Work Reward on the Way

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our understanding of our mission as Christians and the reward for attending to our vocation.

The Shepherd knows the Sheep

The Reading from Prophet Ezekiel is the Parable of the Shepherds responsibility.

* [34:2] Shepherds: the leaders of the people. A frequent title for kings and deities in the ancient Near East; the ideal ruler took care of his subjects and anticipated their needs. Ezekiel’s oracle broadens the reference to include the whole class of Jerusalem’s leaders (v. 17). The prophet assures his audience, the exiles in Babylon, that God holds these leaders responsible for what has happened to Jerusalem and will give Israel a new shepherd worthy of the title. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 proclaims God as a good shepherd as is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

* [23:1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

* [23:3] Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

* [23:5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

* [23:6] Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses justice for The Workers in the Vineyard.

* [20:1–16] This parable is peculiar to Matthew. It is difficult to know whether the evangelist composed it or received it as part of his traditional material and, if the latter is the case, what its original reference was. In its present context its close association with Mt 19:30 suggests that its teaching is the equality of all the disciples in the reward of inheriting eternal life.

* [20:4] What is just: although the wage is not stipulated as in the case of those first hired, it will be fair.

* [20:8] Beginning with the last…the first: this element of the parable has no other purpose than to show how the first knew what the last were given (Mt 20:12).

* [20:13] I am not cheating you: literally, “I am not treating you unjustly.”

* [20:14–15] The owner’s conduct involves no violation of justice (Mt 20:4, 13), and that all the workers receive the same wage is due only to his generosity to the latest arrivals; the resentment of the first comes from envy.

* [20:16] See note on Mt 19:30. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Angela Maynard declares God is incredibly loving and generous. He doesn’t keep track of who does what or for how long. If one believes in God, his love is unconditional and boundless.

Another story that seems to be full of unfairness is that of the Prodigal son. The son who didn’t follow the rules and left the family seemed to be rewarded when he finally decided to return. This was another example of God’s unconditional love—no matter what.

Are there other examples throughout the Gospels that illustrate God’s boundless love even when it may not seem fair? How much time do you spend keeping track of things, making sure that all things are equal—and missing a bigger meaning in the process?

Take some time to reflect and be patient with yourself. It’s taken me many, many years to finally hear the message of today’s gospel. I hope it doesn’t take you nearly as long. (Maynard, 2026)

Rob Kim suggests 5 simple ways to infuse more joy into your work life by approaching work with a joyful mindset can change everything. 

Stephen J. Dubner cites Mark Twain on the Leisure/Work Divide. “Work consists of what a body is obliged to do… Play consists of what a body is not obliged to do”

Don Schwager quotes “Christ our householder,” by author unknown, from the 5th century A.D.

"The householder [in Matthew's parable - chapter 20] is Christ, to whom the heavens and the earth are like a single house; the family is as it were the multitude of creatures both angelic and earthly. It is as if he built a three-storied house: hell, heaven and earth, so that those struggling may live upon the earth, those conquered below the earth, those conquering in heaven. We too, set in the middle, should strive not to descend to those who are in hell but ascend to those who are in heaven. And in case perhaps you do not know which one you ought to shun or which one you ought to aspire to, he has given you as it were a little taste of both while you live between light and darkness: night as a taste of hell, daylight as a taste of heaven." (excerpt from an incomplete Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, HOMILY 34) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the condemnation of the shepherds of Israel by Ezekiel. The royal family and priesthood failed to protect those with no power. God will punish the shepherds and God will be the Shepherd. During the Dedication Feast, Jesus applies passage to himself Jesus will shepherd the Flock. Jesus is God Matthew the landower with a vineyard and hires workers throughout the day The last receive the regular days wage but all receive the same pay regardless of the hours worker The receive generosity God will give the reward of heaven to those working at it and those who come later We don't earn or buy heaven and we experience heaven by opening our heart in our good deeds and prayers early and often.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11 comments that our true Shepherd searches for any sheep that have been scattered. Whether they have scattered because of those trying to cause harm or simply because they wandered off, the shepherd keeps looking until each one is found.

Our true Shepherd binds up the wounds of the sheep and brings healing. You are his sheep, and he restores your broken heart with his love. He heals you when you come to him wounded by sin. He restores you to your brothers and sisters and, through them, provides you with encouragement and hope.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Shepherd. I praise you for your promise to lead me. I am so grateful to be one of your flock.” (Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11, n.d.)

Brian McLaren considers how the Hebrew prophets dreamed of peace in the midst of war and oppression.

The first thirty-nine chapters of Isaiah were situated in the southern kingdom of Judah…. The prophet saw deep spiritual corruption and complacency among his people and warned them that this kind of behavior would lead to decline and defeat.

That defeat came in 587 BC at the hand of the Babylonians. After the invasion, many survivors were taken as exiles to Babylon. Chapters 40–55, often called Second Isaiah, addressed those Judean exiles, inspiring hope that they would someday return to their homeland and rebuild it. That soon happened, beginning in 538 BCE under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. That era of rebuilding was the setting for Third Isaiah, chapters 56–66.

For readers in later generations, ingredients from these three different settings blend into one rich recipe for hope, full of imagery that still energizes our imagination today….

They shall beat their swords into plowshares,

and their spears into pruning-hooks.

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

Neither shall they learn war any more (2:4)….

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion will feed together,

and a little child shall lead them (11:6)….

Isaiah’s descriptions of that better day were so inspiring that Jesus and his early followers quoted Isaiah more than any other writer. But many other prophets added their own colors to this beautiful vision of hope. In Ezekiel’s vision, people’s hearts of stone will be replaced with hearts of flesh. For Malachi, the hearts of parents would turn to their children, and children to their parents. Joel describes the Spirit of God being poured out on all humanity—young and old, men and women, Jew and Gentile. Amos paints the vivid scene of justice rolling down like a river, filling all the lowest places…. (McLaren, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit as we express thanksgiving for the privilege of being workers in the vineyard who experience the action long sought by the Prophets to beat swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.

References

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/34? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20? 

Maynard, A. (2026, August 19). Daily Reflection August 19, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-19-2026 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). A Prophetic Dream of Peace. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-prophetic-dream-of-peace/ 

Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/08/19/1650173/ 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do You Begrudge My Generosity? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Good News of Generous Care.

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle, challenge us to be open, in a world of abundance, to sharing the Good News, in fellowship with all the people encountered in our vineyard.

Abundance and Action

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles the Church at Antioch is recognized as “Christian”.

* [11:19–26] The Jewish Christian antipathy to the mixed community was reflected by the early missionaries generally. The few among them who entertained a different view succeeded in introducing Gentiles into the community at Antioch (in Syria). When the disconcerted Jerusalem community sent Barnabas to investigate, he was so favorably impressed by what he observed that he persuaded his friend Saul to participate in the Antioch mission.

* [11:26] Christians: “Christians” is first applied to the members of the community at Antioch because the Gentile members of the community enable it to stand out clearly from Judaism.(Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [13:1–3] The impulse for the first missionary effort in Asia Minor is ascribed to the prophets of the Antiochene community, under the inspiration of the holy Spirit. Just as the Jerusalem community had earlier been the center of missionary activity, so too Antioch becomes the center from which the missionaries Barnabas and Saul are sent out. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 98 extolls God for Israel’s victory.

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents The Commissioning of the Twelve.

* [10:8–11] The Twelve have received their own call and mission through God’s gift, and the benefits they confer are likewise to be given freely. They are not to take with them money, provisions, or unnecessary clothing; their lodging and food will be provided by those who receive them.

* [10:13] The greeting of peace is conceived of not merely as a salutation but as an effective word. If it finds no worthy recipient, it will return to the speaker. (Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Michele Bogard comments Barnabas advocated for Paul post his conversion. His name means “son of encouragement” and he’s the patron Saint of Cyprus, Antioch, and peacekeeping missions. Forgive and forget.  It’s an easy enough phrase but so difficult to live.

I have worked hard in my life to forgive - one relationship in particular.  But forgetting?  That is something entirely different.  Trust broken is so hard to rebuild.  I can’t say that those two concepts go hand in hand for me easily. 

But isn’t that what Jesus is asking of us?  Forgiving without holding grudges/forgetting isn’t really forgiving. 

Today, if you pray the Examen, try to recount those relationships that you haven’t forgotten the wrongs.  Let us take stock of the grudges we have and ask St. Barnabas’s intercession to encourage our hearts to truly heal so that we can be fully in communion with God. (Bogard, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Taming the Tongue,” by Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

"What are we to do? Whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. But no human being can tame the tongue. Will everyone therefore go to the hell of fire? By no means. Lord, you have become our refuge from generation to generation (Psalm 90:1). Your wrath is just. You send no one to hell unjustly. Where shall I go from your spirit? or where shall I flee from your presence (Psalm 139:7), unless to you? Thus let us understand, my dearly beloved, that if no human being can tame the tongue, we must take refuge in God, who will tame it. Does your own human nature prevent you from taming your tongue? No human being can tame the tongue (James 3:8). Consider this analogy from the animals that we tame. A horse does not tame itself; a camel does not tame itself; an elephant does not tame itself; a snake does not tame itself; a lion does not tame itself. So too a man does not tame himself. In order to tame a horse, an ox, a camel, an elephant, a lion and a snake, a human being is required. Therefore God should be required in order for a human being to be tamed. (excerpt from Sermon 55:2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3 comments that today the Church honors Barnabas, not just as a great hero of the faith, but also as a model for us to follow. We can all become like Barnabas because every one of us who has been baptized has received the same Holy Spirit that he did. Like Barnabas, each of us can invite the Spirit to take our natural gifts and fill them with his grace and power.

It’s good to remind yourself every now and then that you are “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.” Whether you are working, studying, or parenting, he is with you to increase your patience and your faithfulness to your calling. When you are in the midst of a difficult conversation with someone, he is with you to help you choose your words wisely and to give you his compassion and peace. The Spirit is always ready to fill you and empower you to share your gifts with everyone around you.

“Lord, help me to remain open to your Spirit today.” (Meditation on Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Acts 11 and Acts 13 speaks about Barnabas who was an evangelizer in Antioch. He and Saul, Hebrew Aramaic for Paul, go to Antioch where the “Christian” name is established among Gentile converts. Paul and Barnabas are set aside with laying on hands for missionary work. In the Sermon on the Mount, from the Gospel of Matthew, righteousness as understood by the Pharisee as following the Laws to the letter and therefore taken to the widest scrupulous interpretation is replaced by Jesus with the spirit to extend the Law to any form of hurting. We are called to reconcile before going to the altar. Friar Jude notes that the handshake of peace before the Eucharist is intended to become a sign of reconciliation for those participating in the Eucharist as brothers and sisters.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Cynthia Bourgeault who explores the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The bottom line is that everybody has enough. The ones that came in early thought the usual daily wage was fair. That’s taken care of. The real fruit being generated, just like grapes turn into wine, was the work together. In these circumstances, it’s fermented and transformed into some fragrance of human interactivity and abundance that doesn’t exist otherwise.

Reading this parable against the backdrop of a relational field rather than individual competition, entirely different elements jump out. Without that relational field, you simply can’t see where Jesus is going. Trying to understand it with your mind, you’ll never get it because your mind will keep coming back to “more and less” and “it’s not fair.” It’s not until you begin from the fullness of love, and the order and coherence that arise from it, that you can recognize what’s being said and how radical it is.

We get the invitation to go into the vineyard, but it’s only in stepping up, saying yes, and trusting the relational field that we’re going to actually be participants in the kingdom of God. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to guide our pursuit of a relationship with Christ that avoids scrupulous attention to particular faults and rules and presents our extension of Love, Compassion, and Hope to all the people we encounter.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/11? 

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13 

Bogard, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-11-2026 

Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10 

Meditation on Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/11/1589802/ 

Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Laborers in the Vineyard. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Be Reconciled to Your Brother. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 11, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/ 

Guided by the Paraclete

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, remind us to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our labour in the vineyard of the Lord.

Our travels for Faith

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the growth of Christianity into Europe.

* [16:10–17] This is the first of the so-called “we-sections” in Acts, where Luke writes as one of Paul’s companions. The other passages are Acts 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16. Scholars debate whether Luke may not have used the first person plural simply as a literary device to lend color to the narrative. The realism of the narrative, however, lends weight to the argument that the “we” includes Luke or another companion of Paul whose data Luke used as a source.

* [16:11–40] The church at Philippi became a flourishing community to which Paul addressed one of his letters (see Introduction to the Letter to the Philippians).

* [16:14] A worshiper of God: a “God-fearer.” See note on Acts 8:26–40. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 149 invites the people of Israel to celebrate their God.

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims a Paraclete is to be sent by the Father.

* [15:26] Whom I will send: in Jn 14:16, 26, the Paraclete is to be sent by the Father, at the request of Jesus. Here the Spirit comes from both Jesus and the Father in mission; there is no reference here to the eternal procession of the Spirit. (John, CHAPTER 15|USCCB, n.d.)

* [16:2] Hour: of persecution, not Jesus’ “hour” (see note on Jn 2:4). (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Michele Bogard comments she has never listened to Christian or Catholic radio.  But thanks to her son (and no doubt his religion teacher at school!), it may be the most played station in her car nowadays.

I can’t help but think about my unconscious eye roll when the radio came on just an hour earlier.  It wasn’t my choice.  It was a Christian station.  All the stereotypes flew into my mind.  And yet, I kept the station on as I drove home.  Perhaps it was to feel close to my son.  But maybe it was also the Holy Spirit gently nudging me to embrace my faith.  To sit with my preconceived notions of the radio station and what others must be like who listen to it.  And just maybe it was a moment where I was reminded to be proud of my faith and to defend it…not from external persecution but from my own questioning and internal battle. (Bogard, 2026)

The Irish Jesuits have a website called Sacred Space.  An anonymous poster adds “St Ignatius of Loyola is said to have prayed that the members of the order he founded would always be persecuted—it was a sign that they were doing their job. It is a strange paradox, but the message of Christian love and forgiveness, a message of peace and justice, is found by many to be very threatening and one that must be attacked.”

May we all find that internal and external peace that comes with surrendering to our faith.  And may the Holy Spirit continue to light our way. (Bogard, 2026)

 Don Schwager quotes “The Comforter is with us in our troubles, by Cyril of Jerusalem, 430-543 A.D.” 

"He is called the Comforter because he comforts and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), that is, he makes intercession to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to him, 'Wait on the Lord' (Psalm 27:14). What is now happening to you is a small matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with angels forever. 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). He portrays to the person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight." (excerpt from CATECHETICAL LECTURES 16.20) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:26–16:4 urges us to look at what happened when the Spirit came! Wavering men and women became unshakably convinced that Jesus was the Messiah—and they boldly preached that message. Homegrown fishermen traveled to distant lands to proclaim the truths of Christ that would change millions of lives. They wrote Gospels and letters that instructed new believers in the faith—words that touch our lives even today. All because of the Spirit of truth!

So ask the Holy Spirit to testify to Jesus in your heart today. Take today’s Scripture passages to prayer and expect him to reveal something about Jesus to you. Turn to him during your day, and ask for his guidance to help you follow Jesus better. Bring him your concerns, and know that you can rely on him to be your guiding light when you are confused or when, like the apostles, you face challenges. Keep your heart open to him and his words, confident that he can help you and strengthen you so that you don’t “fall away” into fear or sin or selfishness (John 16:1).

Because the Spirit of truth will testify to Jesus.

“Holy Spirit, help me to hear your testimony about Jesus today!” (Meditation on John 15:26–16:4, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts Paul has travelled into Greece at Philippi to a place of prayer to meet Lydia, likely a very rich woman in the purple dye trade. She suggests that Paul might live at her house and form a house Church. They would meet in the atrium. It is unclear whether Lydia was the head or host of the community. The Gospel of John speaks about the Advocate, a witness to the Truth and the presence of the Trinity and Jesus indicates that persecution is coming and they will lay down their lives out of love too. Friar Jude ponders if we are not being persecuted, maybe we are not living as a Christian?

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recounts the circumstances of Julian of Norwich’s mystical experience. What strikes him is the similarity between Julian’s time and our own. Here is how Episcopal priest and scholar Mary Earle describes Julian’s fourteenth-century context.

Julian lived at a time of vast social, [religious,] and political upheaval, incessant wars, and sweeping epidemics. Norwich, with a population of around 25,000 by 1330 … was struck viciously by the plague known as the Black Death. At its peak in the late 1340s in England, it killed approximately three-fourths of the population of Norwich. A young girl at this time, Julian was certainly affected in untold ways by this devastation. When the plague returned, she was about nineteen. [1]

In her anchor-hold, Julian certainly would have recognized the spiritual benefits of contemplation, such as the awakened ability through solitude to be personally present to divine love. Yet we must remember that she also let God’s love flow right through her to those on the street requesting her counsel, and to us through her writings. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, to instill in us the Power of Love that we may be witnesses to Christ in our actions to “renew the face of the Earth” particularly in times of chaos and persecution.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16 

Bogard, M. (2026, May 11). Daily Reflection May 11, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-11-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?26 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16 

Meditation on John 15:26–16:4. (n.d.). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/11/1562135/ 

Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). An Anchor-Hold of Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-anchor-hold-of-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Counselor Comes, the Spirit of Truth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/