Your Name Revealed

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to act on the mission we receive through our relationship with Christ.

Stop and Know Your Name

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Farewell Speech at Miletus.

* [20:16–35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:18–21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (Acts 20:22–27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (Acts 20:28–31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament. (Acts of the Apostles CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 68 offers praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions.

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. 

The settlement in Canaan (Ps 68:10–11) and praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions that will be modeled on the ancient exodus-conquest (Ps 68:20–24); (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, the Last Supper Discourse presents The Prayer of Jesus.

* [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14).

* [17:1] The action of looking up to heaven and the address Father are typical of Jesus at prayer; cf. Jn 11:41 and Lk 11:2.

* [17:2] Another possible interpretation is to treat the first line of the verse as parenthetical and the second as an appositive to the clause that ends v. 1: so that your son may glorify you (just as…all people), so that he may give eternal life….

* [17:3] This verse was clearly added in the editing of the gospel as a reflection on the preceding verse; Jesus nowhere else refers to himself as Jesus Christ.

* [17:6] I revealed your name: perhaps the name I AM; cf. Jn 8:24, 28, 58; 13:19. (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, comments that when we go out into the world and stand for what is right, when we try to live the Gospel with honesty and compassion, we may be called many things. We may be misunderstood, criticized, dismissed, or labeled.

No matter what others call us—or perhaps even what we call ourselves on our harder days—we are children of God.

This reflection also comes at an unusual time for me, as it will be my last reflection before beginning a sabbatical. I certainly cannot say, like Jesus, that I have accomplished all that was entrusted to me. I have not always had answers. I have simply tried to walk honestly with you through questions, struggles, joys, and faith.

The answer was never me. The answer has always been Jesus.

Perhaps the question was never whether we had all the answers.

Perhaps it is whether we have remembered who we are. (Caime, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Eternity will be ours when faith sees,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We are distanced from eternity to the extent that we are changeable. But eternal life is promised to us through the truth. Our faith, however, stands as far apart from the clear knowledge of the truth as mortality does from eternity. At the present we put faith in things done in time on our account, and by that faith itself we are cleansed. In this way, when we have come to sight, as truth follows faith, so eternity may follow on mortality. Our faith will become truth, then, when we have attained to that which is promised to us who believe. And that which is promised to us is eternal life. And the Truth - not that which shall come to be according to how our faith shall be, but that truth that always exists because eternity is in it - the Truth then has said, 'And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.' When our faith sees and comes to be truth, then eternity shall possess our now changed mortality." (excerpt from ON THE TRINITY 4.18.24.34) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 20:17-27 comments that each of us has been called to live as missionary disciples in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Perhaps today you could reflect on how the Lord may be calling you to a life of “proclaiming . . . the entire plan of God” to the people around you. Are there steps you could take to strengthen your witness? Are there ways you could become more attentive to opportunities to share your faith? Sit peacefully with the Holy Spirit and ask him to help you answer these questions. And whatever you do, know that you are never alone. The Spirit is always with you to guide you and empower you.

“Jesus, teach me how to proclaim your good news!” (Meditation on Acts 20:17-27, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, Paul meets the elders at Miletus in a hurry to go to Jerusalem. If he goes to Ephesus, he will be delayed to Jerusalem. He defends his ministry to both Jews and Greeks. He warns them and confirms he preached everything they need to hear. The Last Supper Discourse, in the Gospel of John, comes to a prayer offered to the Father. Jesus gives us the truth of who God is and what he wants of us. The Glory mentioned in John, as the hour of glory, is Christ on the cross. Jesus prays for the people he leaves and not the world, who are those who belong with Satan. Friar Jude notes that Jesus prays for the unity of God and the Father with the believers He leaves behind.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC Dean of Faculty Carmen Acevedo Butcher translated The Cloud of Unknowing, the foundational text for Centering Prayer. Contemplative practice creates space for us to be with God, after which we return to our daily lives and commitments. The anonymous author of The Cloud encourages beginners to enter contemplation with simple instructions.

We need contemplation because, as our globe gets more crowded by the hour, more and more we act like elbow-to-elbow passengers in cheap coach seats on a commuter flight…. Who doesn’t rush through the day? Who never feels the pressure to produce? How often are you in cyberspace? Our new frantic pace is like poison to our holding hands with those we love. That is where contemplation comes in. It reconnects us to ourselves, to God, and to others. It helps us learn to forgive and heal our souls….

For the first sixteen centuries of the Christian church, contemplative prayer was the goal of Christian spirituality, and now in our own time of transition and upheaval, … we are returning to our roots. Contemplative prayer is more relevant than ever before. More and more of us are practicing this ancient form of prayer and finding peace in a world of war, extreme political divide, epidemics, terrorism, technology, overcrowding, noise, inequality, and a Church in need of humility. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We are inspired by the Spirit to explore who we are in our relationships with God and the people in our environment as we continue the mission of our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Acts of the Apostles CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?17 

Caime, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-19-2026 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17? 

Meditation on Acts 20:17-27. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/19/1571639/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Lift Your Heart to God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/lift-your-heart-to-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Is Eternal Life - to Know the Father the Only True God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Handmaid of the Lord

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin, exhort us to live in trust in God as exemplified by the faith of Mary.

St Mary's Bascilica

The reading from the Second Letter of Timothy is a Solemn Charge to proclaim the message.

* [4:1–5] The gravity of the obligation incumbent on Timothy to preach the word can be gauged from the solemn adjuration: in the presence of God, and of Christ coming as universal judge, and by his appearance and his kingly power (2 Tm 4:1). Patience, courage, constancy, and endurance are required despite the opposition, hostility, indifference, and defection of many to whom the truth has been preached (2 Tm 4:2–5).

* [4:3] Insatiable curiosity: literally, “with itching ears.”

* [4:6] The apostle recognizes his death through martyrdom to be imminent. He regards it as an act of worship in which his blood will be poured out in sacrifice; cf. Ex 29:38–40; Phil 2:17.

* [4:7] At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion, “I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).

* [4:8] When the world is judged at the parousia, all who have eagerly looked for the Lord’s appearing and have sought to live according to his teachings will be rewarded. The crown is a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the heads of victorious athletes and conquerors in war; cf. 2 Tm 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25. (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Prophet Isaiah proclaims God’s Word of Promise.

* [61:10–11] The new life of the restored Zion is expressed in nuptial (cf. also 62:5) and agricultural (cf. v. 3; 60:21) imagery. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 61 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 71 is a prayer for Lifelong Protection and Help.

* [Psalm 71] A lament of an old person (Ps 71:9, 18) whose afflictions are interpreted by enemies as a divine judgment (Ps 71:11). The first part of the Psalm pleads for help (Ps 71:1–4) on the basis of a hope learned from a lifetime’s experience of God; the second part describes the menace (Ps 71:9–13) yet remains buoyant (Ps 71:14–16); the third develops the theme of hope and praise. (Psalms, PSALM 71 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Mary finds the Boy Jesus in the Temple.

* [2:41–52] This story’s concern with an incident from Jesus’ youth is unique in the canonical gospel tradition. It presents Jesus in the role of the faithful Jewish boy, raised in the traditions of Israel, and fulfilling all that the law requires. With this episode, the infancy narrative ends just as it began, in the setting of the Jerusalem temple.

* [2:49] I must be in my Father’s house: this phrase can also be translated, “I must be about my Father’s work.” In either translation, Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, and his obedience to his heavenly Father’s will, take precedence over his ties to his family. (Luke, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley comments that Mary was incredible in her acceptance of divine conception with all the possible implications for a young girl/woman at that time.  Her ability to not only accept but to truly embrace the situation is exemplary and Mary’s canticle leaves no doubt as to her faithfulness even if all the implications were not totally understood: 

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. As the alleluia verse states: Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God and pondered it in her heart. Even the gospel helps us to see that while Mary did not completely understand, she kept all these things in her heart.  The Virgin Mary provides the example for me to trust and believe even when I don’t entirely understand, having faith that God’s plan is the best plan for me.  I recall hitting my knees many years ago praying to Mary when I was concerned about my son’s safety and begging for her protection of my son even though she knew the grief of losing her son. She continues to be my “go-to” and safety net, finding great comfort in the arms of my Mother. This song says it all: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman (Shirley, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 2:41-51 comments that Luke’s account of the finding of Jesus in the Temple tells us a lot about Mary’s immaculate heart.

Here’s another way you can relate to Mary: her search for the missing Jesus can mirror your own search for him. Every time you pray, receive Christ in the Eucharist, or try to discern his will, you are undertaking that search. And experience tells you that you don’t always end up finding him right away!

Holiness doesn’t mean finding Jesus immediately; it means persisting in the search. And for us who are not immaculately conceived, holiness does not mean moral perfection. It means being quick to confess when we fall to sin and humbly accepting God’s mercy and the grace to change.

So be like Mary and keep seeking Jesus, no matter now messy life gets!

“Holy Mary, be with me through the ups and downs of life.” (Meditation on Luke 2:41-51, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the setting in 2 Timothy of Paul in prison sensing his life being poured out as libation. Docetism and Gnosticism were present at this time in the community. As a Jewish boy of 12, Jesus' introduction to adulthood involved speaking with the elders in the Temple. Friar Jude connects Jesus' disappearance to the Temple for three days as a foreshadowing to Mary of His three days in the tomb at Easter.

 

James Finley offers recommendations for how to pray the Jesus Prayer while “putting all other thoughts aside”.

St. Symeon tells the practitioner to “try to put all other thoughts aside.” This is important because when we sit and pray in this way, it isn’t as if all other thoughts politely step back so we can do this. They don’t. What happens is that our thoughts are circling around the edges, and they keep making inroads into our practice. We’re sitting there praying, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,” and we think, “Oh geez, I forgot to call Aunt Mildred!” We are praying, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,” and the thought pops in, “I wonder what’s for lunch?!” We do our best.  

Every time the slippage into thoughts other than the Jesus Prayer occurs, it’s a graced opportunity to circle back around to God being in love with us in our inability to do this. The stillness of this prayer is not a stillness that we perfect in our ability to sit still. The stillness is an inner stillness in which God is unexplainably transforming us into the love of God in our nothingness without God. We’re stilled by it, and there’s a kind of quiet amazement, in awe of the grace that’s unfolding within us in the midst of all the unresolved things in our heart. [2] (Finley, n.d.)

We identify with the anxiety of Mary in her search for Jesus in Jerusalem and we seek the consolation of the Holy Spirit as we strive to live in relationship with Christ.

References

Finley, J. (n.d.). The Jesus Prayer: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-jesus-prayer-weekly-summary/ 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 61 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/61 

Luke, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?41 

Meditation on Luke 2:41-51. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/06/08/992164/ 

Psalms, PSALM 71 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/71?8 

Shirley, N. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/060824.html 

2 Timothy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/4?1