Sent to Bring Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to speak about our relationship with Jesus as the Way to fullness of life.

Sent on a Mission

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul’s Arrival at Antioch and Address in the Synagogue.

* [13:16–41] This is the first of several speeches of Paul to Jews proclaiming that the Christian church is the logical development of Pharisaic Judaism (see also Acts 24:10–21; 26:2–23).

* [13:16] Who are God-fearing: see note on Acts 8:26–40.

* [13:18] Put up with: some manuscripts read “sustained.”

* [13:20] At the end of about four hundred and fifty years: the manuscript tradition makes it uncertain whether the mention of four hundred and fifty years refers to the sojourn in Egypt before the Exodus, the wilderness period and the time of the conquest (see Ex 12:40–41), as the translation here suggests, or to the time between the conquest and the time of Samuel, the period of the judges, if the text is read, “After these things, for about four hundred and fifty years, he provided judges.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 89 laments the defeat of the Davidic king,

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52). (Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares His Identity as “I Am”

* [13:16] Messenger: the Greek has apostolos, the only occurrence of the term in John. It is not used in the technical sense here. (John, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley comments that God gives us so many occasions to do the right thing, to serve others, to be His hands and feet on Earth. Some professions/occupations provide very direct opportunities for serving but I think in reality, every person, every “job” provides that opening to serve and to extend kindness. As the saying goes, in a world where you can be anything, be kind!! (Shirley, 2025)

I asked for Strength.........

And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom.........

And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity.........

And God gave me Brain & Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage.........

And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love.........

And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors.........

And God gave me Opportunities.

(Shirley, 2025)

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

" Jesus recommended to us His Body and Blood in bread and wine, elements that are reduced into one out of many constituents. What is meant by eating that food and taking that drink is this: to remain in Christ and have Him remaining in us." (excerpt from Sermon on John 26,112) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 13:16-20 comments that phrase—I AM—would have reminded the disciples how God revealed his name to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Jesus was telling them that he is God.

Jesus is calling you to keep your hope set upon him, too. In the midst of confusing times or struggles that don’t make any sense, let Jesus remind you: I AM. You also have the gift of hindsight that the disciples didn’t have. You know that Jesus saw what lay ahead of him and freely chose the suffering of the cross. You know that he rose from the dead. You know that not only does he hold all things together, but he loves and cares for you individually and personally. You know that he is worthy of your trust.

In your prayer today, let Jesus remind you who he is. Let him convince you that he is still with you. And when fears arise, let him remind you to fix your eyes on him. He is the great I AM. Let him sustain you today.

“Jesus, I will keep my eyes on you and trust in your ways.” (Meditation on John 13:16-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the kerygma preached by Paul in the synagogue as he compares the rejection of Saul and choice of David by God to His rejection by the Jews and his turning to the Gentiles. We note that in John’s Gospel all the followers of Jesus are “disciples” rather than “apostles”. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' knowledge of His Divinity in John’s Gospel evidenced today by “I AM”.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis who explores how oppressive images of God lead us to limit and even exclude ourselves from the divine image.

We know, despite preaching and teaching to the contrary, that our God is not on the side of oppression but on the side of freedom and justice. We know our God is a revolutionary lover who came as one of us to teach us how to love. We know that any Christianity practicing the tools of empire is not Christian and that Christian nationalism is not about Christ but is about propping up empire with God-talk.  

What I am saying is this: Some of us are walking around like the god of the oppressor is our god. Oh, we’re talking about liberation, but we have not freed ourselves…. Our pulpits preach too much about who is out. We fear questioning the way the world works because we might leave ourselves out. We’ve forgotten ubuntu—that we are inextricably connected, and that we are indeed our siblings’ keepers…. Let’s turn away from the theologies that cause us to keep others in chains.… As an act of prophetic resistance, we need to boldly reject theologies that contradict God-is-love. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate our mission as disciples of Christ and humbly seek inspiration from the Spirit in our action.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?13 

John, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/13?16 

Meditation on John 13:16-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/15/1275788/ 

Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/to-be-a-woman-is-more-than-enough/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The One Who Receives Me. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may15 

Shirley, N. (2025, May 15). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/051525.html 

Truth Love and the Day

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to become aware of the doctrines and policy in our environment that are opposed to the Love that Jesus calls us to live.

A Path of Truth and Love

The reading from the Second Letter of John exhorts us to live in Truth and Love.

* [4] Some of your children: this refers to those whom the Presbyter has recently encountered, but it may also indicate the presence of false doctrine in the community: the Presbyter encourages those who have remained faithful. Walking in the truth: an expression used in the Johannine writings to describe a way of living in which the Christian faith is visibly expressed; cf. 1 Jn 1:6–7; 2:6, 11; 3 Jn 3.

* [6] His commandments: cf. 1 Jn 3:23; 2:7–8; 4:21; obedience to the commandment of faith and love includes all others.

* [7] The antichrist: see 1 Jn 2:18–19, 22; 4:3.

* [8] You (plural): it is not certain whether this means the Christians addressed or includes the Presbyter, since some of the ancient Greek manuscripts and Greek Fathers have “we.”

* [9] Anyone who is so “progressive”: literally, “Anyone who goes ahead.” Some gnostic groups held the doctrine of the Christ come in the flesh to be a first step in belief, which the more advanced and spiritual believer surpassed and abandoned in his knowledge of the spiritual Christ. The author affirms that fellowship with God may be gained only by holding to the complete doctrine of Jesus Christ (1 Jn 2:22–23; 4:2; 5:5–6). (2 John, THE SECOND LETTER OF JOHN | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises 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, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus describes the Day of the Son of Man.

* [17:20–37] To the question of the Pharisees about the time of the coming of God’s kingdom, Jesus replies that the kingdom is among you (Lk 17:20–21). The emphasis has thus been shifted from an imminent observable coming of the kingdom to something that is already present in Jesus’ preaching and healing ministry. Luke has also appended further traditional sayings of Jesus about the unpredictable suddenness of the day of the Son of Man, and assures his readers that in spite of the delay of that day (Lk 12:45), it will bring judgment unexpectedly on those who do not continue to be vigilant.

* [17:21] Among you: the Greek preposition translated as among can also be translated as “within.” In the light of other statements in Luke’s gospel about the presence of the kingdom (see Lk 10:9, 11; 11:20) “among” is to be preferred.

* [17:36] The inclusion of Lk 17:36, “There will be two men in the field; one will be taken, the other left behind,” in some Western manuscripts appears to be a scribal assimilation to Mt 24:40. (Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly comments that the lessons for today are highly relevant to us in their reminders to make good choices regarding how we live our lives.

The bad news is that the choices to remain in the teachings of Christ are difficult because we get distracted with the activities of life.  We certainly all know that.  We can easily get dragged down.  Still, the hope that I feel after reflecting in the lessons for today is that if we take time out to treasure the Lord’s promises to us and to accompany each other in following the commandments, it is a lot easier to stand erect and raise up our heads.  I am thankful today that I am part of a large community of faith that helps me make better choices.  I especially pray today that my life will be an instrument of love and compassion to others in that community struggling to remain in Christ’s teachings.  It seems to me that if we first remember to love one another, the walk in the truth gets a lot easier. (Dilly, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Those working in the field are sowing the Word of God,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'He that will be on the housetop, do not let him go down. He that will be in the field, do not let him turn back.' How may I understand what is the field unless Jesus himself teaches me? He says, 'No one putting his hand to the plough (plow) and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God' (Luke 9:62). The lazy person sits in the farmhouse, but the industrious person plants in the field. The weak are at the fireplace, but the strong are at the plough. The smell of a field is good, because the smell of Jacob is the smell of a full field (Genesis 27:27). A field is full of flowers. It is full of different fruits. Plough your field if you want to be sent to the kingdom of God. Let your field flower, fruitful with good rewards. Let there be a fruitful vine on the sides of your house and young olive plants around your table (Psalm 127:3). Already aware of its fertility, let your soul, sown with the Word of God and tilled by spiritual farming, say to Christ, 'Come, my brother, let us go out into the field' (Song of Solomon 7:11). Let him reply, 'I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my vintage of myrrh' (Song of Solomon 5:1). What is better than the vintage of faith, by which the fruit of the resurrection is stored and the spring of eternal rejoicing is watered?" (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 8.43.27) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 John 4-9 comments that every day we face the same lie that John addressed in the first century: that sense of doubt, that feeling of vulnerability in a world darkened by sin, that murmuring suggestion that God doesn’t really love us. This lie makes it feel safer and more sensible to think of Jesus as a gifted rabbi rather than a divine Person. It seems more logical to view his words as just one variation among many other world religions. But these seductive arguments are like the false teachings of the deceivers. They both make God distant from us.

But God is not far off! Jesus is more than a wise teacher from the past. He is God in the flesh. The good news is true: he has taken on your nature, plunged it into death, and raised it up to the right hand of God. Eyewitnesses like John testified that Jesus—the man they saw and touched and ate with after he rose from the dead—was God incarnate. He is alive and he is still with you today. He knows your human weakness and lives in you by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is close to you—and he will never leave you.

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are God in the flesh. You are with me!” (Meditation on 2 John 4-9, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the brevity and authorship of the Letters of John. Docetism had difficulty with Jesus' material life and held Jesus to be a spiritual being and questioned how God could die on a Cross. Friar Jude reminds us that our interpretation of the end time millennium is symbolic and we are living now in that time before the return of Christ.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Mungi Ngomane who explores the lessons of ubuntu she learned from her grandfather, Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931–2021).

Ubuntu tells us we are only who we are thanks to other people. Of course we have our parents to credit for bringing us into the world, but beyond this there are hundreds—if not thousands—of relationships, big and small, along the way, which teach us something about life and how to live it well. Our parents or guardians teach us how to walk and talk. Our teachers at school teach us how to read and write. A mentor might help us find fulfilling work. A lover might teach us emotional lessons, both good and bad—we learn from all experiences. Every interaction will have brought us to where we are today. [1]

Rather than reinforcing competitive ways of knowing self, Ubuntu offers a way of discovering self-identity through interdependence. As such, it is possible to argue that my very salvation is dependent on yours—radical stuff for Western ears to hear, yet vital to the survival of the earth. [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we work to live with truth, goodness, and love as witness to our connection to Christ.

References

Dilly, B. (2024, November 15). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111524.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?26 

Meditation on 2 John 4-9. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/15/1130315/ 

Psalms, PSALM 119. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). We Cannot Be Self-Made. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/we-cannot-be-self-made/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov15 

2 John, THE SECOND LETTER OF JOHN | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2john/1?4