Concern Care and Confusion

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the concern and care that family and friends express when they are present to us in times of distress and loss.

Family Responds with Care

The Reading from the Second Book of Samuel presents David’s response to the Report of Saul’s Death.

a. [1:1] 1 Sm 30:17–20; 31:1–13

c. [1:11] 2 Sm 13:31.

d. [1:12] 1 Sm 31:13.

j. [1:26] 1 Sm 18:1–4. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 80 is a community lament in time of military defeat.

* [Psalm 80] A community lament in time of military defeat. Using the familiar image of Israel as a vineyard, the people complain that God has broken down the wall protecting the once splendid vine brought from Egypt (Ps 80:9–14). They pray that God will again turn to them and use the Davidic king to lead them to victory (Ps 80:15–19). (Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus' relatives gathering prior to the Blasphemy of the Scribes.

* [3:20–35] Within the narrative of the coming of Jesus’ relatives (Mk 3:20–21) is inserted the account of the unbelieving scribes from Jerusalem who attributed Jesus’ power over demons to Beelzebul (Mk 3:22–30); see note on Mk 5:21–43. There were those even among the relatives of Jesus who disbelieved and regarded Jesus as out of his mind (Mk 3:21). (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ, comments that, in the Gospel, Jesus presents us with a more challenging perspective on relationships. His mission brings tension even within his own family and circle of friends.

Those who thought they knew him best struggled to understand his actions and his sudden break from a familiar way of life. Their concern was rooted in closeness, yet it prevented them from truly listening to what he was saying and seeing who he was becoming. Jesus’ response is not a rejection of family or affection but a commitment to God’s will.

The invitation of the gospel today is to really examine our own priorities. We often define ourselves by our roles, relationships, and the expectations others place on us. While these can be life-giving, they can also limit our ability to respond freely to God’s call. Jesus shows us that faithfulness may sometimes lead to misunderstanding, resistance, or even rejection, especially from those closest to us. Yet he remains steady, anchored in his relationship with the Father.

Let us choose then to listen to God’s gentle voice and respond accordingly to Him. (Cardoso, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus' worried kinfolk,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).

"In the Gospel we read that even his kinsfolk desired to bind him as one of weak mind (Mark 3:21). His opponents also reviled him saying, 'You are a Samaritan and have a devil' (John 8:48)." (excerpt from LETTER 108, TO EUSTOCHIUM) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:20-21 comments that some people may not understand such sacrificial love. They might say, “You don’t have to go that far.” Sometimes you may even wonder if they’re right! But no matter what anyone says, it’s never a waste to pour yourself out for the Lord and his people. It’s never a waste to spend the night in prayer or to give up comfort in the name of love. God sees every sacrifice you make, and he blesses them all.

Today, let’s pray for all the selfless servants we know—and for those whose acts of love go unnoticed. And if you are feeling stretched to your limit by the call to love, take heart. Jesus sees you, and your fellow readers of The Word Among Us are praying for you.

“Lord Jesus, strengthen your servants today.” (Meditation on Mark 3:20-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 2 Samuel a messenger tells David that Saul and Jonathan have died. David mourns their death and the friendship in a pact to protect them and the passing of the Saul, an anointed one of God. This was written in the days of David and it indicates that he should be respected. In the Gospel of Mark the family come to take Him home. What part of the family, “they” is unclear. Is it the family or the people around them? The preaching of Jesus to suffer and die is in contrast to His Kingdom The reaction of the Pharisees is to claim that He is possessed by the devil. The family is simply confused. There is no third group in Mark who accept Jesus from the start. This reflects our faith life of wondering who Jesus is and the mission to which He has called us. Friar Jude comments that we need to struggle to accept Jesus too.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Potawatomi author Kaitlin Curtice who shares a poem from her book Everything Is a Story, reminding us of our capacity to keep growing.

We reflect on our faith, family, and friends as agents of the Holy Spirit to bring consolation and comfort when events have disrupted our peace and changed our life long relationships.

References

Cardoso, E. (2026, January 24). Daily Reflection January 24, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-24-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?20 

Meditation on Mark 3:20-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/22/1484856/ 

Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/called-by-god-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). People Were Saying of Jesus, 'He Is beside Himself'. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/1?1 

Law and Faith

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the consolation and reassurance against fear that our relationship with Christ offers through the inspiration of the Spirit.

The Spirit and the Law

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the events leading to the Arrest of Stephen.

* [6:8–8:1] The summary (Acts 6:7) on the progress of the Jerusalem community, illustrated by the conversion of the priests, is followed by a lengthy narrative regarding Stephen. Stephen’s defense is not a response to the charges made against him but takes the form of a discourse that reviews the fortunes of God’s word to Israel and leads to a prophetic declaration: a plea for the hearing of that word as announced by Christ and now possessed by the Christian community. The charges that Stephen depreciated the importance of the temple and the Mosaic law and elevated Jesus to a stature above Moses (Acts 6:13–14) were in fact true. Before the Sanhedrin, no defense against them was possible. With Stephen, who thus perceived the fuller implications of the teachings of Jesus, the differences between Judaism and Christianity began to appear. Luke’s account of Stephen’s martyrdom and its aftermath shows how the major impetus behind the Christian movement passed from Jerusalem, where the temple and law prevailed, to Antioch in Syria, where these influences were less pressing. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. (Psalms, PSALM 119, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Bread from Heaven.

* [6:22–71] Discourse on the bread of life; replacement of the manna. Jn 6:22–34 serve as an introduction, Jn 6:35–59 constitute the discourse proper, Jn 6:60–71 portray the reaction of the disciples and Peter’s confession.

* [6:23] Possibly a later interpolation, to explain how the crowd got to Capernaum.

* [6:27] The food that endures for eternal life: cf. Jn 4:14, on water “springing up to eternal life.” (John, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. (2012) comments that the Easter message comes back: Work for food that endures for eternal life. Jesus is that food.

In this chapter he will say it quite clearly: feed on me and have life because of me. (John 6:57) We all know, deep down inside that this is the remedy we are looking for. Allowing Jesus back into our consciousness and into our spirits, throughout each day, will be the nourishment we need for that deeper kind of life we've been hungering for. It just feels more peaceful, just to think about it and breathe it in. We can imagine restoring some needed habits, like looking at a cross or crucifix each morning or making the sign of the cross early in our day. We can place our life in his hands as we prepare for the day. Everything starts to re-align. Tensions and anxieties begin to fade. It's hard to feed on Jesus and yell at someone I live with. When I'm being fed by reminding myself of his love and mercy, it's hard to be as impatient and frustrated with everyone. Gradually, Easter returns. We remember that the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and we are too. We become alive again with the gift of eternal life he won for us. And, we start giving thanks again, counting our blessings rather than recounting our problems. (Alexander, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “God is our landlord,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Our wish, you see, is to attain to eternal life. We wish to reach the place where nobody dies, but if possible we do not want to get there via death. We would like to be whisked away there while we are still alive and see our bodies changed, while we are alive, into that spiritual form into which they are to be changed when we rise again. Who wouldn't like that? Isn't it what everybody wants? But while that is what you want, you are told, Quit. Remember what you have sung in the psalm: 'A lodger am I on earth'" If you are a lodger, you are staying in someone else's house; if you are staying in someone else's house, you quit when the landlord bids you. And the landlord is bound to tell you to quit sooner or later, and he has not guaranteed you a long stay. After all, he did not sign a contract with you. Seeing that you are lodging with him for nothing, you quit when he tells you to. And this, too, has to be put up with, and for this, too, patience is very necessary." (excerpt from Sermon 359A,8) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 6:8-15 comments that we, too, have been raised with Christ, so we don’t have to be controlled by the fear of death—or of anything else, for that matter. Because whatever difficulties we encounter in this life, we know that one day we will be ushered into God’s kingdom and see our Lord face-to-face. Of course, that doesn’t mean we won’t experience fear from time to time. It just means that fear doesn’t have to dictate how we approach life.

You might never proclaim the gospel as forcefully as Stephen did. But as you live your life without being controlled by fear, you’ll become a witness to the world of the hope of Jesus’ resurrection and of life everlasting just the same.

“Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternal life. May it dispel all my fears.” (Meditation on Acts 6:8-15, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the relationship of the Greek speaking Jews with the Law and the Temple in the events leading to the arrest of the Greek speaking Stephen. In the Gospel of John, the great sin is not to believe Jesus is the Son of God. Friar Jude notes the conflict between seeking Jesus' help with material needs and ignoring the deepest needs of our heart.

James Finley comments on the writings and sermons of medieval mystic Meister Eckhart (1260–1327) who counseled detachment from anything that would separate us from God, whom he understood as the very ground of our being. He gives some practical strategies so that we can practice finding our way to the ground in day-by-day consciousness by being sensitive to certain tendencies in our heart.

Every time we catch ourselves getting reactive, every time we catch ourselves acting as if the outcome of the situation has the authority to name who we are, we are to take a deep breath and remind ourselves that it’s not true. That there’s this hidden, unfelt, deep, abyss-like center in which we’re being unexplainably sustained in the midst of the circumstances. [4]  (Finley, 2023)

We are prompted by the Spirit to pause and allow the Love of Jesus and our trust in His care to be the Way to navigate the storms and fears of our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6?8 

Alexander, A. (2023, April 24). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/042423.html 

Finley, J. (2023, April 24). God Is the Ground of Our Being — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/god-is-the-ground-of-our-being-2023-04-24/ 

John, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?22 

Meditation on Acts 6:8-15. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/04/24/663473/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?23 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=apr24 

 

Blessed by the Divine Physician

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to ponder the direction we plan to take in our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in Lent.

Share the Love

The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah describes authentic fasting that leads to Blessing.

* [58:6–12] Fasting is not genuine without reforming one’s way of life. A true social morality will ensure prosperity.

* [58:13–14] Sabbath observance becomes a cornerstone of postexilic piety; cf. 56:2, 4, 6. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 58, n.d.)

Psalm 86 is a supplication for help against enemies.

* [Psalm 86] An individual lament. The psalmist, “poor and oppressed” (Ps 86:1), “devoted” (Ps 86:2), “your servant” (Ps 86:2, 4, 16), “rescued…from the depths of Sheol” (Ps 86:13), attacked by the ruthless (Ps 86:14), desires only God’s protection (Ps 86:1–7, 11–17). (Psalms, PSALM 86, n.d.) (Psalms, PSALM 86, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus calls Levi.

* [5:28] Leaving everything behind: see note on Lk 5:11. (Luke, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)

Cynthia Schmersal wonders if Levi truly left everything in the way she initially perceived. After all, he went on to host a lavish dinner for Jesus at his house later in the day, a party at which he introduced his friends – presumed fellow sinners – to Jesus. That doesn’t sound like someone who left everything but someone who experienced a radical reorientation, a reorientation of his life and all that it contained toward God.

And, so too, I suspect is our perpetual call. How might we allow ourselves to be ever more fully reoriented? How might I approach the “essential” to-dos carried with me to retreat as opportunities to encounter and love God more fully, releasing those that do not serve such a vision? How may each of us do so in the unique texture of each of our daily lives? Such is my prayer. As we journey ever deeper into Lent and into our lives beyond, may we increasingly find in the fullness and complexity of our lives opportunity to encounter God, to love and serve God, and – like Levi – to invite others into relationship with God. (Schmersal, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Our All-powerful Physician,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 AD.

"Our wound is serious, but the Physician is all-powerful. Does it seem to you so small a mercy that, while you were living in evil and sinning, he did not take away your life, but brought you to belief and forgave your sins? What I suffer is serious, but I trust the Almighty. I would despair of my mortal wound if I had not found so great a Physician." (excerpt from Sermon 352, 3) (of Hippo & Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14 asks how often do we allow our fears or challenging situations around us to lead us into sin? How often do we give up on God and stop trusting in his promises because life isn’t going the way we had hoped? We may lash out in frustration or bend the rules to try to meet our own needs because we doubt that God will take care of us. But hear God’s promise: if we honor him and trust him by living in love, he stands ready to provide for us.

Today in prayer, focus on God’s faithfulness. Proclaim that he will provide for you as you follow his ways and trust in him. As you pray, fast, and give alms this Lent, rely on the Lord and watch for his blessings. He always keeps his promises.

“Lord, help me put my trust in you.” (Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the theme of the passage from Trito-Isaiah that calls the Israelites to turn away from oppression after their return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. The attitude of the Pharisees toward public sinners was one that feared contagion with sin by social contact. Friar Jude reminds us that only Love brings the forgiveness and compassion needed for conversion.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, asks how do we stay faithful when, no matter how hard we work or how much we pray, we are not exempt from suffering? Might there be room in our actual lives—the one freighted by our neediness for others and raw hopes for tomorrow—for a blessing when everything seems to cost so much? 

For courage when you thought things would be different by now 

God, I thought I would feel different by now,  

but new pressures just keep mounting.  

I have been struggling for too long 

to meet each new challenge,  

to scrape up resources,  

to find small comforts,  

to change strategies,  

to dig deep into our reserves, 

to stay positive, 

but I need relief  

and fresh hope 

and a minute to just say, 

I really wish things were easier. 

“We do not know what to do,  

but our eyes are on you.”  

—2 Chronicles 20:12, New International Version 

Just when we thought we could almost be done with this, 

another shoe drops. There are no finish lines.  

We long for the simple joys of times past, 

those everyday pleasures we can barely remember, but still hunger for. 

A great night’s sleep.  

Less financial stress.  

The ease of making future plans.  

The wish that our faith would give us an exemption  

from all that is too painful.  

Blessed are we who look to you, God, 

in the midst of troubles that are too great for us,  

that have gone on far too long.

Who dare to say,  

now would be a good time for help to come, 

for this to be over, once and for all. 

God, send us help. 

Bring solutions for the desperate,  

protection for the vulnerable,  

comfort for the suffering,  

strength to the caregivers,  

wisdom to those in charge.  

Infuse us with the courage to suffer with hope.  

That our suffering doesn’t go unnoticed by you.  

Sustain us and orient us to the reality in which we now live. 

Help us pace ourselves. Keep us awake 

to what might be done, right now. 

“I will strengthen you and help you; 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

—Isaiah 41:10, New International Version 

Reference:  

Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days (New York: Convergent Books, 2023), 146–147. Used with permission. 

(Rohr, 2023)

We are prompted by the Spirit to live with the Love that brings conversion to the motives of our journey and comfort in our struggle with the obstacles in our path.

References

Isaiah, CHAPTER 58. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/58?9 

Luke, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/5?27 

Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/02/25/618023/ 

of Hippo, A., & Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=feb25 

Psalms, PSALM 86. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/86?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, February 25). The Way of Jesus: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-way-of-jesus-2023-02-25/ 

Schmersal, C. (2023, February 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022523.html