Prayer and Discernment

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to experience the power of prayer to inspire our contemplation and guide our response to the events of our lives.

Prayer in a "Thin Place"

The Reading from the First Book of Samuel presents the Revelation to Samuel prior to his being Acknowledged as Prophet.

* [3:2–18] The call of Samuel: This section may be divided as follows: 1. the triple summons (vv. 2–9); 2. God’s revelation (vv. 10–14); 3. Samuel informs Eli (vv. 15–18).

* [3:3] Not yet extinguished: referring to the nighttime setting of this narrative (cf. Ex 27:20–21) and foreshadowing a permanently extinguished lamp when the ark is captured and Shiloh destroyed.

* [3:14] Lv 4:3–12 presents another view: the offering of a bull can expiate priestly sin. (1 Samuel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 40 exhorts us to open and enthusiastic proclamation of salvation.

* [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Ps 40:2–13) has been combined with a lament (Ps 40:14–17) that appears also in Ps 70. The psalmist describes the rescue in spatial terms—being raised up from the swampy underworld to firm earth where one can praise God (Ps 40:2–4). All who trust God will experience like protection (Ps 40:5–6)! The Psalm stipulates the precise mode of thanksgiving: not animal sacrifice but open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced (Ps 40:7–11). A prayer for protection concludes (Ps 40:12–17). (Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents the Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law and Other Healings prior to Jesus Leaving Capernaum.

* [1:21–45] The account of a single day’s ministry of Jesus on a sabbath in and outside the synagogue of Capernaum (Mk 1:21–31) combines teaching and miracles of exorcism and healing. Mention is not made of the content of the teaching but of the effect of astonishment and alarm on the people. Jesus’ teaching with authority, making an absolute claim on the hearer, was in the best tradition of the ancient prophets, not of the scribes. The narrative continues with events that evening (Mk 1:32–34; see notes on Mt 8:14–17) and the next day (Mk 1:35–39). The cleansing in Mk 1:40–45 stands as an isolated story.

* [1:23] An unclean spirit: so called because of the spirit’s resistance to the holiness of God. The spirit knows and fears the power of Jesus to destroy his influence; cf. Mk 1:32, 34; 3:11; 6:13.

* [1:24–25] The Holy One of God: not a confession but an attempt to ward off Jesus’ power, reflecting the notion that use of the precise name of an opposing spirit would guarantee mastery over him. Jesus silenced the cry of the unclean spirit and drove him out of the man.

* [1:24] What have you to do with us?: see note on Jn 2:4. (Mark, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jeremy Graney reflects on an earlier time in his life, where much of his spirituality was rooted with the Benedictines. St. Benedict opens their rule with the instruction to “Listen carefully” and “attend with the ear of your heart.”

There is a lot of listening in today’s readings, Samuel is not listening deep enough and mistakes the Lord’s voice with Eli’s. They are not listening with the “ear of their heart.” Listening, but not hearing. The psalm has us all responding, “Here am I.” We could turn this phrase to “Hear I am” I hear you, Lord, and am responding. Responding to you, like sheep hearing the voice of their shepherd or children hearing their parent’s voice cut through the noise. I listen for you with the ear of my heart.

Listening, for me, is discerning. Am I hearing the message beyond the words or emotions that carry it? Am I listening in that space of grace between myself and God. Am I doing God’s will? (Graney, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “The habit of prayer,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"Jesus prayed and did not pray in vain, since he received what he asked for in prayer when he might have done so without prayer. If so, who among us would neglect to pray? Mark says that 'in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed' (Mark 1:35). And Luke says, 'He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray,"' (Luke 11:1) and elsewhere, 'And all night he continued in prayer to God' (Luke 6:12). And John records his prayer, saying, 'When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you"' (John 17:1). The same Evangelist writes that the Lord said that he knew 'you hear me always' (John 11:42). All this shows that the one who prays always is always heard." (excerpt from ON PRAYER 13.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 comments that God wants us to live in community with one another. He wants us to be open to each other’s words of encouragement, even as he wants us to be free to encourage them. In other words, he wants us all to be willing to share about our spiritual lives with one another.

God didn’t create us to live as anonymous, isolated believers. He wants us to develop relationships that mirror the love that exists between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. He wants us to treat each other with the same openness and care that the apostles learned as they grew closer to Jesus. May we all grow together in love so that we can all grow together in Christ!

“Jesus, teach me how to share spiritual companionship with the people you have put in my life.” (Meditation on 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments 1 Samuel tells of Hannah and her prayer to the Lord for a son, Samuel, who is with the priest Eli who realizes God is calling Samuel. “Speak Lord your servant is listening” And Samuel is commissioned to the role of a servant of God. Jesus is in Capernam where scholars suggest the Gospel contains perhaps eyewitness testimony of Peter to Mark. The fever of Simon’s mother in law is healed and as a good Jewish mother and an expression of gratitude. Jesus after prayer is to proclaim the Good News to all the villages to end the reign of Satan.

Cherokee theologian and CAC guest faculty member Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley considers how creation’s goodness includes diversity, balance, and harmony. God’s shalom, which is holistic peace and harmony, is discovered through the interconnectedness of all creation.

From God’s purview there is an interconnectedness of all God has made. All things are designed and created beautifully by their Creator. Each part of the created whole bears the mark of its Creator. Each element works in relationship with all the others. Each ingredient is connected through its common origin and, together, all share a common location in the universe; and when God is finished with creation there is a pause on the seventh day. Not a pause as if to look back and second-guess, but an intentional pause to celebrate the way it is. The Aboriginal Rainbow Elders in Australia say the Creator sang on the seventh day. The meaning is like that of a gathering or a community “get-together” where celebration is the only priority. The celebration is a party because everything is harmonious as it was meant to be. This is God’s shalom creation party. Though told in slightly different ways, many indigenous peoples around the world are able to recognize this story, and this pause, as the Harmony Way…. (Woodley, n.d.)

We pause to attend to the prompting of the Spirit that guides our daily Way and reveals our connection to Creation.

References

Graney, J. (2026, January 14). Daily Reflection January 14, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-14-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/1?29 

Meditation on 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/14/1479966/ 

1 Samuel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/3?1 

Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Healed Many Who Were Sick. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Woodley, R. (n.d.). A Harmonious Goodness. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 14, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-harmonious-goodness/ 

Hunger and Thirst

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to consider the consequences that may be associated with rejection of Jesus' message and our mission to introduce the world to the “Bread of Life”.

Hunger and Thirst

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Stephen’s Martyrdom.

* [7:55] He…saw…Jesus standing at the right hand of God: Stephen affirms to the Sanhedrin that the prophecy Jesus made before them has been fulfilled (Mk 14:62).

* [7:57] Covered their ears: Stephen’s declaration, like that of Jesus, is a scandal to the court, which regards it as blasphemy. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalms 31 is a lament with a strong emphasis on trust.

* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6).

* [31:6] Into your hands I commend my spirit: in Lk 23:46 Jesus breathes his last with this Psalm verse. Stephen in Acts 7:59 alludes to these words as he is attacked by enemies. The verse is used as an antiphon in the Divine Office at Compline, the last prayer of the day. (Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, the Bread of Life discourse continues.

* [6:31] Bread from heaven: cf. Ex 16:4, 15, 32–34 and the notes there; Ps 78:24. The manna, thought to have been hidden by Jeremiah (2 Mc 2:5–8), was expected to reappear miraculously at Passover, in the last days. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer poses the question: Without the spiritual nourishment derived from coming to Jesus in prayer, will we be like those who lack food and clean water, and face dire consequences?

Dire consequences indeed, should be our response. We need to repeat to ourselves often, or at least daily, what Jesus said in today’s Gospel: I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.

As we go about our all too busy and all too messy lives, let us take time to consider that the bread of life we might take for granted is truly a gift, and one for which we should forever be thankful, a gift we can use to its fullest potential by coming to Jesus whenever we are in need. Just as those who are hungry and thirsty are searching for relief, we can reach out to God and be thankful for his watchful eye and attentive ear.

By strengthening our belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and enlisting their help through our prayers and petition, we, too, will never be hungry and never thirst … for with Jesus, we have the bread of life. (Scholer, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Trusting in the Lord,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"If you put your trust in money, you are paying futile regard to vain things; if you put your trust in high office or some exalted rank in human government, you are paying futile regard to vain things... When you put your trust in all these, either you expire and leave them all behind, or they will crumble while you are still alive, and what you trusted will have let you down... For my part, I do not put my trust in empty things as they do or pay futile regard to them; I have put my trust in the Lord." (excerpt from Exposition on the Psalms 31,12) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:30-35 comments that Jesus declares today: that he is the Bread of Life. That in him we will never hunger or thirst. That he comes to dwell within us through his Body and Blood. That in him, we receive all the grace that we need. That his presence is the greatest gift that we can receive. Yet if we rely only on our senses, we see only bread and wine. Our awareness of Jesus in the Eucharist can grow dull. That’s why Jesus offers countless ways to experience his presence more deeply.

For example, you might stay after Mass on Sunday to thank God for the gift of his Son whom you just received in Communion. You could attend daily Mass to receive Jesus more frequently. You might spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. Or you might read the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel and ponder the mystery of Jesus’ gift of his Body and Blood. Whatever you do, know that Jesus delights in encountering you!

Today, the Lord is inviting you to rediscover him as the Bread of Life. Let him fill you with the awe and wonder that St. Clare knew. Let him convince you that he can satisfy your deepest hunger!

“Jesus, I am amazed that you want to come to me through the humble but powerful gift of your own Body and Blood!” (Meditation on John 6:30-35, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the “kangaroo court” that seized and killed Stephen as a consequence of his proclamation of Jesus' identity. Saul, the Hebrew form of the Greco-Roman name of Paul, is witness to Stephen's martyrdom. Friar Jude notes that the “Bread of Life” discourse builds on the Hebrew understanding of Wisdom in the person of Lady Wisdom in the Hebrew Testament who offered a meal of bread and wine.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Benedict of Nursia (480–587) is a central figure in the founding of Western monasticism. CAC affiliate faculty Carmen Acevedo Butcher describes how Benedict’s prayerful life in the desert became a chosen and holy exile from a world in crisis. We can learn much from Benedict. Fr. Richard asks: “During societal disorder and crushing need, how did he sustain both his own and communal peace and compassionate activity?

Richard Rohr’s allegorical adaptation of Archimedes’ law of the lever, in A Lever and a Place to Stand, can be applied to and can deepen our appreciation of Benedict, who repeatedly chose to live in and from the “fixed point” of a contemplative stance. In this calm place of daily ora [prayer]—Psalm-chanting and Scripture-steeping lectio divina—Benedict stood “steady, centered, poised, and rooted,” gaining “a slight distance from the world” even as his heart or fulcrum of engagement was “quite close to the world, … loving it, feeling its pains and its joys” as his own. In prayer, Benedict experienced a “detachment from the … useless distractions, and the daily delusions of the false self” that gave his fulcrum, set in the suffering of wrecked empire, the capacity to “move the world” through various “levers” of compassionate action, or labora [work]. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the role of Jesus as the “bread of life” as we seek Wisdom to translate our spiritual life to action as disciples bringing life to our environment.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/7?51 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?30 

Meditation on John 6:30-35. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/06/1268265/ 

Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Prayerful Exile. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-prayerful-exile/ 

Scholer, S. (2025, May 6). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050625.html

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Am the Bread of Life. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may6