Courage and Confidence

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that our confidence in the life-giving message of Jesus often requires us to live with the courage of our convictions.

Truth and Power

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles proclaims the assurance to Paul that he will be Jesus witness in Rome

* [23:11] The occurrence of the vision of Christ consoling Paul and assuring him that he will be his witness in Rome prepares the reader for the final section of Acts: the journey of Paul and the word he preaches to Rome under the protection of the Romans. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 16 reflects on the wise and life-giving presence of God.

* [Psalm 16] In the first section, the psalmist rejects the futile worship of false gods (Ps 16:2–5), preferring Israel’s God (Ps 16:1), the giver of the land (Ps 16:6). The second section reflects on the wise and life-giving presence of God (Ps 16:7–11). (Psalms, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays for the believers who ultimately will join him in heaven.

* [17:24] Where I am: Jesus prays for the believers ultimately to join him in heaven. Then they will not see his glory as in a mirror but clearly (2 Cor 3:18; 1 Jn 3:2).

* [17:26] I will make it known: through the Advocate. (John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Desiree Nownes comments that the reading in Acts recounts times fraught with turmoil and unrest as society tries to figure out whom to believe. How similar does this sound to what American society is dealing with right now?

Jesus is praying for each of us to find him in each other. The hope that we see ourselves in each other and in turn through God’s eyes. This is a prayer of understanding and a shared experience so that we can finally know that we are a reflection of God’s love. For me the reading always come back to hope and love, yet the juxtaposition of judgement and othering is hard to combat from the society’s turmoil. But just as Paul was put to the test in front of the Sanhedrin, we must continue to speak of God’s love, God’s hope, and God’s faith in us all. That is the truth that will and can set us on the path of forgiveness and salvation. (Nownes, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Prayer of unity for all who believe,” by Cyprian of Carthage - first martyr bishop of Africa, 200-258 A.D.

"The Lord's loving-kindness, no less than his mercy, is great in respect of our salvation in that, not content to redeem us with his blood, he in addition prayed for us. See now what the desire of his petition was, that just as the Father and Son are one, so also we should abide in absolute unity. From this, it may be evident how greatly someone sins who divides unity and peace, since even the Lord himself petitioned for this same thing. He no doubt desired that his people should in this way be saved and live in peace since he knew that discord cannot come into the kingdom of God." (excerpt from THE LORD'S PRAYER 30.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 comments that anyone who seeks to serve the Lord and witness to His gospel knows that there’s always the risk of rejection or failure. Just living a confident life as a believer requires a good amount of courage!...courage grows through humble obedience. It comes as we place God’s will and his calling above our own will and desires. It comes as we surrender ourselves to his plan and trust in the Lord’s presence and provision.

The next time you sense that the Lord is urging you to “take courage,” remember St. Paul. Then step out in faith, trusting that God is at your side!

“Jesus, I believe that you are always with me, offering me your grace and courage!” (Meditation on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts, Paul is arrested by Roman authorities following a riot about bringing pagans into the Temple. Paul will be able to explain the Way to the Sanhedrin. He divides them because of his speaking about resurrection, a concept more favourable to the Pharisees than the Sadducees. In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays for the disciples leaving them with those who reject His message, named as the “world. The Gospel recognizes an institution is developing to accept Jesus and the Gospel. John’s Gospel dates to 90 CE, to the second or third generation of believers. Friar Jude comments that there would be followers of the Way through the preaching of the disciple and a community of the Father and Son would follow him.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Carmen Acevedo Butcher shares a contemplative practice that allows her to accept “just this”. She encourages us to begin contemplative practice wherever we are in our lives.

If we wait to start singing—or any kind of contemplative practice—until we feel peaceful or worthy, we’ll be waiting a very long time. Sometimes, we do a practice, and if we don’t feel peaceful or holy immediately, we think we’ve failed or are doing it wrong. But that’s not the point. The point is that we do them like breathing, just in and out, over and over again. Fidelity to the practice brings about a healing alchemical effect.

Sometimes I’ll begin to sing, “Be still and know that I am God,” and at the same time I’m thinking, “I’m so stressed out today.” It turns into a little dialogue with God, “Why can’t I be stiller and know that you are?” All these thoughts go around, and this practice—this repetition of “Be still and know I am God”—holds the space of stillness and silence. We can pause and “Be still” enough to remember that we are made in God’s image, and we can honor our own voice, God’s voice within us. We don’t have to wait for a special key. The key is already within us. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit to “fill the hearts of the faithful” and kindle in us “the fire of your love” as we proclaim with courage and confidence your mission to renew the face of the earth. 

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/23 

John, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?20 

Meditation on Acts 22:30; 23:6-11. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/21/1573334/ 

Nownes, D. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-21-2026 

Psalms, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/16?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Lift Your Voice to God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/lift-your-voice-to-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). May They Become Perfectly One. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Obedient Witness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be witnesses to the Way of Jesus especially in our work today, International Workers’ Day.

Care and Community

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the Twelve immediately resume public teaching.

* [5:17–42] A second action against the community is taken by the Sanhedrin in the arrest and trial of the Twelve; cf. Acts 4:1–3. The motive is the jealousy of the religious authorities over the popularity of the apostles (Acts 5:17) who are now charged with the defiance of the Sanhedrin’s previous order to them to abandon their prophetic role (Acts 5:28; cf. Acts 4:18). In this crisis the apostles are favored by a miraculous release from prison (Acts 5:18–24). (For similar incidents involving Peter and Paul, see Acts 12:6–11; 16:25–29.) The real significance of such an event, however, would be manifest only to people of faith, not to unbelievers; since the Sanhedrin already judged the Twelve to be inauthentic prophets, it could disregard reports of their miracles. When the Twelve immediately resumed public teaching, the Sanhedrin determined to invoke upon them the penalty of death (Acts 5:33) prescribed in Dt 13:6–10. Gamaliel’s advice against this course finally prevailed, but it did not save the Twelve from the punishment of scourging (Acts 5:40) in a last endeavor to shake their conviction of their prophetic mission. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 34 is a thanksgiving.

* [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this Psalm one letter is missing and two are in reverse order. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone (Ps 34:4, 12). God will make them powerful (Ps 34:5–11) and give them protection (Ps 34:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is the One from Heaven.

* [3:31–36] It is uncertain whether these are words by the Baptist, Jesus, or the evangelist. They are reflections on the two preceding scenes. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rashmi Fernando, S.J. comments that at the heart of today’s readings is Jesus and the apostles’ unwavering witness to God—not through grand displays of power, but through voluntary obedience. 

• Am I willing to trust in God who chooses to walk with me in my humanity, or do I still look for signs of divine power that fit my expectations of strength and control?

• In what areas of my life do I resist surrendering to God's will, mistaking obedience for weakness instead of seeing it as an act of radical love and trust? (Fernando, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Always bless the Lord!” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When are you to 'bless the Lord?' When he showers blessings on you? When earthly goods are plentiful? When you have a plethora of grain, oil, wine, gold, silver... - while your mortal body remains healthy, uninjured and free from disease; while everything that is born on your estate is growing well, and nothing is snatched away by untimely death; while every kind of happiness floods your home and you have all you want in profusion? Is it only then that you are to bless the Lord? No, but 'at all times.' So you are to bless him equally when from time to time, or because the Lord God wishes to discipline you, these good things let you down or are taken from you, when there are fewer births or the already-born slip away. These things happen, and their consequence is poverty, need, hardship, disappointment and temptation. But you sang, 'I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be in my mouth always,' so when the Lord gives you these good things, bless him, and when he takes them away, bless him. He it is who gives, and he it is who takes away, but he does not take himself away from anyone who blesses him. (excerpt from EXPOSITIONS OF THE PSALMS 34.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 5:27-33 comments that like the disciples, we, too, are witnesses to Jesus, and we, too, are called to proclaim the good news to the people we encounter each day. But we can easily forget that it’s not all up to us. We need the Spirit, not only to help us become effective witnesses, but to work in mighty ways that will convince people that Jesus is who he says he is.

So turn to the Holy Spirit and ask him to witness with you! He will provide opportunities to share your faith. He will give you the courage and the right words to say. He will come in power when you pray with someone. He is always at work—and he can’t be stopped!

“Holy Spirit, empower me to be your witness today!” (Meditation on Acts 5:27-33, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler presents the boldness of the Apostles in their assertion that they have to obey God and not the Sanhedrin when they are witnessing Jesus Love and life. Jesus has come to speak of spiritual things in John. Friar Jude identifies the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son that we experience now and its fulfillment in the future.

Brian McLaren cites the work of Franciscan Sister Thea Bowman (1937–1990) who reflects on where she learned about our sacred responsibility for creation.

From the spiritual tradition of the black community, I learned that we are all God’s creatures.… I grew up with people who taught us how to respect and appreciate nature, to study nature’s secrets, to reverence the very soil beneath our feet. My people in the South were farmers and they learned patience. You can’t rush the seasons; you can’t call forth the rain.  

They also learned not to waste! And that’s something we all need to pay more attention to today! It’s important not to take more than we need. Take your share and leave the rest for the others. If we live cooperatively the earth produces sufficiently to feed and shelter us all….  

My people have been teaching us about Creation Spirituality for as long as I can remember. We just didn’t have a name for it. Respect and love for all of creation; stewardship of the earth and its resources; collaboration and cooperation; appreciation, gratitude, faith, hope and love for all of humankind—basic life-giving, life-sharing values and virtues. [2] (McLaren, n.d.)

We are reminded today of the gift of the Spirit to boost our courage to witness to the life that Jesus offers through our obedience to His example of love, compassion, and mercy.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5?27 

Fernando, R. (2025, May 1). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050125.html 

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?31 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Appreciating the Land. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/appreciating-the-land/ 

Meditation on Acts 5:27-33. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/01/1265603/ 

Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Who Believes in the Son Has Eternal Life. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may1 

Peace and Possessions

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept the prompting of the Spirit to reject the influences that impair our vision of the Way of Peace.

Consider the Narrow Gate

The reading from the Book of Judges describes the calling of Gideon.

* [6:16] I will be with you: narratives telling how the Lord commissions someone for a task depict the person’s reactions of reluctance, confusion, or sense of inadequacy, and the Lord’s reassurance (“I will be with you”), sometimes accompanied by a sign (cf. Ex 3:12; Jer 1:8). Lk 1:28–37 is modeled on this pattern.

* [6:19] Ephah: see note on Is 5:10.

* [6:22] Ancient Israel thought that seeing God face to face meant mortal danger, as Ex 33:20 indicates and as Gideon’s reaction here shows. Compare the reaction of Samson’s parents (13:22–23) when they realize they have been conversing with the Lord.

* [6:24] Yahweh-shalom: a reference to the Lord’s words, “You are safe” (v. 23), lit., “Peace be to you!” (Judges, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

Psalm 96 offers Praise to God Who comes in judgement.

* [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, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus describes difficulties for the Rich.

* [19:16–30] Cf. Mk 10:17–31. This story does not set up a “two-tier” morality, that of those who seek (only) eternal life (Mt 19:16) and that of those who wish to be perfect (Mt 19:21). It speaks rather of the obstacle that riches constitute for the following of Jesus and of the impossibility, humanly speaking, for one who has many possessions (Mt 19:22) to enter the kingdom (Mt 19:24). Actual renunciation of riches is not demanded of all; Matthew counts the rich Joseph of Arimathea as a disciple of Jesus (Mt 27:57). But only the poor in spirit (Mt 5:3) can enter the kingdom and, as here, such poverty may entail the sacrifice of one’s possessions. The Twelve, who have given up everything (Mt 19:27) to follow Jesus, will have as their reward a share in Jesus’ (the Son of Man’s) judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Mt 19:28), and all who have similarly sacrificed family or property for his sake will inherit eternal life (Mt 19:29).

* [19:16] Gain eternal life: this is equivalent to “entering into life” (Mt 19:17) and “being saved” (Mt 19:25); the life is that of the new age after the final judgment (see Mt 25:46). It probably is also equivalent here to “entering the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:23) or “the kingdom of God” (Mt 19:24), but see notes on Mt 3:2; 4:17; 18:1 for the wider reference of the kingdom in Matthew. (Matthew, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)

Ed Morse comments that like Gideon, our Lord calls us to respond in faith to the reality of the “not yet”.  Remember that things are not always as they seem! Many who think they are first will be last, and vice versa.

What is the foundation for this faith?  It is not our subjective will, putting your head down and “fake it ‘till you make it”.   Faith comes from the objective reality of the nurturing graces that flow to us through the church, the sacraments, and prayer – our own as well as the prayers of others.  Those now living and those who have passed into the cloud of witnesses are helping us in ways we do not understand.  Our Blessed Mother is among them.

From time to time, our wills may become weakened and weary.  But do not fear. Grace is real.  Pray for one another, seek the prayers of others including the saints, and be nurtured regularly by the sacraments.  Thanks be to God. (Morse, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Who can enter the kingdom of heaven?” by John Chrysostom, 347-407 A.D.

"What then did Christ say? 'How difficult it will be for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.' He was not criticizing money itself but the wills of those who are taken captive by it. If it will be difficult for the rich, how much more so for the avaricious! For if stinginess with one's own wealth is an impediment to gaining the kingdom, think how much fire is amassed for taking someone else's. But why does he say that it is hard for the rich man to enter the kingdom, to the disciples, who were poor and had nothing? He teaches them not to be ashamed of their poverty and, as it were, gives the reason why he did not allow them to possess anything. After saying it is hard, he also shows them that it is impossible, and not simply impossible but even in an exaggerated way impossible. He shows this from the comparison of the camel and the needle: 'It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.' Hence Christ demonstrates that there is a significant reward for the wealthy who can practice self-denial. He also said that this had to be the work of God, that he might show that great grace is needed for anyone who is going to achieve it." (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 63.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Judges 6:11-24 comments that the Lord told Gideon that the key to success was not his own qualifications but God’s presence with him. That’s what would make him confident. When our hope wavers, we can recall that the Lord is with us, too. He has called us to follow him and to be his saving presence in the world. It’s his grace and power that can make things better.

Today, if the problems surrounding you seem unsolvable, learn from Gideon: trust in God’s grace, use the gifts you have, and be a champion!

“Lord God, thank you for calling me and equipping me to make a difference.” (Meditation on Judges 6:11-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Gideon is called as one of the judges of Israel, a leader of the army and people called characteristically. Jesus continues to consider the encounter with the Rich Young Man and the sense that the rich control their own destiny with their resources. Friar Jude notes the existence of the narrow gate in the wall of Jerusalem and the frequent use of “Jewish exaggeration” in Jesus teaching. Finally, we are created by God to serve others in the Way of Jesus.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches that restorative justice is not about denying harm, but about speaking truth in the service of forgiveness. Jesus, many mystics, and other wisdom traditions—such as the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous—show that sin and failure are, in fact, an opportunity for the transformation and enlightenment of the offender.

Only mutual apology, healing, and forgiveness offer a sustainable future for humanity. Otherwise, we are controlled by the past, individually and corporately. We all need to apologize and we all need to forgive or this human project will surely self-destruct. No wonder almost two-thirds of Jesus’ teaching is directly or indirectly about forgiveness. Otherwise, history devolves into taking sides, bitterness, holding grudges, and the violence that inevitably follows. As others have said, “Forgiveness is to let go of our hope for a different past.” Reality is what it is, and such acceptance leads to great freedom, as long as there is also both accountability and healing forgiveness.  (Rohr, 2023)

Our anxiety over our material possessions can obscure the gift of peace we are offered as servants of the Love of Christ.

References

Judges, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/judges/6?11 

Matthew, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/19?23 

Meditation on Judges 6:11-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/08/22/765119/ 

Morse, E. (2023, August 22). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/082223.html 

Psalms, PSALM 85. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9 

Rohr, R. (2023, August 22). Truth and Reconciliation — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/truth-and-reconciliation-2023-08-22/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Who Can Enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=aug22