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/ 

Your Name Revealed

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to act on the mission we receive through our relationship with Christ.

Stop and Know Your Name

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Farewell Speech at Miletus.

* [20:16–35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (Acts 20:18–21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (Acts 20:22–27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (Acts 20:28–31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament. (Acts of the Apostles CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 68 offers praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions.

* [Psalm 68] The Psalm is extremely difficult because the Hebrew text is badly preserved and the ceremony that it describes is uncertain. 

The settlement in Canaan (Ps 68:10–11) and praise for God’s past help and for the future interventions that will be modeled on the ancient exodus-conquest (Ps 68:20–24); (Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, the Last Supper Discourse presents The Prayer of Jesus.

* [17:1–26] Climax of the last discourse(s). Since the sixteenth century, this chapter has been called the “high priestly prayer” of Jesus. He speaks as intercessor, with words addressed directly to the Father and not to the disciples, who supposedly only overhear. Yet the prayer is one of petition, for immediate (Jn 17:6–19) and future (Jn 17:20–21) disciples. Many phrases reminiscent of the Lord’s Prayer occur. Although still in the world (Jn 17:13), Jesus looks on his earthly ministry as a thing of the past (Jn 17:4, 12). Whereas Jesus has up to this time stated that the disciples could follow him (Jn 13:33, 36), now he wishes them to be with him in union with the Father (Jn 17:12–14).

* [17:1] The action of looking up to heaven and the address Father are typical of Jesus at prayer; cf. Jn 11:41 and Lk 11:2.

* [17:2] Another possible interpretation is to treat the first line of the verse as parenthetical and the second as an appositive to the clause that ends v. 1: so that your son may glorify you (just as…all people), so that he may give eternal life….

* [17:3] This verse was clearly added in the editing of the gospel as a reflection on the preceding verse; Jesus nowhere else refers to himself as Jesus Christ.

* [17:6] I revealed your name: perhaps the name I AM; cf. Jn 8:24, 28, 58; 13:19. (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, comments that when we go out into the world and stand for what is right, when we try to live the Gospel with honesty and compassion, we may be called many things. We may be misunderstood, criticized, dismissed, or labeled.

No matter what others call us—or perhaps even what we call ourselves on our harder days—we are children of God.

This reflection also comes at an unusual time for me, as it will be my last reflection before beginning a sabbatical. I certainly cannot say, like Jesus, that I have accomplished all that was entrusted to me. I have not always had answers. I have simply tried to walk honestly with you through questions, struggles, joys, and faith.

The answer was never me. The answer has always been Jesus.

Perhaps the question was never whether we had all the answers.

Perhaps it is whether we have remembered who we are. (Caime, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Eternity will be ours when faith sees,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We are distanced from eternity to the extent that we are changeable. But eternal life is promised to us through the truth. Our faith, however, stands as far apart from the clear knowledge of the truth as mortality does from eternity. At the present we put faith in things done in time on our account, and by that faith itself we are cleansed. In this way, when we have come to sight, as truth follows faith, so eternity may follow on mortality. Our faith will become truth, then, when we have attained to that which is promised to us who believe. And that which is promised to us is eternal life. And the Truth - not that which shall come to be according to how our faith shall be, but that truth that always exists because eternity is in it - the Truth then has said, 'And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.' When our faith sees and comes to be truth, then eternity shall possess our now changed mortality." (excerpt from ON THE TRINITY 4.18.24.34) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 20:17-27 comments that each of us has been called to live as missionary disciples in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Perhaps today you could reflect on how the Lord may be calling you to a life of “proclaiming . . . the entire plan of God” to the people around you. Are there steps you could take to strengthen your witness? Are there ways you could become more attentive to opportunities to share your faith? Sit peacefully with the Holy Spirit and ask him to help you answer these questions. And whatever you do, know that you are never alone. The Spirit is always with you to guide you and empower you.

“Jesus, teach me how to proclaim your good news!” (Meditation on Acts 20:17-27, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, Paul meets the elders at Miletus in a hurry to go to Jerusalem. If he goes to Ephesus, he will be delayed to Jerusalem. He defends his ministry to both Jews and Greeks. He warns them and confirms he preached everything they need to hear. The Last Supper Discourse, in the Gospel of John, comes to a prayer offered to the Father. Jesus gives us the truth of who God is and what he wants of us. The Glory mentioned in John, as the hour of glory, is Christ on the cross. Jesus prays for the people he leaves and not the world, who are those who belong with Satan. Friar Jude notes that Jesus prays for the unity of God and the Father with the believers He leaves behind.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC Dean of Faculty Carmen Acevedo Butcher translated The Cloud of Unknowing, the foundational text for Centering Prayer. Contemplative practice creates space for us to be with God, after which we return to our daily lives and commitments. The anonymous author of The Cloud encourages beginners to enter contemplation with simple instructions.

We need contemplation because, as our globe gets more crowded by the hour, more and more we act like elbow-to-elbow passengers in cheap coach seats on a commuter flight…. Who doesn’t rush through the day? Who never feels the pressure to produce? How often are you in cyberspace? Our new frantic pace is like poison to our holding hands with those we love. That is where contemplation comes in. It reconnects us to ourselves, to God, and to others. It helps us learn to forgive and heal our souls….

For the first sixteen centuries of the Christian church, contemplative prayer was the goal of Christian spirituality, and now in our own time of transition and upheaval, … we are returning to our roots. Contemplative prayer is more relevant than ever before. More and more of us are practicing this ancient form of prayer and finding peace in a world of war, extreme political divide, epidemics, terrorism, technology, overcrowding, noise, inequality, and a Church in need of humility. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We are inspired by the Spirit to explore who we are in our relationships with God and the people in our environment as we continue the mission of our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Acts of the Apostles CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/20?17 

Caime, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-19-2026 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17? 

Meditation on Acts 20:17-27. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/19/1571639/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Lift Your Heart to God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/lift-your-heart-to-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Is Eternal Life - to Know the Father the Only True God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Favour and Surrender

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the preparation we need to respond “yes” to nudges of the Spirit to bring Christ into our environment.

St Mary's Basilica 

In the reading from the Prophet Isaiah he gives Ahaz the Sign of Immanuel.

* [7:14] Isaiah’s sign seeks to reassure Ahaz that he need not fear the invading armies of Syria and Israel in the light of God’s promise to David (2 Sm 7:12–16). The oracle follows a traditional announcement formula by which the birth and sometimes naming of a child is promised to particular individuals (Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3). The young woman: Hebrew ‘almah designates a young woman of marriageable age without specific reference to virginity. The Septuagint translated the Hebrew term as parthenos, which normally does mean virgin, and this translation underlies Mt 1:23. Emmanuel: the name means “with us is God.” Since for the Christian the incarnation is the ultimate expression of God’s willingness to “be with us,” it is understandable that this text was interpreted to refer to the birth of Christ. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 40 offers thanksgiving for Deliverance and a Prayer for Help.

* [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 reading from the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims One Sacrifice instead of Many.

* [10:1–10] Christian faith now realizes that the Old Testament sacrifices did not effect the spiritual benefits to come but only prefigured them (Heb 10:1). For if the sacrifices had actually effected the forgiveness of sin, there would have been no reason for their constant repetition (Heb 10:2). They were rather a continual reminder of the people’s sins (Heb 10:3). It is not reasonable to suppose that human sins could be removed by the blood of animal sacrifices (Heb 10:4). Christ, therefore, is here shown to understand his mission in terms of Ps 40:5–7, cited according to the Septuagint (Heb 10:5–7). Jesus acknowledged that the Old Testament sacrifices did not remit the sins of the people and so, perceiving the will of God, offered his own body for this purpose (Heb 10:8–10). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, the Birth of Jesus is Foretold.

* [1:26–38] The announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is parallel to the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of John. In both the angel Gabriel appears to the parent who is troubled by the vision (Lk 1:11–12, 26–29) and then told by the angel not to fear (Lk 1:13, 30). After the announcement is made (Lk 1:14–17, 31–33) the parent objects (Lk 1:18, 34) and a sign is given to confirm the announcement (Lk 1:20, 36). The particular focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is on his identity as Son of David (Lk 1:32–33) and Son of God (Lk 1:32, 35).

* [1:32] Son of the Most High: cf. Lk 1:76 where John is described as “prophet of the Most High.” “Most High” is a title for God commonly used by Luke (Lk 1:35, 76; 6:35; 8:28; Acts 7:48; 16:17).

* [1:34] Mary’s questioning response is a denial of sexual relations and is used by Luke to lead to the angel’s declaration about the Spirit’s role in the conception of this child (Lk 1:35). According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus takes place through the holy Spirit, the power of God, and therefore Jesus has a unique relationship to Yahweh: he is Son of God.

* [1:36–37] The sign given to Mary in confirmation of the angel’s announcement to her is the pregnancy of her aged relative Elizabeth. If a woman past the childbearing age could become pregnant, why, the angel implies, should there be doubt about Mary’s pregnancy, for nothing will be impossible for God. (Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Gillick, S.J. comments that Mary listened, heard, reacted humanly and responded generously. She did not stop these elements of a relationship of trust and surprises.Now to our living and listening these days in the Second Week of Lent. We are encouraged to reflect on just to what we are listening ourselves.

There are sounds, voices, noises which are quite harmful to our living receptively. I am not suggesting total silence or withdrawal from life. I do suggest withdrawing from what is not life, not grace, not relational. What takes me down? The downer we feel, the less relational we become. I know of families who are divided by politics and so are divided, separated, angry and dismissive. I wonder to what they have been listening which makes them unavailable to listen to each other.  Doesn’t sound like Easter at all, but it does sound like it does keep us separated from what separates us from our better selves, our graceful presence. (Gillick, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Do you wish to be great?”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Just imagine the incredible kindness and mercy! He was the only Son, but He did not want to remain alone. So that humans might be born of God God was born of humans. Begotten of God is He through Whom we were created - Born of a woman is He through Whom we are to be re-created. The Word first wished to be born of humans, so that you might be assured of being born of God" (excerpt from Sermon on John 2, 13) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 comments that ,in contrast with Ahaz, Mary does not weary God. She responds to the angel’s announcement with faith and trust. She asks him how such a marvelous thing will happen. But when the angel says that “nothing will be impossible for God,” she simply replies, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:37, 38).

We might struggle to have the same faith and trust that Mary had. But remember: God has already done the impossible for you. He has given you Emmanuel, the One who became man to save you from your sins and to be with you into eternity. Today, as you celebrate this special feast, thank God for his love and faithfulness. Then ask for the grace to trust in all his promises!

“Holy Mary, teach me to place all my trust in your son!” (Meditation on Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains the strategy of Isaiah to influence Ahaz to trust in God by naming his child Emmanuel or “God is with us”. Hebrews proclaims the sacrifice of Christ as replacing the transfusion of life in the blood of bulls and goats with the one sacrifice of the Son. The worthiness of Mary resonates with her fullness of grace being expressed in the perfect tense in Greek. Friar Jude notes that the example of Mary, the New Ark of the Covenant, shows us the Way to surrender to make Jesus present.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC Faculty Emerita Cynthia Bourgeault who has spent decades teaching the practice of Centering Prayer.

For over forty years now, the following four guidelines have successfully introduced tens of thousands of people worldwide to Centering Prayer: 

1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. 

2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within. 

3. When engaged with your thoughts [including body sensations, feelings, images, and reflections], return ever-so-gently to the sacred word. 

4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes. [1] 

Father Thomas Keating suggests praying for twenty minutes twice a day. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder our favour with God and seek the guidance of the Spirit to respond with “yes” to invitations to surrender to the Will of God.

References

Gillick, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/032525.html 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/10?4 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/7?10 

Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?26 

Meditation on Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/03/25/1234759/ 

Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?7 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Centering Prayer. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/centering-prayer/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Have Found Favor with God. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=mar25a