Fullness and Firm Faith

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our motivation to be included in Christian community and how we show Christ to the people in our life.

Faith and Full Life

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah presents Accusation and Appeal to Judah.

* [7:1] Days of Ahaz: who ruled from 735 to 715 B.C. This attack against Jerusalem by the kings of Aram (Syria) and Israel in 735 B.C. was occasioned by the refusal of Ahaz to enter with them into an anti-Assyrian alliance; cf. 2 Kgs 16.

* [7:3] Shear-jashub: this name means “a remnant will return” (cf. 10:20–22).

* [7:5] Planned: the plans of those who plot against Ahaz shall not be accomplished (v. 7). What the Lord plans will unfailingly come to pass, whereas human plans contrary to those of the Lord are doomed to frustration; cf. 8:10; 14:24–27; 19:11–14; 29:15; 30:1. See further the note on 14:24–27.

* [7:6] Son of Tabeel: a puppet of Jerusalem’s enemies. His appointment would interrupt the lawful succession from David.

* [7:8–9] God had chosen and made a commitment to David’s dynasty and his capital city Jerusalem, not to Rezin and his capital Damascus, nor to the son of Remaliah and his capital Samaria (2 Sm 7:12–16; Ps 2:6; 78:68–72; 132:11–18). Within sixty-five years…nation: this text occurs at the end of v. 8 in the Hebrew. Ahaz would not have been reassured by so distant a promise; the phrase is probably a later addition. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 48 describes the victory by the Divine Warrior over hostile kings (Ps 48:4–8).

* [Psalm 48] A Zion hymn, praising the holy city as the invincible dwelling place of God. Unconquerable, it is an apt symbol of God who has defeated all enemies. After seven epithets describing the city (Ps 48:2–3), the Psalm describes the victory by the Divine Warrior over hostile kings (Ps 48:4–8). The second half proclaims the dominion of the God of Zion over all the earth (Ps 48:9–12) and invites pilgrims to announce that God is eternally invincible like Zion itself (Ps 48:13–14). (Psalms, PSALM 48 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus reproaches to the Unrepentant Towns.

* [11:21] Tyre and Sidon were pagan cities denounced for their wickedness in the Old Testament; cf. Jl 4:4–7.

* [11:23] Capernaum’s pride and punishment are described in language taken from the taunt song against the king of Babylon (Is 14:13–15). (Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

A Member of the Creighton University Community recognizes that the feeling of being corrected (or called out, or challenged) for something we have done (or not done) is not a good feeling. Rather than focusing on the one doing the reproaching, what does our response reveal about ourselves?

Understanding that someone’s correction does not, in itself, prove our wrongdoing (indeed, maybe it is our very righteousness that has elicited reproach), our conscience does have a way of cutting through that brush, clearing the way for us to honestly evaluate our words and deeds. Our conscience is quick to catch up to us and the hardest to outrun. When this occurs, whatever our emotions in the moment, we owe it to ourselves to step back and reflect on what has happened and what elicited the correction. This can be a humbling exercise, but Jesus calls us to just this humility. He calls us to union with him. That is our end and we have been equipped with the means to seek it and, with the grace of God, achieve it. (Creighton University Community, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Even after miracles they did not repent,” by Jerome (347-420 AD)

"Our Savior laments Chorazin and Bethsaida, cities of Galilee, because after such great miracles and acts of goodness they did not repent. Even Tyre and Sidon, cities that surrendered to idolatry and other vices, are preferred to them. Tyre and Sidon are preferred for the reason that although they trampled down the law, still Chorazin and Bethsaida, after they transgressed natural and written law, cared little for the miracles that were performed among them." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.11.22.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the time of Isaiah in the history of Judah, Assyria was the great power. Israel was one of the vassal states of the Assyrian Empire. The kings of the northern kingdom, Israel, conspired to rebel and they had to seek help from Egypt. But the armies have to pass through Judah, a weak state, and King Ahaz of Judah will not join Syria and Israel. The conduit to the upper pool is crucial in a siege. If the water runs out they will have to surrender. Isaiah proclaims the kings of Syria and Israel will fall. God will protect Judah. In the Gospel, Jesus condemns towns in Galilee; they knew him as a home town boy. Matthew, the Gospel addressed to the Jews, says that pagans will more readily accept the Gospel than the Jewish people.  Friar Jude comments that we can become too familiar and only go through the motions of our faith. When we see and contemplate our worship, it should change our hearts.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 7:1-9 describes the kind of faith that God wanted from Ahaz—and from us as well. A faith willing to take measured risks because you trust that God will be with you. Willing to stare down uncertainty because you know that the Lord is bigger than your worries. Willing to deny yourself some pleasure that risks leading you into sin. Willing to take decisive action that you believe will bring someone closer to experiencing the Lord—and willing to learn from your mistakes.

This is what firm faith looks like. It’s firm, not because you are strong, but because you know that God is strong. It’s firm, not because you’ve been having a good day, but because you know that whatever kind of day you’re having, the Lord is always faithful to his promises. It’s firm because the One you believe in is the solid Rock of salvation.

King Ahaz had to decide if he would make his faith firm or if he would give in to fear and intimidation. What will you decide today?

“Jesus, help me to place my trust in you!” (Meditation on Isaiah 7:1-9, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, explores Jesus' metaphor, connecting the eyes and the heart. He introduces author and spiritual director Carl McColman who reflects on what Jesus might have meant by “purity of heart,” calling it “the beatitude that points toward the goal of every restless heart—to see God”.

Jesus knows that no human being has a perfectly clean (pure) heart. But in his wisdom, he’s asking, “Are you willing to show up? Are you willing to do the work? Are you willing to clean up your mess?” To answer yes to these questions is to commit to the path…. There’s the cleansing right there. Are we willing to begin to let go of gratuitous cynicism, nursed resentments, dispiriting bitterness, and the kind of negativity that leaches away our energy and gives us nothing in return? Letting go of those kinds of afflictive thoughts launches us on the journey of catharsis, of inner cleansing, that prepares us to receive the presence of the One who is already there. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to lead us to purity of heart and our revelation of the Presence of God in the lives and work of the people we encounter daily in our journey.

References

Creighton University Community. (2026, July 14). Daily Reflection July 14, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-14-2026 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/7? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?20 

Meditation on Isaiah 7:1-9. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/14/1622964/ 

Psalms, PSALM 48 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/48?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). What Is Purity of Heart? Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/what-is-purity-of-heart/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Will You Be Exalted to Heaven? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 14, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Ancestors in Faith

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, invite us to show gratitude for the faith of our forefathers and foremothers, in God and in care for their families.

Ready for the Jesse Tree

The reading from the Book of Genesis presents Jacob’s Testament and the Sceptre of Judah.

 

* [49:10] Until tribute comes to him: this translation is based on a slight change in the Hebrew text, which, as it stands, would seem to mean, “until he comes to Shiloh.” A somewhat different reading of the Hebrew text would be, “until he comes to whom it belongs.” This last has been traditionally understood in a messianic sense. In any case, the passage aims at the supremacy of the tribe of Judah and of the Davidic dynasty. (Genesis, CHAPTER 49 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 72 is a prayer for Guidance and Support for the King.

* [Psalm 72] A royal Psalm in which the Israelite king, as the representative of God, is the instrument of divine justice (Ps 72:1–4, 12–14) and blessing (Ps 72:5–7, 15–17) for the whole world. The king is human, giving only what he has received from God. Hence intercession must be made for him. The extravagant language is typical of oriental royal courts. (Psalms, PSALM 72 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims the Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.

* [1:17] Matthew is concerned with fourteen generations, probably because fourteen is the numerical value of the Hebrew letters forming the name of David. In the second section of the genealogy (Mt 1:6b–11), three kings of Judah, Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah, have been omitted (see 1 Chr 3:11–12), so that there are fourteen generations in that section. Yet the third (Mt 1:12–16) apparently has only thirteen. Since Matthew here emphasizes that each section has fourteen, it is unlikely that the thirteen of the last was due to his oversight. Some scholars suggest that Jesus who is called the Messiah (Mt 1:16b) doubles the final member of the chain: Jesus, born within the family of David, opens up the new age as Messiah, so that in fact there are fourteen generations in the third section. This is perhaps too subtle, and the hypothesis of a slip not on the part of Matthew but of a later scribe seems likely. On Messiah, see note on Lk 2:11. (Matthew, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments that extending unconditional love to all members of our family might be the best gift we could give to Jesus on his birthday.

To not judge their faults or idiosyncrasies but listen to their thoughts and display patience for their opinions; to extend compassion and kindness to those who may carry unseen burdens; to shower interest and affection even on those who test our patience or may be unable to reciprocate that affection… Love them anyway, with a love that knows no end.

In doing so, through our words and through our actions, we demonstrate to Christ that we have heard his messages from the Gospels reading, and the parables he has taught have not been lost on us. We have learned that the greatest gift we can give is to love one another without measure.

For even among family – especially among family – walking with Christ means walking like Christ.

Merry Christmas. May you experience and share the love of Christ this holy season. (Scholer, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Judah who received the promise of royalty foreshadows the Christ the King,” by Rufinus (340-410 AD).

"This can be referred to the historical Judah as well as to those kings who were his descendants (Genesis 49:8-10). They broke the back of their enemies by administering the kingdom of that people. But this can also be fittingly referred to Christ, who is praised with good reason by his brothers, that is, by the apostles whom he himself called brothers in the Gospel. And his enemies, on whose back is his hand, appear to be those whom the Father promised to place under his feet by saying, 'Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet' (Psalm 110:1). They are enemies as long as they are unbelieving and unfaithful, and for that reason they are struck on the back. But after their conversion they become brothers and praise the One who, by summoning them to the adoption of the Father, has made them his coheirs and brothers. It is said correctly that the back of the enemies is struck by Christ. All those who worshiped the idols turned their back to God, as the Lord, through the prophet, accused them by saying, 'They turned their backs to me, and not their faces' (Jeremiah 2:27). Therefore he strikes their back so that after being converted they may turn their back to the idols and raise their forehead to God and may accomplish what is written here: 'Your father's sons shall bow down before you.' In fact, they adore him when they have become sons of the Father and have received the spirit of adoption in which they cry out, 'Abba, Father' (Romans 8:15-16)." No one calls Jesus Christ Lord except those who are in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). (excerpt from THE BLESSINGS OF THE PATRIARCHS 1.5)

[Rufinus of Aquileia (340-410) was a friend of the Bible scholar Jerome, and, like Jerome, he departed from Italy to live in the East. For many years he lived in monasteries in Egypt and in Palestine, acquiring the learning of the Eastern churches. Towards the end of his life he returned to Italy and occupied himself in translating works of the earlier Greek Fathers into Latin.] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 1:1-17 comments that Joseph modeled so many of the teachings Jesus would eventually proclaim.

A humble man. A simple man. A righteous man. Who better than Joseph to show Jesus that holiness comes through humility and quiet submission to God? Who better than Joseph to give Jesus a glimpse into the Beatitudes he would one day announce? And who better than Joseph to teach us the same thing?

“St. Joseph, pray that I can become more and more like your son, Jesus.” (Meditation on Matthew 1:1-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the blessings of Jacob on his sons and the tribes of Israel there by initiated. The symbols and genealogy in Matthew show Jesus as Jewish descendant of David who is declared as the “Davidest” through the numerology of DVD as 14 as Matthew counts the descendants in the grouping of the generations. Friar Jude reminds us that Matthew highlights the role of unusual women, especially Mary, in our spiritual heritage.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, locates our essential goodness in being created in the image and likeness of God. 

The clear goal and direction of biblical revelation is toward a full mutual indwelling. We see the movement toward union as God walks in the garden with naked Adam and Eve and “all the array” of creation (Genesis 2:1). The theme finds its climax in the realization that “the mystery is Christ within you, your hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). As John excitedly puts it, “You know him because he is with you and he is in you!” (John 14:17). The eternal mystery of incarnation will have finally met its mark, and “the marriage feast of the Lamb will begin” (Revelation 19:7–9). As in the beginning, so in the end. Amen. Let it be so. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

Our understanding of our spiritual and genetic heritage roots our faith, hope and charity in the blessings of Providence to those generations who have preceded us.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 49 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/49?2 

Matthew, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/1?1 

Meditation on Matthew 1:1-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/12/17/1152635/ 

Psalms, PSALM 72 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/72?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Gift and Guarantee. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-gift-and-guarantee/ 

Scholer, S. (2024, December 17). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/121724.html 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 17, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=dec17 

Serving Justice

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to dig deeper in our pursuit of justice for all and accept the call of the Spirit to greater action for the good of others.

Justice for All

The reading from the Prophet Isaiah contains accusation and appeal to the people of Judah.

* [1:10–17] A powerful indictment of the religious hypocrisy of rulers and others who neglect just judgment and oppress the weaker members, yet believe they can please God with sacrifices and other external forms of worship. The long list of observances suggests the Lord’s tedium with such attempts. Sodom…Gomorrah: the names are picked up from v. 9, but now to emphasize their wickedness rather than the good fortune of escaping total destruction.

* [1:15–16] Hands…blood: oppression of the poor is likened to violence that bloodies the hands, which explains why the hands spread out in prayer (v. 15) are not regarded by the Lord. This climax of the accusations is followed by positive admonitions for reversing the evil situation. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 50 praises the Acceptable Sacrifice.

* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20). (Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus identifies a cause of Division that offers not Peace, but a Sword. He identifies rewards for following the Way.

 [10:38] The first mention of the cross in Matthew, explicitly that of the disciple, but implicitly that of Jesus (and follow after me). Crucifixion was a form of capital punishment used by the Romans for offenders who were not Roman citizens.

* [10:39] One who denies Jesus in order to save one’s earthly life will be condemned to everlasting destruction; loss of earthly life for Jesus’ sake will be rewarded by everlasting life in the kingdom.

* [10:40–42] All who receive the disciples of Jesus receive him, and God who sent him, and will be rewarded accordingly.

* [10:41] A prophet: one who speaks in the name of God; here, the Christian prophets who proclaim the gospel. Righteous man: since righteousness is demanded of all the disciples, it is difficult to take the righteous man of this verse and one of these little ones (Mt 10:42) as indicating different groups within the followers of Jesus. Probably all three designations are used here of Christian missionaries as such. (Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Elvin Cardoso, S.J. comments that the underlying message is clear: Jesus wants us to prioritize Him above all else, including our most cherished relationships.

Moreover, Jesus wanted his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. Rather than associating the phrase "bearing one's cross" with our commonplace understanding of everyday cares and burdens, Jesus alluded to this to mean a profound willingness to endure extreme sacrifice, even at the cost of one's life.

Let us ask for the grace to commit ourselves to Jesus in every way possible. Let us be selfless in our service to Him and our neighbor, remembering that our love for God is best expressed through our love for others. This is the essence of discipleship, a life of service and sacrifice that mirrors the love and selflessness of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Cardoso, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “How peace requires a sword,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"What sort of peace is it that Jesus asks them to pronounce upon entering each house? And what kind of peace is it of which the angels sing, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace'? And if Jesus came not to bring peace, why did all the prophets publish peace as good news? Because this more than anything is peace: when the disease is removed. This is peace: when the cancer is cut away. Only with such radical surgery is it possible for heaven to be reunited to earth. Only in this way does the physician preserve the healthy tissue of the body. The incurable part must be amputated. Only in this way does the military commander preserve the peace: by cutting off those in rebellion. Thus it was also in the case of the tower of Babel, that their evil peace was ended by their good discord. Peace therefore was accomplished. (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 35.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 1:10-17 comments that today’s reading is clear: our sins offend God. But not just because we’ve “broken the rules.” They offend him because we are ignoring his children’s needs. It hurts him to see them suffering while their brothers and sisters in Christ look the other way.

Let Isaiah’s words today act as a wake-up call. Sin, especially lack of concern for the poor, is offensive to God. But that’s not the whole story. Even today, the Lord continues to call out through the words of Isaiah: “Wash yourselves clean!” (1:16). His mercy, higher than the heavens and more powerful than any sin, can take away our guilt. Even today, his words are full of hope: “Make justice your aim” (1:17). His Spirit, more pervasive than human indifference and more attractive than wealth and comfort, can give us hearts of compassion for the needy.

Know that if you take just one step closer to the Lord, he will take a thousand steps closer to you. If you take just one step closer to caring for his poor, he will meet you there and fill you with his grace.

“Lord, help me to make justice my aim!” (Meditation on Isaiah 1:10-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the message of Isaiah to the people of Judah about possibly trying to bribe God by focusing on sacrifices and rituals but avoiding to care for the needs of brothers and sisters. Christians will be opposed by those who do not accept the message of faith even as we strive to give while losing the love of those close to us. Friar Jude cites the prayer life of Therese of Lisieux as a way to help modern missionaries.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, affirms the essential and difficult task of admitting our own powerlessness. Rabbi Rami Shapiro names the paradox of powerlessness and surrender to God.

The fundamental and paradoxical premise of Twelve Step recovery as I experience it is this: The more clearly you realize your lack of control, the more powerless you discover yourself to be… [and] the more natural it is for you to be surrendered to God. The more surrendered to God you become, the less you struggle against the natural flow of life. The less you struggle against the flow of life, the freer you become. Radical powerlessness is radical freedom, liberating you from the need to control the ocean of life and freeing you to learn how best to navigate it.…  

We are all addicted to control, and it is to this greater addiction that I wish to speak. The deepest truth of Step 1 requires us to admit that we are powerless over our lives, and that life itself is unmanageable. [2] (Schwager, n.d.)

We ponder the obstacles to doing justice in our relationships with others and Creation and seek the guidance of the Spirit to reinforce our courage to act for justice even as it requires transformation of our selfishness.

References

Cardoso, E. (2024, July 15). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/071524.html 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/1?10 

Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10?34 

Meditation on Isaiah 1:10-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/07/15/1023019/ 

Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. The Grace of Powerlessness. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-grace-of-powerlessness/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, but a Sword. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jul15