Advocate and Mothers

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to take the risk to share the love we celebrate on Mother’s Day by becoming advocates for others in our love and service.

Sharing our Journey

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the Mission of Philip in Samaria.

* [8:1] All were scattered…except the apostles: this observation leads some modern scholars to conclude that the persecution was limited to the Hellenist Christians and that the Hebrew Christians were not molested, perhaps because their attitude toward the law and temple was still more in line with that of their fellow Jews (see the charge leveled against the Hellenist Stephen in Acts 6:13–14). Whatever the facts, it appears that the Twelve took no public stand regarding Stephen’s position, choosing, instead, to await the development of events.

* [8:3] Saul…was trying to destroy the church: like Stephen, Saul was able to perceive that the Christian movement contained the seeds of doctrinal divergence from Judaism. A pupil of Gamaliel, according to Acts 22:3, and totally dedicated to the law as the way of salvation (Gal 1:13–14), Saul accepted the task of crushing the Christian movement, at least insofar as it detracted from the importance of the temple and the law. His vehement opposition to Christianity reveals how difficult it was for a Jew of his time to accept a messianism that differed so greatly from the general expectation.

* [8:16] Here and in Acts 10:44–48 and Acts 19:1–6, Luke distinguishes between baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and the reception of the Spirit. In each case, the Spirit is conferred through members of the Twelve (Peter and John) or their representative (Paul). This may be Luke’s way of describing the role of the church in the bestowal of the Spirit. Elsewhere in Acts, baptism and the Spirit are more closely related (Acts 1:5; 11:16). (Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES |USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 66 praises God for powerful acts for Israel.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter presents the hope in Christian Suffering.

* [3:13–22] This exposition, centering on 1 Pt 3:17, runs as follows: by his suffering and death Christ the righteous one saved the unrighteous (1 Pt 3:18); by his resurrection he received new life in the spirit, which he communicates to believers through the baptismal bath that cleanses their consciences from sin. As Noah’s family was saved through water, so Christians are saved through the waters of baptism (1 Pt 3:19–22). Hence they need not share the fear of sinners; they should rather rejoice in suffering because of their hope in Christ. Thus their innocence disappoints their accusers (1 Pt 3:13–16; cf. Mt 10:28; Rom 8:35–39).

* [3:18] Suffered: very many ancient manuscripts and versions read “died.” Put to death in the flesh: affirms that Jesus truly died as a human being. Brought to life in the spirit: that is, in the new and transformed existence freed from the limitations and weaknesses of natural human life (cf. 1 Cor 15:45). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the Advocate will guide our ministry.

* [14:16] Another Advocate: Jesus is the first advocate (paraclete); see 1 Jn 2:1, where Jesus is an advocate in the sense of intercessor in heaven. The Greek term derives from legal terminology for an advocate or defense attorney, and can mean spokesman, mediator, intercessor, comforter, consoler, although no one of these terms encompasses the meaning in John. The Paraclete in John is a teacher, a witness to Jesus, and a prosecutor of the world, who represents the continued presence on earth of the Jesus who has returned to the Father.

* [14:17] The Spirit of truth: this term is also used at Qumran, where it is a moral force put into a person by God, as opposed to the spirit of perversity. It is more personal in John; it will teach the realities of the new order (Jn 14:26), and testify to the truth (Jn 14:6). While it has been customary to use masculine personal pronouns in English for the Advocate, the Greek word for “spirit” is neuter, and the Greek text and manuscript variants fluctuate between masculine and neuter pronouns.

* [14:18] I will come to you: indwelling, not parousia. (John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ, comments that the Greek word, “Paraclete,” has many connotations:  the Gatherer, the Comforter, the Protector, the Advocate, the one always at one’s side.   He also assures them that Jesus himself will remain in them.  They are not going to be left orphans.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

and kindle in them the fire of your love.” - Prayer to the Holy Spirit

They are not going to be left orphans (Alexander, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “There is no love without the Holy Spirit,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"How, then, did the apostles love, but in the Holy Spirit? And yet they are commanded to love him and keep his commandments before they have received him and, in fact, in order to receive him. And yet, without having that Spirit, they certainly could not love him and keep his commandments. We are therefore to understand that he who loves already has the Holy Spirit, and by what he has he becomes worthy of a fuller possession, that by having more he may love more. The disciples, therefore, already had that Holy Spirit whom the Lord promised, for without him they could not call him Lord. But they had him not as yet in the way promised by the Lord... He was yet to be given them in an ampler measure [at Pentecost]." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 74.1-2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:15-21 comments that Jesus is telling us that two seemingly unrelated areas belong together and depend on each other: loving him and loving one another. We can’t love him, he says, if we are not caring for the people around us. To say that we love the Lord while we are holding someone in contempt or harboring hatred against someone is to miss the point of his gospel message. It’s to miss the point of his cross.

Do you want to observe Jesus’ commandments? And do you want to love him more fully? The answer may be as close as the person sitting across the dinner table from you or the person down the street who needs a helping hand.

“Jesus, help me to love you more deeply by loving others more faithfully.” (Meditation on John 14:15-21, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the Acts of the Apostles we hear how Philip went to Samaria, an area occupied by intermarried Hebrew people. This is a sign that the message is spreading beyond the traditional bounds. Peter and Paul get the gift of the Spirit often in dreams. In 1 Peter, we are supposed to evangelize with gentleness and humility without judgement. We die to ourselves to give witness to Jesus' death. In the Last Supper Discourses, we are instructed to keep the commandments. In John’s Gospel, that is often meant “to believe that Jesus is the Son sent by God and it is necessary to live the love of Jesus in our action”. Friar Jude comments that Jesus sends the Paraclete, an ambiguous word for “advocate”. All the action of the Spirit is witness to His presence on the earth after the Ascension.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, praises the wisdom of the mystic Julian of Norwich (1342–ca. 1416), who experienced the motherhood of God and Jesus. Father Richard considers the archetypal human need for maternal care.

Julian helps me finally understand one major aspect of my own Catholic culture: why in heaven’s name, for centuries, did both the Eastern and Western Churches attribute so many beautiful and beloved places, shrines, hills, cathedrals, and works of religious art in the Middle East and Europe, not usually to Jesus, or even to God, but to some iteration of Mother Mary? Many people in Julian’s time didn’t have access to scripture—in fact, most couldn’t read at all. They interpreted at the level of archetype and symbol. The “word” or logos was quite good, but a feminine image for God was even better. (Rohr, n.d.)

Mirabai Starr translates one of Julian’s teachings on God as Mother:

Only [God] who is our true Mother and source of all life may rightfully be called by this name. Nature, love, wisdom, and knowledge are all attributes of the Mother, which is God. Even though our earthly birth is low and humble … [God] is the one responsible for the birth of all babies that are born to their physical mothers.

The kind, loving mother, aware of the needs of her child, protects the child with great tenderness. This is the nature of motherhood…. Whenever a human mother nurtures her child with all that is beautiful and good, it is God-the-Mother who is acting through her. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We pray the Spirit will fill our hearts with the Love that will drive our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader in the environment in which we live.

References

Acts, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES |USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?5 

Alexander, A. (2026, May 9). Daily Reflection May 10, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-10-2026 

John, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14? 

Meditation on John 14:15-21. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/10/1561422/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/3? 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Motherhood of God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/motherhood-of-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Counselor Will Be with You for Ever. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Labour and Love

Labour and Love

Comments on the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Love and Labour

In the Reading from Isaiah 66:10-14c the metaphor switches to the Lord as mother.

* [66:10–16] The poet addresses the children born of Jerusalem, their mother. In v. 13 the metaphor switches to the Lord as mother (cf. 49:15), comforting her charges but destroying the enemies. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

 

Psalm 66 is an invitation to praise God for powerful acts for Israel.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to the Galatians presents Paul’s Final Appeal.

* [6:11–18] A postscript in Paul’s own hand, as was his practice (see 1 Cor 16:21; 2 Thes 3:17). Paul summarizes his appeal against his opponents (Gal 6:12–13), then returns to his message of glorying in the cross, not in circumcision, as the means of salvation (Gal 6:14–15; cf. Gal 5:11). A benediction follows at Gal 6:16. In the polemical spirit that the attack on his apostleship called forth (Gal 1:11–2:21), Paul reasserts his missionary credentials (Gal 6:17) before giving a final benediction (Gal 6:18). (Galatians, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 presents The Mission of the Seventy-two.

* [10:1] Seventy[-two]: important representatives of the Alexandrian and Caesarean text types read “seventy,” while other important Alexandrian texts and Western readings have “seventy-two.”

* [10:4] Carry no money bag…greet no one along the way: because of the urgency of the mission and the singlemindedness required of missionaries, attachment to material possessions should be avoided and even customary greetings should not distract from the fulfillment of the task.

* [10:5] First say, ‘Peace to this household’: see notes on Lk 2:14 and Mt 10:13.

* [10:6] A peaceful person: literally, “a son of peace.”

* [10:18] I have observed Satan fall like lightning: the effect of the mission of the seventy-two is characterized by the Lucan Jesus as a symbolic fall of Satan. As the kingdom of God is gradually being established, evil in all its forms is being defeated; the dominion of Satan over humanity is at an end. (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Kent Beau­soleil, SJ shares the Daily Reflection July 6, 2025.

https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jul6       

Don Schwager  implores us to Pray the Lord to Send out Laborers into His Harvest.

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for July 6, 2025.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, presents  An Imperfect Messenger.

“I love this story so much that I have collected images of a man in the belly of the whale for much of my adult life. I think I live in that whale’s belly permanently, with loads of unresolved questions and painful paradoxes in my life. Yet God is always “vomiting” me up in the right place—in the complete opposite direction that I’ve been trying to run, like Jonah himself” (Rohr, n.d.)

References

Galatians, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/6?14 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/66?10 

Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?1 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ 

Love One Another

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the role of the Spirit in guiding decisions in the Church and in our personal mission to act in love towards the people in our environment.

Matthias as Judas’s Successor

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the Choice of Matthias as Judas’s Successor.

* [1:1–26] This introductory material (Acts 1:1–2) connects Acts with the Gospel of Luke, shows that the apostles were instructed by the risen Jesus (Acts 1:3–5), points out that the parousia or second coming in glory of Jesus will occur as certainly as his ascension occurred (Acts 1:6–11), and lists the members of the Twelve, stressing their role as a body of divinely mandated witnesses to his life, teaching, and resurrection (Acts 1:12–26).

* [1:26] The need to replace Judas was probably dictated by the symbolism of the number twelve, recalling the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolism also indicates that for Luke (see Lk 22:30) the Christian church is a reconstituted Israel. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 113 exhorts the congregation to praise God’s name.

* [Psalm 113] A hymn exhorting the congregation to praise God’s name, i.e., the way in which God is present in the world; the name is mentioned three times in Ps 113:1–3. The divine name is especially honored in the Temple (Ps 113:1) but its recognition is not limited by time (Ps 113:2) and space (Ps 113:3), for God is everywhere active (Ps 113:4–5) especially in rescuing the lowly faithful (Ps 113:7–9). (Psalms PSALM 113 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus commands “Love One Another”

* [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.)

Angela Maynard comments that following Jesus will be difficult at times. It is not a path of complete drudgery, but one of joy.

Pope Francis consistently challenged us to love one another. He called us to be open to loving those who may be difficult to love, for some reason. I think the most important lesson I have learned through my life is that love demands action. We must care for each other every day, not just under extraordinary circumstances. He suggests that love of God and love of our neighbor is the foundation of faith.

Your to do list today; Think about somebody who may be a bit difficult for you to love and ask Jesus to help you overcome whatever that difficulty is. Next, what you can do to show love for that person is the action piece. (Maynard, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Whoever sees Jesus sees the Father,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"[Our Lord] gradually accustoms their minds to penetrate the depth of the mysteries concerning himself, [leading them] not to the human person but to that which was of the divine essence. He does this inasmuch as the Godhead is apprehended completely in the person of God the Father, for he has in himself the Son and the Spirit. With exceeding wisdom he carries them onward, ... for he does not exclude himself from being believed on by us because he is God by nature and has shone forth from God the Father. But skillfully (as has been said) he handles the mind of the weak to mold them to godliness in order that you might understand him to say something like this: 'When you believe on me - I who, for your sakes, am a man like yourselves, but who also am God by reason of my own nature and because of the Father from whom I exist - do not suppose that it is on a man you are setting your faith. For I am by nature God, notwithstanding that I appear like one of yourselves, and I have within myself him who begat me. Forasmuch therefore as I am consubstantial with him that has begotten me, your faith will assuredly pass on also to the Father himself.' As we said therefore, the Lord, gradually trains them to something better and profitably interweaves the human with what is God-befitting." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 8.7) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 comments that once the Holy Spirit came, the Apostles were filled with power and proclaimed the risen Christ. Their bold witness, along with the grace of the Spirit, moved thousands to believe in Jesus, to accept Baptism, and to become the next generation of witnesses.

In Baptism, you, too, were filled with the Spirit and called to bear witness to Jesus. You’re not an apostle like Matthias, but the word “apostle” means “one who is sent,” and you have been sent by God. You can testify to the new, resurrected life you have experienced! How has Jesus changed your life? Has he freed you from guilt? Has he helped you to love someone? Do you have a new confidence in prayer? All of these demonstrate the power of the resurrection! So look for a chance to share these stories. They are your witness to the risen Lord!

“Holy Spirit, help me to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ resurrection!” (Meditation on Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that as the Church matured, the urgency to respect the number of twelve diminished. The Spirit guides all the decisions of the Church. Drawing lots is a method that resonates with “casting of stones” by the Hebrew High Priest. Friar Jude underlines the vertical and horizontal of our relationship to God emphasizing that we are not slaves.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim and theologian Susan Shaw who describe how the inclusive and nurturing character of a Mothering God can provide comfort, especially for those who are wounded or hurt.

The Mothering God nurtures us and provides shelter when we need it. Luke 13:34 says, “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” As a hen gathering her brood, the Mothering God protects us under her wings. When we feel alone and broken, God provides shelter for our brokenness, loss, and suffering. Those who suffer from the effects of sexual violence can turn to the Mothering God to wrap us in her arms to provide everlasting love and support.  

In the Hebrew Bible, the Spirit is written in the Hebrew feminine as ruach, who brings forth life in creation (Genesis 1:2). In the New Testament, pneuma is the Greek word for the Spirit who gives forth life…. The Spirit gives life and is the creative and maternal God who brings forth the birth of Jesus and the new members of the body of Christ. The Spirit God moves us away from traditional patriarchal notions about God and moves us toward a wholistic, all-embracing understanding of God. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

The first Letter of John proclaims “God is Love” and we implore the guidance of the Spirit to abide in that Love and witness to that Love in our actions.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/1?15 

John, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15? 

Maynard, A. (2025, May 14). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/051425.html 

Meditation on Acts 1:15-17, 20-26. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/14/1275247/ 

Psalms PSALM 113 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/113?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-mothering-god/  

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Believe in Me - That You May Not Remain in Darkness. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may14