Golden Heart for Help

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine our desires and hunger and how they align with the mission for Christians to address the real needs of our communities.

A Heart for Love

The Reading from the First Book of Kings proclaims that Jeroboam’s Cultic Innovations lead to Divine Disapproval.

* [12:26–31] At the center of the story of Jeroboam the narrator describes how the king went beyond the political separation of Israel from Judah to create a separatist religious system as well. Jeroboam feared that continued worship in the single Temple in Jerusalem would threaten the political independence of his kingdom. To prevent this he established sanctuaries with non-levitical clergy in his own territory. At two of the sanctuaries he set up golden calves, which the narrator depicts as idols. Thus begins what will later be called “the sin of Jeroboam” (13:34), a theme that will be echoed throughout 1–2 Kings in the condemnations of almost every king of the Northern Kingdom. Historically, Jeroboam’s innovations were not as heterodox as our narrative portrays them. Bethel was an ancient and traditional site for worship of the Lord; and the calves were probably intended to be a dais for the deity invisibly enthroned upon them, rather like the cherubim atop the ark of the covenant. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [13:11–34] The next major unit illustrates how Jeroboam’s cultic innovations begin to alienate prophetic figures of the two kingdoms. Nevertheless, the Lord’s word is stronger than any human attempt to thwart it. The two prophets also foreshadow the destinies of their respective kingdoms. Israel’s experiment with idolatry can tempt Judah to abandon its faithfulness to the Lord. If Judah succumbs, and no longer speaks the word that can call Israel back to the true God, then the only hope for reuniting the two kingdoms will be when they have both died the death of exile. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 106 recites from Israel’s history eight instances of sin, judgment, and forgiveness including the golden calf episode (Ps 106:19–23; see Ex 32–34).

* [Psalm 106] Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel (Ps 106:1–3). The speaker, on behalf of all, seeks solidarity with the people, who can always count on God’s fidelity despite their sin (Ps 106:4–5). Confident of God’s mercy, the speaker invites national repentance (Ps 106:6) by reciting from Israel’s history eight instances of sin, judgment, and forgiveness. The sins are the rebellion at the Red Sea (Ps 106:6–12; see Ex 14–15), the craving for meat in the desert (Ps 106:13–15; see Nm 11), the challenge to Moses’ authority (Ps 106:16–18; see Nm 16), the golden calf episode (Ps 106:19–23; see Ex 32–34), …

* [106:20] Their glory: meant as a reference to God. (Psalms, PSALM 106 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents The Feeding of the Four Thousand.

* [8:1–10] The two accounts of the multiplication of loaves and fishes (Mk 8:1–10; 6:31–44) have eucharistic significance. Their similarity of structure and themes but dissimilarity of detail are considered by many to refer to a single event that, however, developed in two distinct traditions, one Jewish Christian and the other Gentile Christian, since Jesus in Mark’s presentation (Mk 7:24–37) has extended his saving mission to the Gentiles.

* [8:6] See note on Mk 6:41. (Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly asks how often do evil people strategize to replace our loyalty to our values and beliefs with meaningless and harmful substitutes that serve only their aims? We must ask ourselves, when have we followed the hollow promises of those who offer us material gains and a shallow sense of security at the cost of our spiritual well-being?

The Gospel message speaks clearly to me today. “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Yes, Jesus did provide bread and fish to meet the material needs of the hungry crowd, but the manner in which he did so, with compassion and care, met their spiritual needs as well. These people had followed Jesus for days without food, hanging on every word that came out of his mouth. He fed them not only food, but hope. As I reflect on the troubled times of our nation and the world, I am drawn to not only the words but the works of Jesus. People need to have their daily bread. We most certainly should be about that. But they also need caring, compassion, hope, and respect. And we absolutely need to be about that at the same time. No one needs golden images to worship instead of the living God who will help us meet the material and spiritual needs of the world. I pray that we can clearly tell the difference. (Dilly, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Breaking the bread of God's Word,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"In expounding to you the Holy Scriptures, I as it were break bread for you. If you hunger to receive it, your heart will sing out with the fullness of praise (Psalm 138:1). If you are thus made rich in your banquet, be not meager in good works and deeds. What I am distributing to you is not my own. What you eat, I eat; what you live upon, I live upon. We have in heaven a common store-house - from it comes the Word of God." (excerpt from SERMONS ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 45.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 8:1-10 comments that this crowd—most of whom do not even belong to his own Jewish people—traveled to a desolate place to hear him and spent three entire days listening to him. Their openness to him touched Jesus deeply, and he responded to their faithfulness. By multiplying bread and fish for them, he was showing that his message would also multiply beyond the Jewish community to reach everyone. He was showing that he cared for all people, even Gentiles, who were considered outside of God’s covenant love.

This is so important it bears repeating. It doesn’t matter what part of the world we’re from. It doesn’t matter how strong or weak we feel our faith is. Neither does it matter if someone is our closest friend or our worst enemy. Jesus’ heart “is moved” with compassion for every person (Mark 8:2). He wants to pour his love on everyone.

“Jesus, thank you for loving each of us so deeply! Teach me to love as you do!” (Meditation on Mark 8:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the division of the kingdom, the king of the north was established and Jeroboam worried the people would continue to journey to Jerusalem so two he established shrines at Dan and Bethel. There were many shrines in Israel at that time. But the two calves of gold resonated with the pagan people around who worshiped an oxen image. Scholars comment that the golden calves were not a craven image but a platform where God could appear. It was perhaps a symbol that could be misunderstood in the henotheism of the land.  Friar Jude comments that, in the Gospel of Mark, the multiplication of the loaves for the pagan people results in seven loaves left over, the perfect number, to feed the world and satisfy the deepest hunger of our heart.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author and poet Mary Jo Leddy who offers this poem, reminding us that God is our point of origin for all creation.

You are the Point
of all Being.
Every tree stretches
up to You.
Each plant reaches
down to You.
All the roads go
on to You.
The many waters run
toward the vastness
of Your love.
The air breathes
in and unto You.
Every heart wants
to turn to You.
How unhappy we are
when we miss
the Point of all Being.
How blessed are we
when we follow our longing
and leaning into
Your direction.

Reference:
Mary Jo Leddy, Radical Gratitude (Orbis Books, 2002), 104. Used with permission. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the mission of Jesus to bring all people to receive the nourishment of His Word and seek the help of the Spirit to transform our attitudes and actions to be workers in His vineyard.

References

Dilly, B. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-14-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/8?1 

Meditation on Mark 8:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/14/1499247/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/12?26 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/13 

Psalms, PSALM 106 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/106? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). After the Fall: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/after-the-fall-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Alone Can Satisfy Our Hunger for God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 14, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Prophets and Parables

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today use parables and the episode of the Golden Calf to explain our relationship to God.

A Time to Reflect

The Reading from Exodus presents the The Golden Calf and The Atonement.

Psalm 106 recites from Israel’s history eight instances of sin, judgment, and forgiveness.

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus teaches the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the Parable of the Yeast, and the Use of Parables.

The Daily Reflection by Mike Cherney reflects on Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee, Richard Sklba comments about finding ourselves caught in a moment in history not of our choosing, and with a task not always to our liking, but we must find God in those very circumstances, or we won’t find God at all… for it is the only moment we have.

Don Schwager quotes “A small seed produces a great tree,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts of today.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments on Perfectionism: The Enemy of Goodness and Grace.

We pursue our journey and seek to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit that may come to us through the words and actions of our fellow travellers.

Witness and Idols

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the “idols” to which we give attention while ignoring the fullness of life Jesus invites us to experience.

Consider Our Idols

The reading from the Book of Exodus describes the Golden Calf.

* [32:11–13] Moses uses three arguments to persuade the Lord to remain faithful to the Sinai covenant even though the people have broken it: (1) they are God’s own people, redeemed with God’s great power; (2) God’s reputation will suffer if they are destroyed; (3) the covenant with Abraham still stands. The Lord’s change of mind is a testimony to Israel’s belief in the power of intercessory prayer. (Exodus, CHAPTER 32 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 106 contains a Confession of Israel’s Sins.

* [Psalm 106] Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel (Ps 106:1–3). The speaker, on behalf of all, seeks solidarity with the people, who can always count on God’s fidelity despite their sin (Ps 106:4–5). Confident of God’s mercy, the speaker invites national repentance (Ps 106:6) by reciting from Israel’s history eight instances of sin, judgment, and forgiveness. The sins are the rebellion at the Red Sea (Ps 106:6–12; see Ex 14–15), the craving for meat in the desert (Ps 106:13–15; see Nm 11), the challenge to Moses’ authority (Ps 106:16–18; see Nm 16), the golden calf episode (Ps 106:19–23; see Ex 32–34), (Psalms, PSALM 106 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John identifies the Witnesses to Jesus.

* [5:32] Another: likely the Father, who in four different ways gives testimony to Jesus, as indicated in the verse groupings Jn 5:33–34, 36, 37–38, 39–40.

* [5:35] Lamp: cf. Ps 132:17—“I will place a lamp for my anointed (= David),” and possibly the description of Elijah in Sir 48:1. But only for a while, indicating the temporary and subordinate nature of John’s mission.

* [5:39] You search: this may be an imperative: “Search the scriptures, because you think that you have eternal life through them.”

* [5:41] Praise: the same Greek word means “praise” or “honor” (from others) and “glory” (from God). There is a play on this in Jn 5:44. (John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Suzanne Braddock comments that she had the opportunity of visiting the monastery which housed the famous monk, Thomas Merton. Over the arch leading into the monastery and chapel were the words: “God Alone.”

All this has me considering my idols. Anxiety over our country’s situation has me turning to news reports too often. Anxiety in general - I’m not in charge, why worry as if I must control events and outcomes? I'm sure we can all, with a little searching, find the ways we lack trust in Jesus. Each day gives me innumerable opportunities to renew my trust in Jesus. As the poet Rumi said long ago, “Try something different: surrender." (Braddock, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ is our Master who teaches us,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354- 430 A.D.

"There is a Master within Who teaches us. Christ is our Master, and his inspiration and his anointing teaches us. Where his inspiration and his anointing are lacking, it is in vain that words resound in our ears. As Paul the Apostle said: 'I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.' Therefore, whether we plant or whether we water by our words, we are nothing. It is God Who gives the increase; His anointing teaches you all things." (excerpt from Sermon on 1 John 3,13) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 5:31-47 comments that we, too, can sometimes fail to notice or acknowledge the works of God or the effect they have on our lives. Yet when we take the time to step back and look at all that God is doing in us and for us, we can grow in faith and in our love for him.

All these works testify to Jesus. Let’s remember to keep them in the forefront of our minds, especially when we are tempted to doubt the love and power of the Lord.

Jesus’ works didn’t stop when he ascended to heaven. He is working even now, even today. Can you see it?

“Lord, help me to recognize and give thanks to you for all the great works you are doing in the world today!” (Meditation on John 5:31-47, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the chutzpah of Moses as he talks down God by recalling the promises of the Covenant with Israel. The Gospel of John declares Jesus as the witness from the Father who reveals who God is and what God requires of people. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus is the Great Prophet that Moses to whom Moses gave witness.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Reverend Liz Walker, the founder of the Can We Talk… network, which creates safe spaces for people to connect through sharing their stories. She describes the importance of contemplative, healing practices to support the work of social justice.

[In contemplative practice] we are fully claiming the space and community we are in. We are seeking help in tending to our suffering. We are honoring our ancestors who testified, danced, and sang their way to transcendence in the midst of chaos and pain. In celebrating those past practices, we gently hold this community in hope and possibility. We trust that whatever needs to be healed will be healed by the Spirit of a creative God who works in and through us…. (Rohr, n.d.)

Dr. [Barbara] Holmes writes that the civil rights movement was born through the contemplative spirit of the Black church.  

The spark that ignited the justice movements did not come from the hierarchical institutional black church. Rather, it was the quixotic and limber heart of that institution, its flexible, spiritually open, and mystical center, that ignited first the young people and then their elders to move their symbolic initiatives from ritual ring shouts to processional and contemplative marches. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We are challenged to recognize the “idols” we tend to advocate as “First” in our lives as we implore the Spirit to energize our commitment to Jesus' Way of truth, compassion, and love.

References

Braddock, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/040325.html 

Exodus, CHAPTER 32 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/32?7 

John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/5?31 

Meditation on John 5:31-47. (2025, April 3). The Word Among Us. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/04/03/1239902/ 

Psalms, PSALM 106 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/106?19 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Foundation Is Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-foundation-is-contemplation/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=apr3