Called to Be A Great Nation

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Canada Day, resonate with themes of the question of what makes a great nation.

Faith and A Great Nation

The Reading from the Prophet Amos contains a double appeal to “seek” the Lord .

* [5:1–17] These verses form a chiastic section beginning and ending with a lament over Israel (vv. 2, 16–17) and containing a double appeal to “seek” the Lord (vv. 4, 14). This editorial arrangement gives the whole section a negative cast, in effect nullifying the only hopeful verse in Amos (v. 15). Israel is as good as dead.

* [5:21–27] The prophet does not condemn cultic activity as such but rather the people’s attempt to offer worship with hands unclean from oppression of their fellow Israelites (cf. Ps 15:2–5; 24:3–4). But worship from those who disregard justice and righteousness (v. 24) is never acceptable to the God of Israel. Through the Sinai covenant the love of God and the love of neighbor are inextricably bound together. (Amos, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 50 presents what is required of the faithful and rebukes the hypocritical worshiper

* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20). (Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus heals the Gadarene Demoniacs.

* [8:28] Gadarenes: this is the reading of Codex Vaticanus, supported by other important textual witnesses. The original reading of Codex Sinaiticus was Gazarenes, later changed to Gergesenes, and a few versions have Gerasenes. Each of these readings points to a different territory connected, respectively, with the cities Gadara, Gergesa, and Gerasa (modern Jerash). There is the same confusion of readings in the parallel texts, Mk 5:1 and Lk 8:26; there the best reading seems to be “Gerasenes,” whereas “Gadarenes” is probably the original reading in Matthew. The town of Gadara was about five miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee, and Josephus (Life 9:42) refers to it as possessing territory that lay on that sea. Two demoniacs: Mark (5:1–20) has one.

* [8:29] What have you to do with us?: see note on Jn 2:4. Before the appointed time: the notion that evil spirits were allowed by God to afflict human beings until the time of the final judgment is found in Enoch 16:1 and Jubilees 10:7–10.

* [8:30] The tending of pigs, animals considered unclean by Mosaic law (Lv 11:6–7), indicates that the population was Gentile. (Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jeanne Schuler of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, notes that as the United States celebrates her nation’s founding, what appears exceptional is entwined with injustice. 

 

We are a remarkable nation settled by immigrants and dedicated to freedom.  We are a nation that enslaved Africans to grow prosperous and decimated native people by taking their land.  Our achievements fill us with pride; what underlies the hoopla unsettles us.  Both matter.  Like our ancestors, we cannot be complacent.  There is work to be done.

In the gospel, two persons are ravaged by destructive spirits.  Their rage and violence make travel near the tombs dangerous.  How do we determine what is good?  Jesus shows mercy to both the men and spirits.  He heals those afflicted with madness and heeds the pleas of the spirits to enter the swine.  Pigs were seen by Jewish people as unclean.  The townspeople, however, view the herd’s demise differently. (Schuler, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ is triumphant over the forces of demons,” by Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD)

"[Jesus] said to them, 'Go!' The foul-smelling animals are delivered up, not at the will of the demons but to show how savage the demons can become against humans. They ardently seek to destroy and dispossess all that is, acts, moves and lives. They seek the death of people. The ancient enmity of deep-rooted wrath and malice is in store for the human race. Demons do not give up easily unless they are forcibly overcome. They are doing the harm they are ordered to do. Therefore the foul-smelling animals are delivered up that it may be made clear to the demons that they have permission to enter the swine but not to enter humans. It is by our vices that we empower them to do harm. Similarly, by our power of faith we tread on the necks of demons. They become subject to us under Christ who is triumphant." (excerpt from SERMONS 16.8)

[Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD) was a renowned preacher and bishop of Ravena in the 5th century] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 comments that God is calling us to “seek good.” He is calling us to actively look for ways we can build up our loved ones and relieve other people’s suffering.

So take the time to listen to a friend who is struggling, and offer to pray with them. Invite a coworker out for coffee, and let them sense how valuable they are to the Lord. Show up with some groceries at the door of a neighbor with financial troubles—or invite them over for dinner.

Seek good! Love the Lord and love your neighbor! It’s the most joy-filled, fulfilling life you’ll ever know!

“Lord, help me to seek and do good to others.” (Meditation on Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from Amos proclaims conversion for the people from evil to good. Amos proclaims that  God is sick of hypocritical worship and going through motions without change for the poor of the country who live in great contrast to the rich. Amos warns that we can’t bribe God. The healing of the demoniacs in Matthew 28 is a parallel to the account in Mark even though there are two demonics in two different events. The demonics were living in a location where the Jews thought was unclean. The “Son of God” is a true recognition from the demonics possessed by spiritual creatures who knew Jesus' divinity.  Swine was raised by non Jews who drowned themselves because the demons caused them to flee Jesus. Friar Jude comments that they beg Jesus to leave the neighbourhood and are frightened by the potential for loss of their herds.

The reflection from the Centre for Contemplation and Action, founded by Father Richard Rohr, OFM, today begins with two quotes.

I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

—Genesis 12:1–4

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

—John 3:16

Brian McLaren reflects on how God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–4 softened the exclusive way his evangelical tradition has sometimes interpreted John 3:16. McLaren summarizes the way that John 3:16 has often been taught, and contrasts it with the biblical message of blessing, which is always to love and bless others.

That is the way many people [have been] taught John 3:16. All you have to do is raise your hand, say yes to the privileges promised to those who are chosen, and you will be pronounced as a “born again Christian,” which means you would have a free ticket to safety, security, and enjoyment in heaven for yourself and yourself alone, forever.

But that is not what Genesis 12 or John 3:16 are actually about, contrary to a very popular belief. God chooses Abram, not for elite and exclusive privilege for his descendants alone, but for deep responsibility and service for all the nations of the world. God chooses Abram not to the exclusion of others, but to the benefit and blessing of others. As Lesslie Newbigin said, you can’t claim God’s blessings for yourself, your race, your culture, or your religion, and leave out and “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”…

God’s desire, Jesus says, is not to condemn everyone or anyone, but to save everyone. In other words, divine blessing is not exclusive; it is instrumental. We are not blessed to the exclusion of others; we are blessed to be a blessing to others, so that through us, others can be included in the generous circle of divine blessing. (McLaren, n.d.)

We invoke the Holy Spirit as we contemplate the characteristics of the people of a great nation who reject hypocritical worship and injustice. People of great nations free injured people from demons and put into action God's blessing for all the people of the world.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/5? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/8?28 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-came-for-everyone/ 

Meditation on Amos 5:14-15, 21-24. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/01/1606059/ 

Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50? 

Schuler, J. (2026, July 1). Daily Reflection July 1, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-1-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Frees Those Who Are Bound Up. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 1, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Spirit Scripture and Support

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, invite us to reflect on our spiritual rebirth and the support we acquire from Scripture and the Spirit.

Support from St Catherine

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Life in the Christian Community.

* [4:32–37] This is the second summary characterizing the Jerusalem community (see note on Acts 2:42–47). It emphasizes the system of the distribution of goods and introduces Barnabas, who appears later in Acts as the friend and companion of Paul, and who, as noted here (Acts 4:37), endeared himself to the community by a donation of money through the sale of property. This sharing of material possessions continues a practice that Luke describes during the historical ministry of Jesus (Lk 8:3) and is in accord with the sayings of Jesus in Luke’s gospel (Lk 12:33; 16:9, 11, 13). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 93 is a hymn celebrating the kingship of God.

* [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Ps 93:1–2) by defeating the sea (Ps 93:3–4). In the ancient myth that is alluded to here, Sea completely covered the land, making it impossible for the human community to live. Sea, or Flood, roars in anger against God, who is personified in the storm. God’s utterances or decrees are given authority by the victory over Sea (Ps 93:5). (Psalms, PSALM 93 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Nicodemus ‘You must be born from above.’

* [3:8] Wind: the Greek word pneuma (as well as the Hebrew rûah) means both “wind” and “spirit.” In the play on the double meaning, “wind” is primary.

* [3:14] Lifted up: in Nm 21:9 Moses simply “mounted” a serpent upon a pole. John here substitutes a verb implying glorification. Jesus, exalted to glory at his cross and resurrection, represents healing for all.

* [3:15] Eternal life: used here for the first time in John, this term stresses quality of life rather than duration. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Martha Slocombe asks how many times have we gotten a recommendation from someone we love and trust and ignored it?

So often we hear testimony of a vibrant life with the eternal one – a.k.a. God – from scripture, from our pastor or priest, or a friend, and we do nothing. We wait for a future time when we can absorb it. We leave a proverbial tab open, knowing we will likely never get around to viewing it, let alone being inspired by it. 

So invite you today to pause, to be present, to read these words of scripture, to allow yourself to be moved by them, to find God in them, and to live into them more deeply and fully. (Slocombe, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “He descended so that we might ascend,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Spiritual birth happens when human beings, being earthly, become heavenly. And this can only happen when they are made members of me. So that he may ascend who descended, since no one ascends who did not descend. Therefore everyone who needs to be changed and raised must meet together in a union with Christ so that the Christ who descended may ascend, considering his body (that is to say, his church)6 as nothing other than himself." (ON THE MERITS AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND ON INFANT BAPTISM 1.60) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 4:32-37 comments that Blessed Frédéric Ozanam is a more contemporary example of someone who, like the early Christians, looked beyond himself to the needs of the people around him.

Most of us don’t live in as close-knit a community as the first Christians, where everything was held in common. Nor would many of us be able, like Barnabas, to sell our property, donate it to our local parish, and still be able to care for ourselves and our families. But God still calls us to bear witness to Jesus through acts of generosity and loving service that line up with our circumstances. So ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see the needs around you. Sharing some of your resources, including your time and attention, can make a big difference!

“Lord, show me how I can share the blessings you have given me.” (Meditation on Acts 4:32-37, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on one of descriptions in Acts of the community at prayer. We are reminded to balance the “Pollyanna” description of Luke with a realistic look at our occasions of missing the mark. Friar Jude reminds us that John emphasizes the sign of the Son of Man being lifted up on the Cross as glory and love.

A Special Note from Fr. Richard Rohr in his 83rd year.

 

I’m delightfully surprised I am still writing to you! God has given me more time and energy than I could ever have hoped for. Lately, I’ve been reflecting—sometimes even dreaming at night—about my time in college, my years intensely studying theology, and how earnest yet ego-driven I was to get ordained and become a priest. But I am immensely grateful for how God has used it all.

Throughout all these years I’ve tried to pass my words through three gates: “Is it true? Is it loving? Is it necessary?” Because we must be sustained by a sense of what we are for, and not just what we are against. The contemplative path isn’t primarily about learning—it’s about living. Through contemplation, we begin to see differently, to love more deeply, and to act with courage. Spreading this message seems to be needed now more than ever, and with your support, that is exactly what we will do. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the tripod of piety, study, and action that is presented by the texts today and seek the guidance of the Spirit as we support the understanding and well being of the people in our environment. 

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/4?32 

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?7 

Meditation on Acts 4:32-37. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/04/29/1264642/ 

Psalms, PSALM 93 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/93?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Special Note. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-special-note-from-fr-richard-ripples-of-loving-action/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=apr29 

Slocombe, M. (2025, April 29). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/042925.html 

Teaching with Authority

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to faith that prayer is the Way to gratitude for the plan of God for our lives. 

Prayer and Study

The reading from the First Book of Samuel is Hannah’s Prayer to bear a son.

* [1:11] No razor…: the Septuagint adds “he shall drink neither wine nor liquor.” This addition is a further suggestion that Samuel is dedicated to God under a nazirite vow (Nm 6:4–5); see note on v. 22.

* [1:20] Samuel: Hannah’s explanation associates her son’s name with the narrative’s wordplay on the Hebrew verbs s’l (“ask,” vv. 17, 27), his’il (“hand over, dedicate,” v. 28), sa’ul (“dedicated,” v. 28), and the noun se’elah (“request,” vv. 17, 27). The name, however, is related to the Hebrew root s’l only through assonance. It means “his name is El/God,” not “the one requested of or dedicated (sa’ul) to God” (v. 28), which is the meaning of the name Saul. The author may have lifted the s’l wordplay from a narrative about Saul to portray Samuel as God’s gracious answer to Hannah’s request. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

In the response from 1 Samuel 2 Hannah prayed.

* [2:1–10] Hannah appeals to a God who maintains order by keeping human affairs in balance, reversing the fortunes of the arrogant, who, like Peninnah, boast of their good fortune (vv. 1, 3, 9) at the expense of those like Hannah who receive less from the Lord. Hannah’s admission places her among the faithful who trust that God will execute justice on their behalf. The reference “his king ... his anointed” (v. 10) recalls the final sentence of the Book of Judges and introduces the kingship theme that dominates the Books of Samuel. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals the Man with an Unclean Spirit.

* [1:21–45] The account of a single day’s ministry of Jesus on a sabbath in and outside the synagogue of Capernaum (Mk 1:21–31) combines teaching and miracles of exorcism and healing. Mention is not made of the content of the teaching but of the effect of astonishment and alarm on the people. Jesus’ teaching with authority, making an absolute claim on the hearer, was in the best tradition of the ancient prophets, not of the scribes.

* [1:23] An unclean spirit: so called because of the spirit’s resistance to the holiness of God. The spirit knows and fears the power of Jesus to destroy his influence; cf. Mk 1:32, 34; 3:11; 6:13.

* [1:24–25] The Holy One of God: not a confession but an attempt to ward off Jesus’ power, reflecting the notion that use of the precise name of an opposing spirit would guarantee mastery over him. Jesus silenced the cry of the unclean spirit and drove him out of the man.

* [1:24] What have you to do with us?: see note on Jn 2:4. (Mark, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

David Crawford comments that in our dark moments, we may define ourselves by our shortcomings – and assume that everyone else does, too.  We may feel “exiled” by society, either for a mistake we have made but possibly (like Hannah) through no fault of our own.  Some may hide their pain in public, but the hurt is no less real.

It is helpful for me to remember that our ever-present, loving God offers hope; and that we who follow Christ and have the Holy Spirit in us are often the instruments of that hope.  It is incumbent on me – on each one of us – to shine the light of love for those who are in their dark moments.  We may not know what to say, but just reaching out lets those folks know they are not alone, and the divine sparks in us may light the divine spark in them.

Loving God, we find our hope in you and we place our trust in you.  Holy Spirit, fill us to overflowing so that we show your love to all we encounter. (Crawford, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Knowing without loving,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 

"Those words show clearly that the demons had much knowledge, but entirely lacked love. They dreaded receiving their punishment from him. They did not love the righteousness that was in him. He made himself known to them to the extent he willed; and he willed to be made known to the extent that was fitting. But he was not made known to them as he is known to the holy angels, who enjoy participation in his eternity, in that he is the Word of God. To the demons he is known as he had to be made known, by striking terror into them, for his purpose was to free from their tyrannical power all who were predestined for his kingdom and glory, which is eternally true and truly eternal. Therefore, he did not make himself known to the demons as the life eternal, and the unchangeable light which illuminates his true worshipers, whose hearts are purified by faith in him so that they see that light. He was known to the demons through certain temporal effects of his power, the signs of his hidden presence, which could be more evident to their senses, even those of malignant spirits, than to the weak perception of human beings. (excerpt from CITY OF GOD 9.21) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Samuel 1:9-20 comments that in the face of seemingly unanswered prayers, it’s tempting to move away from God instead of toward him. It’s tempting to give up on him and remain locked in sorrow and frustration. But God does work when we pray. Our prayers may feel inadequate, and our faith may seem too small. But our Father sees to it that no prayer goes unnoticed. No act of faith or trust goes unrewarded. He doesn’t want us to wait until we’ve ironed out all our problems before we come to him. What good would that do anyway? We would have no needs to bring to him!

This is one of the greatest blessings of prayer: you can come to the Lord no matter who you are or what you have done. He welcomes you with open arms, even when you don’t think you deserve it. He loves to hear what is upsetting you, and he loves to offer you his help and his grace. Hannah herself would testify that it’s not always easy to come to the Lord like this. But she will also tell you that it is well worth it!

“Lord, thank you for your generosity. Help me to come to you in humility and honesty.” (Meditation on 1 Samuel 1:9-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the annunciation of the birth of Samuel. Eli blesses Hannah praying to the Lord and Hannah conceives Samuel “God listens”. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus came to serve not to be served as He exercises the authority of God to silence the unclean spirit.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Sallie McFague (1933–2019), who teaches facing the truth of the world’s crises is the first step toward loving action and change. She describes a faith-filled hope that grounds our engagement with a world on fire.

As we consider the basis for our hope, let us recall who God is. We must and can change our ways, live justly and sustainably on our planet, because of God, not because of ourselves. The hope we have lies in the radical transcendence of God…. God’s transcendence—God’s power of creative, redeeming, and sustaining love—is closer to us than we are to ourselves. God is the milieu, the source, of power and love in which our world, our fragile, deteriorating world, exists. The world is not left to fend for itself, nor is God “in addition” to anything, everything. Rather, God is the life, love, truth, goodness, and beauty that empower the universe and shine out from it….

Thus, “mysticism” is simply this awareness of God’s presence in and through and with everything for its well-being…. Curiously, this faith, not in ourselves, but in God, can free us to live lives of radical change. Perhaps it is the only thing that can. We do not rely on such hope as a way to escape personal responsibility—“Let God do it”—but rather this hope frees us from the pressure of outcomes so that we can add our best efforts to the task at hand. (Rohr, 2024)

We ponder the authority of Jesus teaching as we bring our petitions to God in prayer and accept our role in His Mission.

References

Crawford, D. (2024, January 9). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/010924.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/1?21 

Meditation on 1 Samuel 1:9-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/01/09/872559/ 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/1?9 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/2?1 

Rohr, R. (2024, January 9). What Is Our Task? Care and Hope. — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/what-is-our-task-care-and-hope/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Taught with Authority. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 9, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jan9