Greatest Love and Sacrifice

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to ponder the role of suffering in our invitation to fullness of life as followers of Christ.

Follow in Loving Action

The Reading from Jeremiah presents Jeremiah’s Interior Crisis.

* [20:7] You seduced me: Jeremiah accuses the Lord of having deceived him; cf. 15:18. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 63 expresses the intimate relationship between God and the worshiper.

* [Psalm 63] A Psalm expressing the intimate relationship between God and the worshiper. Separated from God (Ps 63:2), the psalmist longs for the divine life given in the Temple (Ps 63:3–6), which is based on a close relationship with God (Ps 63:7–9). May all my enemies be destroyed and God’s true worshipers continue in giving praise (Ps 63:10–11)! (Psalms, PSALM 63 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Letter of Paul to the Romans encourages expressions of Faith in Sacrifice of Body and Mind.

* [12:1–8] The Mosaic code included elaborate directions on sacrifices and other cultic observances. The gospel, however, invites believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Instead of being limited by specific legal maxims, Christians are liberated for the exercise of good judgment as they are confronted with the many and varied decisions required in the course of daily life. To assist them, God distributes a variety of gifts to the fellowship of believers, including those of prophecy, teaching, and exhortation (Rom 12:6–8). Prophets assist the community to understand the will of God as it applies to the present situation (Rom 12:6). Teachers help people to understand themselves and their responsibilities in relation to others (Rom 12:7). One who exhorts offers encouragement to the community to exercise their faith in the performance of all that is pleasing to God (Rom 12:8). Indeed, this very section, beginning with Rom 12:1, is a specimen of Paul’s own style of exhortation. (Romans, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus First Prediction of the Passion and The Conditions of Discipleship.

* [16:21–23] This first prediction of the passion follows Mk 8:31–33 in the main and serves as a corrective to an understanding of Jesus’ messiahship as solely one of glory and triumph. By his addition of from that time on (Mt 16:21) Matthew has emphasized that Jesus’ revelation of his coming suffering and death marks a new phase of the gospel. Neither this nor the two later passion predictions (Mt 17:22–23; 20:17–19) can be taken as sayings that, as they stand, go back to Jesus himself. However, it is probable that he foresaw that his mission would entail suffering and perhaps death, but was confident that he would ultimately be vindicated by God (see Mt 26:29).

* [16:21] He: the Marcan parallel (Mk 8:31) has “the Son of Man.” Since Matthew has already designated Jesus by that title (Mt 15:13), its omission here is not significant. The Matthean prediction is equally about the sufferings of the Son of Man. Must: this necessity is part of the tradition of all the synoptics; cf. Mk 8:31; Lk 9:21. The elders, the chief priests, and the scribes: see note on Mk 8:31. On the third day: so also Lk 9:22, against the Marcan “after three days” (Mk 8:31). Matthew’s formulation is, in the Greek, almost identical with the pre-Pauline fragment of the kerygma in 1 Cor 15:4 and also with Hos 6:2, which many take to be the Old Testament background to the confession that Jesus was raised on the third day. Josephus uses “after three days” and “on the third day” interchangeably (Antiquities 7:280–81; 8:214, 218) and there is probably no difference in meaning between the two phrases.

* [16:22–23] Peter’s refusal to accept Jesus’ predicted suffering and death is seen as a satanic attempt to deflect Jesus from his God-appointed course, and the disciple is addressed in terms that recall Jesus’ dismissal of the devil in the temptation account (Mt 4:10: “Get away, Satan!”). Peter’s satanic purpose is emphasized by Matthew’s addition to the Marcan source of the words You are an obstacle to me.

* [16:24–28] A readiness to follow Jesus even to giving up one’s life for him is the condition for true discipleship; this will be repaid by him at the final judgment. (Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. George Meze, SJ, notes that suffering is something we do not like to take upon ourselves.

Is it not true that God wants to give us manna, the best food of heaven, yet we long for the garlic and onions of Egypt like the Israelites in the desert? As Saint John of the Cross tells us, God’s grace is at times experienced as manna, tasteless to our palate, because we prefer the taste of the sensual body. This experience is perceived as suffering that detaches us from inordinate attachments.

Perhaps, if we were to lovingly accept our crosses by savoring and making the effort to acquire the taste of manna, we would experience an abundance of grace. We pray for His grace to accept the manna with, “a peaceful loving attentiveness towards God.” (Meze, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “This shall never happen to you,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"Peter was examining the issue by human and earthly reasoning. He thought it disgraceful to Jesus as something unworthy of him. Jesus responded sharply, in effect saying, 'My suffering is not an unseemly matter. You are making this judgment with a carnal mind. If you had listened to my teachings in a godly way, tearing yourself away from carnal understanding, you would know that this of all things most becomes me. You seem to suppose that to suffer is unworthy of me. But I say to you that for me not to suffer is of the devil's mind.' So he repressed Peter's alarm by contrary arguments. Remember that John, accounting it unworthy of Christ to be baptized by him, was persuaded by Christ to baptize him, saying, 'Let it be so now' (Matthew 3:15). So we find Peter as well, forbidding Christ to wash his feet. He is met by the words, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.' Here too Jesus restrained him by the mention of the opposite, and by the severity of the reproof he repressed his fear of suffering." (excerpt from the THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 54.6) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts today. The passage from Jeremiah is one of the “Confessions of Jeremiah” not about guilt but a challenge to God. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet but he feels he has been duped and the people blame Jeremiah for their troubles but he asserts that the Word burned in his bones regardless. In Romans 12, Paul refers to our bodies as a living sacrifice that we must treat with respect by not using it in inappropriate ways, but as the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We treat the gift of life as precious. Peter recognizes Jesus Christ as the Son of the Living God in a very positive proclamation.  After Jesus' prediction of His passion, Peter is told to “Get behind Me Satan”. Peter has become a tremper of Jesus, Friar Jude comments that all followers have to take up the Cross. We all have to hit the wall and surrender to Jesus and the Cross for peace.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 16:21-27 comments that what Peter didn’t yet understand was that Jesus would reveal his love to the fullest through his death. It was by submitting to his Father’s will—even if it meant surrendering to his opponents’ plan to kill him—that he would overturn sin and open the way to God for all who believe. This is love in action, and God forbid anyone should try to stop him!

This is the measure of Jesus’ love for us. It’s a love that scandalized Peter at first but that he would later embrace when he opened his arms and allowed himself to be crucified upside down. It’s a love available to each of us as we gaze upon our crucified Lord. God forbid that we ever lose sight of that love!

“Jesus, I am in awe of the depth of your sacrifice for me!” (Meditation on Matthew 16:21-27, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr reflects on how discipleship ultimately leads to the cross and identifying with the pain of the world. We still largely turned Christianity into a religion where the operative agenda was some personal moral perfection, our attaining some kind of salvation, “going to heaven,” converting others rather than ourselves, and acquiring more health, wealth, and success in this world. In that pursuit, we ended up largely aligning with empires, wars, and colonization of our planet, instead of with Jesus or the powerless. It has all caught up with us in the twenty-first century. [1] 

A spirituality of descent frees us to surrender our often-messy lives to God. It is about honoring the human journey, loving it, and living it in all its wonder and tragedy. There is nothing really supernatural about love and suffering. It is completely natural, taking us through the deep interplay of death and life, surrender and forgiveness, in all their basic and foundational manifestations. 

Authentic Christianity is not so much a belief system as a life-and-death system that shows us how to give away our life, how to give away our love, and eventually how to give away our death. Basically, how to give away—and in doing so, to connect with the world, with all other creatures, and with God. [2]  (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to enlighten our understanding of love and sacrifice as it applies to our journey today and our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader for our community.

References

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/20? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?21 

Meditation on Matthew 16:21-27. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/08/30/1656797/ 

Meze, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection August 30, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-30-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 63 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Following in Jesus’s Footsteps. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/63?2 

Romans, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/12?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Take up Your Cross Daily and Follow Jesus Christ. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/

Ambition for Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, proclaim our mission to live in mutual love with the people in our environment.

Care in Service

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter proclaims Mutual Love of Christians.

* [1:19] Christians have received the redemption prophesied by Isaiah (Is 52:3), through the blood (Jewish symbol of life) of the spotless lamb (Is 53:7, 10; Jn 1:29; Rom 3:24–25; cf. 1 Cor 6:20).

* [1:22–25] The new birth of Christians (1 Pt 1:23) derives from Christ, the imperishable seed or sowing that produces a new and lasting existence in those who accept the gospel (1 Pt 1:24–25), with the consequent duty of loving one another (1 Pt 1:22).

* [1:23] The living and abiding word of God: or, “the word of the living and abiding God.” (1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 147 exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created.

* [Psalm 147] The hymn is divided into three sections by the calls to praise in Ps 147:1, 7, 12. The first section praises the powerful creator who restores exiled Judah (Ps 147:1–6); the second section, the creator who provides food to animals and human beings; the third and climactic section exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created and made the place of disclosure for God’s word, a word as life-giving as water. (Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents a Third Prediction of the Passion and notes the Ambition of James and John.

* [10:38–40] Can you drink the cup…I am baptized?: the metaphor of drinking the cup is used in the Old Testament to refer to acceptance of the destiny assigned by God; see note on Ps 11:6. In Jesus’ case, this involves divine judgment on sin that Jesus the innocent one is to expiate on behalf of the guilty (Mk 14:24; Is 53:5). His baptism is to be his crucifixion and death for the salvation of the human race; cf. Lk 12:50. The request of James and John for a share in the glory (Mk 10:35–37) must of necessity involve a share in Jesus’ sufferings, the endurance of tribulation and suffering for the gospel (Mk 10:39). The authority of assigning places of honor in the kingdom is reserved to God (Mk 10:40).

* [10:42–45] Whatever authority is to be exercised by the disciples must, like that of Jesus, be rendered as service to others (Mk 10:45) rather than for personal aggrandizement (Mk 10:42–44). The service of Jesus is his passion and death for the sins of the human race (Mk 10:45); cf. Mk 14:24; Is 53:11–12; Mt 26:28; Lk 22:19–20. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that, in today’s gospel, we see that even the apostles behaved selfishly and badly. Even though they lived with Jesus and heard his teachings, this intimate knowledge did not prevent them from seeking after their own glory at the expense of others.

This divine mystery was not yet known to them. But it has been made known to us. Does that knowledge have the potential to change the way we see ourselves and others? Even those we find difficult to love?

As we journey on toward our eternal destiny, we are accompanied by these mysteries. Let us draw hope and strength for the journey, even though we do not understand them fully. Perhaps for now it is enough to know that we are deeply loved, even when we struggle to love others, who are also deeply loved by God. And perhaps grace and mercy will be nearby, helping us to love more fully, as we ought. Thanks be to God. (Morse, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:32-45 comments that, at first glance, being a “servant” doesn’t usually seem appealing. It’s only when we remember how much Jesus loves us that our hearts begin to soften. It’s as we recall that we were created to give him glory by reflecting his own generosity and kindness. The simple truth is that the more we give of ourselves, the more Christlike we become. We grow in holiness. We become more peaceful, more contented, and even more joyful!

Probably the best way to look at our call to serve is to look at Jesus. He is the perfect model of what a life of service looks like. We can ask him, “How can I serve you today, Lord?” If the opportunities before you seem mundane—like making a meal for your family or taking an elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment—remember Jesus’ great promise: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Every opportunity to care for someone else is another opportunity to meet Jesus!

“Lord, help me desire to serve you and your people above all else!” (Meditation on Mark 10:32-45, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage today is in tenor with 1 Peter yesterday that presents the ransom by the blood of Christ as God’s plan from the beginning and we are called to live godly lives and dedicate ourselves to brotherly love as the text notes that all flesh is grass as a symbol of our limited life. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus predicts His Passion in Chapters 8, 9, and 10. He presents the image of  the Son of Man from Daniel 7 who has authority over all the nations and the Suffering Servant from the poems in Isaiah that define the mission of Jesus. James and John ask to sit on His right and left as they talk about inheritance and when Jesus speaks of death. They claim to be willing to take up their crosses. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus declares the Son of Man came to serve and not be served. We are called die in our ministry, a bit each day, to our selfishness to serve those who most need God’s love.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, envisions the Holy Spirit as the loving immensity of God’s presence within us. Consciousness, the soul, love, the Holy Spirit, on both the individual and shared levels, have sadly become largely unconscious! No wonder some call the Holy Spirit the “missing person” of the Blessed Trinity. No wonder we try to fill this radical disconnectedness through various addictions.

There is an Inner Reminder, an Inner Rememberer, (see John 14:26, 16:4) who holds together all the disparate and fragmented parts of our lives, fills in all the gaps, owns all the mistakes, forgives all the failures, and loves us into an ever-deeper life. This is the job description of the Holy Spirit, who is the spring that wells up within us (John 7:38–39)—and unto eternal time. This is the breath that warms and renews everything (John 20:22). These are the eyes that see beyond the momentary shadow and disguise of things (John 9); these are the tears that wash and cleanse the past (Matthew 5:4). And better yet, they are not only our tears but are actually the very presence and consolation of God within us (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).

You must contact this Immensity! You must look back at your life from the place of this Immensity. You must know that this Immensity is already within you. The only thing separating you from such Immensity is the ego’s unwillingness to trust such an utterly free grace, such a completely unmerited gift. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We recognize our need for the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit as we proclaim our desire to work with Jesus in the mission to serve with love in our environment.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?32 

Meditation on Mark 10:32-45. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/26/1578480/ 

Morse, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-27-2026 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/1?18 

Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/147?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Is Always with Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-is-always-with-us/ 

Examine our Expectations

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the aspects of our daily life that need spiritual support to fill the “pot holes” in our road to love and peace.

Expecting Some Delay

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul supports believers in Ephesus with introduction to the Holy Spirit.

* [19:1–6] Upon his arrival in Ephesus, Paul discovers other people at the same religious stage as Apollos, though they seem to have considered themselves followers of Christ, not of the Baptist. On the relation between baptism and the reception of the Spirit, see note on Acts 8:16. (ACTS of The Apostles, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 68 is a call to praise God as savior

* [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. At any rate, Ps 68:2 is based on Nm 10:35–36, and Ps 68:8–9 are derived from Jgs 5:4–5. The argument develops in nine stanzas (each of three to five poetic lines): 1. confidence that God will destroy Israel’s enemies (Ps 68:2–4); 2. call to praise God as savior (Ps 68:5–7); (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus invites the disciples to share in the passion.

* [16:30] The reference is seemingly to the fact that Jesus could anticipate their question in Jn 16:19. The disciples naively think they have the full understanding that is the climax of “the hour” of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension (Jn 16:25), but the only part of the hour that is at hand for them is their share in the passion (Jn 16:32).

* [16:32] You will be scattered: cf. Mk 14:27 and Mt 26:31, where both cite Zec 13:7 about the sheep being dispersed. (John, GOSPEL OF JOHN | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer notes that as Jesus so aptly points out in today’s Gospel, we are never alone. No matter how desolate the situation or remote the location, God the Father is with us.

Jesus’s words to the apostles, In the world you will have trouble, still ring true today. As we go about our all-too-hectic lives, we can pause and remember the peace and joy that fill our hearts and souls when we acknowledge that God the Father is our faithful friend. He is always ready to listen, encourage us, and give us the strength to face seemingly overwhelming challenges or difficulties.

During our Daily Examen, let’s pay special attention to God’s loving presence in our lives and reflect on how he is a part of our daily affairs. Let’s also acknowledge the many gifts he has given each of us, which we can use to honor and praise him. Maybe then we can find God in all things. (Scholer, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “In Christ we have peace,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When [Jesus] says, 'These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace,' he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse... He declares this to be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly action and intention." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 104.1.15) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 19:1-8 declares that it takes a certain degree of humility to acknowledge that we need more from the Lord. It takes an open heart and a willingness to change to welcome the Spirit in and ask him to reveal more of God’s will, his love, or his wisdom to us.

God sent Paul to these believers to offer them something they were lacking. Do you feel there’s something missing in your relationship with the Lord? Reach out to him in prayer and ask for it. Remember Jesus’ promise: “If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).

“Father, help me to be humble enough to welcome your Spirit today!” (Meditation on Acts 19:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments, in Acts, Paul is in Ephesus where he meets disciples who only know of the Baptism of Remission of sin of  John the Baptist. He tells them of the fullness of Christian Baptism and invites them into the Life of the Spirit. Glossolalia of charismatic groups is a response to an experience so profound that words do not suffice. It presents our need to have a language beyond language. In the continuation of the Last Supper Discourse in the Gospel of John, the disciples find Jesus speaking plainly. In His Revelation, Jesus foretells His Passion as a Love that conquers that part of the world rejects Him and The Father. Friar Jude notes that Jesus is reassuring His followers that His Passion is part of the Father’s plan.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, considers that true prayer begins with a positive “yes,” a surrender to God and Reality. Father Richard advises “neither clinging nor opposing” when it comes to facing distractions in contemplative prayer.

We must listen honestly to ourselves. We must listen to whatever thought or feeling arises long enough to ask, “Why am I thinking this? What is this thought revealing in or about me? Why am I willing to entertain this negative, accusatory, or lustful thought?” 

We don’t have to hate or condemn ourselves for a thought or feeling, but we do have to let it yield its wisdom. Then we will realize it is a wounded or needy part of us that creates these unhealthy thoughts. Our true self, our whole self, doesn’t need them, and will not identify with them. 

If we can allow our thoughts and feelings to pass through us, neither clinging to them nor opposing them—and without ever expecting perfect success—I promise that we will come to a deeper, wider, and wiser place. Even our inability to fully succeed is, in itself, another wonderful lesson. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit to enlighten our understanding of the diversity of response to the Love of God as we humbly accept our path and passion in life.

References

ACTS of The Apostles, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/19?1 

John, GOSPEL OF JOHN | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?29 

Meditation on Acts 19:1-8. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/18/1570052/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Forgiving Our Thoughts. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/forgiving-our-thoughts/ 

Scholer, S. (2026, May 18). Daily Reflection May 18, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-18-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Peace in Overcoming the World. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/