Contemplative Life and Joy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate our journey and the opportunities we have to be agents of support and life to the people in our environment.

Contemplate Life

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts us to Freedom from Sin and to Life in God.

* [6:12–19] Christians have been released from the grip of sin, but sin endeavors to reclaim its victims. The antidote is constant remembrance that divine grace has claimed them and identifies them as people who are alive only for God’s interests.

* [6:17] In contrast to humanity, which was handed over to self-indulgence (Rom 1:24–32), believers are entrusted (“handed over”) to God’s pattern of teaching, that is, the new life God aims to develop in Christians through the productivity of the holy Spirit. Throughout this passage Paul uses the slave-master model in order to emphasize the fact that one cannot give allegiance to both God and sin. (Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 124 heightens the malice of human enemies by linking them to the primordial enemies of God’s creation.

* [Psalm 124] A thanksgiving which teaches that Israel’s very existence is owed to God who rescues them. In the first part Israel’s enemies are compared to the mythic sea dragon (Ps 124:2b–3a; cf. Jer 51:34) and Flood (Ps 124:3b–5; cf. Is 51:9–10). The Psalm heightens the malice of human enemies by linking them to the primordial enemies of God’s creation. Israel is a bird freed from the trapper’s snare (Ps 124:6–8)—freed originally from Pharaoh and now from the current danger. (Psalms, PSALM 124, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke advocates that Vigilant and Faithful Servants prepare for the End Times.

* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia.

* [12:45] My master is delayed in coming: this statement indicates that early Christian expectations for the imminent return of Jesus had undergone some modification. Luke cautions his readers against counting on such a delay and acting irresponsibly. Cf. the similar warning in Mt 24:48. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Maggie Knight is reminded of one of the meditations in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She encountered it through Kevin O’Brien, SJ’s book The Ignatian Adventure, which includes George E. Ganss, SJ’s traditional translation of the Principle and Foundation from the Spiritual Exercises. It begins:

“What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ? May all decisions and actions help me praise, reverence, and serve God.”

For me, returning to these questions helps keep my focus where it belongs. If I use them as a touchstone, it becomes much harder to serve any master other than the Lord. Of course, living this out is easier said than done. But this simple reminder has become both powerful and comforting in my own life.

Paul’s reminder in Romans 6 and the wisdom of the Spiritual Exercises both seem to call us to the same truth: real freedom comes from choosing God and living as His servants.(Knight, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “God's great promise for faithful and wise servants,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments Paul speaks that justified through faith we cannot reject a moral life for licentiousness. We are aiming to be a slave to the Love of God that requires a moral good life. In Luke, we are reminded that we don’t know the hour when the Master returns. Therefore we need to build up the kingdom with our gifts and talents. Our punishment will be based on our response. “Much is required of those given much” We avoid need to avoid the trap of living just for ourselves.

Fr. Mike Schmitz mirrors the story of 1 Maccabees and Israel’s expectations of continued success onto our own lives, emphasizing that God’s marvelous plan exceeds our expectations and what we think should happen next in our lives. He invites us to worship and give to the Lord with freedom and generosity in response to God’s sacrificial love for us. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 14, Sirach 34-35, and Proverbs 23:22-25.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces E. Trey Clark, a Professor of Preaching and Spiritual Formation, who considers the rich history of Black contemplative preaching.

Black contemplative preaching is shaped by the holistic spirituality, communal orientation, and vibrant orality that is part of the rich Africana heritage—even when embodied outside of predominantly Black contexts. Moreover, Black contemplative preaching unites the head and the heart, the personal and the communal, and spiritual formation and social transformation as it bears witness to the liberating and life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ. While recognizing that contemplation is ultimately a gift, Black contemplative preachers seek to guide people to experience loving communion with the divine, while also pursuing the flourishing of Black people and all of God’s creation.… 

It is essential to note that Black contemplative preaching is not a recent development. Its deep roots can be traced to the lineage of biblical prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, Mary, and Jesus himself. Moreover, it stems from a tradition of African mystics, including St. Anthony, Moses the Black, and St. Mary of Egypt. It is also part of a larger history of mystic preachers in the Christian tradition that includes Augustine of Hippo, Hildegard of Bingen, St. Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, Dona Beatriz, Kimpa Vita, and others. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the “Cloud of Witnesses” in our tradition that model for us the fullness of life in being the faithful servant of Jesus Way.

References

Knight, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-22-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?39 

Psalms, PSALM 124. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/124?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/black-traditions-of-contemplation/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/6?12 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Be Ready to Answer - the Lord Draws Near. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Going With You

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to recall the joy and gratitude we have experienced in the hospitality of others as we extend our hospitality to the people we encounter on our Way.

Let Us Go with You

The Reading from the Prophet Zechariah is from the Seven Oracles: Judah and Zion Restored

m. [8:23] 1 Sm 15:27; Tb 13:11. (Zechariah, CHAPTER 8, n.d.)

Psalm 87 is a song of Zion.

* [Psalm 87] A song of Zion, like Ps 46; 48; 76; 132.

* [87:2] The gates: the city itself, a common Hebrew idiom.

* [87:5–6] The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile’s citizenship of lesser cities. (Psalms, PSALM 87, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus Departure for Jerusalem and Samaritan Inhospitality.

* [9:51–55] Just as the Galilean ministry began with a rejection of Jesus in his hometown, so too the travel narrative begins with the rejection of him by Samaritans. In this episode Jesus disassociates himself from the attitude expressed by his disciples that those who reject him are to be punished severely. The story alludes to 2 Kgs 1:10, 12 where the prophet Elijah takes the course of action Jesus rejects, and Jesus thereby rejects the identification of himself with Elijah.

* [9:51] Days for his being taken up: like the reference to his exodus in Lk 9:31 this is probably a reference to all the events (suffering, death, resurrection, ascension) of his last days in Jerusalem. He resolutely determined: literally, “he set his face.”

* [9:52] Samaritan: Samaria was the territory between Judea and Galilee west of the Jordan river. For ethnic and religious reasons, the Samaritans and the Jews were bitterly opposed to one another (see Jn 4:9). (Luke, CHAPTER 9, n.d.)

Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ, comments that we often wonder how to bring others to faith, especially in a world where many walk away from God, or never consider Him at all.

The answer is found in Zechariah’s vision: “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” When we live lives rooted in love, peace, integrity, and prayer, we become dwelling places of the Lord.

But the reverse is also true. If our lives are marked by anger, judgment, gossip, or hypocrisy, then we become stumbling blocks rather than signposts. The Gospel warns us that the temptation to condemn those who reject or misunderstand us is strong. Jesus shows a better way. He simply walks on, always offering peace, always leaving the door open for grace to do its hidden work.

Let our prayer be this: Lord, help me live in such a way that others will say, “Let us go with you, for we have seen that God is with you.” And when I face rejection, help me to walk on in peace, trusting that every village, every soul, is part of Your saving plan. (Cardoso, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus gave power and authority to his apostles,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"It would be false to affirm that our Savior did not know what was about to happen, because he knows all things. He knew, of course, that the Samaritans would not receive his messengers. There can be no doubt of this. Why then did he command them to go before him? It was his custom to benefit diligently the holy apostles in every possible way, and because of this, it was his practice sometimes to test them... What was the purpose of this occurrence? He was going up to Jerusalem, as the time of his passion was already drawing near. He was about to endure the scorn of the Jews. He was about to be destroyed by the scribes and Pharisees and to suffer those things that they inflicted upon him when they went to accomplish all of violence and wicked boldness. He did not want them to be offended when they saw him suffering. He also wanted them to be patient and not to complain greatly, although people would treat them rudely. He, so to speak, made the Samaritans' hatred a preparatory exercise in the matter. They had not received the messengers... For their benefit, he rebuked the disciples and gently restrained the sharpness of their wrath, not permitting them to grumble violently against those who sinned. He rather persuaded them to be patient and to cherish a mind that is unmovable by anything like this."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 56) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Zechariah 8:20-23 notes that Zechariah ministered during the period after the exiles had returned to Jerusalem, when the Lord was asking them to rebuild the Temple. He was called to try to rouse them to keep up with the work. It wasn’t that they had to rebuild the Temple; they got to do it!

This truth can change your perspective; it can bring you joy and zeal. Other people will see it and want to join you! Because, as Zechariah described, the most attractive witness is someone who loves to be with the Lord.

“Lord, thank you for welcoming me every time I pray. May my life reflect your love to everyone I meet.” (Meditation on Zechariah 8:20-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Zachariah notes the people of the nations have decided to go to Jerusalem. This introduces universality, a God for all the nations. The Chosen people are to give good witness, like we are called to do by giving examples of the message we preach. In Luke, Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is very long; ten chapters. This was Jesus' main mission. The disciples were not received well in Samaria. The people believed that God was housed in their mount not in Jerusalem. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus has come for all nations.

Fr. Mike Schmitz continues discussing the call of Nehemiah and how we should approach the work the Lord calls us to do. He explains why all work is divine participation in God’s Kingdom on earth and encourages us to remember our service to God and to others, keeping our focus on serving and loving in the realm of our influence. Today’s readings are Nehemiah 3, Zechariah 14, and Proverbs 20:23-26.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that for Francis of Assisi, divesting himself from privilege was a gospel-inspired action, one that we are invited to consider today. 

Relinquishment as a call and a gift means giving up prestige and privilege, learning to listen and to accept criticism, and learning how to use our power differently and ultimately to share our power. At the very least our task as non-poor is to share the power available to us—our resources of wealth, education, influence, and access—with those who have been denied these things. This is not charity or noblesse oblige. It is a fundamental letting go to allow the very structures that benefit us to be transformed.

The way of relinquishment is the lifelong process of removing the obstacles to loving and just relationships with our neighbors on this earth and of moving toward more genuine community among all of God’s children and indeed among all of earth’s creatures and elements, the kind of sisterhood and brotherhood envisioned by Francis. As we help remove the obstacles to the liberation of others, we are simultaneously removing obstacles to our own liberation…. (Rohr, n.d.) 

As we ponder the way to motivate the “Go with You” response we ask the Spirit to open our hearts and minds to extend hospitality to all people.

References

Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-30-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 9. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/9?51 

Meditation on Zechariah 8:20-23. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/09/29/1392913/ 

Psalms, PSALM 87. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/87?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. The Invitation to Relinquishment. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-invitation-to-relinquishment/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. DailyScripture.net. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=sep30 

Zechariah, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/zechariah/8?20