Testimony Trust and Triumph

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept the invitation of Jesus to “Follow Me”

Following Him

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Testimony to Jews in Rome.

* [28:16] With Paul’s arrival in Rome, the programmatic spread of the word of the Lord to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) is accomplished. In Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest, and under this mild form of custody he is allowed to proclaim the word in the capital of the civilized world of his day.

* [28:20] The hope of Israel: in the words of Paul (Acts 23:6), Luke has identified this hope as hope in the resurrection of the dead.

* [28:30–31] Although the ending of Acts may seem to be abrupt, Luke has now completed his story with the establishment of Paul and the proclamation of Christianity in Rome. Paul’s confident and unhindered proclamation of the gospel in Rome forms the climax to the story whose outline was provided in Acts 1:8—“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem…and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 11 is a song of trust.

* [Psalm 11] A song of trust. Though friends counsel flight to the mountain country (a traditional hideout) to escape trouble (Ps 11:1–3), the innocent psalmist reaffirms confidence in God, who protects those who seek asylum in the Temple (Ps 11:4–7). (Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents The Beloved Disciple.

* [21:22] Until I come: a reference to the parousia.

* [21:23] This whole scene takes on more significance if the disciple is already dead. The death of the apostolic generation caused problems in the church because of a belief that Jesus was to have returned first. Loss of faith sometimes resulted; cf. 2 Pt 3:4.

* [21:24] Who…has written them: this does not necessarily mean he wrote them with his own hand. The same expression is used in Jn 19:22 of Pilate, who certainly would not have written the inscription himself. We know: i.e., the Christian community; cf. Jn 1:14, 16. (John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Kathy Kemler comments that  like us, Paul never got to meet Jesus when he walked this earth but was told by others about Him.

Paul had an ongoing spirit, a joy, a zeal for the Lord that is so admirable. In the face of so much turmoil, confrontation, and imprisonment, he didn’t give up; he just kept talking about Jesus (and pleading his own case, of course). He spoke of how Jesus wants us to live, to be joyful and not be afraid, to do good, and to turn away from sin. Paul has a lot of great messages that just spring from his foundation in Christ. It truly is admirable and brings to mind the phrase “joy in the Lord.” I think Paul’s deeply rooted foundation in Christ truly brought him this zeal and this joy in the Lord. What a gift to have!

I believe we could all have this joy in the Lord. Of course, it will be displayed through our own personality and our own life’s circumstances, but it certainly would be a beautiful thing to feel inside and be a true gift to the world as we proclaim the good news of the risen Lord in our own way through our own life. (Kemler, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Peter follows, John remains,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The Lord either said what he said to Peter about his martyrdom, or he said it about the gospel of John. As regards the martyrdom and this 'Follow me,' [he means] suffer for me, suffer what I did. Because Christ was crucified, Peter too was crucified... while John experienced none of this. That is what is meant by, 'It is thus that I wish him to remain.' Let him fall asleep without wounds, without torment, and wait for me. You, Peter, 'Follow me,' suffer what I did. That's one way these words can be explained...

"As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord's humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 21:20-25 a call he likely issued—to all his apostles—over and over, in many different ways, during their time together.

Follow me. The call is simple but not easy. It’s a multifaceted call, which Jesus issues to each one of us.

So where are you today? If you’re nursing your ailing grandmother, follow Jesus by treating her with gentle compassion even when it’s hard. If you’re struggling to be content with the life God has given you, follow Jesus by focusing on being faithful to your calling and trusting that he will bless your every effort. If you’re trying to figure out the next steps for your life, follow Jesus by being consistent in prayer and waiting for him to reveal it.

Jesus will always lead you if you take the time to listen for his voice.

“Lord Jesus, I will take your hand and follow you.” (Meditation on John 21:20-25, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces spiritual director Therese DesCamp who reflects on her commitment to a contemplative practice.

 

My practice is not measured by how I feel or what I experience when I sit in place for a twenty-minute session. The true test of my practice is my behavior the other twenty-three-plus hours of the day.

A practice is just that: a practice. By definition, a practice gets me ready to do something else. One person practices scales on the piano so she can play a concerto beautifully. Another practices French so that he can converse easily. I practice Centering Prayer so that when life is coming apart at the seams, I remember how to stand steady. I practice Centering Prayer so that I can learn how to stand aside and let God work in and through me.…

Meditation practice can turn me into a sponge. The true nature of a sponge is that it gathers up water and it releases water. It does not hold onto, own, or create water…. In meditation, I am filled with the grace of God, the flowing waters of life. (If I am lucky, I will actually experience this in some way. But whether I consciously experience that grace or not, it is always true that I am filled with it.) Hence, the only goal I can truly name for my meditation practice is this: to let myself be filled, over and over, so that I can act as a streaming, saturated sponge, leaking Love in a dry and dusty world. (Rohr, n.d.)

We prepare to welcome the Holy Spirit to inspire us to follow Jesus in our contemplation and action to work for peace, love, and community.

References

Acts, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/28?16 

John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21? 

Kemler, K. (2026, May 23). Daily Reflection May 23, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-23-2026 

Meditation on John 21:20-25. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/23/1575186/ 

Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/11?4 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Practicing “Just This”: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/practicing-just-this-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Immensity of What Jesus Has Done for Us. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Beloved Hospitality

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today encourage us to live with hope and hospitality as a foundation for our mission bringing the Word of Christ to all parts of Creation.

Picnic Hospitality

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Testimony to Jews in Rome.

* [28:16] With Paul’s arrival in Rome, the programmatic spread of the word of the Lord to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) is accomplished. In Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest, and under this mild form of custody he is allowed to proclaim the word in the capital of the civilized world of his day.

* [28:17–22] Paul’s first act in Rome is to learn from the leaders of the Jewish community whether the Jews of Jerusalem plan to pursue their case against him before the Roman jurisdiction. He is informed that no such plan is afoot, but that the Jews of Rome have heard the Christian teaching denounced. Paul’s offer to explain it to them is readily accepted.

* [28:20] The hope of Israel: in the words of Paul (Acts 23:6), Luke has identified this hope as hope in the resurrection of the dead.

* [28:25–28] Paul’s final words in Acts reflect a major concern of Luke’s writings: how the salvation promised in the Old Testament, accomplished by Jesus, and offered first to Israel (Acts 13:26), has now been offered to and accepted by the Gentiles. Quoting Is 6:9–10, Paul presents the scriptural support for his indictment of his fellow Jews who refuse to accept the message he proclaims. Their rejection leads to its proclamation among the Gentiles.

* [28:29] The Western text has added here a verse that is not found in the best Greek manuscripts: “And when he had said this, the Jews left, seriously arguing among themselves.”

* [28:30–31] Although the ending of Acts may seem to be abrupt, Luke has now completed his story with the establishment of Paul and the proclamation of Christianity in Rome. Paul’s confident and unhindered proclamation of the gospel in Rome forms the climax to the story whose outline was provided in Acts 1:8—“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem…and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 11 is a song of trust.

* [Psalm 11] A song of trust. Though friends counsel flight to the mountain country (a traditional hideout) to escape trouble (Ps 11:1–3), the innocent psalmist reaffirms confidence in God, who protects those who seek asylum in the Temple (Ps 11:4–7). (Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Beloved Disciple in the Conclusion.

* [21:23] This whole scene takes on more significance if the disciple is already dead. The death of the apostolic generation caused problems in the church because of a belief that Jesus was to have returned first. Loss of faith sometimes resulted; cf. 2 Pt 3:4.

* [21:24] Who…has written them: this does not necessarily mean he wrote them with his own hand. The same expression is used in Jn 19:22 of Pilate, who certainly would not have written the inscription himself. We know: i.e., the Christian community; cf. Jn 1:14, 16. (John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly comments that as a professor of anthropology at Creighton University, she was encouraged by the fact that our students were continually challenged to discern the truth in all situations.

Students learned to seek spiritual guidance in their perceptions and understanding of complex or demanding situations. Seeking spiritual guidance is how we learn to discern the truth. John 16 says that the Lord will send us the Spirit of truth who will guide us. Yet, the truth is often obscured. The Gospel lesson today says that the stories told in the book of John are true because the Spirit of truth inspired them. We have learned to trust the Bible for truths. Daily life, however, requires constant discernment in new situations. I pray today that we will open our hearts to the words in John 16: 7 and 13, “I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.”  And may we practice discernment. (Dilly, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Peter follows, John remains,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The Lord either said what he said to Peter about his martyrdom, or he said it about the gospel of John. As regards the martyrdom and this 'Follow me,' [he means] suffer for me, suffer what I did. Because Christ was crucified, Peter too was crucified... while John experienced none of this. That is what is meant by, 'It is thus that I wish him to remain.' Let him fall asleep without wounds, without torment, and wait for me. You, Peter, 'Follow me,' suffer what I did. That's one way these words can be explained...

"As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord's humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 21:20-25 comments that if we focus on Him, we will discover the love that He has for us, and that love will fill our hearts in ways that comparing ourselves with others never can. Instead of getting distracted or discouraged by what could be, we find a sense of peace and contentment with what actually is, even if it is difficult.

Not only will focusing on Jesus help quiet our souls, but it will also give us the courage and strength to take up the calling he has for us. As St. Paul once wrote, the love of Christ “impels” us to live not for ourselves but to spend our lives following him and obeying his will (2 Corinthians 5:14).

God’s call for you is as unique and unrepeatable as you are. So the next time you feel that familiar tug to compare, pause and hear Jesus ask, “What concern is it of yours? Follow me.”

“Jesus, give me only your love and your grace, for they are enough for me.” (Meditation on John 21:20-25, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the likely path of Paul to martyrdom as Luke describes his ability to meet with Jewish leaders prior to his conviction and ultimate martyrdom by Nero. A theme in Acts shows Christians as good citizens, and traces the spread of the Gospel from the spiritual capital of the world to the political capital of the world. Friar Jude notes the qualities of the “add on” to the Gospel of John by a possible disciple of the Beloved.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Randy and Edith Woodley who share how they have experienced the Indigenous value of hospitality.

Recently, a group of six Native Alaskans showed up at our house for an unexpected visit. We had such a great time talking and visiting that, before we knew it, it was time for supper. With elders present, we knew we had to find something nourishing to feed the group—and quickly. We had a large pack of hot dogs left over from a recent event. We threw together all the cans of various kinds of pinto beans we had, and we ran to the garden to gather lettuce for a salad, which was the only vegetable in season at the time. 

These are the times when you just make do with what you have. Generosity doesn’t have to look like a lavish occasion or a perfectly executed meal. It just has to look like love. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the juxtaposition of peace and persecution in the path of Christ and leaders in our faith and praise the Presence in the Spirit that guides us to fullness of life. 

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/28?16 

Dilly, B. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/060725.html 

John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21?20 

Meditation on John 21:20-25. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/06/07/1299976/ 

Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/11?4

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Jesus’ Inclusive Table. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-inclusive-table/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Immensity of What Jesus Has Done for Us. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jun7 

Harmony and Hope

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to nudges of the Spirit to seek harmony with and instil hope in the people we encounter on our journey.

Hope for the Future

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles Paul meets Jewish Leaders in Rome.

* [28:16] With Paul’s arrival in Rome, the programmatic spread of the word of the Lord to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) is accomplished. In Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest, and under this mild form of custody he is allowed to proclaim the word in the capital of the civilized world of his day.

* [28:17–22] Paul’s first act in Rome is to learn from the leaders of the Jewish community whether the Jews of Jerusalem plan to pursue their case against him before the Roman jurisdiction. He is informed that no such plan is afoot, but that the Jews of Rome have heard the Christian teaching denounced. Paul’s offer to explain it to them is readily accepted.

* [28:20] The hope of Israel: in the words of Paul (Acts 23:6), Luke has identified this hope as hope in the resurrection of the dead. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 11 is a Song of Trust in God.

* [Psalm 11] A song of trust. Though friends counsel flight to the mountain country (a traditional hideout) to escape trouble (Ps 11:1–3), the innocent psalmist reaffirms confidence in God, who protects those who seek asylum in the Temple (Ps 11:4–7). (Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, we explore the relationship between Jesus and the Beloved Disciple.

* [21:22] Until I come: a reference to the parousia.

* [21:23] This whole scene takes on more significance if the disciple is already dead. The death of the apostolic generation caused problems in the church because of a belief that Jesus was to have returned first. Loss of faith sometimes resulted; cf. 2 Pt 3:4.

* [21:24] Who…has written them: this does not necessarily mean he wrote them with his own hand. The same expression is used in Jn 19:22 of Pilate, who certainly would not have written the inscription himself. We know: i.e., the Christian community; cf. Jn 1:14, 16. (John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard asks some questions: How or did their personal encounter with Jesus change their lives? Other than obvious physical changes, were they perceptively different?  Did their families, friends, communities notice and remark on any changes in their personalities or behaviors?  Did they, themselves, notice an interior transformation?

I wonder about me.  I have encountered this kind, gentle, loving Jesus in the faces and behaviors of others. During the COVID shutdown, when all were hesitant to be in physical contact with others, I fell and could not get up. A kind woman  came to my aid.  Without hesitation, she bent down, gently helped me up.  She held my hands in both of hers until I was stable. I thanked her for her gracious assistance.  I was so shaken, I forgot to ask her name.  It no longer matters. She remains nameless, but I will never forget her. Her kindness influences me regularly. Do I hesitate to help a stranger?  Do I hesitate to reach out to another in need?  Gratefully, I am very much aware when I do and when I do not. (Howard, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Peter follows, John remains,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The Lord either said what he said to Peter about his martyrdom, or he said it about the gospel of John. As regards the martyrdom and this 'Follow me,' [he means] suffer for me, suffer what I did. Because Christ was crucified, Peter too was crucified... while John experienced none of this. That is what is meant by, 'It is thus that I wish him to remain.' Let him fall asleep without wounds, without torment, and wait for me. You, Peter, 'Follow me,' suffer what I did. That's one way these words can be explained...

"As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord's humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 21:20-25 comments that Jesus has called each of us in Baptism. But throughout our lives, he continues to lead us into a deeper faith and obedience. As we grow in maturity, he calls us to an even closer relationship with him. And while it might be tempting to wonder about what the future holds for other people, Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on him, to listen for his voice, and to go where he leads us. That’s why he’s given us his Holy Spirit, so that we can respond with a deeper, fuller yes to Jesus and his distinct call for our lives.

You follow me. These three words are very personal. Imagine Jesus speaking them specifically to you. His plans for you are unique. He loves you and knows every detail of your life—what you love and what you fear, your gifts and your struggles. His call is tailor-made for you and won’t look like anyone else’s. So don’t look around at what others are doing and try to follow them. Look to Jesus, who even today is blessing you with a calling specifically your own.

“Jesus, you have called me by name, and you know me. Your call is perfect for me. I will follow you.” (Meditation on John 21:20-25, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains the delay in contact of Paul with Roman Emperor Nero as he was under house arrest in the political capital of the world having spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth from the spiritual capital of the world, Jerusalem. The disciple of John, who likely authored the Gospel, identifies the problem of misinterpretation that is reminiscent of “Blessed are the cheesemakers” in the Life of Brian. Friar Jude reminds us that testimony about Jesus is more than all the books of words can express.

Brian McLaren introduces Joanna Macy and Molly Brown who describe how working together helps us discover the resources we need. When we make common cause on behalf of the Earth community, we open not only to the needs of others, but also to their abilities and gifts…. None of us alone possesses all the courage and intelligence, strength and endurance, required for the Great Turning…. The resources we need are present within the web of life that interconnects us. They offer a series of guidelines for reflection on how we can work together: 

Attune to a common intention. Intention is not a goal or plan you can formulate with precision. It is an open-ended aim: may we meet common needs and collaborate in new ways…. 

Know that only the whole can repair itself. You cannot fix the world, but you can take part in its self-healing. Healing wounded relationships within you and between you and others is integral to the healing of our world…. 

Open to flows of information from the larger system. Do not resist painful information about the condition of your world, but understand that the pain you feel for the world springs from interconnectivity, and your willingness to experience it unblocks feedback that is important to the well-being of the whole…. 

Believe no one who claims to have the final answer. Such claims are a sign of ignorance and limited self-interest…. 

You do not need to see the results of your work. Your actions have unanticipated and far-reaching effects that are not likely to be visible to you in your lifetime.  

Putting forth great effort, let there also be serenity in all your doing; for you are held within the web of life, within flows of energy and intelligence far exceeding your own.  (McLaren, n.d.)

We consider the opportunities we have in the times of harmony and peace to work with the Spirit towards understanding, appreciation, affirmation, and support in our communities.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/28?16 

Howard, J. B. (2024, May 18). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/051824.html 

John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21?20 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Loving a Suffering Planet: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/life-after-doom-weekly-summary/ 

Meditation on John 21:20-25. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/18/967826/ 

Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/11?4 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Immensity of What Jesus Has Done for Us. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved May 18, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may18