Lament Suffering and Betrayal

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to persevere when our efforts to live as friends of Jesus are met with rejection and misunderstanding.

Love for Life Challenge

The Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah presents Jeremiah Threatened with Death.

a. [26:2] Jer 7:2.

b. [26:3] Jer 18:3.

c. [26:5] Jer 25:4.

d. [26:6] Jer 7:12, 14. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 26 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 69 is a lament complaining of suffering.

 

* [Psalm 69] A lament complaining of suffering in language both metaphorical (Ps 69:2–3, 15–16, the waters of chaos) and literal (Ps 69:4, 5, 9, 11–13, exhaustion, alienation from family and community, false accusation). In the second part the psalmist prays with special emphasis that the enemies be punished for all to see (Ps 69:23–29). Despite the pain, the psalmist does not lose hope that all be set right, and promises public praise (Ps 69:30–36). The Psalm, which depicts the suffering of the innocent just person vividly, is cited often by the New Testament especially in the passion accounts, e.g., Ps 69:5 in Jn 15:25; Ps 69:22 in Mk 15:23, 36 and parallels and in Jn 19:29. The Psalm prays not so much for personal vengeance as for public vindication of God’s justice. There was, at this time, no belief in an afterlife where such vindication could take place. Redress had to take place now, in the sight of all. (Psalms, PSALM 69 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus' Rejection at Nazareth.

* [13:54–58] After the Sermon on the Mount the crowds are in admiring astonishment at Jesus’ teaching (Mt 7:28); here the astonishment is of those who take offense at him. Familiarity with his background and family leads them to regard him as pretentious. Matthew modifies his Marcan source (Mk 6:1–6). Jesus is not the carpenter but the carpenter’s son (Mt 13:55), “and among his own kin” is omitted (Mt 13:57), he did not work many mighty deeds in face of such unbelief (Mt 13:58) rather than the Marcan “…he was not able to perform any mighty deed there” (Mk 6:5), and there is no mention of his amazement at his townspeople’s lack of faith. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Sara Schulte-Bukowinski comments that before her Ignatian pilgrimage she was invited to participate in a group discernment conversation among partners of the Society. These Conversations in the Spirit happened all over the world amongst Jesuits and lay colleagues who collaborate in Jesuit works. The fruit of those conversations converged there in the Aula as the Universal Apostolic Preferences were discerned. This shared mission—its clarity and its openness to an uncertain future—is what moved me to tears.

On this Memorial of St. Ignatius I pray for the future of Jesuit Works and all who move them forward, for the Society of Jesus itself, for the entire Christian community, for the world, and also for myself as one pilgrim among many. May we learn from Ignatius what it means to hold the tension between clarity and uncertainty; confidence and humility. May we commit, recommit, and recommit yet again to the fundamental call of the Divine, with humble uncertainty about the details, making space for creativity, flexibility and sharing in God’s vision of a future we cannot imagine. (Schulte-Bukowinski, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes Few miracles done because of their unbelief, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

"It seems to me that the production of miracles is similar in some ways to the case of physical things. Cultivation is not sufficient to produce a harvest of fruits unless the soil, or rather the atmosphere, cooperates to this end. And the atmosphere of itself is not sufficient to produce a harvest without cultivation. The one who providentially orders creation did not design things to spring up from the earth without cultivation. Only in the first instance did he do so when he said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, with the seed sowing according to its kind and according to its likeness' (Genesis 1:11). It is just this way in regard to the production of miracles. The complete work resulting in a healing is not displayed without those being healed exercising faith. Faith, of whatever quality it might be, does not produce a healing without divine power.' (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 10.19) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects that in the reading from Jeremiah, he is ordered to go to the Temple and declare it would be destroyed. This amounts to blasphemy when it refers to the dwelling place of God upon the earth, but it has become a place of superstition and their cult is not kind to the people. They want to put Jeremiah to death but God protects him with a bronze wall. Jesus in Nazareth is greeted with the attitude of “Who does he think he is?” Friar Jude notes that the word for siblings “cousins” in Aramaic also can refer to “cousins”. Orthodox believe the Gospel may refer to half-brothers? Some Protestants believe they were true brothers and sisters. Friar Jude notes Roman Catholic belief is connected to ancient tradition that Jesus was an only child of Mary. Friar Jude comments how we seek the flaws of those too close or familiar to us.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14 comments that Jesus would quote this psalm again during his passion, They “hate me without cause” (Psalm 69:5; see John 15:25). We can listen in on his prayer to the Father in his distress, distress that comes not despite his relationship with his Father but because of it.

We pray it for ourselves when we face opposition for speaking truth or doing right. We may not match the heroism of Jeremiah. We certainly do not love our enemies perfectly, as Jesus did. So we pray this prayer with them, so that in “the time of [his] favor,” the Lord might make us like them (Psalm 69:14).

“Lord, in your great love answer me!” (Meditation on Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14, n.d.)

CAC faculty member Brian McLaren highlights how reading the Bible through a lens of love has inspired many Christians to works of goodness and compassion in the world.

But again, think about what truly biblical Christians (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, liberal, conservative, charismatic, whatever) have done when they have understood the profitable purpose of Scripture. Instructed by Scripture, they have … built hospitals and schools to heal bodies and strengthen minds. They have given money to needy people around the globe…. They have crossed racial, ethnic, and class barriers, seeing all people as brothers and sisters. They have chosen to suffer rather than betray their faith or make others suffer…. They’ve done their work as teachers, farmers, bricklayers, nurses, scholars, mechanics, sellers, public servants, scientists, homemakers, cab drivers, and cooks with a special sense of purpose, love, and joy. Their “good works” included doing “good work” from day to day … as part of their holy, sacred vocation in God’s creation.

Why? Since they understood the real purpose of Scripture, they let Scripture equip them for good works in our needy world. Their words and deeds together have qualified them to be bearers of good news. Sure they have never been perfect, but they have often been wonderful. (McLaren, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to alert us to the danger of satisfaction with popular culture and kindle in us the fire of action to support and care for the people in our home, worship, and work environment.

References

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 26 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/26? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/how-will-we-use-the-bible/ 

Meditation on Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/31/1635930/ 

Psalms, PSALM 69 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/69? 

Schulte-Bukowinski, S. (2026, July 31). Daily Reflection July 31, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-31-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Took Offense at Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

The Family of Faith

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder the understanding of our relationship to Christ as brothers and sisters in faith, hope, and love who continue His Way of relationship with all people.

Family and Faith

The Reading from the Prophet Micah is a prayer that God will care for the people as in ancient days.

* [7:14–17] A prayer that God will care for the people as in ancient days (v. 14) is answered (vv. 15–17) when the Lord promises to do marvelous things. The nations shall be afraid and turn to the Lord.

* [7:18–20] The final lines of the book contain a hymn of praise for the incomparable God, who pardons sin and delights in mercy. Thus the remnant, those left after the exile, is confident in God’s compassion and in the ancient promises sworn to the ancestors. (Micah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 85 presents a national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness.

* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus proclaims The True Family of Jesus.

* [12:46–50] See Mk 3:31–35. Matthew has omitted Mk 3:20–21 which is taken up in Mk 3:31 (see note on Mt 12:22–32), yet the point of the story is the same in both gospels: natural kinship with Jesus counts for nothing; only one who does the will of his heavenly Father belongs to his true family.

* [12:47] This verse is omitted in some important textual witnesses, including Codex Sinaiticus (original reading) and Codex Vaticanus. (Matthew, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “My mother through faith,” by Gregory the Great (540-604 AD).

"If someone can become the brother of the Lord by coming to faith, we must ask how one can become also his mother. We must realize that the one who is Christ's brother and sister by believing becomes his mother by preaching. It is as though one brings forth the Lord and infuses him in the hearts of one's listeners. And that person becomes his mother if through one's voice the love of the Lord is generated in the mind of his neighbor. (excerpt from FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 3.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Prophet Micah speaks the Lord as shepherd of Israel with a staff that indicates the original territories will be returned to Israel. Just as the people can see the faithfulness of the promises, God is always faithful. Matthew declares the mother and brothers of Jesus are those who do the will of the Father. We belong as brothers and sisters of Jesus by faith more than blood. Catholics consider the “brothers and sisters” in the Gospel are cousins often as close as siblings in Jesus' time. Orthodox Christians accept they are half brothers and sisters through the remarriage of Joseph. Some Protestant communities hold they are full brothers and sisters. Friar Jude notes that Roman Catholics hold to an ancient tradition of Jesus as the only son of Mary.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 comments that in the centuries after Micah, God did show the people marvelous signs when they cried out to him. But all these signs found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

The signs are all around. And like the signs that Micah prayed for, they are all meant to point you to the greatest and most powerful of all signs: the sign of a Savior who gave up his very life to set you free.

God has done wonderful things for us. May we never grow weary of recalling them. And may we never forget his most powerful marvel: the sign of his cross!

“Lord, I am amazed at all that you have done and continue to do in my life!” (Meditation on Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recounts how he came to know the work of Thomas Merton (1915–1968). Amidst the societal disruptions of the 1960s, it was not enough for him to simply pray. He also devoted himself to action—writing, teaching, and collaborating with others—though he never lost his deep yearning for solitude and contemplation. [1]

The monastic flight from the world [or what Father Richard calls ‘the system’] into the desert is not a mere refusal to know anything about the world, but a total rejection of all standards of judgment which imply attachment to a history of delusion, egoism and sin … a definitive refusal to participate in those activities which have no other fruit than to prolong the reign of untruth, greed, cruelty and arrogance…. 

Therefore it seems to me to be a solemn obligation of conscience at this moment of history to take the positions which are … in vital relation with the obligations I assumed when I took my monastic vows. To have a vow of poverty seems to me illusory if I do not in some way identify myself with the cause of people who are denied their rights and forced, for the most part, to live in abject misery. To have a vow of obedience seems to me to be absurd if it does not imply a deep concern for the most fundamental of all expressions of God’s will: the love of [God’s] truth and of our neighbor. [2]

References:

[1] Adapted from Richard Rohr, The Art of Letting Go: Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis, (Sounds True, 2010).

[2] Adapted from Thomas Merton, Seeds of Destruction (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1980), xiii, xiv–xv, xv–xvi. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to inform our faith and action with the understanding of family as expressed by Jesus to his society and in our mission to act as members of a community that seeks to do the “will of the Father”.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/12? 

Meditation on Micah 7:14-15, 18-20. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/21/1627733/ 

Micah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/micah/7? 

Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Thomas Merton: A Monk in Action. Thomas Merton: A Monk in Action. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/thomas-merton-a-monk-in-action/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Who Are My Brothers and Sisters? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Jubilee or Judgement

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the distortion of truth that we may succumb to when our "common sense” inhibits our pursuit of living with Christ.

Ponder the Promise

The Reading from the Second Book of Samuel describes David’s Census and the consequential Plague.

* [24:10] The narrative supposes that since the people belonged to the Lord rather than to the king, only the Lord should know their exact number. Further, since such an exact numbering of the people would make it possible for the king to exercise centralized power, imposing taxation, conscription, and expropriation upon Israel, the story shares the view of monarchy found in 1 Sm 8:4–18. See also Nm 3:44–51, where census taking requires an apotropaic offering. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 32 declares the forgiven are blessed.

* [Psalm 32] An individual thanksgiving and the second of the seven Penitential Psalms (cf. Ps 6). The opening declaration—the forgiven are blessed (Ps 32:1–2)—arises from the psalmist’s own experience. At one time the psalmist was stubborn and closed, a victim of sin’s power (Ps 32:3–4), and then became open to the forgiving God (Ps 32:5–7). Sin here, as often in the Bible, is not only the personal act of rebellion against God but also the consequences of that act—frustration and waning of vitality. Having been rescued, the psalmist can teach others the joys of justice and the folly of sin (Ps 32:8–11). (Psalms, PSALM 32 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents the Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth.

* [6:1] His native place: the Greek word patris here refers to Nazareth (cf. Mk 1:9; Lk 4:16, 23–24) though it can also mean native land.

* [6:2–6] See note on Mt 13:54–58.

* [6:3] Is he not the carpenter?: no other gospel calls Jesus a carpenter. Some witnesses have “the carpenter’s son,” as in Mt 13:55. Son of Mary: contrary to Jewish custom, which calls a man the son of his father, this expression may reflect Mark’s own faith that God is the Father of Jesus (Mk 1:1, 11; 8:38; 13:32; 14:36). The brother of James…Simon: in Semitic usage, the terms “brother,” “sister” are applied not only to children of the same parents, but to nephews, nieces, cousins, half-brothers, and half-sisters; cf. Gn 14:16; 29:15; Lv 10:4. While one cannot suppose that the meaning of a Greek word should be sought in the first place from Semitic usage, the Septuagint often translates the Hebrew ’āh by the Greek word adelphos, “brother,” as in the cited passages, a fact that may argue for a similar breadth of meaning in some New Testament passages. For instance, there is no doubt that in v. 17, “brother” is used of Philip, who was actually the half-brother of Herod Antipas. On the other hand, Mark may have understood the terms literally; see also 3:31–32; Mt 12:46; 13:55–56; Lk 8:19; Jn 7:3, 5. The question of meaning here would not have arisen but for the faith of the church in Mary’s perpetual virginity.

* [6:4] A prophet is not without honor except…in his own house: a saying that finds parallels in other literatures, especially Jewish and Greek, but without reference to a prophet. Comparing himself to previous Hebrew prophets whom the people rejected, Jesus intimates his own eventual rejection by the nation especially in view of the dishonor his own relatives had shown him (Mk 3:21) and now his townspeople as well.

* [6:5] He was not able to perform any mighty deed there: according to Mark, Jesus’ power could not take effect because of a person’s lack of faith. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Cindy Murphy McMahon comments that sometimes it’s hard for us to see the potential, the wisdom in people we have prejudged. We let past experiences and preconceived ideas cloud our perceptions and close our minds. This leads us to judge others more severely than we judge ourselves, even though, as Christians, we know Jesus has told us not to (Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37). But at times, we fail and we give in to what almost feels like second nature.

Yet with prayer and reflection, we can find the freedom to suspend that impulse.

With God‘s help, we can open our hearts and grant others the grace that comes from trying to know and understand them, without pre-empting.

As we see and listen to them with our hearts, without judging, we allow God to work through them. And we thereby share in God’s love and divine plan.

Lord, help us to pause, take a breath, and seek your wisdom and Divine Love, this day and every day, whenever we are about to judge another harshly. Amen. (Murphy McMahon, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Distinguishing God's power and our faith,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"And perhaps, as in the case of metallic substances there exists in some a natural attraction toward some other thing, as in the magnet for iron, and in naphtha for fire, so there is an attraction in such faith toward the divine power according to what Jesus said: 'If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, 'Move to another place,' and it shall be moved' (Matthew 17:20). Matthew and Mark wished to present the all-surpassing value of that divine power as a power that works even in those who do not believe. But they did not deny that grace works even more powerfully among those who have faith. So it seems to me that they accurately said not that the Lord did not do any mighty works because of their unbelief, but that he did not do many there (Mark 6:5). Mark does not flatly say that he could do no mighty work there at all, and stop at that point, but added, 'except that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them' (Mark 6:5). Thus the power in him overcame even their unbelief." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 10.19) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 6:1-6 comments that with the mystery of the Incarnation: God became man. And he became this man, Jesus. It is easier to believe an abstract theory about an invisible God than it is to place all your hope in a specific person, no matter how powerful or compassionate he may be.

So how will you respond here and now? This man is the Lord. This man suffered, died, and rose for you. This man now reigns at the Father’s right hand, but he still makes himself present to you, saying, “Repent, and believe in me.” Can you say yes to him today?

“Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you, Lord, for saving me!” (Meditation on Mark 6:1-6, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler

comments in 2 Samuel that David orders a census and because the people don’t belong to David, he shows an arrogance of being in charge. A plague is sent upon the land. In ancient times the king was in charge of the nation. This was prior to a focus on individual responsibility for sin. Jesus is in the synagogue. The people identify Him as “the carpenter”, in Greek, a jack of all trades. Joseph has died because Jesus is spoken of as the son of Mary.  Roman Catholic belief is that the “brothers and sisters” are really cousins. The Orthodox recognize them as “half brothers” from a previous marriage. Some Protestants believe them as actual brothers and sisters. How could Jesus not be somebody of importance even after miracles that included nature, exorcism, and healing? The reaction “who does he think He is” contains a reminder about being careful to judge others. In Mark’s Gospel, this theme of not recognizing Jesus occurs at a time when Christians were beginning to be persecuted. Friar Jude notes Mark encourages the people to continue to believe.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Kelley Nikondeha who describes how Jesus encouraged his disciples to practice jubilee actions in their daily lives. Nikondeha points to the good news when we engage in jubilee practices ourselves.

The Lord’s Prayer, with its tangible economic language and intent, has also been called the Jubilee Prayer…. Imagine if all of us who know this prayer by heart took the challenge embedded in it seriously? It would start a groundswell of jubilary motion and economic reform…. This revolutionary prayer is a place to begin, now, wherever you are, whoever you are, in the larger movement of jubilee. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the guidance of the Spirit as we contemplate our difficulty with living with a “Jubilee attitude” that works to free us from debts to the distractions that divert our attention from the Way.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?1 

Meditation on Mark 6:1-6. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/04/1493838/ 

Murphy McMahon, C. (2026, February 4). Daily Reflection February 4, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-4-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 32 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/32?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Practicing Jubilee Ourselves. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/practicing-jubilee-ourselves/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Marveled because of Their Unbelief. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 4, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/24?2