Jn 14:1–31 on departure and return. (John, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)

Larry Hopp comments that God is reminding us that we, like Apollos, have many opportunities to make a difference - to be used by Him.  We do not need to have an earth-shaking experience as did Paul on the road to Damascus.  We are simply called to reach out to teach and encourage, to make a difference, to share our story.  We really are no different than Priscilla, Aquila and even Apollos.  God chose to tell us their story to show us how powerfully He can use us ordinary people for the advancement of His kingdom.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that you have intricately woven throughout your Holy Word, the lives of ordinary people to remind us that we all can indeed make a difference for Him. To be the man & woman we were created to be.  Help each of us to boldly follow your calling.  To share the simply incredible joy found in following our Lord and Savior.  A joy that only He can provide.

In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen. (Hopp, n.d.)

 

Don Schwager quotes “Offer prayers in Christ's name,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 376-444 A.D.

"He urges the disciples to seek for spiritual gifts and at the same time gives them confidence that, if they ask for them, they will not fail to obtain them. He adds the word Amen, that he might confirm their belief that if they ask the Father for anything they would receive it from him. He would act as their mediator and make known their request and, being one with the Father, grant it. For this is what he means by 'in my name'. For we cannot draw near to God the Father in any other way than through the Son. For it is by him that we have access in the one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:8). It was because of this that he said, 'I am the door. I am the way. No one comes to the Father but by me' (John 10:7; 14:6). For as the Son is God, he being one with the Father provides good things for his sanctified people and is found to be generous of his wealth to us... Let us then offer our prayers in Christ's name. For in this way, the Father will most readily consent to them and grant his graces to those who seek them, that receiving them we may rejoice." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 18:23-28 comments that we can imitate Apollos by trying to stay hopeful and positive when someone offers us advice or tells us how we can improve. We can assume that the person speaking to us is sincerely trying to help us. Instead of feeling offended or becoming defensive, we can respond graciously and take their advice to prayer.

It’s natural to want to shy away from receiving feedback. But as we learn to accept our imperfections and embrace spiritual growth, we can expect the Holy Spirit to continue to change us. And that will help change the lives of everyone around us!

“Father, help me to grow in humility and openness of heart.” (Meditation on Acts 18:23-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses Paul preaching in Asia Minor and the appearance of Apollos who is teaching about the Baptism of John. Apollos, a Greek from Alexandria, who has the language and style of the Letter to the Hebrews is possibly the author of this letter. Friar Jude reminds us of the relations of a parent to a child that Jesus gives us with the Father through the Trinity.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Rev. Alexia Salvatierra has worked for years nurturing social justice movements that challenge the systemic evils of our time. Here she recalls a Scripture reflection that civil rights leader James M. Lawson (b. 1928) often told to emphasize the importance of the small actions we can take.

Reverend James M. Lawson … used to share with the new interns and staff his interpretation of 1 Kings 18:20–39. In the passage, Elijah is competing with the false prophets. They each build an altar of wood and pray for divine fire to come down. The fire comes down for Elijah but not for the false prophets. The wisdom that Jim would draw from the story was that Elijah’s success came from three elements—the fire, the prayer, and the wood. The fire is analogous to what happens in a movement when suddenly the number of people engaged multiplies and floods of human beings break down previously impenetrable barriers. The element of prayer is always critical. But the fire could not come down if there were no wood for it to burn. The building of the wooden altar is the slow, daily process of movement building, the endless conversations and meetings, the actions that seem to have no impact, the multiple defeats of initiatives and proposals. No human being can control when the fire comes down, but we can and must pile up the wood. (Rohr, n.d.) 

We build up our experience of the Way of Christ in the piety, study, and action that the Spirit prompts us to accept on our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 18. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?23 

Hopp, L. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052023.html 

John, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16? 

Meditation on Acts 18:23-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/05/20/685848/ 

Psalms, PSALM 47. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/47?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Evil Is a Social Reality. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/evil-is-a-social-reality-weekly-summary-2023-05-20/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=may20