Respond in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine how our experience of Love is the motivation for our work in the vineyard of the Lord.

Consistent Life Ethic

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Letter of the Apostles to the Delegates at Antioch.

* [15:13–35] Some scholars think that this apostolic decree suggested by James, the immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, derives from another historical occasion than the meeting in question. This seems to be the case if the meeting is the same as the one related in Gal 2:1–10. According to that account, nothing was imposed upon Gentile Christians in respect to Mosaic law; whereas the decree instructs Gentile Christians of mixed communities to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols and from blood-meats, and to avoid marriage within forbidden degrees of consanguinity and affinity (Lv 18), all of which practices were especially abhorrent to Jews. Luke seems to have telescoped two originally independent incidents here: the first a Jerusalem “Council” that dealt with the question of circumcision, and the second a Jerusalem decree dealing mainly with Gentile observance of dietary laws (see Acts 21:25 where Paul seems to be learning of the decree for the first time).

* [15:34] Some manuscripts add, in various wordings, “But Silas decided to remain there.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 57 contains a prayer for rescue from enemies.

* [Psalm 57] Each of the two equal strophes contains a prayer for rescue from enemies, accompanied by joyful trust in God (Ps 57:2–5, 7–11). The refrain prays that God be manifested as saving (Ps 57:6, 12). Ps 108 is nearly identical to part of this Psalm (cf. Ps 57:8–11, Ps 108:2–6). (Psalms, PSALM 57 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents the depth of love for friends.

* [15:13] For one’s friends: or: “those whom one loves.” In Jn 15:9–13a, the words for love are related to the Greek agapaō. In Jn 15:13b–15, the words for love are related to the Greek phileō. For John, the two roots seem synonymous and mean “to love”; cf. also Jn 21:15–17. The word philos is used here.

* [15:15] Slaves,friends: in the Old Testament, Moses (Dt 34:5), Joshua (Jos 24:29), and David (Ps 89:21) were called “servants” or “slaves of Yahweh”; only Abraham (Is 41:8; 2 Chr 20:7; cf. Jas 2:23) was called a “friend of God.” (John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Hopp comments that focusing on applying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is indeed a determining factor of how well we love others. Through our interactions we are to demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That is what loving others really looks like in real life. Thoughtful application of these elements is certainly the true test of how well we are loving others. The “fruit of the spirit” test must remain at the forefront of our thoughts, words, and actions every waking moment of our lives if we truly are seeking to love as Jesus has loved us.

Dear Heavenly Father, we genuinely want to live to serve you, to follow all your commands. On this day, help us to specifically focus upon your simple directive to love one another. Help us to solidify our focus upon the fruits of the Spirit, knowing that each of those characteristics is key to loving others as you have loved us. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen (Hopp, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Love encompasses the other commandments,” by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD).

"This is my commandment." Have you then only one precept? This is sufficient, even if it is unique and so great. Nevertheless he also said, "Do not kill" (Matthew 19:18) because the one who loves does not kill. He said, "Do not steal," because the one who loves does even more-he gives. He said, "Do not lie," for the one who loves speaks the truth, against falsehood. "I give you a new commandment" (John 13:14). If you have not understood what "This is my commandment" means, let the apostle be summoned as interpreter and say, "The goal of his commandment is love" (1 Timothy 1:5). What is its binding force? It is that of which [the Lord] spoke, "Whatever you want others to do to you, you should do also" (Matthew 7:12)."Love one another" in accordance with this measure, "as I have loved you." That is not possible, for you are our Lord who loves your servants. But we who are equals, how can we love one another as you have loved us? Nevertheless, he has said it... His love is that he has called us his friends. If we were to give our life for you, would our love be equal to yours?... How then can what he said be explained, "As I have loved you"? "Let us die for each other," he said. As for us, we do not even want to live for one another! "If I, who am your Lord and God, die for you, how much more should you die for one another." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 19.13) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:12-17 comments that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not the first time he laid down his life. Think of the countless times that he gave of himself to the crowds that followed him, even when he was tired. Or the patience he showed when his disciples didn’t understand what he was trying to teach them. We can follow in his footsteps in these ways as well.

It’s just a matter of stepping out and doing what God has put before you. And every time you say yes, you’ll find Jesus there, ready to pour out the grace you need to lay down your life. Each act of obedience to God’s call to love is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to reflect his self-giving love.

“Jesus, give me the grace to say yes to your call to love, just where I am today.” (Meditation on John 15:12-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that, in Acts, we have a report of the Council of Jerusalem for Gentile Christians that following Jewish Law or circumcision was not required. The report of this agreement letter in 1 Corinthians raises the question of when this decision was made. In John 15:13, Jesus describes great love as laying down one’s life for one’s friend. We have a freedom to be able to choose to be one with Christ. Friar Jude comments that the concept that some people aren’t called, known as predestination, does not fit the image of God presented by Jesus. God wants to live with all of us for all eternity in heaven.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Mirabai Starr who describes how the language of romance and erotic love is the universal experience of mystics across religious traditions.

In the Song of Songs, the lover sings of her search for her beloved:

At night on my bed I longed only for my love.
I sought him, but did not find him.
I must rise and go about the city,
the narrow streets and squares until I find my only love.
I sought him everywhere but I could not find him. (Song of Songs 3:1–2)(Rohr, 2026)

Starr describes longing as an essential aspect of nuptial mysticism:

Something in our souls recognizes this dynamic of exile and return. We remember that our source is Love. We suffer from the illusion of having been pulled up from our soul roots. We long to go home. We engage every practice we can get our hands on to restore our birthright of belonging. And when we attain those fleeting moments of union, we realize we were never two to begin with. We were always one and always will be one.

The language of love is like a spaceship that blasts us through the layers of illusion and delivers us to the truth of our essential connectedness with the Divine and our interconnectedness with all of creation. There’s nothing like a passage of mystical poetry, incandescent with the fire of longing and besotted by the wine of union, to evoke our own burning yearning and reveal our capacity for melding. [2] (Rohr, 2026)

We recognize that understanding of Love in Jesus is mystical and we implore the Spirit to reveal this love in our interactions with the people and places in our environment.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15? 

Hopp, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-8-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15? 

Meditation on John 15:12-17. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/08/1560393/ 

Psalms, PSALM 57 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/57 

Rohr, R. (2026, May 6). The Blueprint of Our Soul. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-book-of-devotion/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Have Called You Friends. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 8, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

 

Friendship and Separation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to reflect on the actions of friendship and intimacy that have drawn us close to Jesus unconditional love.

Friendship 

The reading from the Book of Sirach contrasts Friendship, False and True.

* [6:5–17] One of several poems Ben Sira wrote on friendship; see also 9:10–16; 12:8–18; 13:1–23; 19:13–17; 22:19–26; 27:16–21. True friends are discerned not by prosperity (v. 11), but through the trials of adversity: distress, quarrels (v. 9), sorrow (v. 10) and misfortune (v. 12). Such friends are rare, a gift from God (vv. 14–17). (Sirach, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 declares 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 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus Teaching about Divorce.

* [10:2–9] In the dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees on the subject of divorce, Jesus declares that the law of Moses permitted divorce (Dt 24:1) only because of the hardness of your hearts (Mk 10:4–5). In citing Gn 1:27 and 2:24 Jesus proclaims permanence to be the divine intent from the beginning concerning human marriage (Mk 10:6–8). He reaffirms this with the declaration that what God has joined together, no human being must separate (Mk 10:9). See further the notes on Mt 5:31–32; 19:3–9. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that the grace of this gospel is to hear the call to fidelity in it. Obviously, marriages sometimes prove to have been unwise, at times nothing close to "sacramental." Sometimes, infidelity or abuse, carelessness or selfishness, make the union so damaged that it requires heroic love to save it, if it can be saved. The same can be said about celibate commitments.

Lord, we pray for all married and celibate persons. We thank you for the gifts of fidelity that you have given to so many. Please give generosity and love, healing and peace, wherever it is needed. And give your special blessings to those who have suffered all the pains of divorce or the struggles of celibacy. Let them know your love and tender mercy as they seek new ways of following you, in faith and trust. (Alexander, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Mutual servants, equally serving,” by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.

"Where are we to find language adequately to express the happiness of that marriage which the church cements, the oblation confirms, the benediction signs and seals, the angels celebrate, and the Father holds as approved? For all around the earth young people do not rightly and lawfully wed without their parents' consent. What kind of yoke is that of two believers who share one hope, one desire, one discipline, one service? (Ephesians 4:4) They enjoy kinship in spirit and in flesh. They are mutual servants with no discrepancy of interests. Truly they are 'two in one flesh' (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). Where the flesh is one, the spirit is one as well. Together they pray, together bow down, together perform their fasts, mutually teaching, mutually entreating, mutually upholding. In the church of God they hold an equal place. (Romans 12:15; 15:6; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:12) They stand equally at the banquet of God, equally in crises, equally facing persecutions, and equally in refreshments. Neither hides anything from the other. Neither neglects the other. Neither is troublesome to the other (Philippians 1:27)."(excerpt from TO HIS WIFE 2.8) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Sirach 6:5-17 comments that a faithful person is true and loyal, keeps his commitments, and is steadfast in his affection. He or she doesn’t waver depending on circumstances or walk away when the going gets hard. We all know how helpful it can be to have a friend who is a “sturdy shelter” when we undergo grief or suffering (Sirach 6:14). By their willingness to listen and their steady companionship, faithful friends can calm frayed nerves and soothe our wounded souls. They rejoice in our blessings, weep over our sorrows, and bear with our faults. In so doing, they reflect the patient fidelity of our God.

Steadfast, loyal friends are a blessing from the Lord that point us to the most faithful friend of all: Jesus. He is God. He is always available, always loving, always ready to forgive. He is our truest and best Friend, “more loyal than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Today, praise Jesus for being such a faithful friend. Then ask him to help you cultivate friendships that reflect his faithful love.

“Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to me.” (Meditation on Sirach 6:5-17, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Sirach passage on friendship distinguishes between people who abandon us and those who help us become better people. Pope Francis has sought paths for people in our Church, today, to experience love and support if their marriage situation changes. Friar Jude reminds us that God loves everybody and that love needs to be expressed to those in situations that are not desirable.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, considers Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung a mystic who had a deep connection to the divine. Jung made statements that would surprise many Christians, conservative and liberal alike. For example, he saw Jesus’ life and many of the doctrines of the Church as a complete and perfect map and guide for human transformation. He believed in the central importance of rituals, myths, and symbols, which Catholics and Orthodox Christians could appreciate. Although Jung gave Bible passages more meaning and more credibility, he was perceived as an unbeliever by most Protestants. His development of concepts such as shadow, paradox, archetypes, symbols, and the psychological character of human transformation into the Divine made him a true prophet of the soul and a teacher of deep, inner sacramentalism. [2]

Jung believed that if God wants to speak to us, God has to use words that will, first of all, feel like our own thoughts. How else could God come to us? That’s why we have to be taught how to recognize, honor, and allow that sometimes our thoughts are God’s thoughts. That internal trust and authority is necessary to balance out the almost exclusive reliance upon external authority promoted by mainline Christianity. While Scripture, priests, pastors, and the pope may be necessary, Jung recognized that they are all external to the self, and offer us a religion from the outside in. Jung wanted to teach us to honor those same symbols, but from the inside out, to recognize that there are already numinous voices in our deepest depths. If we do not have deep contact with our in-depth self, he believed we could not know God. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are grateful for the friendship that has supported our journey and ponder the movement of the Spirit in the love, compassion, mercy, and faithfulness we have experienced.

References

Alexander, A. (2025, February 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022825.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?1 

Meditation on Sirach 6:5-17. (2025, February 28). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/28/1216443/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Carl Jung: An Unexpected Mystic. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/carl-jung-an-unexpected-mystic/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). What God Has Joined Together. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb28 

Sirach, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/6?5