Sustained and Supported

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today nudge us to test situations for alignment with the Will of God even as we are open to responding with our talents to address the needs and hunger of those less fortunate.

Loaves and Love

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents a question if God is not the origin of this movement.

* [5:34] Gamaliel: in Acts 22:3, Paul identifies himself as a disciple of this Rabbi Gamaliel I who flourished in Jerusalem between A.D. 25 and 50.

* [5:36–37] Gamaliel offers examples of unsuccessful contemporary movements to argue that if God is not the origin of this movement preached by the apostles it will perish by itself. The movement initiated by Theudas actually occurred when C. Cuspius Fadus was governor, A.D. 44–46. Luke’s placing of Judas the Galilean after Theudas and at the time of the census (see note on Lk 2:1–2) is an indication of the vagueness of his knowledge of these events. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 asserts boundless hope that God will bring rescue.

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Ps 27:1–3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (Ps 27:4–6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus' Multiplication of the Loaves.

* [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.

* [6:14] The Prophet: probably the prophet like Moses (see note on Jn 1:21). The one who is to come into the world: probably Elijah; cf. Mal 3:1, 23. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth comments that during Vietnam, peace activist Daniel Berrigan S.J., asked himself if he was drowning in bad news because he was failing to be good news. We should start our journey back to hope by asking how we can become “good news” to others. Since cruelty  seems to motivate  the treatment of migrants,  the poor, people of color and people with disabilities, how can we combat it?

Jesus told us to welcome the stranger and to care for the least of our brothers and sisters. If we believe this, we must actively obey these commands.  The possibilities are endless.  If you’re upset about the defunding of food banks, increase your donations or volunteer.  Support clinics serving people losing health care funding. Get involved with homeless shelters, services to children, schools and libraries – wherever you can make a difference. Get political if you choose but above all, don’t be a spectator while people suffer. (Wirth, 2025)

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 Acts 5:34-42 asks how can we know if we are on the right track when it comes to understanding God’s will? We can follow Gamaliel’s example. We can acknowledge the limitations of our fallen, human ideas and approach puzzling situations with humility and caution. We can pray, “Lord, help me to know your heart and your will in this situation.

Whatever happens, be assured of this: the Lord is glad that you asked! He is glad that you are taking steps to understand him better. And he’s even more glad that you’re not trying to tell him what to do! He knows it means that you are growing in the way of wisdom—the same wisdom that Gamaliel had.

“Lord, show me how to listen patiently for your direction. Jesus, keep me from ever fighting against you!” (Meditation on Acts 5:34-42, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the advice of Gamaliel, a celebrated rabbi who was a teacher of Paul, that the Sanhedrin should not do anything in concern for the Will of God. The details of the feeding 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). Friar Jude reminds us of the resonance of the Gospel with Psalm 23, the Didache instruction on the celebration of Eucharist, and the response of Jesus to being misunderstood as a “problem solver”. The video series “Chosen” presents a thoughtful and human response presentation of this event in Jesus ministry. 

Brian McLaren considers Francis of Assisi’s celebrated affinity for nature. Saint Francis is probably best known for the “Canticle of the Sun,” the song of praise he wrote in 1225. Sister Joan Brown, former executive director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, responds to McLaren’s question: “What does it mean for a person to be a Franciscan and to feel themselves part of a Franciscan movement?”

One of the things that appealed to me about the Franciscan life is that it’s a life of prayer and action, action and prayer, back and forth, one feeding the other…. I started down the path of becoming a Secular Franciscan [2], and I thought, I’m going to do this prayer and then I’m going to take action. Then I realized there was … something far more basic, which was my simply being in the present moment and seeing the humanity of every person in front of me and seeing the living earth. I realized I’d gone my whole life sort of objectifying and categorizing, hardly seeing living things. I was seeing them as things. I was seeing people in categories. I had to develop a whole new awareness, an ability to respond and live in the present moment, so that I could be open to what is mine to do.  (McLaren, n.d.)

We are called to prayer and action that will make Present the love, compassion, and mercy of Christ in our response to be signs of Providence meeting the needs of the people.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5?34 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?1 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). A Franciscan Perspective. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-franciscan-perspective/ 

Meditation on Acts 5:34-42. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/02/1265891/ 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Miraculous Sign of Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may2 

Wirth, E. (2025, May 2). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050225.html 

Workers with Persistence

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the persistent efforts needed to support goodness and remind us to respond to the persistent needs of the less fortunate.

Respond to Persistent Needs

The reading from the Third Letter of John urges support for Co-workers with the Truth.

* [5] You are faithful in all you do: Gaius’s aid to the missionaries is a manifestation of his true Christian faith.

* [6] Help them…to continue their journey: the Presbyter asks Gaius not only to continue to welcome the missionaries to his community but also to equip them for further travels.

* [7] The Name: of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 5:41; 1 Jn 2:12; 3:23; 5:13). Accepting nothing: not expecting support from the pagans to whom they preach the gospel, so that they will not be considered as beggars; they required support from other Christians; cf. Paul’s complaints to the Corinthians (1 Cor 9:3–12). (3 John, THE THIRD LETTER OF JOHN | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 112 declares the Blessings of the Righteous.

* [Psalm 112] An acrostic poem detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by obedience to the commandments. Among their blessings are children (Ps 112:2), wealth that enables them to be magnanimous (Ps 112:3, 5, 9), and virtue by which they encourage others (Ps 112:4). The just person is an affront to the wicked, whose hopes remain unfulfilled (Ps 112:10). The logic resembles Ps 1; 111.

* [112:3] Righteousness: in the Second Temple period the word acquired the nuance of liberality and almsgiving, cf. Sir 3:30; 7:10; Mt 6:1–4. (Psalms, PSALM 112, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge.

* [18:1–14] The particularly Lucan material in the travel narrative concludes with two parables on prayer. The first (Lk 18:1–8) teaches the disciples the need of persistent prayer so that they not fall victims to apostasy (Lk 18:8). …

* [18:5] Strike me: the Greek verb translated as strike means “to strike under the eye” and suggests the extreme situation to which the persistence of the widow might lead. It may, however, be used here in the much weaker sense of “to wear one out.” (Luke, CHAPTER 18, n.d.)

George Butterfield notes how local Christians tended to welcome them into their home and give them food and a place to rest before moving on. St. John encourages them to help and support them, not only with food and shelter, but with the finances they need to continue their journey.

This is a beautiful teaching, but would you be surprised that people took advantage of it? Hey, people will pay my way to travel, wine and dine me at each stop, and I don’t have to really be a prophet at all. This became a real problem in the early Church.

There are people who take advantage of the generosity of others. However, St. John and the psalmist encourage us to be generous. No matter what the motives are of those who ask for help, we will not be judged based on their motives but on whether or not we are kind and generous. The writer to the Hebrews says that we should practice hospitality. Who knows – it could be an angel that we are ministering to. (Butterfield, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Persistent prayer transforms iniquity and wickedness into mercy,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD).

"How was that unjust judge immoral and wicked? How was the upright judge gracious and just? The first in his iniquity was not willing to vindicate the widow, and in his wickedness, he was not willing to put her mind at rest. The justice of God knows how to vindicate, and his grace discerns how to give life. The iniquity of this wicked judge was contrary to the justice of God, and the wickedness of this rebel was in opposition to the grace of the gentle One. His wickedness therefore was stubbornness, for it dared to go against the fear of God. His boldness was stubborn, for it refused the lowly person."

"These two were stubborn, but persistent prayer was even more stubborn. The persistence of the widow humiliated both the iniquity that was rebelling against God and the boldness that was behaving arrogantly towards human beings. She subjected them to her will, so that they might provide her with a vindication over her adversary. Persistence transformed these two bitter branches, and they bore sweet fruit that was against their nature. The iniquity of the judge brought about a righteous judgment and a just retribution for the falsely accused woman. His wickedness gave peace to the afflicted one, although iniquity does not know how to judge, and wickedness does not know how to give refreshment. Persistence forced these two evil and bitter branches to give good fruit against their nature. If we persist in prayer, we should be even more able to prevail on the grace and justice of God to give us fruit that agrees with their nature. Let justice vindicate us, and let grace refresh us. Accordingly, the fruit of justice is the just reward of the oppressed, while the giving of refreshment to the afflicted is the fruit of grace." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 16.16.6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 18:1-8 comments that our heavenly Father treasures persistence because he knows what it can produce in his children. Persistence keeps our eyes fixed on him, and it helps us open our hearts to his will.

Your Father loves persistence because he can do great things in you when you persist in prayer. So take a moment now to bring your needs to him. Start with some words of thanks for who he is. Recall that he is the Lord who created you and loves you. Let him know your heart is open to receive whatever he has for you. And don’t give up!

“Lord God, hear my prayer! I trust in you, my loving Father.” (Meditation on Luke 18:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the message of the Third Letter of John encouraging communities to accept strangers and show hospitality. In the Didache, from the first century, the disciple who stays for two days is true, but after three days, kick him out. Friar Jude reminds us to pray insistently for the things we really need and accept the response that God gives us.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley who suggests that to put on the “mind of Christ” is to experience our connection to God and others, and to act accordingly.

 

To enter the mind of Christ is to realize our oneness with the faces we see on television in the evening news. It is to realize we are one with that homeless person we saw going through the trash receptacle. The woman at the local market, the man who comes to check our gas meter, and all who have hurt us, abandoned us, and have otherwise wronged us, along with all the women and men we have never met—we are to realize that we are equally, fully one with every blessed one of them. We are to give witness to this awareness … and we are to put this love into action by the ways in which we treat others, and by what we are willing to do for them as expressions of our love for them.  (Rohr, n.d.) 

We seek enlightenment of the Spirit to be responsive to the persistence of our fellow humans to achieve justice and support in their struggles.

References

Butterfield, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111624.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 18. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/18? 

Meditation on Luke 18:1-8. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/16/1130594/ 

Psalms, PSALM 112. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/112?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Reconnecting to Our Source: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/we-are-not-separate-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Always Pray and Do Not Lose Heart. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov16 

3 John, THE THIRD LETTER OF JOHN | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 16, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/3john/1?5