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/ 

Presence in Ministry

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the direction of the Spirit as we share the Love of Christ according to His Will and not ours.

Come eat with us and talk

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, n.d.)

Psalm 68 accompanied the early autumn Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth).

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. The translation assumes the Psalm accompanied the early autumn Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth), which included a procession of the tribes (Ps 68:25–28). Israel was being oppressed by a foreign power, perhaps Egypt (Ps 68:31–32)—unless Egypt stands for any oppressor. The Psalm may have been composed from segments of ancient poems, which would explain why the transitions are implied rather than explicitly stated. (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Climax of the last discourse.

* [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). (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Suzanne Braddock presents the life of Charles Lwanga as a reflection of Jesus’ words in the Gospel for today. May his example of courage and faith and care for others inspire us all.

On June 3, 1886, at age 26, Charles Lwanga was brutally tortured and burned alive. Twenty young men and boys followed, saying the Lord’s Prayer aloud as they were killed. His feast day is celebrated widely in Uganda today.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus’ near ecstatic prayer to the Father in John 17:1-11a, summarizes their intense union  and Jesus’ desire for all who believe in him, realized in the witness of Charles Lwanga and his companions.

We are all invited to be martyrs - maybe not of blood but in belief. Let’s try to accept this invitation wholeheartedly, daily, in small ways or large. (Braddock, 2025)

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 whether it’s raising a family, leading a Bible study, or caring for people on the margins, the work never ends; there is always more to do. Eventually, though, God makes it clear that you have “finished [your] course” (Acts 20:24). The time has come for you to let go and trust that he will send someone else to complete it, just as Paul had to do.

Paul traveled tirelessly all over the world to share his faith, but the number of people he reached is small compared to the billions who profess faith in Christ today. It’s a legacy he could not have possibly foreseen. In the same way, you may not always see what fruit your labors have borne. You may even want to continue your work so that you can see more tangible fruit. But if God is calling you away from something that is close to your heart, be at peace. He is surely pleased with the work you have done. He will guide your next steps—and he will send other laborers into the harvest, just as he always has!

“Lord, help me to recognize when my work is done and to trust that others will take my place.” (Meditation on Acts 20:17-27, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains that Paul meeting his disciples in Miletus in Acts is due his desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Paul gives an apologia stating he is not responsible for their blood. He did everything he could and the Spirit is taking him to Jerusalem. At the end of the  Last Supper Discourse, Jesus promises “glory”, in John’s Gospel “Love”, and He proclaims the Father’s love. Friar Jude notes that Jesus calls on God to protect His disciples who will continue to share His Word.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019) who retells one of Jesus’ parables as an expansive invitation to come to God’s table. This is what God’s kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there’s always room for more. Evans shares the story of author Sara Miles, whose experience of Jesus through communion inspired her to start a food pantry.

I don’t know exactly how Jesus is present in the bread and wine, but I believe Jesus is present, so it seems counterintuitive to tell people they have to wait and meet him someplace else before they meet him at the table. If people are hungry, let them come and eat. If they are thirsty, let them come and drink. It’s not my table anyway. It’s not my denomination’s table or my church’s table. It’s Christ’s table. Christ sends out the invitations, and if he has to run through the streets gathering up the riffraff to fill up his house, then that’s exactly what he’ll do…. 

The gospel doesn’t need a coalition devoted to keeping the wrong people out. It needs a family of sinners, saved by grace, committed to tearing down the walls, throwing open the doors, and shouting, “Welcome! There’s bread and wine. Come eat with us and talk.” This isn’t a kingdom for the worthy; it’s a kingdom for the hungry. (Rohr, n.d.)

In our contemplation of Jesus' Way, we need to remain open to inspiration from the Spirit to action that challenges our preconceived notions of discipleship.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 20. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?17 

Braddock, S. (2025, June 2). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/060325.html 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?1 

Meditation on Acts 20:17-27. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/06/03/1297307/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68?10 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Christ Is the Host. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/christ-is-the-host/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Is Eternal Life - to Know the Father the Only True God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jun3