Presence in Persecution

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today celebrate living with compassion and mercy and no fear of others who may be jealous of a loving disposition that attracts friends.

A loving disposition that attracts friends.

The Reading from the First Book of Samuel presents Saul’s Jealousy and his Persecution of David.

* [18:6] Stringed instruments: perhaps a lute-like instrument with three strings; the Hebrew word, shalshim, perhaps related to the root shlsh (“three”), occurs only here in the Old Testament. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [19:4] Jonathan reminds Saul that David has served him loyally and done nothing to earn a traitor’s death. Cf. 24:18–20. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 56 proclaims a firm confidence in God and gives thanks for God’s gift of life.

* [Psalm 56] Beset physically (Ps 56:2–3) and psychologically (Ps 56:6–7), the psalmist maintains a firm confidence in God (Ps 56:5, 9–10). Nothing will prevent the psalmist from keeping the vow to give thanks for God’s gift of life (Ps 56:13). A refrain (Ps 56:5, 11–12) divides the Psalm in two equal parts. (Psalms, PSALM 56 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark proclaims the Mercy of Jesus that draws people to him.

* [3:7–19] This overview of the Galilean ministry manifests the power of Jesus to draw people to himself through his teaching and deeds of power. The crowds of Jews from many regions surround Jesus (Mk 3:7–12). This phenomenon prepares the way for creating a new people of Israel. The choice and mission of the Twelve is the prelude (Mk 3:13–19).

* [3:11–12] See note on Mk 1:24–25. (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Sara Schulte-Bukowinski comments that in Jesus, God demonstrates willingness to sacrifice reputation, and ultimately even life itself, to show the greatest mercy possible.

How do I live into mercy? Where do I cling to power, jealousy, or resentment? How do I, as a Christian, raise up the kind of leadership to which Jesus calls all of us? How do I provide a fair and honest critique of leadership that is incompatible with God’s vision? I have to pray and work with God to be freer of the things that can put a cap on mercy, first in my own heart. If I’m too worried about just protecting “me and my own,” if I’m too concerned about what other people will think, if I permit unjust rules (or even laws) to undermine my conscience, I will not be free enough for mercy. (Schulte-Bukowinski, n.d.)

Don Schwager “Faith works by love”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The 'faith that works by love' (Galatians 5:6), is not the same faith that demons have. 'For the devils also believe and tremble' (James 2:19) but do they love? If they had not believed, they would not have said: 'You are the holy one of God' or 'You are the Son of God' (Mark 3:11-12; Luke 4:34,41). But if they had loved, they would not have said: 'What have we to do with you?' (Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28)" (excerpt from Letter 194, To Sixtus) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:7-12 declares we can help establish a culture that welcomes all human life in our homes and among our friends.

Everything you do matters! Every time you imitate Jesus by offering yourself for others, you become an instrument of his healing power. You welcome him into new situations every time you put your faith into action. So prepare a meal for someone who is bedridden, visit someone who is lonely, teach a child to read, or offer to pray with a parishioner. And expect beautiful things to happen because you are working side by side with the Lord!

“Blessed László, pray that I can become a vessel of Christ’s healing love!” (Meditation on Mark 3:7-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the reading from 1 Samuel, Saul and David return from battle praising David who is accorded a greater victory than Saul, who senses he is being robbed of glory. Jonathan talks Saul, temporary, out of killing David. All the people flock to Jesus for healing and also including Gentiles. The unclean spirit proclaims “Son of God”. They declare the truth of Jesus' identity. That's why He warns the spirit not to make Him known so people will receive the Kingdom where they hear and observe God’s Law to the best possible degree. 

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recalls that after receiving a threatening late-night phone call, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s was renewed through prayer and an experience of God’s presence and call.

It seemed that all of my fears had come down on me at once. I had reached the saturation point…. I was ready to give up…. I tried to think of a way to move out of the picture without appearing a coward…. And I got to the point that I couldn’t take it any longer…. With my head in my hands, I bowed over the kitchen table and prayed aloud. The words I spoke to God that midnight are still vivid in my memory: “Lord, I’m down here trying to do what’s right. I think I’m right. I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now, I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. Now, I am afraid. And I can’t let the people see me like this because if they see me weak and losing my courage, they will begin to get weak. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.”

It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying: “Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo, I will be with you. Even until the end of the world.” (Rohr, n.d.)

We confirm that the greatest gift is love as we attend to the Presence of the Spirit that calls us to be friend, leader, and healer in our family and beyond.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?7 

Meditation on Mark 3:7-12. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/22/1484856/ 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/18?6 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/19?4 

Psalms, PSALM 56 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/56?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/stand-and-i-will-be-with-you/ 

Schulte-Bukowinski, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-22-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). All Pressed upon Jesus to Touch Him. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 22, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Multitudes and Persecution

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be prepared to stand against the deep hatred and jealousy that threaten the relationship between all children of God.

People and Persecution

In the reading from the First Book of Samuel, Jonathan Intercedes for David.

* [19:4] Jonathan reminds Saul that David has served him loyally and done nothing to earn a traitor’s death. Cf. 24:18–20. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 56 presents trust in God under persecution.

* [Psalm 56] Beset physically (Ps 56:2–3) and psychologically (Ps 56:6–7), the psalmist maintains a firm confidence in God (Ps 56:5, 9–10). Nothing will prevent the psalmist from keeping the vow to give thanks for God’s gift of life (Ps 56:13). A refrain (Ps 56:5, 11–12) divides the Psalm in two equal parts. (Psalms, PSALM 56 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus ministers to a multitude at the lakeside.

* [3:7–19] This overview of the Galilean ministry manifests the power of Jesus to draw people to himself through his teaching and deeds of power. The crowds of Jews from many regions surround Jesus (Mk 3:7–12). This phenomenon prepares the way for creating a new people of Israel. The choice and mission of the Twelve is the prelude (Mk 3:13–19). (Mark, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard reflects that prayer was the gentle, comforting, refreshing presence of Jesus experienced in the chaos of her daily life as a mother of five children.

Today, 30 years later, I still love Jesus being with me as we hang laundry outside, wash dishes and above all sit in solitude and silence in awe of the rising sun, the setting sun, sparkling winter snow, swirling autumn leaves, and above all the laughter of our grandchildren and neighbor children as they play and call to their mothers. (Howard, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Faith works by love,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The 'faith that works by love' (Galatians 5:6), is not the same faith that demons have. 'For the devils also believe and tremble' (James 2:19) but do they love? If they had not believed, they would not have said: 'You are the holy one of God' or 'You are the Son of God' (Mark 3:11-12; Luke 4:34,41). But if they had loved, they would not have said: 'What have we to do with you?' (Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28)" (excerpt from Letter 194, To Sixtus) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:7-12 comments that Jesus came to do more than heal diseases, and he didn’t come just to give demons a fright. He came to deliver us from slavery to sin and from death itself. He came to establish a relationship with us that will heal our wounded souls and open up the possibility of healing for our bodies as well. These are the truths that Jesus deeply longed for them—and for us—to understand!

Jesus came to overcome the power of sin and death, and he did it not as a distant god but by becoming one of us and dying and rising for us. If he would go through all of that for you, of course he will hear you when you cry out to him!

“Lord Jesus, I’m not ashamed to admit that I need your healing touch!” (Meditation on Mark 3:7-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the paranoia that Saul felt concerning David. The spiritual creatures in Mark recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Friar Jude reminds us that the centurion under the Cross expressed his understanding of the love of God in the person of Jesus as Son of God.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III who speaks about the unique way Black Americans hold the tension between despair and hope.

It’s a strange affair to be Black and live in America, and even stranger to be Black and a person of faith in these yet-to-be-United States, to carry around the burden of a socially constructed idea called race and yet be filled with a divinely inspired mandate to eradicate all limitations to the human soul. Being Black means you are born with a Blues song tattooed on your heart, and at the same time you still have a Gospel shout that is welling up in your soul about to come out.

Another way to say it is that we live with repression and revelation simultaneously swimming in the same tributary of our spirit. There is nothing more confusing to the postmodern personality, to the millennial sojourner, than to have to exist between the strange life of dealing with your Blues and Gospel all the time. Madness and ministry, chaos and Christ. My father heard an elder in Georgia say it this way. When he asked her, “How are you doing, Mother?” she said, “I’m living between Oh Lord and Thank you, Jesus.” (Rohr, 2024)

As we become more aware of living in a world in desperate need of the healing the multitudes sought with Jesus, we implore the help of the Spirit to be a Jonathan like brother to those in existential need.

References

Howard, J. B. (2024, January 18). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/011824.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?7 

Meditation on Mark 3:7-12. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/01/18/877343/ 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/19 

Psalms, PSALM 56 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/56?2 

Rohr, R. (2024, January 18). The Gospel and the Blues — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-gospel-and-the-blues/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). All Pressed upon Jesus to Touch Him. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jan18 

Transformed Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to accept our path of transformation to a lifestyle in accord with the Divine Plan.

Plan for Life

The reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians describes the Resurrection Body.

* [15:35–49] Paul approaches the question of the nature of the risen body (what kind of body?) by means of two analogies: the seed (1 Cor 15:36–44) and the first man, Adam (1 Cor 15:45–49).

* [15:36–38] The analogy of the seed: there is a change of attributes from seed to plant; the old life-form must be lost for the new to emerge. By speaking about the seed as a body that dies and comes to life, Paul keeps the point of the analogy before the reader’s mind. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 15, n.d.)

Psalm 56 is a prayer to trust in God when under persecution.

* [Psalm 56] Beset physically (Ps 56:2–3) and psychologically (Ps 56:6–7), the psalmist maintains a firm confidence in God (Ps 56:5, 9–10). Nothing will prevent the psalmist from keeping the vow to give thanks for God’s gift of life (Ps 56:13). A refrain (Ps 56:5, 11–12) divides the Psalm in two equal parts. (Psalms, PSALM 56, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower, the Purpose of the Parables and explains the Parable of the Sower.

* [8:4–21] The focus in this section is on how one should hear the word of God and act on it. It includes the parable of the sower and its explanation (Lk 8:4–15), a collection of sayings on how one should act on the word that is heard (Lk 8:16–18), and the identification of the mother and brothers of Jesus as the ones who hear the word and act on it (Lk 8:19–21). See also notes on Mt 13:1–53 and Mk 4:1–34.

* [8:4–8] See note on Mt 13:3–8.

* [8:11–15] On the interpretation of the parable of the sower, see note on Mt 13:18–23. (Luke, CHAPTER 8, n.d.)

Eileen Burke-Sullivan comments that we can say – as theologians have- that all of the created order is kenotic or practices kenosis, a Greek word that means pouring itself out that others may have what they need.  The term is most often used to describe Jesus’ death on the cross, the full kenosis of human and divine life that nurtures all creation for all time. Kenosis is not something forced from us, but an act we undertake, generously, so that others may have the fullness of life.  Humans engage in genuine kenosis only out of love and freedom.  The rest of creation practices it because it is its nature which mirrors Divine existence. 

In the Gospel, Jesus warns that seed must die in a hospitable place – and we who are rational seeds, can look around us and realize what brings us to grace and what locks us in hatred and unfreedom.  For us the good soil is the locus for dying because the good soil will draw out our true life as the husk of ourselves dry up and return to nature.  The good soil is obviously the place of companionship with creation that mutually gives itself to others, it is the place away from weeds of various idolatries that choke and kill by refusing the truth of real life.  It is the place where we can thrive by giving away our gifts of self and have them received with welcome. 

Just as all “natural matter” helps make good ground, we must seek the truth of our human condition and dwell therein – not trying to be gods for ourselves.  Then we will discover the embodiment of beauty and glory that dwells within us. 

“I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living.” Ps 56. (Burke, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Devil snatches good seed off the path,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The seed is the Word of God. Those on the way are they who have heard. Afterwards, the devil comes and takes away the Word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. We see in a moment that the hardness of the ground causes the seed on the pathways to be snatched away. A pathway always is hard and untilled, because it is exposed to every one's feet. It does not admit any seed into it, but it lies rather upon the surface, ready for any birds that will to snatch it away. All whose minds are hard and unyielding, and so to speak, pressed together, do not receive the divine seed. The divine and sacred admonition does not find an entrance into them. They do not accept the words that would produce in them the fear of God and by means of which they could bring forth as fruits the glories of virtue. They have made themselves a beaten and trampled pathway for unclean demons, yes, for Satan himself, such as never can bear holy fruit. Let those who are awake, whose heart is sterile and unfruitful, open your mind, receive the sacred seed, be like productive and well-tilled soil, bring forth to God the fruits that will raise you to an incorruptible life."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 41) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 comments that Christianity is more than a moral code followed by the hope of eternal rest for our disembodied souls. Jesus’ body, the same body that he had in his earthly life, is now at his Father’s side. And in Christ, our bodies too will be with him on the last day.

So join with God in taking the long view. Before creation, he had a plan for you that extends past your fleeting natural life. You were made to be with him, transformed in body and soul, forever.

Today, take some time to lift your mind above the hustle and bustle of daily life. Try to imagine what it will be like to be glorified in heaven, freed from weakness, fear, self-interest, decay, and even time and space. As you do, ask God to fill you with hope—a hope that will sustain you in this life and help you look forward eagerly to the next.

“Jesus, help me to live in hope of the glorious life that awaits me.” (Meditation on 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the response of Paul to questions about the nature of the resurrected body. In the accounts of Jesus' resurrection, His body is sometimes not recognized. Friar Jude reminds us of the connection of the Parable of the Sower to the Great Commandment.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Spiritual teacher Cynthia Winton-Henry who finds dance a useful tool in making space for forgiveness and nonviolent conflict resolution.

Take a deep breath. Let it out with a sigh.

With one arm or your whole body, make a shape.

Breathe into the shape, becoming present to it.

Shifting from one shape or posture to another, it is important to indulge the stillness.

Incorporating music, dance with 80 percent stillness (or whatever is the best percentage for you right now). Your shapes can transition with quick energetic shifts or slow ones.

It is essential to breathe. Sometimes sighing or “toning” while moving keeps the breath alive and the quiet energy flowing.

Dancing with gestures and stillness, invite forgiveness for yourself or others. Lift those you cannot forgive to your higher power.

If you like, imagine creating ripples of peace out into the world. (Rohr, 2022)

We ask the Spirit to help us identify the life limiting practices that restrict our growth in the good soil.

References

Burke, E. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091722.htm l

Luke, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/8?4 

Meditation on 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/09/17/490206/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 15. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/15?35 

Psalms, PSALM 56. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/56?10 

Rohr, R. (2022, September 17). Forgiveness: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/forgiveness-weekly-summary-2022-09-17/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=sep17