Seeing Full Life in Service

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today contrasts the folly of our pursuit of power that may lead to corruption with our call to service which brings fullness of life.

Opportunities to Serve

The Reading from the Second Book of Kings presents the Death of Athaliah.

* [11:2] According to 2 Chr 22:11, Jehosheba was the wife of Jehoiada, the high priest. If this is historical, it would explain her access to the Temple’s residential precincts.

* [11:4] Carians: foreign mercenaries serving as the royal bodyguard. Compare “Cherethites and Pelethites” in 1 Kgs 1:38.

* [11:12] Testimony: that is, the two tablets of the law preserved in the ark in the Temple. Presumably they were placed upon the king during his installation ceremony as a reminder of the law he was to uphold.

* [11:14] By the column: the king’s special place in the Temple court; cf. 23:3; 2 Chr 23:13. People of the land: in this period, the phrase referred to the important citizenry, whose influence sometimes extended to the selection of royal successors (cf. 2 Kgs 11:14–20; 15:5; 16:15; 21:24; 23:6, 30–35; 24:14; 25:3, 19). In postexilic times, by contrast, the phrase was used of the poor.

* [11:17] There are two covenants. One is between the Lord as one party and the people, headed by the king, as the other. The second covenant, between king and people, is comparable to that made between David and the elders of Israel at Hebron (2 Sm 5:3). (2 Kings, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 132 is a song for a liturgical ceremony in procession to the Temple.

* [Psalm 132] A song for a liturgical ceremony in which the ark, the throne of Israel’s God, was carried in procession to the Temple. The singer asks that David’s care for the proper housing of the ark be regarded with favor (Ps 132:1–5), and tells how it was brought to Jerusalem (Ps 132:6–10). There follows God’s promise of favor to the Davidic dynasty (Ps 132:11–12) and to Zion (Ps 132:13–17). The transfer of the ark to the tent in Jerusalem is described in 2 Sm 6. (Psalms, CHAPTER 132 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew exhorts us to seek Treasure in Heaven and presents The Light of the Body.*

* [6:19–34] The remaining material of this chapter is taken almost entirely from Q. It deals principally with worldly possessions, and the controlling thought is summed up in Mt 6:24: the disciple can serve only one master and must choose between God and wealth (mammon). See further the note on Lk 16:9.

* [6:22–23] In this context the parable probably points to the need for the disciple to be enlightened by Jesus’ teaching on the transitory nature of earthly riches. (Matthew, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments that some biblical scholars have focused on what it meant to have “good eye” and in ancient Hebrew, that meant the person was generous with others. When paired with Jesus’ message about storing our treasures on earth vs. in heaven, this interpretation has validity.

But if we are to dig deeper, what we gaze on, and how we respond to what we are seeing, might be what Jesus wants us to focus on. Through what lens do we see the world? Some see the downtrodden and think, Why don’t they get a job? Others see the same person and ask, What can I do to help alleviate their suffering? The same image, but a completely different response. From spiritual blindness to love and compassion.

Unfortunately, our world is still filled with much darkness, and it is all too easy to let it inundate our thoughts and skew our view of humanity and of God’s wonderful world. We need to keep in mind the cumulative effect of seeing with a “bad eye,” for over time, it can diminish our ability to focus on what God has called us to do. Seeing with a bad eye can negatively impact how we interact with our neighbors and how we serve God. It can diminish the values God wants us to radiate like a bright light for others to see and follow. 

So, during our Daily Examen, let’s pray that our eyes can be Windows to the Soul, Watchful Guardians, and Mirrors of Reflection that clearly see the opportunities God presents to us each day, to love and serve and make our world one filled with light. (Scholer, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Seeking the right intention,” by Augustine of Hippo, 430-543 A.D.

"We know that all our works are pure and pleasing in the sight of God if they are performed with a single heart. This means that they are performed out of charity and with an intention that is fixed on heaven. For 'love is the fulfillment of the law'(Romans 13:10). Therefore in this passage we ought to understand the eye as the intention with which we perform all our actions. If this intention is pure and upright and directing its gaze where it ought to be directed, then unfailingly all our works are good works, because they are performed in accordance with that intention. And by the expression 'whole body,' Christ designated all those works that he reproves and that he commands us to put to death. For the apostle also designates certain works as our 'members.' 'Therefore,' Paul writes, 'mortify your members which are on earth: fornication, uncleanness, covetousness' (Colossians 3:5), and all other such things." (excerpt from SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.13.45) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 6:19-23 comments that Jesus has prepared a place for us in the beautiful new Jerusalem, where there is no darkness, sickness, or pain. He will reign there as Lord, and we will see him face-to-face! What a day of rejoicing that will be! The second aspect of heavenly treasure is what we can experience here and now.

For those who follow Christ, life on earth is filled with glimpses of heaven. Freedom from guilt. Power over persistent sin. A dynamic, personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. Clarity and purpose for living. Deep friendships with brothers and sisters in the Lord. Conviction of the truth and clarity about right and wrong. The ability to forgive. Strength in weakness. Peace in times of trial. Joy in the knowledge of salvation. Hope for the future. Divine wisdom for everyday situations. Healing and miracles. When you stop to think about it, no luxury car or mansion can possibly compare!

“Jesus, thank you for filling me with the good gifts of your kingdom!” (Meditation on Matthew 6:19-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 2 Kings involves a palace coup. Athaliah desires to reign alone but the hidden heir is proclaimed as king and the pagan things are done away with but the victory does not last. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents two wisdom sayings that exhort us not to have many material things but to have a goal but to serve and view reality with light. Friar Jude advises us to look for the good and we will be able to see it and the Kingdom already dawning, even in the midst of all the chaos.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces turns to the apostle Paul’s advice to the first churches to envision church renewal today. Most people today, in fact, understand church to mean a building, rather than “where two or three gather in my name,” where the Divine Presence is promised just as certainly as it is promised in the bread, in the Bible, in the Sacraments, or in any anointed leadership: “There I am in your midst” (Matthew 18:20).

While Christian churches today do much good, they are still largely aligned, especially in the West, with cultural and political power. To recover the early church’s emphasis on faith as a loving and communal way of life, we clearly need to support good and compassionate pastoral and healing practices. We must begin to validate Paul’s original teaching on “many gifts and many ministries” (1 Corinthians 12:4–11) that together “make a unity in the work of service” (Ephesians 4:12–13). We need Christian people who are trained in, validated for, and encouraged to make home and hospital visits; do hospice work and jail ministry; support immigrants and refugees; help with soup kitchens; counsel couples before, during, and after marriage; teach classes in parenting; offer ministries of emotional, sexual, and relational healing; help with financial counseling; build low-cost housing; take care of the elderly; run thrift centers—all of which put Christian people in immediate touch with other people. Remember, healing was most of the work Jesus appeared to do. It is almost too obvious. Either we see Christ in everyone, or we hardly see Christ in anyone. Either we are Christ to everyone, or we cannot be Christ to anyone.

My vision of any future church needs to be much flatter and much more inclusive. It is much less “churchy,” surely less patriarchal, and more concerned with fulfilling its mission statement than with endlessly reciting its heavenly vision and philosophy statement—the Nicene Creed—every Sunday. Simply put, any notion of a future church must be a fully practical church that is concerned about getting the job of love done—and done better and better. Centuries of emphasis on art and architecture, songs, liturgy, and prescribed roles have their place, but their overemphasis has made us a very top-heavy, decorative church that is largely, and constantly, concerned with its own in-house salvation. (Rohr, n.d.)

We trust in the Spirit to guide our path through the chaos of the world as we serve our community with the “good eye” that sees the needs and responds with love and compassion.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6? 

Meditation on Matthew 6:19-23. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/18/1594230/ 

Psalms, CHAPTER 132 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/132?11 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Re-Enlivening Ministries. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/re-enlivening-ministries/ 

Scholer, S. (2026, June 18). Daily Reflection June 19, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-19-2026  

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lay up Treasure in Heaven. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/11?1 

Service and Suffering

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live our phrase of “gratitude for your service” by being servants of God and agents of love, mercy, care, and compassion on our journey in life.

Dad trained for WWII Here

The Reading from the Book of Wisdom shares the Hidden Counsels of God, ON SUFFERING

* [2:24] Envy: perhaps because Adam was in the image of God or because Adam had control over all creation. Devil: the first biblical text to equate the serpent of Gn 3 with the devil. (Wisdom, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [3:1–4:19] The central section of chaps. 1–6. The author begins by stating that immortality is the reward of the righteous, and then in the light of that belief comments on three points of the traditional discussion of the problem of retribution (suffering, childlessness, early death) each of which was often seen as a divine punishment.

* [3:1–12] The author affirms that, for the righteous, sufferings are not punishments but purification and opportunities to show fidelity, whereas for the wicked suffering is truly a punishment.

* [3:6] Offerings: the image is that of the burnt offering, in which the victim is completely consumed by fire.

* [3:7] Judgment: the Greek episkopē is God’s loving judgment of those who have been faithful to him; the same word is used in 14:11 for the punishment of the wicked at God’s judgment. Cf. also v. 13. (Wisdom, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 34 is a thanksgiving calling for trust in God.

* [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.)

The Gospel of Luke celebrates the Attitude of a Servant.

* [17:7–10] These sayings of Jesus, peculiar to Luke, which continue his response to the apostles’ request to increase their faith (Lk 17:5–6), remind them that Christian disciples can make no claim on God’s graciousness; in fulfilling the exacting demands of discipleship, they are only doing their duty. (Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Ronald Fussell comments that it is so important for us all to slow down and to thoughtfully examine the extent to which we are preparing ourselves for our spiritual inheritance.

And, only after we have done what we have been commanded, Jesus instructs us to say “we are unprofitable servants; we have done what we are obliged to do” (Luke 17:10). What does it mean to be an “unprofitable servant”? When I reflect on this phrase, I am drawn to the idea that the work that we do to glorify the Lord here on Earth is never transactional. Rather, it is always for the greater good. Perhaps our prayer should reflect that. Today’s Gospel is a reminder that we should not be praying for own interests, but instead, we should be praying that we can continue to grow in how we bring glory to God in all that we do every day. By being mindful of this subtle shift in perspective, and by always striving for greater service for those who need it most, we make ourselves more worthy for life with Christ. (Fussell, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “We are called to humble service,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"You do not say to your servant, 'Sit down,' but require more service from him and do not thank him. The Lord also does not allow only one work or labor for you, because so long as we live we must always work.

"Know that you are a servant overwhelmed by very much obedience. You must not set yourself first, because you are called a son of God. Grace must be acknowledged, but nature not overlooked. Do not boast of yourself if you have served well, as you should have done. The sun obeys, the moon complies (Joshua 10:12-13; Baruch 6:60), and the angels serve... Let us not require praise from ourselves nor prevent the judgment of God and anticipate the sentence of the Judge but reserve it for its own time and Judge." (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 17.7-10) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Wisdom 2:23–3:9 wonders how we can read today’s passage and not think of Jesus? Jesus was the “just” man whose death was “thought an affliction” and “utter destruction” (Wisdom 3:1-3). But because he entrusted himself to his Father even in the face of his unjust death, God raised him to life again.

Let this good news bring joy to your heart. Death, the ancient tyrant, has been overcome. And not only death but even the fear of death has been destroyed. Everyone who lives in justice and faith can walk through life confident and joyful. You can be confident. Why? Because your life is in God’s hands. Stay close to him. Remain in his promises and his commands, and you will have nothing to fear.

“Jesus, risen Lord, I praise and magnify you for destroying death!” (Meditation on Wisdom 2:23–3:9, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes in the Wisdom passage, God formed us to be imperishable but sin and death changed things. Those who die are not being punished. The author in Wisdom believes heaven is more than originally understood in Judaism. God created us to share in His eternal joy even after a time of testing. Luke notes Jesus' explanation of the role of a servant. The reward of service is the ability to serve in the image of God. We serve like Jesus and “wash their feet”. Friar Jude explains Heaven will be eternal service, an expression of the love that we are called to be.

Fr. Mike Schmitz focuses on our Lord’s compassion and our call to be merciful, as he is. He emphasizes the beauty of God’s mercy and his offering of it despite our unworthiness. He also strikes a balance between the goodness of humanity as God’s creation and our brokenness due to original sin. Today’s readings are Luke 6-8 and Proverbs 26:1-3.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, concludes anger against the tragic absurdity of life is deserved and necessary, but if we do not transform our anger, we will transmit it.

I’ve seen this happen in so many lives: Women exhausted by holding the world together who finally give themselves permission to weep. Men on retreat who discover a profound sadness underneath their anger. Healers who let grief lead them to care instead of burnout. And in Daily Meditations readers like Kecia, who shared her story with us: 

I grew up in an authoritative, spiritually abusive household and spent my childhood terrified of God. By reading the Daily Meditations, CAC has brought Christianity back into my life. I saw the humanity of Jesus for the first time and the deep understanding that I’m not separate or alone. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the sacrifice and service of many in giving their lives to sustain our struggle for peace, love, and joy. 

References

Fussell, R. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-12-2019 

Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?7 

Meditation on Wisdom 2:23–3:9. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/11/1427722/ 

Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Living into Transformation. CAC Centre for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-special-note-from-father-richard-living-into-transformation/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). We Have Only Done Our Duty. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/2?23 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/3