Sustained and Supported

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today nudge us to test situations for alignment with the Will of God even as we are open to responding with our talents to address the needs and hunger of those less fortunate.

Loaves and Love

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents a question if God is not the origin of this movement.

* [5:34] Gamaliel: in Acts 22:3, Paul identifies himself as a disciple of this Rabbi Gamaliel I who flourished in Jerusalem between A.D. 25 and 50.

* [5:36–37] Gamaliel offers examples of unsuccessful contemporary movements to argue that if God is not the origin of this movement preached by the apostles it will perish by itself. The movement initiated by Theudas actually occurred when C. Cuspius Fadus was governor, A.D. 44–46. Luke’s placing of Judas the Galilean after Theudas and at the time of the census (see note on Lk 2:1–2) is an indication of the vagueness of his knowledge of these events. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 asserts boundless hope that God will bring rescue.

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Ps 27:1–3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (Ps 27:4–6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents Jesus' Multiplication of the Loaves.

* [6:1] [Of Tiberias]: the awkward apposition represents a later name of the Sea of Galilee. It was probably originally a marginal gloss.

* [6:5] Jesus takes the initiative (in the synoptics, the disciples do), possibly pictured as (cf. Jn 6:14) the new Moses (cf. Nm 11:13).

* [6:6] Probably the evangelist’s comment; in this gospel Jesus is never portrayed as ignorant of anything.

* [6:7] Days’ wages: literally, “denarii”; a Roman denarius is a day’s wage in Mt 20:2.

* [6:9] Barley loaves: the food of the poor. There seems an allusion to the story of Elisha multiplying the barley bread in 2 Kgs 4:42–44.

* [6:10] Grass: implies springtime, and therefore Passover. Five thousand: so Mk 6:39, 44 and parallels.

* [6:13] Baskets: the word describes the typically Palestinian wicker basket, as in Mk 6:43 and parallels.

* [6:14] The Prophet: probably the prophet like Moses (see note on Jn 1:21). The one who is to come into the world: probably Elijah; cf. Mal 3:1, 23. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth comments that during Vietnam, peace activist Daniel Berrigan S.J., asked himself if he was drowning in bad news because he was failing to be good news. We should start our journey back to hope by asking how we can become “good news” to others. Since cruelty  seems to motivate  the treatment of migrants,  the poor, people of color and people with disabilities, how can we combat it?

Jesus told us to welcome the stranger and to care for the least of our brothers and sisters. If we believe this, we must actively obey these commands.  The possibilities are endless.  If you’re upset about the defunding of food banks, increase your donations or volunteer.  Support clinics serving people losing health care funding. Get involved with homeless shelters, services to children, schools and libraries – wherever you can make a difference. Get political if you choose but above all, don’t be a spectator while people suffer. (Wirth, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “God enables us,” by Leo the Great, 400-461 A.D.

"In rendering service to the grace of God, we are not only made subject to our King through obedience but are even joined to him through the will. If we are of one mind with him (willing what he wills, disapproving of what he disapproves), he himself will bring us victory in all our battles. He who has given the 'will' will bestow also the ability. In this way can we 'cooperate' with his works, speaking that prophetic utterance in the exultation of faith: 'The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?'" (excerpt from Sermon 26,4,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 5:34-42 asks how can we know if we are on the right track when it comes to understanding God’s will? We can follow Gamaliel’s example. We can acknowledge the limitations of our fallen, human ideas and approach puzzling situations with humility and caution. We can pray, “Lord, help me to know your heart and your will in this situation.

Whatever happens, be assured of this: the Lord is glad that you asked! He is glad that you are taking steps to understand him better. And he’s even more glad that you’re not trying to tell him what to do! He knows it means that you are growing in the way of wisdom—the same wisdom that Gamaliel had.

“Lord, show me how to listen patiently for your direction. Jesus, keep me from ever fighting against you!” (Meditation on Acts 5:34-42, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the advice of Gamaliel, a celebrated rabbi who was a teacher of Paul, that the Sanhedrin should not do anything in concern for the Will of God. The details of the feeding of the multiplication of the loaves is the fourth sign (cf. note on Jn 5:1–47). It is the only miracle story found in all four gospels (occurring twice in Mark and Matthew). Friar Jude reminds us of the resonance of the Gospel with Psalm 23, the Didache instruction on the celebration of Eucharist, and the response of Jesus to being misunderstood as a “problem solver”. The video series “Chosen” presents a thoughtful and human response presentation of this event in Jesus ministry. 

Brian McLaren considers Francis of Assisi’s celebrated affinity for nature. Saint Francis is probably best known for the “Canticle of the Sun,” the song of praise he wrote in 1225. Sister Joan Brown, former executive director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, responds to McLaren’s question: “What does it mean for a person to be a Franciscan and to feel themselves part of a Franciscan movement?”

One of the things that appealed to me about the Franciscan life is that it’s a life of prayer and action, action and prayer, back and forth, one feeding the other…. I started down the path of becoming a Secular Franciscan [2], and I thought, I’m going to do this prayer and then I’m going to take action. Then I realized there was … something far more basic, which was my simply being in the present moment and seeing the humanity of every person in front of me and seeing the living earth. I realized I’d gone my whole life sort of objectifying and categorizing, hardly seeing living things. I was seeing them as things. I was seeing people in categories. I had to develop a whole new awareness, an ability to respond and live in the present moment, so that I could be open to what is mine to do.  (McLaren, n.d.)

We are called to prayer and action that will make Present the love, compassion, and mercy of Christ in our response to be signs of Providence meeting the needs of the people.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5?34 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?1 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). A Franciscan Perspective. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-franciscan-perspective/ 

Meditation on Acts 5:34-42. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/02/1265891/ 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Miraculous Sign of Jesus. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may2 

Wirth, E. (2025, May 2). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050225.html 

Obedient Witness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be witnesses to the Way of Jesus especially in our work today, International Workers’ Day.

Care and Community

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the Twelve immediately resume public teaching.

* [5:17–42] A second action against the community is taken by the Sanhedrin in the arrest and trial of the Twelve; cf. Acts 4:1–3. The motive is the jealousy of the religious authorities over the popularity of the apostles (Acts 5:17) who are now charged with the defiance of the Sanhedrin’s previous order to them to abandon their prophetic role (Acts 5:28; cf. Acts 4:18). In this crisis the apostles are favored by a miraculous release from prison (Acts 5:18–24). (For similar incidents involving Peter and Paul, see Acts 12:6–11; 16:25–29.) The real significance of such an event, however, would be manifest only to people of faith, not to unbelievers; since the Sanhedrin already judged the Twelve to be inauthentic prophets, it could disregard reports of their miracles. When the Twelve immediately resumed public teaching, the Sanhedrin determined to invoke upon them the penalty of death (Acts 5:33) prescribed in Dt 13:6–10. Gamaliel’s advice against this course finally prevailed, but it did not save the Twelve from the punishment of scourging (Acts 5:40) in a last endeavor to shake their conviction of their prophetic mission. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 34 is a thanksgiving.

* [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.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is the One from Heaven.

* [3:31–36] It is uncertain whether these are words by the Baptist, Jesus, or the evangelist. They are reflections on the two preceding scenes. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rashmi Fernando, S.J. comments that at the heart of today’s readings is Jesus and the apostles’ unwavering witness to God—not through grand displays of power, but through voluntary obedience. 

• Am I willing to trust in God who chooses to walk with me in my humanity, or do I still look for signs of divine power that fit my expectations of strength and control?

• In what areas of my life do I resist surrendering to God's will, mistaking obedience for weakness instead of seeing it as an act of radical love and trust? (Fernando, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Always bless the Lord!” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When are you to 'bless the Lord?' When he showers blessings on you? When earthly goods are plentiful? When you have a plethora of grain, oil, wine, gold, silver... - while your mortal body remains healthy, uninjured and free from disease; while everything that is born on your estate is growing well, and nothing is snatched away by untimely death; while every kind of happiness floods your home and you have all you want in profusion? Is it only then that you are to bless the Lord? No, but 'at all times.' So you are to bless him equally when from time to time, or because the Lord God wishes to discipline you, these good things let you down or are taken from you, when there are fewer births or the already-born slip away. These things happen, and their consequence is poverty, need, hardship, disappointment and temptation. But you sang, 'I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be in my mouth always,' so when the Lord gives you these good things, bless him, and when he takes them away, bless him. He it is who gives, and he it is who takes away, but he does not take himself away from anyone who blesses him. (excerpt from EXPOSITIONS OF THE PSALMS 34.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 5:27-33 comments that like the disciples, we, too, are witnesses to Jesus, and we, too, are called to proclaim the good news to the people we encounter each day. But we can easily forget that it’s not all up to us. We need the Spirit, not only to help us become effective witnesses, but to work in mighty ways that will convince people that Jesus is who he says he is.

So turn to the Holy Spirit and ask him to witness with you! He will provide opportunities to share your faith. He will give you the courage and the right words to say. He will come in power when you pray with someone. He is always at work—and he can’t be stopped!

“Holy Spirit, empower me to be your witness today!” (Meditation on Acts 5:27-33, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler presents the boldness of the Apostles in their assertion that they have to obey God and not the Sanhedrin when they are witnessing Jesus Love and life. Jesus has come to speak of spiritual things in John. Friar Jude identifies the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son that we experience now and its fulfillment in the future.

Brian McLaren cites the work of Franciscan Sister Thea Bowman (1937–1990) who reflects on where she learned about our sacred responsibility for creation.

From the spiritual tradition of the black community, I learned that we are all God’s creatures.… I grew up with people who taught us how to respect and appreciate nature, to study nature’s secrets, to reverence the very soil beneath our feet. My people in the South were farmers and they learned patience. You can’t rush the seasons; you can’t call forth the rain.  

They also learned not to waste! And that’s something we all need to pay more attention to today! It’s important not to take more than we need. Take your share and leave the rest for the others. If we live cooperatively the earth produces sufficiently to feed and shelter us all….  

My people have been teaching us about Creation Spirituality for as long as I can remember. We just didn’t have a name for it. Respect and love for all of creation; stewardship of the earth and its resources; collaboration and cooperation; appreciation, gratitude, faith, hope and love for all of humankind—basic life-giving, life-sharing values and virtues. [2] (McLaren, n.d.)

We are reminded today of the gift of the Spirit to boost our courage to witness to the life that Jesus offers through our obedience to His example of love, compassion, and mercy.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5?27 

Fernando, R. (2025, May 1). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/050125.html 

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?31 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Appreciating the Land. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/appreciating-the-land/ 

Meditation on Acts 5:27-33. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/05/01/1265603/ 

Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Who Believes in the Son Has Eternal Life. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=may1