Universal Love

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to reconsider if the scope of our mission as followers of Christ is truly “catholic”.

Universal Love

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul responds to Accusations before Gallio and  Returns to Syrian Antioch.

* [18:12] When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia: Gallio’s proconsulship in Achaia is dated to A.D. 51–52 from an inscription discovered at Delphi. This has become an important date in establishing a chronology of the life and missionary work of Paul.

* [18:13] Contrary to the law: Gallio (Acts 18:15) understands this to be a problem of Jewish, not Roman, law.

* [18:18] He had his hair cut because he had taken a vow: a reference to a Nazirite vow (see Nm 6:1–21, especially, 6:18) taken by Paul (see also Acts 21:23–27). (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). (Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus restates His teaching on departure and return.

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

Greg Dyche understands “in the name of” to mean “for the sake of the mission”. Jesus seems eager to further the mission, so if we ask for something in His name, God is going to answer.

The answer won’t always be what I think the mission needs or when I think the mission needs it, but God will answer for the sake of the mission. God has already given His Son for the sake of the mission, what else would he hold back?

I believe in the mission. I believe I am a part of the mission. If you’re reading this, we are on the mission together. That idea makes me a little happier. We aren’t alone, no matter how it feels at times. Let’s pray together, in the name of Jesus, that we can love others. And let’s do it together. (Dyche, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Alleluia will be our whole joy,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"I trust I will not weary you if I mention what you know already: that we say ALLELUIA daily and that we take delight in it daily. For you know that ALLELUIA means "Praise God" and by this expression we, agreeing in speech and thought, exhort one another to praise God. Only the one who displeases God in no respect praises God in security. Furthermore, in this time of journeying we say ALLELUIA for solace on our way. ALLELUIA is the song of the traveler for us; but we are advancing through a laborious path to a peaceful country where all our activities will be laid aside and nothing will remain for us except the ALLELUIA. Let us sing now, not for the delights of peace, but for comfort in our labor. Sing as travelers are accustomed to sing; comfort your labor by singing; do not love inactivity; keep singing and keep progressing. ...If you are advancing; progress in well-doing, progress in good faith, progress in good deeds. Keep singing and keep advancing. While we are here let us sing ALLELUIA though we are still beset with cares, so that in the future we may sing it there (in heaven) in tranquility. After the labors of this world there will be unceasing repetition of ALLELUIA. ..There ALLELUIA will be our food; ALLELUIA will be our drink; ALLELUIA will be our peaceful action; ALLELUIA will be our whole joy." [excerpts from Sermon 255 (1); Sermon 256 (1 and 3); Sermon 252 (9)] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 16:20-23 comments about our joy to know that we belong to Christ and that we have access to him at any time! That includes both the challenging times as well as the happy times. We can hear his assurance that he is with us when we are feeling burdened, and we can feel him rejoicing with us in the good times. Every day we can taste the sweetness of knowing that we are precious to him.

So let your heart rejoice! Jesus has promised that you will see him—that you can see him—right here and right now. And ask the Spirit to help you keep your eyes open for his presence within you and his work in the world and in the people around you.

“Lord Jesus, I rejoice in your presence!” (Meditation on John 16:20-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments Paul remained a long time in Corinth. The Spirit often speaks in dreams and we must discern carefully. Paul stayed there over a year. Gallio, proconsul of Achaia, was the brother of Seneca and the trial occurred around 51 CE. In Acts and Luke, Rome tries not to condemn Christians who are people who respect the Law. Paul makes a vow and in the tradition of Nazarites he shaves his head. In New Testament times it was a temporary vow and the head was shaved and hair still belongs to God. In Acts, Paul still follows some Jewish customs. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks about suffering for Jesus and His disciples. They have pain like the woman in labour and they will give birth to something wonderful. Friar Jude reminds us that followers of Jesus must die to self and serve others. We are invited into the Love of the Cross by God.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Matthew Fox who traces the universal nature of Julian’s message of mystical hope and divine love. When she celebrates the beauty of being human, she again makes explicit that she is talking about all and not some sectarian group. “God made us so rich and noble in our essence that all we can do is strive to enact his will and honor him in all things. “In God’s sight, all humanity is one person, and all people are a single humanity.”… [1] For Julian, the traditional teaching of the church as the mystical body of Christ is extended to the entire human race.

When she celebrates the beauty of being human, she again makes explicit that she is talking about all and not some sectarian group. “God made us so rich and noble in our essence that all we can do is strive to enact his will and honor him in all things. When I say ‘we,’ I mean all true spiritual seekers.” [2] When she says “all,” she means all. This would include, in our time, all versions of Christians and all Jews, all Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, Muslims, goddess worshippers, those of indigenous religions, and those of no religions, whether agnostic or atheist. That is how ecumenical she is—and in the fourteenth century, no less. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the universal love of God and invoke the Spirit to inspire our actions to be disciples of love, compassion, and care for all people, the Mystical Body of Christ, we encounter.

References

Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/18?9 

Dyche, G. (2026, May 15). Daily Reflection May 15, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-15-2026 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16 

Meditation on John 16:20-23. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/15/1568198/ 

Psalms, PSALM 47 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?20 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/god-dwells-in-all/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Fed by Faith

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to continue Jesus' mission of feeding our faith that the Good Shepherd feeds us in green pastures beside still waters.

Loaves and Life

In the reading from the Second Book of Kings, Elisha feeds One Hundred Men.

[4:42–44] Mt 14:13–21; 15:32–38; Mk 6:34–44; 8:1–9; Lk 9:10–17; Jn 6:1–13

Psalm 145 praises the Greatness and the Goodness of God.

* [Psalm 145] A hymn in acrostic form; every verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostic poems usually do not develop ideas but consist rather of loosely connected statements. The singer invites all to praise God (Ps 145:1–3, 21). The “works of God” make God present and invite human praise (Ps 145:4–7); they climax in a confession (Ps 145:8–9). God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship (Ps 145:10–20), a major theme in the literature of early Judaism and in Christianity. (Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to the Ephesians exhorts us to unity in the Body of Christ.

* [4:1–16] A general plea for unity in the church. Christians have been fashioned through the Spirit into a single harmonious religious community (one body, Eph 4:4, 12; cf. Eph 4:16), belonging to a single Lord (in contrast to the many gods of the pagan world), and by one way of salvation through faith, brought out especially by the significance of baptism (Eph 4:1–6; cf. Rom 6:1–11).

* [4:4–6] The “seven unities” (church, Spirit, hope; Lord, faith in Christ [Eph 1:13], baptism; one God) reflect the triune structure of later creeds in reverse. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus feeding the Five Thousand.

* [6:1–15] This story of the multiplication of the loaves is the fourth sign (cf. note on Jn 5:1–47). It is the only miracle story found in all four gospels (occurring twice in Mark and Matthew). See notes on Mt 14:13–21; 15:32–39. John differs on the roles of Philip and Andrew, the proximity of Passover (Jn 6:4), and the allusion to Elisha (see Jn 6:9). The story here symbolizes the food that is really available through Jesus. It connotes a new exodus and has eucharistic overtones.

* [6:1] [Of Tiberias]: the awkward apposition represents a later name of the Sea of Galilee. It was probably originally a marginal gloss.

* [6:5] Jesus takes the initiative (in the synoptics, the disciples do), possibly pictured as (cf. Jn 6:14) the new Moses (cf. Nm 11:13).

* [6:6] Probably the evangelist’s comment; in this gospel Jesus is never portrayed as ignorant of anything.

* [6:7] Days’ wages: literally, “denarii”; a Roman denarius is a day’s wage in Mt 20:2.

* [6:9] Barley loaves: the food of the poor. There seems an allusion to the story of Elisha multiplying the barley bread in 2 Kgs 4:42–44.

* [6:10] Grass: implies springtime, and therefore Passover. Five thousand: so Mk 6:39, 44 and parallels.

* [6:13] Baskets: the word describes the typically Palestinian wicker basket, as in Mk 6:43 and parallels. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard asks what is happening between Jesus and Philip?  Both the servant and Philip are trying to solve the practical problem of feeding a large crowd with not nearly enough food and not enough money.

This has happened to me on more than one occasion.  I get stuck in my head trying to figure out the logistics of Jesus’ invitation, whatever it is. When I move from my head to my heart, I open up to Jesus. This is not a head calculation; this is a matter for the heart. This is a matter of faith, of being in a trusting, open relationship with Jesus. In my heart I can more readily receive Jesus, not try to cram Jesus into my brain. As if there will come a time when I will be able to unravel the mystery of God.  That is a hope and prayer unworthy of us. It will never happen. We can hope for and trust in his mercy and love.

Jesus never said your title has saved you. Jesus says over and over again, “your faith has saved you”.  “Do not be afraid.” “Trust me, follow me, love each other as I have loved you.” “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.”  Jesus was teaching Philip that he could never feed the crowds or anything else outside of their oneness.  Their relationship, as ours, must be based on faith, hope, trust, generosity and above all else Love of God. (Blandin Howard, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “God enables us,” by Leo the Great, 400-461 A.D.

"In rendering service to the grace of God, we are not only made subject to our King through obedience but are even joined to him through the will. If we are of one mind with him (willing what he wills, disapproving of what he disapproves), he himself will bring us victory in all our battles. He who has given the 'will' will bestow also the ability. In this way can we 'cooperate' with his works, speaking that prophetic utterance in the exultation of faith: 'The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?'" (excerpt from Sermon 26,4,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:1-15 comments that everything about this sign speaks of the abundance of God’s provision for his people.

Jesus wants to help you come to believe in him, know him personally, and experience his abundance. Just as he gave signs to his disciples, he gives you signs to help you grow in faith. They’re all around you, and Jesus loves to help you recognize them. So ask the Spirit to open your eyes to see the Lord’s power, faithfulness, and love in your life—and rejoice! They may not be neon signs, but they will help you grow to believe in Jesus more and more each day.

“Thank you, Lord, for the signs of your presence all around me!” (Meditation on John 6:1-15, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Elisha is presented as a wonder worker able to multiply barley loaves and present a foreshadowing of Jesus' multiplication of loaves and fish that is present in all the Gospels. The Letter to the Ephesians, written in the name of Paul, calls us to unity in humility and patience striving to live a life of virtue. Friar Jude reminds us of the allusions to Psalm 23 and the Eucharist in the Gospel today from John.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on Jesus’ teaching on the reign of God presented in Matthew’s Gospel. In the second century, the Christian people started calling themselves the “catholic” people. Too few of us were taught that catholic simply means universal in Greek. From the beginning, Christians recognized that their message was not for any one ethnic group or nation, but in fact was about how things eternally are everywhere, all the time.

We know we’re living in God’s Big Picture when we can see God in all cultures, in all social classes, and even in all religions. We have to stop thinking that any one religion has God in its pocket, or controls God, or that God only likes certain people who happen to be Christians. Would God be that stingy? Would God be that small and petty to only love people like me? I hope not. Because it’s precisely this great heart of God that is able to love all of God’s children. Jesus comes to the land of the Gentiles to proclaim a God for the universal kingdom. 

Every time we pray “thy kingdom come” we’re praying that God can grant, and we can participate in, a universal, truly “catholic” world where all of us can love one another without distinction, and without discrimination. I’m afraid we have to admit that we haven’t gotten very far yet. We still have not caught up with Jesus. We prefer to live in our smaller kingdoms instead of the universal kingdom of God. (Rohr, n.d.)

We express gratitude that Jesus continues to feed our needs by the Spirit calling us to unity as children of God.

References

Blandin Howard, J. (2024, July 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072824.html 

Ephesians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/4?1 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?11 

Meditation on John 6:1-15. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/07/28/1034323/ 

Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/145?10 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Living Inside the Big Picture. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/living-inside-the-big-picture/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jul28 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/4?42