Providence and Prudence

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live in the tension between faith in Providence and our mission to be active workers for good in our environment.

Providence and Power

The  Reading from the Second Book of Chronicles presents Joash’s Apostasy and His Punishment.

e. [24:18] Ex 34:13.

f. [24:20] Jgs 6:34.

g. [24:23] 2 Kgs 12:17–18.

h. [24:24] Dt 32:30.

i. [24:25–26] 2 Kgs 12:21–22. (2 Chronicles, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 89 laments the defeat of the Davidic king .

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52).

* [89:3–5] David’s dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the same verbs (establish, stand) both of the divine love and loyalty and of the Davidic dynasty and throne, cf. Ps 89:29–30. (Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asserts the disciple can serve only one master and must choose between God and wealth.

* [6:19–34] The remaining material of this chapter is taken almost entirely from Q. It deals principally with worldly possessions, and the controlling thought is summed up in Mt 6:24: the disciple can serve only one master and must choose between God and wealth (mammon). See further the note on Lk 16:9.

* [6:22–23] In this context the parable probably points to the need for the disciple to be enlightened by Jesus’ teaching on the transitory nature of earthly riches.

* [6:24] Mammon: an Aramaic word meaning wealth or property.

* [6:25–34] Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs (Mt 6:32), but forbids making them the object of anxious care and, in effect, becoming their slave.

* [6:27] Life-span: the Greek word can also mean “stature.” If it is taken in that sense, the word here translated moment (literally, “cubit”) must be translated literally as a unit not of time but of spatial measure. The cubit is about eighteen inches.

* [6:30] Of little faith: except for the parallel in Lk 12:28, the word translated of little faith is found in the New Testament only in Matthew. It is used by him of those who are disciples of Jesus but whose faith in him is not as deep as it should be (see Mt 8:26; 14:31; 16:8 and the cognate noun in Mt 17:20).

* [6:33] Righteousness: see note on Mt 3:14–15. (Matthew, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner comments that her outlook is mostly positive, but her imagination can run away with the what-ifs. We all wish for a little more control over the events and people in our lives. We don’t have that control and worrying will not change any outcome. 

Jesus does not mean to make light of our concerns. People’s lives can be difficult and faced with heavy decisions and problems. It’s easy to get caught up in the spiral of worry. What are we missing if we are always worrying about what might happen? The gospel ends with the admonition that God knows we need food and clothing. We should start with God in the here and now. This doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. Jesus says: “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.”

 

My prayer: To do what I can to make the world a better place. To work hard for the dignity of all in my own way. To take a deep breath and trust in God. To pray for those who are facing hardships, difficult decisions or life events beyond their control. I pray to be present, really present in the here and now and to trust that God loves me. (Zuegner, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “The value of life,” by John Chrysostom, 347-407 A.D.

"Note the acceleration of images: just when the lilies are decked out, he no longer calls them lilies but 'grass of the field' (Matthew 6:30 ). He then points further to their vulnerable condition by saying 'which are here today.' Then he does not merely say 'and not tomorrow' but rather more callously 'cast into the oven.' These creatures are not merely 'clothed but 'so clothed' in this way as to be later brought to nothing. Do you see how Jesus everywhere abounds in amplifications and intensifications? And he does so in order to press his points home. So then he adds, 'Will he not much more clothe you?' The force of the emphasis is on 'you' to indicate covertly how great is the value set upon your personal existence and the concern God shows for you in particular. It is as though he were saying, 'You, to whom he gave a soul, for whom he fashioned a body, for whose sake he made everything in creation, for whose sake he sent prophets, and gave the law, and wrought those innumerable good works, and for whose sake he gave up his only begotten Son.'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 22.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 6:24-34 comments that we have needs—for food or clothing or shelter—that we can’t ignore. We also have wants—for recognition, influence, or respect—that weigh on our minds and hearts. Jesus knows that.

Putting aside worry may still feel easier said than done. That’s where remembering comes in. Consider God’s work in your own life or the lives of the saints. Even when a worrisome difficulty comes your way, God is with you. Each time you offer trying situations to God, your relationship with him deepens. The grip that fear and anxiety have on your heart starts to loosen. The key is to remember how much God loves you and to find the strength to surrender your worries to him. You mean so much more to him than the birds of the air or flowers of the field, and you can trust him to take care of you.

So how can you let go of just a little bit of your worry today?

“Heavenly Father, I believe that I am precious to you. I trust that you will take care of me and stay close to me.” (Meditation on Matthew 6:24-34, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from 2 Chronicles presents how the young heir, Joash, was saved and made king. The king and his nobles abandoned the Temple “King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and killed the son.”(2 Chronicles 22 ). Zachariah was stoned to death even as his Father had saved Joash from murder. This becomes an example of a lack of protection due to infidelity. In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus asserts our choice to serve Mammon or God. If we trust, God’s Providence will shower down. God will take care of us.  Friar Jude suggests we balance prudence with charity and trust in God’s goodness. We need to keep in mind the goodness and generosity of God to us.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Episcopal priest Stephanie Spellers who highlights the church’s call to meet the human longing for community. 

You don’t have to be religious to seek “beloved community”. I believe we humans are created with a homing device that begins to hum and light up when we see individuals and communities driven not by ego but by self-giving love.

But if you are religious, and certainly if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then beloved community should be one of the basic tenets of faith. That’s what Jesus told the young seeker who asked him the greatest commandment. Jesus told him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22: 37–39). Jesus welcomed people into a countercultural, self-giving community of love with God at the center.

True, the ideal gets watered down…. [But] hold out for the robust and uncompromising vision of God’s kingdom of love. For us, it’s a dream. For God, it’s reality.

Even if we have failed a thousand times before, don’t let this hour pass without calling on Jesus and the prophets one more time. Notice how God’s reign is already breaking in and how the Spirit empowers us to join up with that movement. Especially now, even as the powers of empire and established order are busy reassembling the cracked pieces of our national and church life with the same self-centric powers and goals at their core, we should be striving and praying that God will reshape us in the image of God’s beloved community. If not now, when? (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the Spirit as guide in our travel in the tension between trust in God and our tendency to take on matters informed by our own limited experience.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6? 

Meditation on Matthew 6:24-34. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/20/1595479/ 

Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Way of the Early Church: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-way-of-the-early-church-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Why Are You Anxious - Seek First His Kingdom. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Chronicles, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2chronicles/24?17 

Zuegner, C. (2026, June 20). Daily Reflection June 20, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-20-2026 

Sharing the Bread of Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, exhort us to share fullness of life with our community through our Communion with the Bread of Life.

Recalling Corpus Christi 2015

The Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy recalls God’s Care.

* [8:3] Not by bread alone: Deuteronomic theology puts the good things promised faithful Israel into the context of the Lord’s gratuitous love. As in 6:10–12, the goods of life must be seen as gift. Israel is to seek what really matters; all else will be added (cf. Mt 6:33).

* [8:15] Saraph: see note on Nm 21:6. (Deuteronomy, CHAPTER 8 | 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.

* [147:15–19] God speaks through the thunder of nature and the word of revealed law, cf. Is 55:10–11. The weather phenomena are well known in Jerusalem: a blizzard of snow and hail followed by a thunderstorm that melts the ice. (Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians proclaims sacrifices establish communion.

 

* [10:14–22] The warning against idolatry from 1 Cor 10:7 is now repeated (1 Cor 10:14) and explained in terms of the effect of sacrifices: all sacrifices, Christian (1 Cor 10:16–17), Jewish (1 Cor 10:18), or pagan (1 Cor 10:20), establish communion. But communion with Christ is exclusive, incompatible with any other such communion (1 Cor 10:21). Compare the line of reasoning at 1 Cor 6:15. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, in the Bread of Life Discourse, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore.

* [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51.

* [6:54–58] Eats: the verb used in these verses is not the classical Greek verb used of human eating, but that of animal eating: “munch,” “gnaw.” This may be part of John’s emphasis on the reality of the flesh and blood of Jesus (cf. Jn 6:55), but the same verb eventually became the ordinary verb in Greek meaning “eat.” (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Susan Naatz shares a sacred, communal moment inviting pre-teens, preparing for First Eucharist, to begin to understand why Jesus chose bread as they prepared to someday receive him, the bread of life, in the Eucharist.

My siblings and young students experienced the connective aspect of breaking bread together. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians today beautifully defines its role in the Eucharist: The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

The next time you share bread in any form with another, reflect on the symbol and the communal moment. May we always remember that Jesus chose that form of loving connection to come to us each time we participate in the Eucharist so that we too, as members of the Body of Christ, will become life-giving bread for others. (Naatz, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Let faith confirm you,” by Cyril of Jerusalem, 315-386 A.D.

"Failing to understand his words spiritually, [the Jews] were offended and drew back, thinking that the Savior was urging them to cannibalism. Then again in the old covenant there was the showbread. But that, since it belonged to the old covenant, has come to an end. In the new covenant there are the bread of heaven and the cup of salvation, which sanctify body and soul. For as bread corresponds to the body, so the Word is appropriate to the soul. So do not think of them as mere bread and wine. In accordance with the Lord's declaration, they are body and blood. And if our senses suggests otherwise, let faith confirm you. Do not judge the issue on the basis of taste, but on the basis of faith be assured beyond all doubt that you have been allowed to receive the body and blood of Christ. (excerpt from MYSTAGOGICAL LECTURES 4.4-6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:51-58 comments that Jesus is proclaiming that he himself is “the living bread that came down from heaven” and that he will give them his own “flesh for the life of the world” (6:51). Two thousand years later, we encounter this same Jesus at every Eucharist. What a glorious gift! He offered his Body and Blood on the cross to save us, and now he gives us that same Body and Blood on the altar.

At Mass today, as the priest lifts up the Host, fix your eyes and heart on Jesus. As you pray, “Lord, I am not worthy,” trust in the mercy of your crucified Savior. As you come forward to receive Jesus, proclaim your faith in his true, Real Presence in what was once only bread and wine. And as you kneel in grateful prayer, praise and thank him for giving his life to you and offering himself for the whole world.

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are truly present in the Eucharist. I adore you and I give my life to you." (Meditation on John 6:51-58, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Deuteronomy, Moses is renewing the Covenant through a remembrance of past manna in the desert.  The Hebrew word translates as “What is it”. The manna, water for thirst and the protection against danger reveal the care of God for the deepest hunger is nourished in the desert. The participation in the Body and Blood of Christ as expressed by Paul affirms his understanding of being in contact with the very person of Jesus. The Bread of Life Discourse in the Gospel of John moves from beginning as Wisdom of Incarnate and that beginning at verse 51, His “sarx” for the life of the world, a phrase for our physical body. In the Prologue of John’s Gospel, the Word became Flesh, the physical presence of Jesus. The celebrant at the altar, like John, declares not softening “drink His blood”. We are truly participating in Jesus becoming one with us. In marriage, in John, two flesh become One. We are marrying our God and we affirm being raised on the last day, a future eschatology. In the Eucharist, the Presence of Jesus is a promise of truly more Presence in Heaven. Friar Jude comments on the apparent disconnect of some fundamentalist literal interpretation of the Word  cannot see the true flesh and blood in this passage.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on how understanding the Trinity, as relationship, encourages us to live in greater communion with God and life. Can we all be converted, not to Jesus (as strange as that must sound) but to the Trinity, where Jesus Christ actually exists? Only inside the mystery of the Trinity can we begin to understand what Jesus is saying, the mystery he is inviting us into, and the meaning of salvation.

The wonderful thing about living in our time is how many scientists, such as physicists and astronomers, are confirming that this interconnected nature of reality is true. Looking through microscopes or telescopes, they see this same pattern of utter relationship. They are discovering that if reality is anything, it’s absolutely relational. It’s something we used to know, something our ancestors knew on an intuitive, spiritual level. But since the Enlightenment, at least in the West, many people basically dismissed the possibility of interconnection or interbeing. We’ve primarily produced individualists who try to save themselves by believing things intellectually. This view of religion is not a mystery of participation. It’s not a mystery of surrendering; no surrender is even necessary. Instead, it’s a quest to get the right information, which only makes us more proud and self-centered. It makes community less possible, which is clearly evident from our politics and our international relations. Everyone is put back upon themselves, where the only question Christians seem to ask is “How can I get to heaven?” That’s not even a gospel question! It’s a question of the ego. It’s not the question of the Trinity within us. (Rohr, n.d.)

We humbly and hopefully implore the Spirit of the Trinity to inspire our life in a community of love as disciples of Christ and children of the Father.

References

Deuteronomy, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/8?2 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?51 

Meditation on John 6:51-58. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/07/1587025/ 

Naatz, S. (2026, June 7). Daily Reflection June 7, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-7-2026 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/10?16 

Psalms, PSALM 147 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/147?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Pattern of Relationship. CAC.org. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-pattern-of-relationship/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Who Eats This Bread Will Live Forever. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Faith Service and Fear

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the trust we develop in Providence to bring us to safety when we encounter storms that may raise our fear as we serve the people in our environment.

Calming the Storms

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents The Need for Assistants to serve the community.

* [6:1–7] The Hellenists…the Hebrews: the Hellenists were not necessarily Jews from the diaspora, but were more probably Palestinian Jews who spoke only Greek. The Hebrews were Palestinian Jews who spoke Hebrew or Aramaic and who may also have spoken Greek. Both groups belong to the Jerusalem Jewish Christian community. The conflict between them leads to a restructuring of the community that will better serve the community’s needs. The real purpose of the whole episode, however, is to introduce Stephen as a prominent figure in the community whose long speech and martyrdom will be recounted in Acts 7. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 33 praises God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22).

* [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Ps 33:1–3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Ps 33:4–5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Ps 33:6–9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Ps 33:10–11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus calms the fear of the Apostles when Walking on the Water.

* [6:16–21] The fifth sign is a nature miracle, portraying Jesus sharing Yahweh’s power. Cf. the parallel stories following the multiplication of the loaves in Mk 6:45–52 and Mt 14:22–33.

* [6:19] Walking on the sea: although the Greek (cf. Jn 6:16) could mean “on the seashore” or “by the sea” (cf. Jn 21:1), the parallels, especially Mt 14:25, make clear that Jesus walked upon the water. John may allude to Jb 9:8: God “treads upon the crests of the sea.”

* [6:20] It is I: literally, “I am.” See also notes on Jn 4:26 and Mk 6:50. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Laura Roost comments that in this time and watching world news it can be hard to remember that the earth is full of the kindness of the Lord.

This is not unique to our time, of course. I am reminded through faithful homilies that weekly challenge us to return the following week able to offer our everyday lived faith in community from the past week back to God the following week. It is lived faith in community and everyday life that makes us able to see both the outrages of the world, and the kindness of the Lord through which hope comes. In the end the kindness is there – it is up to us to cling to Christ and live Easter hope everyday. As we end thinking about the ways the earth is full of the kindness of the Lord – even now – I share a helpful prayer from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith: 

“Help us to embrace the world You have given us, that we may transform the darkness of its pain into the life and joy of Easter.” (Roost, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes Christ our physician, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"God sent the human race a physician, a savior, One Who healed without charging a fee. Christ also came to reward those who would be healed by Him. Christ heals the sick, and He makes a gift to those whom He heals. And the gift that He makes is Himself!" (excerpt from Sermon 102,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:16-21 comments that Jesus doesn’t always jump into our boats and tell us exactly why we shouldn’t be afraid. In fact, sometimes he doesn’t immediately calm our “storms.” Instead, he gives us the opportunity to exercise our faith and decide how we will respond. He knows that’s how we grow in wisdom and trust in him.

Look back on a difficult situation in your life. Were there times when it felt as if you were all on your own—as if even Jesus wasn’t there to help? But now, using 20/20 hindsight, can you see how he really was there, patiently guiding you to the shore? Think about how that experience actually made you stronger and built your faith, maybe in ways you never expected.

Interestingly, all three versions of this story ( Matthew 14:22–33., Mark 6:45–52, and John 6:16-21 ) have one key point in common: Jesus tells the disciples not to be afraid. That message is for you, too! When you’re in the dark, tossed about, know that Jesus is closer than you may think. Let that truth calm your fears and strengthen your faith!

“Jesus, thank you for leading me through the storms of my life.” (Meditation on John 6:16-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts 2 and 4 we see a united community but in Acts 6 we realize that always wasn’t the case the Greek widows were not receiving the needed assistance to the same degree as the Hebrew widows. The phrase “deacons” is based on the Greek word to serve. The “first deacon”, Stephen, would both assist in charity and preach. Did the first deacons proclaim the Good News too? Friar Jude continues to comment on the connection of the miracle of the loaves to Psalm 23 and in today’s Gospel there is a resonance with “Beside restful waters” as sign of Jesus protection and satisfaction of the deepest hunger of our hearts.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, writes at the Center for Action and Contemplation, we seek to ground compassionate action in contemplative, nondual consciousness. When we experience the reality of our oneness with God, others, and creation, actions of justice and healing naturally follow. If we’re working to create a more whole world, contemplation will give our actions nonviolent, loving power for the long haul.

The civil rights leader John Lewis (1940–2020) has been an inspiration to many of us. How did this saintly public man avoid deeper recognition for so long? His words read like a prayer for contemplative action:

Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. Know that the truth always leads to love and the perpetuation of peace. Its products are never bitterness and strife. Clothe yourself in the work of love, in the revolutionary work of nonviolent resistance against evil. Anchor the eternity of love in your own soul and embed this planet with goodness. Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We affirm the action of the Spirit as we contemplate the calm and peace we receive when working in service of the needs of the community.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6?1 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?16 

Meditation on John 6:16-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/18/1545853/ 

Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/33?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Contemplation, Liberation, and Action: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-18-2026 

Roost, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-18-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Said: "It Is I - Do Not Be Afraid". Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/