Signs of Full Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to attend to the people we meet that may present ideas that are foreign to our understanding and life experience.

Full Life on our Way

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the Accusation against Stephen by members of the synagogue of Freedmen.

* [6:8–8:1] The summary (Acts 6:7) on the progress of the Jerusalem community, illustrated by the conversion of the priests, is followed by a lengthy narrative regarding Stephen. Stephen’s defense is not a response to the charges made against him but takes the form of a discourse that reviews the fortunes of God’s word to Israel and leads to a prophetic declaration: a plea for the hearing of that word as announced by Christ and now possessed by the Christian community. The charges that Stephen depreciated the importance of the temple and the Mosaic law and elevated Jesus to a stature above Moses (Acts 6:13–14) were in fact true. Before the Sanhedrin, no defense against them was possible. With Stephen, who thus perceived the fuller implications of the teachings of Jesus, the differences between Judaism and Christianity began to appear. Luke’s account of Stephen’s martyrdom and its aftermath shows how the major impetus behind the Christian movement passed from Jerusalem, where the temple and law prevailed, to Antioch in Syria, where these influences were less pressing.

* [6:13] False witnesses: here, and in his account of Stephen’s execution (Acts 7:54–60), Luke parallels the martyrdom of Stephen with the death of Jesus. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 proclaims “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!”

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents an introduction to Jesus' discourse on the bread of life.

* [6:22–71] Discourse on the bread of life; replacement of the manna. Jn 6:22–34 serve as an introduction, Jn 6:35–59 constitute the discourse proper, Jn 6:60–71 portray the reaction of the disciples and Peter’s confession.

* [6:23] Possibly a later interpolation, to explain how the crowd got to Capernaum.

* [6:27] The food that endures for eternal life: cf. Jn 4:14, on water “springing up to eternal life.” (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jeremy Graney comments that we parent in hopes that our children grow to be persons for and with others and we accompany others on this journey, creating a message and a space for hope.

I have been in education my entire professional career, accompanying youth on their journey, hopefully helping foster some hope along the way. As an educator, I am but one chapter or verse in another’s journey. I hope that I give space and time to reflect beyond their immediate needs and desires, to not only focus on the food that perishes but on a life that goes beyond the need of the now. I try to take this time for myself as I navigate the immediate (food that perishes) with the Holy. (Graney, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “God is our landlord,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Our wish, you see, is to attain to eternal life. We wish to reach the place where nobody dies, but if possible we do not want to get there via death. We would like to be whisked away there while we are still alive and see our bodies changed, while we are alive, into that spiritual form into which they are to be changed when we rise again. Who wouldn't like that? Isn't it what everybody wants? But while that is what you want, you are told, Quit. Remember what you have sung in the psalm: 'A lodger am I on earth'" If you are a lodger, you are staying in someone else's house; if you are staying in someone else's house, you quit when the landlord bids you. And the landlord is bound to tell you to quit sooner or later, and he has not guaranteed you a long stay. After all, he did not sign a contract with you. Seeing that you are lodging with him for nothing, you quit when he tells you to. And this, too, has to be put up with, and for this, too, patience is very necessary." (excerpt from Sermon 359A,8) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:22-29 asks how do we respond to this “work” of God? First and foremost, we turn to the Lord in prayer. All relationships require time, effort, and attention, and if that’s the case for our relationships with other people, it’s even more true with God. Our belief in the Lord grows and deepens as we sit at the feet of Jesus each day and listen for his voice speaking to us. At the same time, our hearts become more and more attentive to him and willing to follow his commands.

Another work God does in us is to open our eyes to the needs of our neighbors. When we are able to see Jesus in the faces of those who are poor or suffering, we want to console and care for them or just be available to listen and encourage them.

God is always working in you! Today in prayer, thank him for the gift of your faith. Ask him to help you believe in him ever more deeply each day. Be sure to ask him for the grace to respond to his work in you with all your heart. Then believe that he will do it!

“Jesus, I believe in you! Thank you for the work you are always doing in me to strengthen my faith.” (Meditation on John 6:22-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the reading from Acts we hear about Stephen and  the ministry of charity to the Greek speakers. Ironically the synagogue of Freedmen, from the distant areas of the Empire remote from Temple worship attacked him ironically about the nature of his worship. The Temple and the Law were far away and it may be explained that they may have become super traditional, guardians of Jewish tradition. He is accused of things that they might have said. The crowd realizes there is only one boat and they are concerned how Jesus crossed the sea. Jesus accuses them of not looking for signs that point to a greater reality like the deepest hunger of their heart. They seek food and miracles and He wants to reveal the love of God and how much God wants them to live in that Love.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Black farmer and author Leah Penniman who celebrates the faith of agricultural scientist and inventor George Washington Carver (1864–1943). In conversation with Penniman, Chris Bolden-Newsome, co-founder of Sankofa Community Farm in Pennsylvania, shares:

I am a practitioner of in-cultured African (American) Catholic Christianity…. So much of Catholic Christianity has its origins within an earth-based African context that existed way before its settling and redefinition in central Europe. The Catholic Church as a whole is catching up to its origins. Starting in 1971, with Pope Paul VI, the church has expressed ecological concern, which was amplified to an urgent appeal by 2015, with Pope Francis writing:

If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. By contrast, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up spontaneously. The poverty and austerity of Saint Francis were no mere veneer of asceticism, but something much more radical: a refusal to turn reality into an object simply to be used and controlled. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

[1] Pope Francis, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Read here for the full text of this encyclical.

We seek the inspiration of the Spirit to literally ground our relationship with people of different aspirations in life in the sanctity and sign of our common home as lately observed by the Artemis II crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6? 

Graney, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-20-2026 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?22 

Meditation on John 6:22-29. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/20/1547134/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?23 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). All that Breathes Gives Praise. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/all-that-breathes-gives-praise/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Labor for the Food Which Endures to Eternal Life. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Time of Transformation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, share the traditional Word that invites us to embrace our opportunity to join our community and millions of believers in the Divine promise of renewal that comes from prayer, almsgiving, and fasting in the upcoming weeks.

Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting

The Reading from the Book of Joel implores a Return to the Lord as the Lord Relents.

* [2:14] Blessing: the rain that makes possible the grapes and grain (v. 19) that workers will process into Temple offerings.

* [2:16] Elderly…infants…bridegroom…bride: Jerusalem is in such great danger that even those normally excused from fasting or working are called upon to participate in activities to ward off the imminent catastrophe.

* [2:17] Between the porch and the altar: the priests stood in the open space between the outdoor altar for burnt offerings and the Temple building.

* [2:18] Jealous: the Hebrew word describes the passionate empathetic bond the Lord has with Israel. The people’s wholehearted participation in Joel’s call for fasting and prayer sparks the Lord’s longing to protect and love his people Israel. This desire moves him to withhold punishment and to send the blessing of v. 14 instead. (Joel, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 51 prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought.

* [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The poem has two parts of approximately equal length: Ps 51:3–10 and Ps 51:11–19, and a conclusion in Ps 51:20–21. The two parts interlock by repetition of “blot out” in the first verse of each section (Ps 51:3, 11), of “wash (away)” just after the first verse of each section (Ps 51:4) and just before the last verse (Ps 51:9) of the first section, and of “heart,” “God,” and “spirit” in Ps 51:12, 19. The first part (Ps 51:3–10) asks deliverance from sin, not just a past act but its emotional, physical, and social consequences. The second part (Ps 51:11–19) seeks something more profound than wiping the slate clean: nearness to God, living by the spirit of God (Ps 51:12–13), like the relation between God and people described in Jer 31:33–34. Nearness to God brings joy and the authority to teach sinners (Ps 51:15–16). Such proclamation is better than offering sacrifice (Ps 51:17–19). The last two verses express the hope that God’s good will toward those who are cleansed and contrite will prompt him to look favorably on the acts of worship offered in the Jerusalem Temple (Ps 51:19 [20–21]). (Joel, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians proclaims the Ministry of Reconciliation and shares The Experience of the Ministry.

* [5:18–21] Paul attempts to explain the meaning of God’s action by a variety of different categories; his attention keeps moving rapidly back and forth from God’s act to his own ministry as well. Who has reconciled us to himself: i.e., he has brought all into oneness. Not counting their trespasses: the reconciliation is described as an act of justification (cf. “righteousness,” 2 Cor 5:21); this contrasts with the covenant that condemned (2 Cor 3:8). The ministry of reconciliation: Paul’s role in the wider picture is described: entrusted with the message of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19), he is Christ’s ambassador, through whom God appeals (2 Cor 5:20a). In v. 20b Paul acts in the capacity just described.

* [5:21] This is a statement of God’s purpose, expressed paradoxically in terms of sharing and exchange of attributes. As Christ became our righteousness (1 Cor 1:30), we become God’s righteousness (cf. 2 Cor 5:14–15). (2 Corinthians, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [6:1] Not to receive…in vain: i.e., conform to the gift of justification and new creation. The context indicates how this can be done concretely: become God’s righteousness (2 Cor 5:21), not live for oneself (2 Cor 5:15) be reconciled with Paul (2 Cor 6:11–13; 7:2–3).

* [6:2] In an acceptable time: Paul cites the Septuagint text of Is 49:8; the Hebrew reads “in a time of favor”; it is parallel to “on the day of salvation.” Now: God is bestowing favor and salvation at this very moment, as Paul is addressing his letter to them. (2 Corinthians, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is Teaching About Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting

* [6:1–18] The sermon continues with a warning against doing good in order to be seen and gives three examples, almsgiving (Mt 6:2–4), prayer (Mt 6:5–15), and fasting (Mt 6:16–18). In each, the conduct of the hypocrites (Mt 6:2) is contrasted with that demanded of the disciples. The sayings about reward found here and elsewhere (Mt 5:12, 46; 10:41–42) show that this is a genuine element of Christian moral exhortation. Possibly to underline the difference between the Christian idea of reward and that of the hypocrites, the evangelist uses two different Greek verbs to express the rewarding of the disciples and that of the hypocrites; in the latter case it is the verb apechō, a commercial term for giving a receipt for what has been paid in full (Mt 6:2, 5, 16).

* [6:2] The hypocrites: the scribes and Pharisees, see Mt 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29. The designation reflects an attitude resulting not only from the controversies at the time of Jesus’ ministry but from the opposition between Pharisaic Judaism and the church of Matthew. They have received their reward: they desire praise and have received what they were looking for. (Matthew, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Candice Tucci, OSF, comments that there is an urgency that the prophet Joel presents. He had a passion to bring people back into a right relationship with God. Blow the trumpet, proclaim a fast, call an assembly; gather the people, notify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, etc. His words are for us. There is an urgency in our time for there is much to be restored in our world that is torn apart with wars, displacement of peoples, hunger, quest for power, tyrants, (some who think they are gods), violence, and lack of compassion.

Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’, We have to dare to speak of the integrity of human life, of the need to promote and unify all the great values. Once we lose our humility, and become enthralled with the possibility of limitless mastery over everything, we inevitably end up harming society and the environment. #224

There appears a steady decline in humanity as Joel observed of his time, 400 years before Christ. Relationships on many levels, whether they be personal, familial, or global, breaches are to be mended, and life held sacred. It is a time for reconciliation. Restore humanity to its sacred dignity. We can do this with the grace and mercy of God. We can do this because we are the expression of God’s love. Be merciful, God, for we have sinned. –Psalm 51 (Tucci, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Lent - the epitome of our whole life,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 AD.

"Christians must always live in this way, without any wish to come down from their cross - otherwise they will sink beneath the world's mire. But if we have to do so all our lives, we must make an even greater effort during the days of Lent. It is not a simple matter of living through forty days. Lent is the epitome of our whole life." (excerpt from Sermon 205, 1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Joel 2:12-18 exhorts us to follow God’s call from today’s first reading and turn to the Lord . . . even now (Joel 2:12).

Even now. You don’t have to get everything exactly right or deny yourself for forty days before he answers you. Just “rend your heart” before the Lord (Joel 2:13). Reach out your arms to him. Cry out to him, even wordlessly. If all you can muster is a heartfelt “Father! Forgive!” he’ll come running to you and gather you into his embrace.

If we only knew how much our Father loves us, we would never hesitate to come to him. So turn to the Lord this Lent and ask him to change your heart. Even now.

“Here I am, Lord! I need your mercy today!” (Meditation on Joel 2:12-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts of Ash Wednesday. Joel calls a fast as he recognizes the people deserve the punishment that is to come upon them even as he implores God to turn back their punishment. In the Second Letter to the Corinthians, Paul declares now is the appropriate time to use the opportunity, today, to address the disorder in our lives. In the Gospel of Matthew, from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus responds to the concern of the people that  after the temple is destroyed what would replace the sacrifice of the animal in the temple to forgive sins through the blood of the animal. The rabbis advise alms, prayer, and fasting. Friar Jude comments on how we parse Jesus' advice to not publicly display our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer and His description of our good deeds as a lamp that shines for the public to see. When we witness to faith to give an example without seeking praise and acknowledgement, we are in accord with Jesus' way.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC guest faculty member Belden Lane who recalls a recent experience of finding healing in the desert. Lane went to the desert, hoping to connect with John and in some way relieve the suffering he imagined John was experiencing at having his life cut short.

As I sat there, my mind wandered back to the hospital room on the night of John’s death. The end had come at three o’clock in the morning when he finally stopped breathing. I’d wanted to stay with him for the rest of the night. I hated the thought of strangers putting my son on a tray and wheeling him away into the morgue alone. I knew I should have stayed there until dawn, but … we were all exhausted. We went home.

And then it struck me.… On the ridge I could still do this. I might be over a year late, but I could still be faithful, waiting alongside John’s body, not turning away from his death. So that’s what I did, staying awake through the rest of the night, keeping vigil with John. Within an hour or so, I noticed … a full moon was rising over the ridge behind me, casting a soft slate gray light on the mesa’s rim, going down the mesa as the moon rose behind me. It was cold and death-like but beautiful, like the paleness of my son’s body drained of life as I was able to sit with him. It was also for me, at the time, the body of Christ, as it were. John, Jesus had come to assure me with [the mystic] Julian of Norwich, was fine. He was more than fine…. (Rohr, 2025)

We implore the Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the discipline of Lent that is a time to embrace giving to share our support, prayer to connect us to the wisdom and consolation of God, and separation from the habits and distractions that are obstacles to our renewal in contemplation and action.

References

Joel, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/joel/2?12 

Matthew, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?1 

Meditation on Joel 2:12-18. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/16/1500523/ 

Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51?3 

Rohr, R. (2025, March 13). Healing in the Desert. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/healing-in-the-desert/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When You Pray, Fast, and Give Alms. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Tucci, C. (2026, February 18). Daily Reflection February 18, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-18-2026 

2 Corinthians, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/5?20 

2 Corinthians, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/6