A Path of Transformation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be aware that some paths that we are led to by the Lord may test our faith and resolve as we follow Him.

A Path of Transformation

The Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah exhorts us to stay the course when our mission becomes challenging.

g. [20:10] Jb 19:19; Ps 31:13; Lk 20:20.

h. [20:11] Jer 1:8; 15:20.

i. [20:12] Jer 11:20.

j. [20:13] Ps 35:9–10; 109:30–31. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 18 is a royal thanksgiving for a military victory.

* [Psalm 18] A royal thanksgiving for a military victory, duplicated in 2 Sm 22. Thanksgiving Psalms are in essence reports of divine rescue. The Psalm has two parallel reports of rescue, the first told from a heavenly perspective (Ps 18:5–20), and the second from an earthly perspective (Ps 18:36–46). The first report adapts old mythic language of a cosmic battle between sea and rainstorm in order to depict God’s rescue of the Israelite king from his enemies. Each report has a short hymnic introduction (Ps 18:2–4, 32–36) and conclusion (Ps 18:21–31, 47–50). (Psalms, PSALM 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the hostility toward Jesus at the Feast of the Dedication

* [10:34] This is a reference to the judges of Israel who, since they exercised the divine prerogative to judge (Dt 1:17), were called “gods”; cf. Ex 21:6, besides Ps 82:6 from which the quotation comes.

* [10:36] Consecrated: this may be a reference to the rededicated altar at the Hanukkah feast; see note on Jn 10:22.

* [10:41] Performed no sign: this is to stress the inferior role of John the Baptist. The Transjordan topography recalls the great witness of John the Baptist to Jesus, as opposed to the hostility of the authorities in Jerusalem. (John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that God plays the long game. He remains steadfast with us when confronted with evil plans, even when those plans might seem to be succeeding. We may not know the end of the story, but we can depend upon eternal and enduring promises coming from One who is trustworthy.

Jesus “escaped from their power” and went to the place where John had been baptizing. That place, which some biblical scholars name “Bethabara”, was near the place where the Israelites had entered the promised land. It was also associated with the prophet Elijah, who had been taken up into heaven. It is fitting for our Lord to choose such a place to pray, where he would rely upon his own deep relationship with the Father to sustain him. His knowing that all would end well did not erase his difficulty in the midst of this experience. We should not expect to avoid such difficulties in our own struggles, even when we know that all will end well.

It is notable that others came to visit Jesus in that place because they had come to believe in him. Love overcomes the hostility that emerges from thin friendships of utility. Truth walks hand in hand with that kind of love, leading us toward God and away from the nonsense that can emerge from our own fractured demands for satisfaction. Let us ponder the depth and strength of that bond of love as we move forward toward Holy Week. Thanks be to God. (Morse, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The sacrifice of Christ,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Even though the man Christ Jesus, in the form of God together with the Father with whom He is one God, accepts our sacrifice, nonetheless He has chosen in the form of a servant to be the sacrifice rather than to accept it. Therefore, He is the priest Himself Who presents the offering, and He Himself is what is offered." (excerpt from City of God, 10,20) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Jeremiah passage reveals a plot against him that is connected to the disaster he prophecies actually occurring. They blamed Jeremiah who in the Confessions presents a challenge to God: where is your protection God? The passage leads to a hymn of trust and praise for the saving of the suffering that is sung as a lamentation. Jeremiah is perhaps mouthing pious platitudes. Jesus speaks of good works by the Son of God as He shows that If the Scripture can address people as gods why not proclaim himself as the Son of God. Friar Jude comments that the Gospel proclaims everything John the Baptist said was true as a confirmation of his witness to the Messiah.

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 10:31-42 comments that we are probably familiar with the stories about Jesus and the impressive miracles he worked in the Bible. But make no mistake, he is still working today.

These moments of grace come from God’s hands. The more of them you see for what they are, the more you will believe, especially when times of doubt or anxiety make your faith feel shaky. Set your eyes on Jesus—both on what he has done in the past and what he is doing right now. Believe, too, that he wants to work just as much in your life. If he kept trying to convince his “enemies,” why wouldn’t he work just as hard to help you know him better?

“Jesus, you bring miracles to life around me. Open my eyes to see your works and believe in you.” (Meditation on John 10:31-42, n.d.)

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Diana Butler Bass who recounts how she was challenged to read Psalm 23 through the eyes of those who face poverty, food insecurity, injustice, and marginalization. Read Robert Alter’s version—a modern translation noted by scholars for its precision—and the pivot sentence contrasts sharply: My life He brings back. He leads me on pathways of justice for His name’s sake.” [2]

Alter’s translation of Psalm 23:1–3 reads:

The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
In grass meadows
He makes me lie down,
by quiet waters guides me.
My life He brings back.
He leads me on pathways of justice
for His name’s sake.

Butler Bass emphasizes the call to share our restored lives with others for the sake of justice:

The psalmist proclaims, This is the reality of the Lord’s government, the beloved community, over and against all oppression and exploitation. Through it, we humans are restored to what was always intended: My life He brings back; Our lives He brings back.

The renewed life, however, does not remain content in grass meadows or by quiet waters…. Instead, those who are citizens of this sacred realm are called forth on pathways of justice to make God’s name—God’s sabbath reign—known throughout the world. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the consolation of the Spirit as we learn by doing about our need to be transformed as we accept the invitation to walk with the Shepherd who brings back our lives.

References

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/20? 

John, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10?31 

Meditation on John 10:31-42. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/03/26/1526440/ 

Morse, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-march-27-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/18? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Psalm of Peace and Justice. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-psalm-of-peace-and-justice/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Am the Son of God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 27, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Prophetic Powers

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on our understanding of the gift of prophecy in our tradition and in our relationship with others.

Place of the Prophets

The Reading from the Book of Sirach expresses the importance of Jewish heroes to subjects of Greek culture. 

* [48:11] Verse 11b is not extant in the Hebrew; it is represented in the Greek tradition by “for we too shall certainly live.” But this can hardly be the original reading. (“Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Psalm 80 is a 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.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the Coming of Elijah.

* [17:9–13] In response to the disciples’ question about the expected return of Elijah, Jesus interprets the mission of the Baptist as the fulfillment of that expectation. But that was not suspected by those who opposed and finally killed him, and Jesus predicts a similar fate for himself.

* [17:9] The vision: Matthew alone uses this word to describe the transfiguration. Until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead: only in the light of Jesus’ resurrection can the meaning of his life and mission be truly understood; until then no testimony to the vision will lead people to faith.

* [17:10] See notes on Mt 3:4; 16:14.

* [17:11–12] The preceding question and this answer may reflect later controversy with Jews who objected to the Christian claims for Jesus that Elijah had not yet come.

* [17:13] See Mt 11:14. (“Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Suzanne Braddock comments that Jesus patiently, lovingly prepares her for the reality of necessary suffering, times of his seeming absence, the necessary hardships of life. The desert. Yet she still clings to the memory of the blessing of his presence and does not surrender totally to the times of darkness, but rather hopes in the remembrance of his triumph, his resurrection, his promises be with her always.

God’s promise to sing for me as one sings at festivals, to tenderly place me at his cheek as one does a child, to write my name on the palm of his hand. Yes, there will be suffering, but I cling to him and hope that eventually the clouds will part and reveal him. I will know him as he is.

How often I fail to recognize Jesus in the people I was raised to turn away from, in the crosses of my life, in the invitations to give of my time, talent, such as it is, my treasure. I fail to recognize him in the times of darkness and his seeming absence.

Maybe that darkness is but the shadow cast by his total closeness, like the hen who gathers her chicks in the shadow of her wings. (Braddock, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “John fulfills Elijah's prophetic ministry,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"They did not know this from the Scriptures, but the scribes used to tell them, and this saying was reported among the ignorant crowd, as also about Christ. Therefore the Samaritan woman also said, 'The Messiah is coming; when he comes, he will show us all things' (John 4:25). And they themselves asked John, 'Are you Elijah or the prophet?' (John 1:21). For this opinion was strong, as I said, both the one about Christ and the one about Elijah, but they did not interpret it as it should have been. For the Scriptures speak of two comings of Christ, both this one that has taken place and the future one. Paul spoke of these when he said, 'For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world' (Titus 2:11-12).

"Behold the first advent, and listen to how he declares the coming advent: 'Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13). The prophets also mention both advents; of the one that is second they say that Elijah will be the forerunner; John was forerunner of the first, John whom Christ also called by the name Elijah, not because he was Elijah but because he was fulfilling Elijah's ministry. For just as Elijah will be the forerunner of the second advent, so John was of the first. But the scribes, confusing these things and perverting the people, mentioned that coming alone, the second one, to the people, and said, 'If this is the Christ, Elijah ought to have come first.' That is why the disciples also say, 'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 57.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13 comments that John told the people to be alert because a new outpouring was on the horizon. But he didn’t just alert them; he sought to prepare them for it. It’s one thing to pay attention to the signs pointing to Jesus’ arrival. But it was another thing altogether to humble themselves and to repent so that they could be ready to receive him when he came.

How are you preparing for the coming of the Messiah? And not just for the child Jesus’ coming on Christmas, but for the Lord Jesus’ coming into your heart today? Every day can be a day of grace. Every day can bring a new outpouring of the Spirit: a new outpouring of forgiveness, perhaps, or a fresh awareness of God’s love or a renewed sense of purpose and mission. This is why daily prayer is so important. So come humbly before the Lord today—and every day—and listen for his Spirit’s voice. It’s the best way to “prepare the way of the Lord!”

“Lord, help me open my heart to your grace today!” (“Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13,” 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Sirach, one of the last Hebrew Testament texts, declares Jewish heroes as great as Greek heroes. The conquering Greeks were pushing Hellenistic ideas and Sirach responded by recalling a series of Jewish heroes including Elijah who called a drought upon Israel reflecting the principle of “as the sin, so the punishment.” And Elijah brought down fire and was carried to the heavens in a fiery chariot. Friar Jude notes that Jesus speaks of the Baptist as the new Elijah who does as promised by Elijah, bring families back together.

Fr. Mike Schmitz outlines Paul’s trial before King Agrippa and his efforts to use his conversion story to convert those hearing his case. He also leads us through the first half of Ephesians, emphasizing Paul’s main theme of unity in the spirit. Today’s readings are from Acts 26, Ephesians 1-3, and Proverbs 29:18-21.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley and Mirabai Starr who read “Song of the Soul” or “Noche Oscura” by John of the Cross. He invites us to use the links below to listen or to read this poem shared in both English and Spanish and follow these simple instructions for lectio or audio divina.

Listen or read the first time and allow the sound and images of the poem to wash over you.

Listen or read a second time and allow your attention to be drawn to a word or phrase. Let it speak to you. Pray to God or journal about what it might mean to you.

Listen or read a third time. Sit in silence with God for as long as you feel drawn. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the description “as the sin so the punishment” credited to Elijah and seek enlightenment of the Spirit to reveal action to avoid sin and the related punishment.

References

Braddock, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-13-2025 

Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/17?9 

Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13. (2025, December 13). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/13/1444943/ 

Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, 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 December 13, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-hidden-work-of-grace-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Elijah Must First Come. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/48?1