Belonging Believing and Bias

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary challenge us to awareness of the potential cost of our commitment to the Way of Jesus.

Consider the Cost

The Reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes the Martyrdom of Eleazar.

* [6:18–7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest models of “martyrology,” were understandably popular. Written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution, they add gruesome details to the record of tortures, and place long speeches in the mouths of the martyrs. (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 3 hopes for God’s protection.

* [Psalm 3] is an individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9). (Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus the Tax Collector.

* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10).

* [19:9] A descendant of Abraham: literally, “a son of Abraham.” The tax collector Zacchaeus, whose repentance is attested by his determination to amend his former ways, shows himself to be a true descendant of Abraham, the true heir to the promises of God in the Old Testament. Underlying Luke’s depiction of Zacchaeus as a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jews (Lk 1:73; 16:22–31), is his recognition of the central place occupied by Israel in the plan of salvation.

* [19:10] This verse sums up for Luke his depiction of the role of Jesus as savior in this gospel. (Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Desiree Nownes comments that today’s readings are about doing what is right for the betterment of all, no matter the cost. Both Eleazar and Jesus know what standing up and speaking the truth will cost.

The gospel teaches us several real lessons:

1. No one is beyond God’s reach; Even the most unredeemed can be forgiven.

2. Encountering God’s love can change lives; Real faith is action, generosity, and justice.

3. God sees us all; God’s love is intimate and personal.

4. God’s grace is transformational; Acceptance and forgiveness inspire change.

5. The mission for us all as Christians is to find the lost, lonely, and suffering who have lost their way, to forgive them, and bring them home to Christ.

Be good to one another. God’s grace allows us to do great things. Be a person of integrity and lead with character.

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” ― Frederick Douglass (Nownes, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merley in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 19:1-10 invites us to imagine Zacchaeus’ amazement as he scrambles down from that tree to receive Jesus “with joy” (Luke 19:6). He takes no thought of his readiness; he just wants to welcome the Lord. Instead of hiding or delaying Jesus’ visit, he allows the Lord to love him as he is: a sinner in need of mercy. Through that encounter with divine love, Zaccheaus’ heart is changed—and that interior change will transform the way he lives. 

So how can you receive Jesus with joy today instead of holding back in fear at what he might uncover? Remember that as he did with Zaccheaus, Jesus sees past your sins. He loves you and longs to dwell with you. So welcome him. Let him cleanse and heal your heart. Let his love change you from the inside out. The reward will be priceless: union with the Son of God!

“Jesus, help me to welcome you into my heart with joy.”(Meditation on Luke 19:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that 2 Maccabees presents persecution against Jewish people by the Seleucid Empire as an example. Eleazar refuses the pretence of eating pork as the young people will be scandalized. Perhaps being a model of courage and virtue is the key to our golden years as an example of goodness and kindness. Tax collection for the Romans was by agents who had no incentive for honesty and Zaccheaus was taking a risk of injury as a hated agent. Jesus declares Zaccheaus a child of Israel to whom salvation has come.  This is a realized eschatology where we are experiencing salvation now and there is more to come in Heaven. Friar Jude notes Jesus reaches out to Zaccheaus, an anawim, to whom He gives love for healing.

Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Jeff Cavins who joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Revelation.

Brian McLaren has identified sixteen biases that prevent us from seeing things in their complexity and with greater clarity:

Confirmation Bias: … our belief system excludes whatever doesn’t fit. 

Complexity Bias: prefers a simple falsehood to a complex truth. 

Community Bias: don’t see what our community doesn’t, can’t, or won’t see. 

Complementarity Bias: If you are hostile… I’ll be hostile to your ideas. 

Competency Bias:  Incompetent people assume that most are incompetent.

Consciousness Bias: Some things simply can’t be seen from where I am right now. 

Comfort or Complacency Bias: I prefer not to have my comfort disturbed. 

Conservative/Liberal Bias: I lean toward an expression of my political identity. 

Confidence Bias: I often prefer the bold lie to the hesitant truth. 

Catastrophe Bias: I remember dramatic catastrophes but don’t notice gradual decline.

Contact Bias:  I don’t have intense and sustained personal contact with “the other”.

Cash Bias:  My way of making a living requires me not to see it. 

Conspiracy Bias: Our brains are attracted to stories that portray us as innocent victims.

Constancy/Baseline Bias: Our baselines may be reset when a new normal becomes our constant experience.

Certainty/Closure Bias: reaches for premature closure on an unwarranted certainty.

Cleverness Bias: Our brains are vigilant to protect us against deceptions, insulate ourselves from positive possibilities. (McLaren, n.d.)

We ask the help of the Spirit to help us resist prejudice and judgement in our encounters with people for whom we have a biased understanding.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Biases at Work Within All of Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/biases-at-work-within-all-of-us/ 

Meditation on Luke 19:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/18/1431372/ 

Nownes, D. (2025, November 18). Daily Reflection November 18, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-18-2025 

Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/6?18 

Danger and Demons

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess the conflicts with the “demons” in our lives and seek the reconciliation path offered by the Spirit.

Demons and Distractions

In the reading from the Second Book of Samuel, David Flees from Jerusalem and Shimei curses him.

Psalm 3 seeks trust in God under adversity.

* [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9). (Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac.

* [5:1] The territory of the Gerasenes: the reference is to pagan territory; cf. Is 65:1. Another reading is “Gadarenes”; see note on Mt 8:28.

* [5:2–6] The man was an outcast from society, dominated by unclean spirits (Mk 5:8, 13), living among the tombs. The prostration before Jesus (Mk 5:6) indicates Jesus’ power over evil spirits.

* [5:7] What have you to do with me?: cf. Mk 1:24 and see note on Jn 2:4.

* [5:9] Legion is my name: the demons were numerous and the condition of the possessed man was extremely serious; cf. Mt 12:45.

* [5:11] Herd of swine: see note on Mt 8:30.

* [5:19] Go home: Jesus did not accept the man’s request to remain with him as a disciple (Mk 5:18), yet invited him to announce to his own people what the Lord had done for him, i.e., proclaim the gospel message to his pagan family; cf. Mk 1:14, 39; 3:14; 13:10. (Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that it can be wonderfully grace-filled and liberating to do an honest examination of the "demons" that trouble our lives and our relationships with others.

Lord, Jesus, I know your heart goes out to me in my struggles. I know you have authority over all the forces of evil. Please purify my heart by driving out the demons that compromise my peace, my joy, my freedom, my ability to love the way you have loved me. (Alexander, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “The God-Man beheld,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD).

"Yes, he is recognized by demons (Luke 4:33-34, Mark 1:23-24), drives out demons (Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:34), drowns deep a legion of spirits (Matthew 8:32; Mark 5:9,13; Luke 8:30,33) and sees the prince of demons falling like lightning (Luke 10:18). He is stoned, yet not hit (John 8:59; 10:31,39); he prays yet he hears prayer (Matthew 8:13; Mark 1:35). He weeps (John 11:35), yet he puts an end to weeping (Luke 7:13; 8:522; 23:28). He asks where Lazarus is (John 11:34) - he was man; yet he raises Lazarus (John 11:43-44) - he was God." (excerpt from ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 5:1-20 comments that sometimes following Jesus means making a dramatic change—like when Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their careers as fishermen and travel with him. But sometimes following Jesus means staying right where you are and making a difference there.

Staying in the same place doesn’t always look exciting, but it can sometimes take more courage to do God’s work right where you are. Each of us has a different calling; no two will look the same. Jesus knew what was best for this former demoniac, and he knows what is best for you. If parts of your life—a job, family duties, a home—feel stuck, Jesus may be nudging you to make changes. But prayerfully consider a different perspective: maybe he wants you to be an agent of his love right where you are.

“Jesus, help me to grow in holiness and share your message no matter where I am.” (Meditation on Mark 5:1-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the attitude of David to the revolt of Absalom and the curse of Shimei as a punishment as a result of God’s curse on him, that he is willing to accept. The demoniac is possessed by evil spirits who, like the centurion at the foot of the Cross recognize the Son of God as truly present. Friar Jude reminds us that Mark describes a nature miracle, an exorcism, and a healing miracle that would indicate to the people that Jesus could do it all.

Brian McLaren and Gareth Higgins create a tale of the origin of seven stories ( The Seventh Story: Us, Them, and the End of Violence ) of how humans—The People—interact and live with one another.

They were destined to fail because they invited every human being, who is already interdependent with every other human being, and even with the earth itself, to pretend instead that we are in a competition.… The poet had a radical idea, the seed of a Seventh Story that will heal the world.… In the Seventh Story, the story of reconciliation, we still get to win, just not at anybody else’s expense. In the Seventh Story, human beings are not the protagonists of the world. Love is. (McLaren & Higgins, 2024)

We ponder the nature of the “Legion” of demons that distort our health and understanding of our God given mission to be agents of mercy, trust, and love in our environment.

References

Alexander, A. (2024, January 29). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012924.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5? 

McLaren, B., & Higgins, G. (2024, January 29). The Stories That Don't Work — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-stories-that-dont-work/ 

Meditation on Mark 5:1-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/01/29/884755/ 

Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Tell Them How Much the Lord Has Done for You. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jan29 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/15