Spiritual Life of the Last

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live with holiness and mutual love when it is often the last practice when blinded by the prosperity myth.

As the Last will be First

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter proclaims the call of God’s people to holiness and to mutual love.

* [1:10–12] The Spirit of Christ (1 Pt 1:11) is here shown to have been present in the prophets, moving them to search, investigate, and prophesy about the grace of salvation that was to come (1 Pt 1:10), and in the apostles impelling them to preach the fulfillment of salvation in the message of Christ’s sufferings and glory (1 Pt 1:12).

* [1:13–25] These verses are concerned with the call of God’s people to holiness and to mutual love by reason of their redemption through the blood of Christ (1 Pt 1:18–21).

* [1:13] Gird up the loins of your mind: a figure reminiscent of the rite of Passover when the Israelites were in flight from their oppressors (Ex 12:11), and also suggesting the vigilance of the Christian people in expectation of the parousia of Christ (Lk 12:35).

* [1:14–16] The ignorance here referred to (1 Pt 1:14) was their former lack of knowledge of God, leading inevitably to godless conduct. Holiness (1 Pt 1:15–16), on the contrary, is the result of their call to the knowledge and love of God. (1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 98 extolls God for Israel’s victory

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents the priorities of the “first”.

Mark 10.31 But many that are first will be last, and [the] last will be first.”  (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. George Meze, SJ, reflects on the words of Jesus: “There is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more.”

Does not spiritual freedom come by surrendering our need to control our situations? Perhaps a good example is the act of forgiveness. There are people who suffer not because they have done wrong, but because they have been wronged, and they find it extremely difficult to forgive. In most cases, while it is easy to be forgiven, forgiving others is rather difficult. However, the grace to forgive brings great peace and frees us from bitterness. Peace is a hundredfold better than the false sweetness of revenge.

The reality of following Christ is always filled with abundance, even in seemingly hopeless situations. There is always more to receive in our giving: A hundredfold profit by investing ourselves in Christ. (Meze, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:28-31 notes the reaction to Jesus’ words about how hard it can be for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.  Peter told Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you” (Mark 10:28). You can hear him asking himself, “What’s the use? We’re just poor fishermen; will we receive anything in return for following Jesus?”

Jesus’ response is as clear as it is amazing: they will receive “a hundred times more” in this life (Mark 10:30). God will bless them all overabundantly for everything they have given up.

If you make these offerings, big or small, Jesus will take them and use them to build his Church. You can’t multiply them by yourself, but he can. As you unite your acts of generosity and selflessness with the Lord, they will reach much further than they ever could without him. They will change hearts, heal wounds, and restore dignity. You may not always see the results, but you can trust that Jesus is ready to do great things through you!

“Lord, I offer all my actions, words, and thoughts to you today. Help me to do your will!” (Meditation on Mark 10:28-31, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from 1 Peter speaks of the prophets who had foretold Jesus was part of God’s plan. The people now too should live a life of obedience seeking to be “Holy as God is Holy”  We are consecrated to the things of God. The reward concerns Peter, and Friar Jude cautions about adopting a Gospel of Prosperity as this is not what Jesus means. Friar Jude proclaims they will be living proudly as joyful people who celebrate everything like Francis of Assisi. We will live profoundly in our joys and sorrows by living with Jesus.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Feminist theologian Rebecca Button Pritchard who describes how the Spirit accompanies our embodiment. Recognizing how the Spirit lives, moves, and breathes in our bodies allows us to live a wholehearted, courageous faith:

True spirituality, embodied spirituality, may be described as wholeheartedness, as the integration of body and spirit, of nephesh and basar, of heart and soul. It is with this wholeheartedness that we hear and follow God’s voice; it is wholeheartedly that we find the words to cry out to God, to sing praise, to speak a prophetic word, a comforting word, to tell our stories, and to make sense of all our relationships. 

Wholehearted spirituality in the freedom of the Spirit gives us courage, courage to bear witness to God’s grace against all odds, courage to speak despite efforts to silence us, courage to act authentically and in ways that encourage and empower the weak and the vulnerable. The Spirit gives us the wisdom to discern truthful moments, to bring both suspicion and trust to the interpretation of both past and present. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the insight of the Spirit as we apply Jesus' proclamation of reversal of fortune in our action to support the lives of the “last” in our societal priorities.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?28 

Meditation on Mark 10:28-31. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/26/1578480/ 

Meze, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-26-2026 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/1?10 

Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-spirit-given-voice/ 

Our Holy Light

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that our personal holiness and life give light to our environment.

The Light of our Care

In the Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents David’s Thanksgiving

o. [7:23] Dt 4:7, 34.

p. [7:24–25] Ex 6:7; Dt 7:6; 26:17; 29:13. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 132 is a promise of favor to the Davidic dynasty and to Zion. 

* [Psalm 132] A song for a liturgical ceremony in which the ark, the throne of Israel’s God, was carried in procession to the Temple. The singer asks that David’s care for the proper housing of the ark be regarded with favor (Ps 132:1–5), and tells how it was brought to Jerusalem (Ps 132:6–10). There follows God’s promise of favor to the Davidic dynasty (Ps 132:11–12) and to Zion (Ps 132:13–17). The transfer of the ark to the tent in Jerusalem is described in 2 Sm 6. (Psalms, PSALM 132 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents the Parable of the Lamp.

e. [4:21–25] Lk 8:16–18.

f. [4:21] Mt 5:15; Lk 11:33.

g. [4:22] Mt 10:26; Lk 12:2.

h. [4:24] Mt 7:2; Lk 6:38.

i. [4:25] Mt 13:12; Lk 19:26. (Mark, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky shares that her mother taught her an important life lesson that, for her garden to thrive, it required tending. She explained, If we neglect them, the plants die, the soil becomes barren of the nourishment provided by water and fertilizer, and weeds invade the space.

With a little bit of time devoted to preparing the soil, such as a Consciousness Examen, exploring what is in most need of my tending at this time in my life, my garden will be ready to plant when we reach Ash Wednesday. During Lent, I can rely on Ignatian imaginative prayer to help me hear what my “soil”, my soul, most needs. Slowing down and seeking God in all things, through the Daily Examen, can be one way to help sprout the seeds He has planted, which are now ready to burst into my life.

Lovingly tending the little patch God has given me - friends, family, communities, and myself means keeping God at the center. That way, I am more likely to notice God’s overflowing, abundant measure of love and compassion and remain open to receive even more of His measure of faith to share with His world. (Janky, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Called to shine in the midst of darkness,” by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.

"Why does the Lord call us the light of the world? Why has he compared us to a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14)? Are we not called to shine in the midst of darkness, and stand up high for those most sunk down? If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel (Matthew 5:15; Luke 8:16, 11:33), you will soon notice that you yourself will be in the dark. You will find others bumping into you. So what can you do to illumine the world? Let your faith produce good works. Be a reflection of God's light. The good is not preoccupied with darkness. It rejoices in being seen (John 3:21). It exults over the very pointings which are made at it. Christian modesty not only wishes to be modest, but also it wishes to be beheld as what it actually is." (excerpt from ON THE APPAREL OF WOMEN 2.13) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 4:21-25 comments that our calling as his followers is to shine with the light of his presence.

So if you want to be an authentic witness to Christ, the most important thing is to keep the light of Christ burning within you. Don’t let it grow dim! Stay connected to Jesus in prayer, in your worship at Mass, and in acts of love and generosity. It is the joy and the peace that you radiate—more than your words—that will lead people to the Lord.

Of course, don’t shy away from speaking when the opportunity arises. If a friend opens up and shares a serious problem with you, tell them you will pray for them—or offer to pray with them right then and there. If a coworker is struggling with someone in their life, share about a time when the Lord helped you through a difficult relationship. Share from your heart, and be confident that every effort will have an impact. Because the light of Christ is in you—and you are not trying to hide it under your bed!

“Lord, show me how I can shine your light today!” (Meditation on Mark 4:21-25, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the continuation of the dialogue between Nathan and David God reveals God would give David a dynasty as a “house” for the Lord to the time of Jesus who is of the House of David. A Lamp is to be seen by all. They see by our example with is different. Francis of Assisi, when asked “when are we going to preach?” responded that “we already have when people see our works.” We give an example that others can follow. Friar Jude notes that when we are able to keep our hearts open, the size of our “chalice” increases to receive the love of God and share it with others.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recounts how Christians received the wisdom of Scripture through hearing it discussed in many different ways. The narrow, rational/literal/historical approach largely creates an antiquarian society that prefers to look backward instead of forward. In Father Richard’s experience, it creates transactional religion much more than transformational spirituality. It idealizes individual conformity and group belonging over love, service, or actual change of heart.

Actually, literalism was discredited from the beginning of the New Testament by the inclusion of four Gospel accounts of the same Jesus event, which differ in many ways. Which is the “inerrant” one? Jesus repeatedly chose to teach through story and parable, revealing what God was “like”:

The earlier centuries of Christianity were much closer to the trans-rational world of Jesus and his storytelling style of teaching (which does not lend itself to dogmatic or systematic theology). The Gospel says, “He would never speak to them except in parables” (Matthew 13:34). The indirect, metaphorical, symbolic language of a story or parable seems to be Jesus’s preferred way of teaching spiritual realities.

Almost all of Jesus’s parables begin with the same phrase: “The reign of God is like….” Jesus fully knows he is speaking in simile, metaphor, story, and symbol. But in recent centuries, many Christians have not granted him that freedom, and thus we miss or avoid many of his major messages. We are much poorer for it. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to let our light shine in Jesus' Way of love, acceptance and support of all people we encounter on our journey.

References

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-29-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/4?21 

Meditation on Mark 4:21-25. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/29/1489968/ 

Psalms, PSALM 132 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/132?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/more-than-one-meaning/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Living in the Light of God's Truth and Wisdom. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/7?18 

Passion and Prophecy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, remind us to rely on Providence when our faith, plans, and passion are in conflict with modern modes of living.

Priest, Prophet, Leader

The CCCB lists this Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah that declares “They will fight against you, but not prevail over you”

The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah (Jer 1:2). Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. (Jeremiah, THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH | USCCB, n.d.)

The USCCB lists a passage from 1 Thessalonians that presents Paul’s Instruction about Holiness in Sexual Contact.

* [4:2] Instructions: these include specific guidelines on the basis of the Lord’s authority, not necessarily sayings Jesus actually uttered. More profoundly, as 1 Thes 4:8 implies, the instructions are practical principles that Paul worked out in accordance with his understanding of the role of the Spirit.

* [4:3–8] Many think that this passage deals with a variety of moral regulations (fornication, adultery, sharp business practices). It can be more specifically interpreted as bringing general norms to bear on a specific problem, namely, marriage within degrees of consanguinity (as between uncle and niece) forbidden in Jewish law but allowed according to a Greek heiress law, which would insure retention of an inheritance within the family and perhaps thereby occasion divorce. In that case, “immorality” (1 Thes 4:3) should be rendered as “unlawful marriage” and “this matter” (1 Thes 4:6) as “a lawsuit.” The phrase in 1 Thes 4:4, “acquire a wife for himself,” has often been interpreted to mean “control one’s body.” (1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 97 is a hymn with God appearing in a storm.

* [Psalm 97] The hymn begins with God appearing in a storm, a traditional picture of some ancient Near Eastern gods (Ps 97:1–6); cf. Ps 18:8–16; Mi 1:3–4; Heb 3:3–15. Israel rejoices in the overthrowing of idol worshipers and their gods (Ps 97:7–9) and the rewarding of the faithful righteous (Ps 97:10–12). (Psalms, PSALM 97 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark describes the Death of John the Baptist.

* [6:17–29] Similarities are to be noted between Mark’s account of the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist in this pericope, and that of the passion of Jesus (Mk 15:1–47). Herod and Pilate, each in turn, acknowledges the holiness of life of one over whom he unjustly exercises the power of condemnation and death (Mk 6:26–27; 15:9–10, 14–15). The hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus. After the deaths of John and of Jesus, well-disposed persons request the bodies of the victims of Herod and of Pilate in turn to give them respectful burial (Mk 6:29; 15:45–46).

* [6:19] Herodias: see note on Mt 14:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard encourages us to accept Ignatius’ invitation to imaginative, contemplative prayer.  “Using all of your senses, enter into this banquet scene and notice where you land and what you experience of the others and of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of all Truth and the cleanser of all fear.”

Where is the good news in this reading? I experience Herod as a sympathetic character.  In his heart he knows John to be a good and holy man.  Even though perplexed, Herod is drawn to John’s words .  Still, he is afraid of John. Out of fear Herod has John beheaded.  Was Herod afraid of what John could do to him if he was released?  Or was Herod more afraid of what his wife might do if he did not behead John?  Or was he most afraid of what his court, followers and citizens might do to him?  The battle of truth and fear.  How is it that we often instinctively recognize truth and yet cannot cleanse ourselves of fear.  The forever battle between truth and fear rages. (Blandin Howard, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The Weakness of the Tyrant and the Power of the Beheaded,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"Note well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison. Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John, he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant. He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 6:17-29 comments that it wasn’t just John’s death that pointed to Jesus; his entire life served as a witness to him. His entire ministry was focused on making Jesus “known to Israel” (John 1:31). Everything he did—preaching repentance, baptizing people, and challenging those who abused their power—pointed to Jesus. Even today, he continues to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4).

How is John calling you to prepare the way for Jesus?

Wherever you are right now, consider how you can take one more step that will open your heart to Jesus more deeply. If you have felt lukewarm in prayer, remember that you have been baptized “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). If you are struggling with temptation or the call to deny yourself, ask the Lord to give you resolve. If you are too focused on your own desires, remember John’s profession: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). No matter how the Baptist’s witness touches you today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you follow the example of this hero and herald.

“St. John, forerunner of the Lord, pray that I may receive a double portion of your courage and conviction today!” (Meditation on Mark 6:17-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments the content of 1 Thessalonians turns to practical matters including being faithful in marriage. Paul shares that God would become the “goel” in times of abandonment.  Sexual morality was not strong in pagan religion; the gods were not good examples. We are called to integrity and fidelity. John the Baptist was martyred after declaring it was forbidden to marry a brother’s wife. Herod was both fascinated and afraid. Salome dances and initiates a promise and Herod gives in to her request. Herod is seen as a weak figure giving in to the request even as it meant the death of a “Man of God”. Friar Jude notes the location of numerous relics of John the Baptist in Europe where the benefit may be to bring us to prayer.

Fr. Richard Rohr introduces Camaldolese monk and songwriter Cyprian Consiglio who shares a memory of visiting Israel and Palestine. Consiglio finds himself changed by Rabbi Eli’s solidarity with the Palestinian people:  

My friends told me that when I came back from that trip to the Holy Land my preaching changed. It was more fiery, more “prophetic,” I suppose. I was fired up by the frustration and energized by the agitation that I felt witnessing up close a situation that was patently unsustainable and obviously unjust, but with no visible solution and no one with enough real moral authority to “fix” everything. And I think I felt like never before the challenge of being a follower of Jesus, and I glimpsed what a privileged position we Christians have there in the Holy Land as well as in the world at large, to stand in the breach between our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters and dare to preach love of our enemies, dare to believe that peace if possible, dare to take Jesus at his word. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the consolation of the Spirit when our actions to be disciples of Christ alienate us from the powers and principalities of the world.

References

Blandin Howard, J. (2025, August 29). Daily Reflection August 29, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-29-2025 

Jeremiah, THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/0 

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?17 

Meditation on Mark 6:17-29. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/08/29/1365059/ 

1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/4?1 

Psalms, PSALM 97 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/97?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/can-christians-be-makers-of-peace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Herod Feared John - a Righteous and Holy Man. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug29a