NEW!

Steve Hessman: God’s miraculous outcomes

Steve Hall: God’s desired relationship with mankind

John Pearring: Two years since Jocelyn died

Older Reflections:

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Steve Hessman, Steve Hall, & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Faith in God leads to miraculous outcomes

“Have you not heard? Long ago, I prepared it.”

By Steve Hessman

Click here to read Steve Hessman’s reflection from June 23, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat is a powerful example of the effectiveness of prayer. Instead of relying solely on military might or political alliances, he seeks divine intervention. We should always make prayer our first response in times of trouble, trusting that God is always listening to the cries of His people. “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have listened” 2 Kings 19:20.

More …

Steve Hessman’s reflections: “Amen, Amen. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24

God’s desired relationship with mankind

“Therefore do not be anxious … your heavenly Father knows that you need ...”

By Steve Hall

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from June 23, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

We might not think of God as a teacher. Yet, in more ways than we know, he instructs both at the individual level and at the broader level, which is addressed to all mankind. Scripture itself is primarily a revelation of who God is both in himself and in his relation to men. Think about it. The initiatives were all on God’s side as the Hebrew people were led to the Promised Land.

More …

Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Two years since Jocelyn died

Weepy, but unashamed, followed by a good gaze out the window, and things to do.

By John Pearring

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from June 23, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

I haven’t started talking to her. I’m thinking she’s still pretty busy getting acquainted with the unimaginable. Like when she went on a retreat or flew off to Taiwan. It’ll have to wait until I catch up to her. The Holy Spirit is talking to me about her, though. Not a report or anything. Just whimsical images. Giggles. The things I need.

More …

John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat is a powerful example of the effectiveness of prayer. Instead of relying solely on military might or political alliances, he seeks divine intervention. We should always make prayer our first response in times of trouble, trusting that God is always listening to the cries of His people. “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have listened” 2 Kings 19:20.

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
II Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36
Matthew 7:6, 12-14

The Books of Kings, 1 and 2, cover 400 years of ancient Israel’s life under the Kings. Kings traces the nation’s journey from a prosperous “Golden Age” under King Solomon to a collapse that led to the division of the Kingdom and the ultimate exile to Babylon. During this time, there were Kings such as David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah who were spiritual giants despite their flaws. Because of these rulers, the nation was saved from destruction for a long period.

However, many of the kings did not live righteous lives but rather descended into gross sins and idolatry, which brought upon them divine judgments and ended in captivity in Babylon. Last week, John’s reflection was about Ahab, King of Israel, one of the bad rulers who, as it turns out, did repent.

In today’s reading from 2 Kings, we see Hezekiah, King of Judah, faced with an arrogant threat from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, with an entirely different outcome. Instead of surrendering to fear, Hezekiah turns to God in prayer. This teaches us the importance of Faith and Trust in the Lord, no matter how overwhelming our circumstances may seem. As Hezekiah prays, “Therefore, O LORD, our God, save us from the power of this man, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God” 2 Kings 19:19. This reminds us that our Faith in God can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat is a powerful example of the effectiveness of prayer. Instead of relying solely on military might or political alliances, he seeks divine intervention. We should always make prayer our first response in times of trouble, trusting that God is always listening to the cries of His people. When Hezekiah prays, God responds through the prophet Isaiah, providing reassurance and a promise of deliverance. “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have listened” 2 Kings 19:20.

Sennacherib’s arrogance and blasphemy against God serve as a warning; his pride leads to his downfall, illustrated by the verse in Proverbs, “Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall” Proverbs 16:18. This lesson reminds us to remain humble and recognize our dependence on God. Chapter 19 in 2 Kings highlights God’s sovereignty over all nations and rulers.

Verse 25 was not included in today’s reading: “Have you not heard? Long ago, I prepared it. From days of old, I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass.” This reassures us that no matter how crazy the world may seem, God is in control!

Skipping back, we get this odd verse — “This is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him, ‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn, the virgin daughter Zion! Behind you, she wags her head, daughter Jerusalem’” (2 Kings 19:21). Scholars tell us: “God begins with a picture of a young girl mocking a much larger and more powerful attacker. An Assyrian messenger threatened Jerusalem in earshot of the city. Now, in ironic symbolism, a helpless child of Jerusalem openly mocks the Assyrian king.”

The miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army is a testament to God’s protection over His people. “That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.” 2 Kings 19:35. This dramatic action is an act of divine intervention to deliver Jerusalem from destruction, showing God’s authority over all earthly forces and His willingness to protect His people when they trust Him.

This chapter encourages us to let our faith guide us through life’s challenges, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. We are assured of the certainty of God’s promises. When God declares that He will defend Jerusalem, He fulfills His word. “I will shield and save this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.” 2 Kings 19:34. By defending the city and throne of Jerusalem, the Lord defends His Covenant of Kingship with David. This encourages us to trust God’s promises, confident that He is faithful to fulfill them.

Psalm 48 celebrates Jerusalem as the seat of God’s Kingship, Vs 2 “is the city of the great King.”, and the object of His protection, the Response, “God upholds His city for ever.” is a follow-up and reassurance of the First Reading.

Today’s short gospel passage from Mathew contains three teachings of Jesus, delivered during His Sermon on the Mount.

First, Jesus uses an image that most of us have never used.  Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not give to dogs what is holy and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them underfoot and tear you to pieces.” The Ignatius Study Bible offers this explanation, “Dogs were generally undomesticated in Jewish culture, and most were stray scavengers, as we read about in last week’s first reading, ‘the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth’” 1Kings 21:19.

Swine were especially contemptible; to Jews, they were unclean and could not be eaten. (see Lev 11:7-8) Jesus redirects these insulting labels to anyone inhospitable to the gospel, Jew or Gentile. In Judaism, holiness characterized anything consecrated for covenant worship. To treat holy articles in a common manner would profane them (see Ex 29:37: Lev 22:10-16). Consecrated meat from animals sacrificed in the Temple should not be given as food for dogs. Jesus carries this same notion into the New Covenant. The Early Church applied this statement to the Holy Eucharist; a sacrament rightly withheld from the unworthy.

The second saying in today’s Gospel is the famous ‘Golden Rule’, which is not exclusive to Christianity or the Gospel—it is known in other cultures. What we read here is being expressed in positive terms. There is also a negative form that states, “Do not do to others what you would not like them to do to you.” There is a difference between the two. You can observe the negative version by doing nothing at all. The positive can only be observed by doing some good action for others. In Jn 13:34, Jesus takes this message even further when He gives us the New Commandment, “… As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

In the third saying today, St Matthew’s Gospel begins with the word “Enter,” implying the “Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus contrasts the narrow gate with the wide gate and broad road. To follow the wide road is to do just about anything you feel like doing. It is to follow your likes, your instincts, and whims wherever they lead you. Jesus promises that “this will lead to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.”

The narrow gate is rather to be focused on having one’s life guided by a clear set of truths, principles and values—that form the core of the Gospel’s teaching. In other words, the Way of Christ leads to eternal salvation.

How do the First Reading and the Psalm coincide with the Gospel? Simply put, we should love God by placing our Faith and Trust in Him at all times.

Leave a comment

We might not think of God as a teacher. Yet, in more ways than we know, he instructs both at the individual level and at the broader level, which is addressed to all mankind. Scripture itself is primarily a revelation of who God is both in himself and in his relation to men. Think about it. The initiatives were all on God’s side as the Hebrew people were led to the Promised Land.

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
II Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36
Matthew 7:6, 12-14

The pattern starts off one-sided. We could begin earlier, but let’s start with Moses.

The burning bush was God’s idea. So too was the notion that Moses should speak with Pharaoh and that Mose’ brother would speak for him. So too were the miracles surrounding Aaron’s rod and its confrontation with the rods of the Egyptian priests. So too were the plagues and the sprinkling of the lamb’s blood on the doorposts. So too were the miraculous incidents in the forty years of desert wandering. So too were the ritual directions that preceded the fall of Jericho.

I could go on, but you get the point. The initiatives were all on God’s side as the Hebrew people were led to the Promised Land. Granted that some followed from complaints, but few, if any, followed from what we would call prayer.

That situation began to change during the period of the judges. The scriptures suggest a greater awareness of God’s active presence among some of the Israelites during those times, as well as greater attention to seeking the Lord’s help in times of trouble.

The process of education in prayer continued through the centuries. It would eventually fall into a consistent pattern, which first acknowledged the absolute supremacy of God and the relative inadequacies of man. From there, it would proceed to include the notion that whatever response followed that response was known to fit with who God is. Correspondingly, there was the development of trust or surrender — an active confidence that God knows better than man. These elements had all been there for some years, but they needed to be common to all for mankind’s relationship with God to be right.

The growth in prayer brought with it a shift in perspective. God wasn’t simply doing what He wanted. Neither was He responding to man’s attempts at manipulation. Rather, He was responsive to human needs, though simultaneously desiring correspondence between His eternal plan and the desires of men.

We might not think of God as a teacher. Yet, in more ways than we know, he instructs both at the individual level and at the broader level, which is addressed to all mankind. Scripture itself is primarily a revelation of who God is both in himself and in his relation to men.

We don’t have too much trouble in understanding some basics about God, but it seems we have a lot of trouble understanding his desired relationship with mankind.

“Therefore do not be anxious … your heavenly Father knows that you need …” (Matthew 6:31-32)

So why not ask? When Jerusalem was threatened, Hezekiah turned to prayer. The Assyrians were destroyed. You read the account from the book of Kings, and it seems simple.

All this makes me curious.

What would have happened if Europe had responded to Hitler with prayer? What would have happened if the world had faced the challenge of communism with prayer? What would have happened if Israel and/or the US had responded to Iran with prayer? What would happen in my life if I responded to trials and difficulties with prayer?

Leave a comment

Those two years since Jocelyn died went by fast, though not hurried, more like dragged, scraped along by a racing memory gripping a vein attached to our hearts. This is not bad news, nor good, just the description of relentless time being damaged as it furiously marches on. OK, so it’s mostly bad.

Then, there’s this:

She’s likely happy as a clam.

The family is still wrecked, distanced by the exhaustion of processing and dealing, as they say. Yet, a little less. Distanced also by blossoming new family structures, branched out from the two old folks who planted the tree 53 years ago. That development is all lovely. We’re marching forward rather than dragged. Dancing and singing are involved. It’s really good stuff.

I have happy days, and see happiness in each grandchild. Joanne holds onto me still. We smile at Josie/Jocelyn's memories now. Not quite as often as grief allows. Sheesh, it’s so relentless.

We treasure the hugs from Xander, which we get most weeks. God, that man is great. Judy reaches for us and holds on, and now Phil, a much-needed light in our family. Got one from Jill just weeks ago, in Denver. Twice. All the grandkids are huggers, even when they don’t really want to. You can tell they have good hugging skills, though.

Thank you, those who I see have similar pains in your eyes, who have many more years at whispy, emotional carriage. You know how to care, and we all appreciate it. None of us wants the ability to recognize deep, heavy loss, but it’s endemic. (Sorry for the “but” — poor writing, so Jenelle taught me — left it in anyway — maybe she’ll call me).

Shattered, but sturdier. Weepy, but unashamed, followed by a good gaze out the window, and things to do.

Xander gave me some 20 boxes of Jocelyn’s books to slowly go through. Five boxes have already been opened and perused, and she continues to astonish me. Anglo-Saxon Spirituality? Who knew.

I didn’t do a Christmas letter last year. This isn’t a replacement or an apology. It’s June 23.

I haven’t started talking to her. I’m thinking she’s still pretty busy getting acquainted with the unimaginable. Like when she went on a retreat or flew off to Taiwan. It’ll have to wait until I catch up to her. The Holy Spirit is talking to me about her, though. Not a report or anything. Just whimsical images. Giggles. The things I need.

God bless you.

You might think about the three things I’ve been holding onto, if you’re of a similar mind. First, Jesus is not nervous. That’s a good one to know. No matter what’s happened or is going on, Jesus is aware and locked and loaded. Second, the Holy Spirit is a big fan of Guardian Angels, as much as Jesus, actually. I didn’t know that until just recently. Third, the Father knows how to do that whole fathering thing so well. All of us, men and women, want to be so much like Jesus, but we men really want to be good fathers.

The thing about the Father is that he isn’t ashamed of us, or disappointed, or too busy. Ever. Never entered his mind. Isn’t that great?

Leave a comment

NEW!

John Pearring: Confession is just the beginning

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Confession is just the beginning

We need God for renovations and repairs, and the ongoing necessary maintenance

By John Pearring

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from June 16, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The journal of Ahab’s malicious reign, compared to the catalog of our many-faceted positions of authority, might not appear similar. Yet, as baptized Catholics and Christians, and as father/mother, son/daughter, friend/neighbor, supervisor, and so on, in both family lineage and anointed roles, we have as many responsibilities as this ancient man. His legacy is a warning signal for those of us who fail to recant, repent, reconcile, and influence those we love.

More …

John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

The journal of Ahab’s malicious reign, compared to the catalog of our many-faceted positions of authority, might not appear similar. Yet, as baptized Catholics and Christians, and as father/mother, son/daughter, friend/neighbor, supervisor, and so on, in both family lineage and anointed roles, we have as many responsibilities as this ancient man. His legacy is a warning signal for those of us who fail to recant, repent, reconcile, and influence those we love.

Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 21:17-29
Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16
Matthew 5:43-48

Today’s dramatic report of repentance in the scriptures portrays God as merciful and just. That justice shivers our timbers. We hear the rebuke that forced Ahab’s hand, and cringe as we follow the trajectory of these biblical reports with our own lives in mind. It’s difficult to position ourselves within the frame of Ahab, as if we are similar to his ilk. Yet, our similarities are not such a stretch as you’d think.

Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil
in the sight of the LORD as did Ahab,
urged on by his wife Jezebel. (1Kings 21:25)

That’s not a list of evil doers we want to be on. Ahab tops it. His wife, Jezebel, does him no favors. Can we imagine this for us?

He became completely abominable by following idols,
just as the Amorites had done,
whom the LORD drove out before the children of Israel. (1Kings 21:26)

The journal of Ahab’s malicious reign, compared to the catalog of our many-faceted positions of authority, might not appear similar. Yet, as baptized Catholics and Christians, and as father/mother, son/daughter, friend/neighbor, supervisor, and so on, in both family lineage and anointed roles, we have as many responsibilities as this ancient man. His legacy is a warning signal for those of us who fail to recant, repent, reconcile, and influence those we love.

Ahab served as one of the 19 kings of Northern Israel for 20 years. Scholars debate the exact timeline, but their combined research confirms his existence sometime between 869 and 853 BC, 150 years and six kings after the united Israel under David split after Solomon’s worsening reign at the end of his life.

His foibles and fraught behavior, marked by deception and anger, are not far from the relationship and authority skirmishes we have had. How often have we exhibited behaviors that rolled God’s eyes? Maybe we’ve stopped short of murder, but sin is sin.

Ahab wasn’t alone in his immoral and murderous rule. Practically every King of both Israel and Judah was a cad, and only a few recanted. Sins of pride, pleasure, and idols drove a wedge, rupturing the loving relationship between God and the authorities he anointed. By Ahab’s time, God declared that the gig was up.

I don’t think I’m the only one who has felt God’s disappointment, though this next verse and a half hopefully won’t fit God’s anger with any of us.

Because you have given yourself up to doing evil in the LORD’s sight,
I am bringing evil upon you: I will destroy you
and will cut off every male in Ahab’s line,
whether slave or freeman, in Israel. (1Kings 21:20-21)

Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, was a deceptive and horrifying woman, aligned fiercely with Baal, the devil’s mocked visage of evil in a god. Jezebel’s name is famously attached to the worst of the worst in a woman’s character. Her fate surpassed Ahab’s. Biblical commentary cites her as a harlot and sorcerer. No repentant was she. In a religious community, her and Ahab’s rule was an affront to God.

“The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.” (1Kings 21:23)

Elijah, the prophet who listened to God, proclaimed this horrifying condemnation. As with many Old Testament prophets, Elijah did not enjoy an easygoing relationship with the nation he was appointed to mentor. If you’ve run a company, been lord or lady of a household, or a member of a family of more than one person, you likely know what unhappy wisdom and counsel will bring you if you speak up when you’re supposed to. What’s worse? That we didn’t speak up, or we did?

Elijah had just returned from a self-imposed exile. He did not expect joy from this encounter. Still, he did what God asked. Amazingly, and out of the blue, Ahab repents.

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garments
and put on sackcloth over his bare flesh.
He fasted, slept in sackcloth, and went about subdued. (1Kings 21:27)

Hallelujah, right? Well, as God’s forgiveness plays out and his knowledge of the future becomes evident, we find that mercy encounters speed bumps we erect. If not laid by us, they will be by our descendants.

Since he has humbled himself before me,
I will not bring the evil in his time.
I will bring the evil upon his house during the reign of his son. (1Kings 21:29)

The failures of Ahab’s lineage explain the resulting consequences that follow repentance. So too with us.

God will repair everything that we fret about when we cry out for mercy. But repentance leads to cooperation with God, and unfortunately, repairs are often violent and destructive. If you’ve ever remodeled a kitchen or renovated a deck off the side of your house, you know what I’m talking about. The new build looks great, but the process of getting there affected you and your family, your neighbors, and your friends. “Will this ever get finished!” Almost always forgotten is that renovations require ongoing maintenance.

In Ahab’s family, no, the repairs didn’t get finished, and no one kept up any renovations that began with Ahab.

Such was the effect of Ahab’s damage, a pattern that didn’t get adjusted. God wasn’t able to repair any of it. The next 12 kings of the Northern Kingdom seldom called upon God. Ahab may have repented, but few others did. Eventually, the dastardly lives of Ahab’s descendants end in disaster. When Hoshea’s line ended in 722, so did any further generations of Ahab. The entire institution of the Northern Kingdom cratered.

Some of us look to our pasts and our roles as fathers, mothers, brothers, wives, and friends. It’s a long list with multiple and intimate connections. We are charged with orchestrating a loving leadership of a family, as husband and father, wife and mother. We also attend to follower roles in the orchestra of siblings and friendships. We are led by others. How are we doing as supporting members of a cast?

Calumny, foibles, and errors of all kinds force us into a constant string of apologies and reconciliations. We’re not ‘perfect’ is an understatement. Do we follow Ahab’s lead and publicly reconcile? Not always. Often, we ignore the apology, wishing the infraction and embarrassment away. By doing so, we leave behind wastelands.

The lessons of Ahab’s humbled penitance speak volumes. It’s not so much how many times we failed as it is how ignorant we’ve been when burdened by our miseries and not paid attention to the needs and necessary love those around us both need and wish to express. How do we respond to the Elijah who calls us out?

The psalm today properly expresses our chagrin over this, followed by what should be our desire for reparation.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin, cleanse me. (Psalm 51: 4-5)

We can get mired down in thinking that God was unfair in passing judgment on Ahab’s offspring. It’s a poor positioning of scripture’s framing of Ahab’s tale. God knows what the subsequent leaders of the Northern Kingdom would do. We can take some happiness in Ahab’s reconciliation with God, but the weight of repentance falls on all of us, all the time.

As Catholics, we regularly confess. That’s important, but we need to pray that those who witness our faithfulness and constant return to God are encouraged to do so also. It’s a public confession that prompts others. Sans the ashes and pesky sackcloth, true shame and regret when wrong, and submission to God’s will when penalized for our faith, becomes fuel for God’s graces for those leaning toward him.

Our families need repair. It’s a lot of work left for us to do. Repentance and penance aren’t the whole story. We must operate in love by cooperating with God as he rebuilds our broken decks and renovates our neglected kitchens. It’s not about us. It’s all glory for him.

Our love, expressed as coming from a merciful God, is the only salve for those we touch and encounter. In our stumbling, the plea for forgiveness that we voice is the only influence that can calm the waves we sent crashing into those that we love.

Leave a comment

NEW!

Lou Occhi: You are a man of God

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: Bob can clap again

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflection from Lou Occhi

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 9, 2026

‘Now I know you are a man of God’

In the darkness, we see a spark of light

By Lou Occhi

Click here to read Lou Occhi’s reflection from June 9, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The Lord shines, and we reflect His light. When we console the grieving, visit the sick, smile as we walk along, pray for our friends and enemies, give to reputable charities such as St. Jude or Catholic Charities, etc., we are doing God’s work and letting His light shine through us.

More …

Lou Occhi’s reflections: “The Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.” (The Magnificat)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

The Lord shines, and we reflect His light. When we console the grieving, visit the sick, smile as we walk along, pray for our friends and enemies, give to reputable charities such as St. Jude or Catholic Charities, etc., we are doing God’s work and letting His light shine through us.

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 17:7-16
Psalm 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
Matthew 5:13-16

Today’s readings are about moving from darkness to light. First, we see Elijah in a time of great darkness. Ahab, the king of Israel, and his wife Jezebel were followers of Baal. They erected an altar to Baal in the house of Baal in Samaria. He then added Asherah, a statue of the Goddess of fertility, to the house. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, than any king before him.

Elijah approached Ahab and said to him, ”In the name of the Lord, the living God of Israel, whom I serve, I tell you there will be no dew or rain for the next two to three years until I say so.” Like any good red-blooded man who just threatened a murderous king, he quickly left town. The Lord came to him and told him to go and hide near Cherith Brook, east of the Jordan. The brook will provide water to drink, and the Lord commanded ravens to bring him meat and cheese.

Due to the drought, the brook eventually dried out. So the Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath in Sidon. There, the Lord designated a widow to care for him. As he arrived, he saw a widow picking sticks. He asked her for a cup of water and a small bit of bread. She answered that she only has a little flour and oil left. Once she and her son have eaten it, they shall die.

Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid, for the Lord, the God of Israel, says, the jar of flour shall not go empty nor the jug of oil run dry before the day that the Lord sends rain.” Go and do as you propose. But first, make me a little cake and bring it to me. Here is this poor woman who has only a little flour and oil left. He was asking her to fix him something for himself first, and trust the Lord that there would still be enough for her family.

Surprisingly, she does as he asked. This seems to foreshadow Jesus’ miracle with the fishes and loaves.

After a period of time, the woman’s son became very ill and died. She immediately blamed Elijah for her son’s death. Elijah asked to hold the boy. He took the boy upstairs to his room and prayed the Lord would restore the boy’s life. Because the woman had been kind to Elijah, the boy returned to life. This is the first recorded incident in the Bible of raising the dead to life.

In the future, Jesus would raise a child from death just as Elijah had done. When she saw her son restored to life, she exclaimed, “Now I know you are a man of God and that the Lord really speaks through you.” In the darkness, we see a spark of light.

The psalm asks the lord to let His face shine on us. The Lord shines, and we reflect His light. When we console the grieving, visit the sick, smile as we walk along, pray for our friends and enemies, give to reputable charities such as St. Jude or Catholic Charities, etc., we are doing God’s work and letting His light shine through us.

The recipients of a charitable donation will never know who we are, but their lives are affected directly by what we have given. Who isn’t touched by the ads for St. Jude or the Shriners’ Hospital? That is God’s light shining through the support of thousands of God’s people.

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. After Hurricane Katrina, no food was initially available. My wife and parents were eating some food Jill had stored in a cooler. Soon, various religious groups from Mexico to Canada began setting up kitchens to serve hot meals. I cannot tell you how much a hot meal can lift your spirits. Truly, God’s light was shining through all those volunteers.

The gospel tells us that “We are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” We are like an oil lamp set on a stand, illuminating those around us. We are that lamp, and God is our source of energy. There are those who want to suppress our desire to bring light into the world by putting the proverbial bushel basket over us. The result is that the bushel basket will soon burst into flames, and the light will grow even brighter. When those who try to make us go away come, do not be afraid. Our God will never abandon us.

Many believe you have to be a theologian to bring the word of God to others. This is a mistaken notion. We are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and He will come to us when we need Him. All we need to do is be filled with the joy of Christ in our lives. Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit and is visible to others without our effort. You and I instinctively know when someone is filled with joy because we are automatically drawn to them. Joy is a beacon of faith. In the words of that great classical hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.

At one point in the bible, Jesus tells us that when we pray, we should close ourselves in a room. That is, we should not make a show of our praying. Today’s gospel tells us that, “Our light must shine before others, that they may see the good he does through us, and, in turn, glorify our heavenly Father.”

Leave a comment

NEW!

Norm McGraw: To God what belongs to God

John Pearring: Bob can clap again

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Norm McGraw & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, June 2, 2026

‘Repay to God what belongs to God’

And you will be happy in this life, and in the next

By Norm McGraw

Click here to read Norm McGraw’s reflection from June 2, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

In the first reading, coming from the third chapter in the second epistle of St. Peter, the apostle calls us to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return. As he states it: “Be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity.”

More …

Norm McGraw’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Bob can clap again

Finally, all the mysteries will be explained

By John Pearring

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from June 2, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

“Well, hello John.” Those three words might take Bob half a minute to say. By the time you reached out to shake his hand, time had slowed to the pace of a custom’s officer studying your passport, reviewing your history as he looked into your eyes and focused upon you and nobody else. But without the angst and worrisome indignation of a border patrol agent, of course.

More …

John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

In the first reading, coming from the third chapter in the second epistle of St. Peter, the apostle calls us to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return. As he states it: “Be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity.”

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18
Mark 12:13-17

(At the writing of this reflection, Bob Schlut, one of the members of our Catholic group, has just passed away. This reflection is dedicated to him and another very close friend of mine, Walter S. Drummond, Jr., whose funeral I went to a few days ago.)

Sometimes, my reflections are influenced by events that have occurred recently in my life. This is one of those occasions. Recently, a good friend of mine, whom I’ve known for over fifty years, passed away at the age of ninety-six.

I first met Walt Drummond at my college coffee shop after I graduated. I was writing music for theatrical and cinematic productions when he entered the graduate program for television and movie screenwriting. He was in his mid-forties, already having lived what some might consider a full life. He had served honorably in the army, then moved successfully back to civilian life.

Walt then re-enlisted in the Air Force, serving honorably there before becoming an immigration and naturalization official. After a stint there, he was hired as a Special Effects Artist at the Walt Disney Company before deciding to go back to school.

What we admired most about his twenty years of life experience, which he had over us, younger fellas, was his positive attitude. His optimistic outlook would rub off on you. Later, years after graduating, in his late seventies, he found the woman of his dreams. They had less than two years of happiness before she died. It was then that God became his “refuge.”

Walt’s caretaker, who became his adopted daughter, invited him to join her church congregation, where he became a deacon. When I attended services for his passing last Monday, my thoughts drifted to Tuesday’s readings (June 2nd).

In the first reading, coming from the third chapter in the second epistle of St. Peter, the apostle calls us to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return. As he states it: “Be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity.”

Walt’s turning to God to handle the grief of losing a loved one is an example of someone who can “grow in grace” from a tragedy.

The responsorial psalm from the ninetieth chapter, considered a prayer of Moses, reinforces the idea that God can be our refuge. “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.” It also reminds us of the limitations God puts on our time here on earth. “You turn man back to dust, saying, ‘Return, O children of men.’ For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.”

Even Walt’s ninety-six years are as yesterday.

The gospel reading, from the twelfth chapter of St. Mark, is filled with parables, teachings, and confrontations with the Pharisees that detail Jesus’ teachings and his Divine authority. This passage focuses on Jesus answering the Scribes’ “trap” question about paying taxes to Rome. After looking at a Roman denarius, he states: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

The key element in this answer lies in the latter part of Jesus’ comment. Most people know that the government wants us to pay taxes. Therefore, the key question is: “What does God want from us?”

After graduating from the university, Walt spent much of his time writing short stories and creating and drawing new cartoon characters. He did this faithfully until he passed away. Did he sell any during that time? No, not a lot. But he was still a success story.

Why? Because of the joy in his heart every day, he shared it with everyone he met. The boyish excitement he exhibited, whether he was telling you about a new idea he had or laughing at a joke he just told, would simply make your day better. That’s what God wanted him to do. That’s how he repaid “to God what belongs to God.”

That’s Walt’s legacy to me. Do what God asks you to do. You know in your heart what that is. That’s what Walt did his entire life. Doing what God asks you to do will influence others in ways that you cannot imagine. That’s how Walt affected me.

Repay “to God what belongs to God,” and you will be happy in this life — and in the next.

Leave a comment

“Well, hello John.” Those three words might take Bob half a minute to say. By the time you reached out to shake his hand, time had slowed to the pace of a custom’s officer studying your passport, reviewing your history as he looked into your eyes and focused upon you and nobody else. But without the angst and worrisome indignation of a border patrol agent, of course.

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18
Mark 12:13-17

Seventy is the sum of our years,
or eighty, if we are strong,
And most of them are fruitless toil,
for they pass quickly and we drift away. (Psalm 90:10)

Some of us imagine conversations we’ve had with old friends that never took place. We wish we had said things we never really said. And when they die, our sadness is multiplied by the many things left unsaid.

That’s simply not so with Bob Schlut. From what I can remember, pretty much everything that needed to be said came right out in the open. He talked on any subject, from taking out the garbage to the price of tea in China.

“Why do we care about the price of tea in China?” he said, more than once. You couldn’t tell if he was serious, unless you knew him. He was a professional tease.

The psalmist, above, didn’t know about Bob Schlut. Fruitless toil? No, that’s not him. Pass quickly and drift away? In the larger scheme of things, perhaps, but Bob hung on longer than most, and when he died, he took an airplane to heaven. Bob was no drifter.

True to form, Bob beat the “strong” prophecy by one year.

The real problem we have about our dead friends is that most of us can’t replay those heartfelt conversations. Our friend has passed away, and we struggle to remember the gist of our conversations. What was it that Bob said?

Again, that’s not so with Bob. Bob had a way of bringing every important debate and deep thought down to the same conclusion.

“It’s a mystery,” spoken as he rubbed his forehead and pondered the thought, or jutted his jaw forward for emphasis. “It’s a mystery.”

He often reminded us that we’ll find out about all the mysteries later.

I’ve known Bob for round-about 35 years, along with hundreds of other close friends he’s gathered. He was unforgettable. Bob’s conversational tone and his vocal pace slowed you down.

“Well, hello John.” Those three words might take half a minute to come out. By the time you reached out to shake his hand, time had slowed to the pace of a custom’s officer studying your passport, reviewing your history as he looked into your eyes and focused upon you and nobody else. But without the angst and worrisome indignation of a border patrol agent, of course.

Bob would like that analogy. He’d laugh and call you clever. And he’d wait for you to say something else. He’d look in your eyes with a comfortable, casual, genuine interest in what was going on in your life. “What’s going on in your life, John?”

If you asked Bob the same question, he’d respond, “Oh, you know, the same ups and downs and comings and goings.”

He joked about his health problems and his disabilities, especially his traumatic near-death experiences. “I guess God decided I’m not ready, yet.”

Over the last several years, Bob has asked his friends to pray for him. He did that in the most humble, non-pretentious, sincere way. Then, with an authenticity rare in any man, he’d thank us when he would recover. “You were all so kind to ask God to keep me here for a while longer.”

These are simple, rare expressions of one of the loveliest men I’ve ever met. I once told him he reminded me of Padre Pio. He was incredulous. “That’s all I need, John. Bleeding hands and feet to go along with all the other stuff I have.”

Then he’d laugh. And so would you. You couldn’t not laugh when Bob laughed.

And if you continued to compliment Bob, he would thank you and then embarrass you with something sweet he knew about you. The man was a treasure to be near.

We often worry about our friends who pass away, and worry more for the family left behind. Oddly, though, none of us worry about Bob, and our sadness for the family is couched in a certainty that the yet undeclared St. Bob Schlut is already hard at work praying for them. He’s likely visited the future mansion sites for his family, excited to know they’ll be within walking distance from his just-finished abode.

Oh, and he can already clap again*. Probably a whole lot of that going on.

*For those a bit confused, Bob spent most of his adult life without the use of his left arm.

Leave a comment

NEW!

Ron Bruni: Learn to travel well

Steve Hall: Consequence over message?

Older Reflections:

John Pearring: Don’t be angry with non-believers

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

Norm McGraw: A spiritual ‘Hi’ for everyone

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Ron Bruni & Steve Hall

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Learn to travel well

God will be present in every part of it

By Ron Bruni

Click here to read Ron Bruni’s reflection from May 26, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

St. Philip Neri suggests that holiness and joy are not opposites. In fact, joy may be one of the signs that we are finally learning what matters most. If we stay on this road long enough, we eventually realize something we may not have seen at the beginning: God has been present in every part of it. Not only what we gained, but even what we had to leave behind.

More …

Ron Bruni’s reflections: “The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you clearly about the Father.” (John 16:25)

Are consequences more important than the message?

The message starts with the plan

By Steve Hall

Click here to read Steve Hall’s reflection from May 26, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

It’s easy to get sidetracked into a conversation about morality when the topic of Christianity arises. And when one considers the pagan cultures that those bringing the Good News have stepped into across the centuries — and still do today — it is easy to understand how consequences might become more important in conversation than the message itself. But the message starts with the plan.

More …

Steve Hall’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

St. Philip Neri suggests that holiness and joy are not opposites. In fact, joy may be one of the signs that we are finally learning what matters most. If we stay on this road long enough, we eventually realize something we may not have seen at the beginning: God has been present in every part of it. Not only what we gained, but even what we had to leave behind.

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
I Peter 1:10-16
Mark 10:28-31

Today’s readings come from the first letter of Peter, Psalm 98, and the Gospel of Mark. As I reflected on them, one theme kept returning: the idea of surrender, of gradually learning what we can carry through life and what we cannot.

In the gospel, Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything.” And Jesus doesn’t deny it. He acknowledges the cost, but he also speaks about what is received in return, “100 times more in this present age.”

That stayed with me because, over time, life itself asks us to let go of many things. Sometimes willingly. Sometimes painfully. Expectations change. Strength changes. Certain dreams fade. Even parts of ourselves we once depended upon begin to fall away.

Peter, in his letter, speaks about holiness; perhaps holiness is not only about becoming more religious, but about becoming freer, loosening our grip on whatever keeps us from God.

And then I thought about St. Philip Neri, whose memorial we celebrate today. He let go of status, comfort, and recognition, but what strikes me is who he became afterward. Not severe. Not hardened. But joyful. Gentle. Approachable. There was a lightness about him, as though faith had made him more fully alive rather than weighing him down.

Philip Neri seems to suggest that if we are really receiving what God offers, we wouldn’t become burdened by faith; we would become more at peace, even more joyful. His life almost becomes a kind of test case: if letting go leads to bitterness, maybe we’re holding on to the wrong things; but if it leads to freedom, then something real is happening.

That may be one way to understand the “exchange” Jesus speaks about in the gospel. What God gives us is not less than what we surrendered; it is deeper. Different perhaps, but Fuller.

Over the years, life begins to feel less like a straight path and more like a long journey through different seasons. And anyone who has ever taken a long trip or hiked knows this: you cannot carry everything forever. Eventually, you learn the difference between what is essential and what only becomes a burden. Maybe faith works the same way.

Little by little, we are invited to lay aside resentment, pride, fear, or the need to control everything. And in their place, something quieter begins to grow: wisdom, compassion, patience, peace.

The Psalm reminds us that this journey is not random. We are moving towards something, towards God’s kingdom, towards a life that lasts beyond the temporary things we claim to have now. The real question is not simply what we have lost along the way but who we are becoming.

Do we become narrower or more open? More anxious or more peaceful? Does faith leave us burdened, or does it gradually teach us how to live with greater freedom and trust?

St. Philip Neri suggests that holiness and joy are not opposites. In fact, joy may be one of the signs that we are finally learning what matters most. In one last thought. If we stay on this road long enough, we eventually realize something we may not have seen at the beginning: God has been present in every part of it. Not only what we gained, but even what we had to leave behind. It makes me think of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They walked along carrying confusion, disappointment, and grief, and only later did they realize that Christ had been walking beside them the entire time.

This is part of learning to travel well: not only choosing what to carry, but learning to trust the one who quietly walks with us through every season of life.

Because in the end, it may not simply be about the road we have taken, but about the one who has faithfully brought us this far, and who will continue leading us home.

Leave a comment

It’s easy to get sidetracked into a conversation about morality when the topic of Christianity arises. And when one considers the pagan cultures that those bringing the Good News have stepped into across the centuries — and still do today — it is easy to understand how consequences might become more important in conversation than the message itself. But the message starts with the plan.

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
I Peter 1:10-16
Mark 10:28-31

Our opening reading this morning comes from the first chapter of Peter’s first letter. After the customary greeting and a brief prayer for the people to whom he is writing, Peter turns to the blessings his readers have already received “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” That is: their salvation, a fact by which they have been “born anew to a living hope,” says Peter.

Understandably, he goes on to describe the reality and the practical implications of the gift they have received. He starts with the prophets. Listening to the Spirit, these men foretold “the grace that was to be yours.” They “testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them.” Salvation will come! That was their vision and their promise. And Peter makes it clear that the message of those prophets was for those yet to come. “They were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you.” Only after reminding his readers of the grace they have received does Peter turn to the consequences.

Peter sends the message, but Paul, in his eloquence, spells it out more clearly in his letter to the Ephesians.

“He has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:9-12)

It’s easy to get sidetracked into a conversation about morality when the topic of Christianity arises. And when one considers the pagan cultures that those bringing the Good News have stepped into across the centuries — and still do today — it is easy to understand how consequences might become more important in conversation than the message itself.

But the message starts with the plan which Paul says has been made known to us; and the plan is clear: “to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” After centuries of preparation, the promise reached the final stage of fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. He was and is the one in whom all things will be united. So the Good News is that he has come, and through him, so too has salvation.

The moral teaching of the Scriptures is secondary.

“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” (Psalms 62:5-6)

That being the case, one must question whether sin has been overemphasized at the expense of the core of the Good News we have received.

God has a plan. According to that plan, all things both in heaven and on earth will be united in Christ to the glory of God the Father. When that happens, what is not of God will be gone. For that to happen, those beings who can choose must align their essential being with God's being. Peter gives the admonition: “Be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, ‘Be holy because I am holy.’” Paul offers the same instruction when he says in Romans:

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

Our awareness of sin may reveal our distance from God and our movement away from him. But a lack of sin in our lives (assuming that is even possible) does not necessarily mean that I live according to his will, according to what is good and acceptable and perfect. It certainly does not mean that I am holy. Again, we must return to the heart of the Good News. Salvation is now yours in and through Jesus.

Leave a comment

NEW!

Tim Trainor: Jesus’ high priestly prayer

John Pearring: Don’t be angry with non-believers

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: There is only plan ‘A’

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Norm McGraw: A spiritual ‘Hi’ for everyone

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Ron Bruni: When loving God becomes natural

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Tim Trainor & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Jesus’ high priestly prayer

The Church Fathers used it to refute early heresies

By Tim Trainor

Click here to read Tim Trainor’s reflection from May 19, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

In summary, Jesus is acting as an intercessor, praying for His disciples and for all believers, present and future. He asks that they be protected by the power of God and that their unity resemble the intimate union shared by the Father and the Son. Eternal life is an intimate knowing of the only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Not just knowledge about God, but knowing Him, being in a personal relationship with God beginning here and now.

More …

Tim Trainor’s reflections: He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. (Luke 5:27)

Don’t be angry with non-believers

Our self-sacrificing faith is a holy surrender only God can sell

By John Pearring

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from May 19, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The Spirit led us from confusion to an awakening we knew came from a loving God. We would actually get excited and try to explain that to others. It was in those attempts that we knew the truth needed to come from God, not the mind or purpose of a human. “Ask him yourself” is where we end up.

More …

John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

In summary, Jesus is acting as an intercessor, praying for His disciples and for all believers, present and future. He asks that they be protected by the power of God and that their unity resemble the intimate union shared by the Father and the Son. Eternal life is an intimate knowing of the only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Not just knowledge about God, but knowing Him, being in a personal relationship with God beginning here and now.

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:17-27
John 17:1-11a

Our Gospel Reading this past Tuesday is from John Chapter 17: 1-11, known as the first part of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. The Prayer continues through to verse 26. It is His longest recorded prayer, and He said it at the end of the Last Supper, the final meal of His life.

Interestingly, ‘The Our Father Prayer’ is not found in John’s Gospel, but while Saint John omits this more famous ‘model’ prayer, he does record a longer, more formal one that the Church Fathers later used to refute early heresies.

Its highlights are: Jesus glorifies His Father, defines eternal life as knowing God, and prays for the protection and unity of his disciples. This Prayer emphasizes that Christians are not of the world, but we are sent by Jesus back out into it, and He urges His Father to give us unity and protection as we navigate our way through it.

Since the 16th century, this prayer has been known as the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus. Why did it come to be known as a “high priestly” type of prayer, you ask?

Well, two reasons. Hebrews 5: 7-10 answers the first part of this question: “During His life on earth, He [Jesus] offered up prayer and entreaty, with loud cries and with tears, to the one who had the power to save Him from death, and, winning a hearing by His reverence, He learnt obedience, Son though He was, through His sufferings; when He had been perfected, He became for all who obey Him the source of eternal salvation and was acclaimed by God with the title of high priest of the order of Melchizedek.”

So, when 16th-century theologians later on studied it, noting the “order of Melchizedek” connection, they realized Jesus uses intercessory language throughout this prayer; they thus applied this “high priestly” tag or title to it. And so it has been ever since.

Returning to the Prayer. At this point in the farewell address, note that Jesus is speaking to the Father and not to the disciples; they are just listening in, so to speak.

In summary, He is acting as an intercessor, praying for them and for all believers, present and future. He asks that they be protected by the power of God and that their unity resemble the intimate union shared by the Father and the Son.

Some Key items I believe one should take away from this Prayer are that Jesus defines the upcoming “hour” of His passion not as a defeat, but as the moment to glorify the Father by completing His (Jesus’) work on earth. Next, and this is important, it’s not often that we get a straightforward definition of eternal life, but here it is: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

How many times have we heard this depiction of eternal life? I would wager rarely, if at all. On this upcoming last Sunday of Easter, in the season of the resurrection, here is an idea about eternal life that just might stand out and mean something beyond an empty tomb — THAT ETERNAL LIFE IS — an intimate knowing of the only true God and His son, Jesus Christ! Not just knowledge about God, but knowing Him, being in a personal relationship with God beginning here and now.

I believe that our Gospel verses this morning fit in nicely with what we hear Saint Paul say in 1st Corinthians: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” This aligns with our Gospel, where Jesus says, “to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” The knowing Jesus speaks of here is a knowing of the heart, not the head, the type of knowing that springs from a loving type of relationship! I hear Jesus suggesting that in eternal life we will be in a relationship of love with God the Father and Himself, and, as a result of this, we will truly get to know God and Jesus as they are, as love itself! Remember 1 John 4-8: “God is love.”

Again to quote Saint Paul, ”Now we see as in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” To me, Paul suggests here that the Lord knows us fully now, in this life, but only in eternal life will we come to know the Lord fully. We are not without some knowledge of the Lord in this life, however. As “We [now] know in part,” Paul says.

Then, Jesus prays passionately for the unity of his Disciples and later in John 17:20-21 (in a continuation beyond our reading) for all Christians when He says: “I pray not only for these [my current Disciples] but also for those who through their teaching will come to believe in Me [future Christians like you and me]. May they all be one, just as Father, You are in Me and I am in You, so that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe it was You who sent Me.”

I love the fact that way-back-then, Jesus prays an intercessory prayer for all of us ’to-be believers down through the centuries’ that we may become one just “as We (that is: God and Jesus) are one” — a unity modeled on the very Trinity.

• When Jesus says “keep them in your name” (verse 11), Catholic tradition interprets this “name” reference as the seven profound “I AM” statements recorded in the Gospel of John made by Jesus. Statements like: “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), or “I am the good Shepard” (John 10:11). All of which indicate His divine authority and the protection which He now passes on to the Disciples.

• Then He speaks to the Disciples’ security by affirming that while in the world, He guarded them, and now He entrusts them to the Father, highlighting the Church’s now ongoing reliance on the Holy Spirit’s divine protection.

• The last passage of our Gospel Reading, which is: “And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you,” implies that Jesus recognizes that we Christians are currently being left to be in the world but are not to be part of it. Thus, He wills us to be set apart (consecrated) in truth, and carry on the mission of Christ as His Church and individual believers.

• And how are all my above speculations to be accomplished, you may ask? Your answer comes this Sunday with the Holy Spirit’s descent on Pentecost. I suggest that you attend Mass and listen up for more details on just how God intends to work all this out.

• Now on to some Catechism comments on our Gospel Reading for today. Did you know that there are 30 Catechism citations on this “high priestly” prayer? One of these 30 entitles our Gospel reading as: “The prayer of the hour of Jesus” (See CCC 2746). Why so, and what does that have to do with us preparing for Pentecost this weekend?

• Per the Catechism, our John 17 prayer: “Embraces the whole economy of creation and salvation, as well as his death and Resurrection”, and, “Fulfills, from within, the great petitions also found in the Lord’s Prayer: concern for the Father’s name; passionate zeal for his kingdom (glory); the accomplishment of the will of the Father, of his plan of salvation; and deliverance from evil” (CCC 2750). So it is worthy of attention

In closing, as mentioned earlier, this Sunday is Pentecost. One way to prepare to receive (or rekindle) the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is through prayer. That’s likely what the Apostles and Mary were doing between the days after the Ascension of the Lord, which we celebrated last Sunday, and this upcoming Pentecost Sunday.

Like them, I suggest we each spend some time before Pentecost in prayer and practice waiting in our spiritual lives. Waiting for the Holy Spirit by meditating on perhaps The Our Father Prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13), or more ambitiously, on the full High Priestly Prayer of Jesus (see John 17:1-26).

Some suggested Catechism of the Catholic Church readings are: paragraphs 217; 589; 730; 1085; 2746-51; 2812 & 2815 all of which are on Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.”

Leave a comment

The Spirit led us from confusion to an awakening we knew came from a loving God. We would actually get excited and try to explain that to others. It was in those attempts that we knew the truth needed to come from God, not the mind or purpose of a human. “Ask him yourself” is where we end up.

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:17-27
John 17:1-11a

Some of us were fortunate and properly groomed to deal with the oddities and realities of the Catholic faith. However, that history of formation didn’t plant the faith in us. It revealed it, but the planting needed to come from a divine source. The Catholic faith, both ancient and suffering, is impossible to grasp with human logic and commitment alone. It takes an all-loving, holy, clever God to do that.

Our formations educated us on the wonders and perils of our faith, but the ultimate sales pitch had to come from someone other than holy examples. We need an intimacy with the characters in this story to believe it is true. Thankfully, God gives us three persons who each, individually, can do that. And they do it as one.

(See? We can’t really sell that.)

You may remember the early hurdles of attending rituals, sitting still, keeping quiet, and performing reverent acts of bowing, kneeling, and responding “Amen.” God as Father, our parental kinship creator, nurtured us there. A number of us rebelled, but that loving Father’s hold touched both our hearts and bodies to be obedient.

Few of us knew what the dickens was going on, but we could acknowledge it had elements of the sacred. The sign of the cross marked us over and over again.

If we skipped, missed, or abandoned that fostering relationship, it remains available to us even as old men and women. Reverence stills our souls.

The Word of God had no less a pathway of gauntlets, an obstacle course of painful and even torturous turns. Remember the difficulties in the seemingly endless string of skeptical studies? We heard that a man became God, which was absurd. We finally spoke up and were corrected. “No, God became man.” That reset us, but was no less absurd.

When we finally read the scriptures on our own, do you remember the published plots of the Jews, which included apostles thrown in jail for preaching about the Messiah? Their disdain led to the executions of Christians, including Saul’s observance at Stephen’s stoning. How could that reporting inspire us to become Christians? How could a monster like Saul become the apostle Paul?

The Holy Spirit likely had a hand in our being inspired. A second lens appeared in our view. Stephen’s holy glow at entering heaven as his body was smashed is not an interpretation that we could manufacture. The words in verse after verse came alive, and we began to hear and see the truth.

The Spirit led us from confusion to an awakening we knew came from a loving God. We would actually get excited and try to explain that to others. It was in those attempts that we knew the truth needed to come from God, not the mind or purpose of a human. “Ask him yourself” is where we end up.

Seeing Jesus from the pages of scripture into our daily life may well be the height of surrender. Jesus spoke of being glorified, himself having nothing to repent, while calling us to cry out to him. We found out he wasn’t just a holy prophet, or a martyr, or an effective teacher. He believed and acted as if he were God. When we found that out, there was no denying the truth.

Folks had every right to ask. “Why the heck did he think he was God?”

Jesus wasn’t self-deprecating, which is one of the highest signs of a humble, intelligent, and genuine human being. That doesn’t sound right. He wasn’t brash, but he was bold. He corrected those who told him what to do, including his mother. He never walked back anything. That’s not a typical human being. Even a narcissist would question whether Jesus was a great human being.

Paul spoke that his life was of no importance, because it belonged to God. All of his apostles, except one, died as Jesus did. They bore witness to already living an eternal life with God, because the Spirit indwelt them. They were connected to Jesus in the Eucharist, and the Father loved them. They said all that was a good thing, and more than anything the world could offer.

Our 2,000-year-old Church, embodied by many knuckleheads, but more saints, gets hit with bad PR, devilish disasters, and intractable doctrines that butt heads with the intelligencia and the authorities. Yet, we’re staunch members, apologists, and sacramental witnesses that this is where all humanity needs to belong. That’s worthy of applause and respect, but it’s not all that convincing.

We can’t convince anyone that our faith is true, even with our example and our clarity as the Holy Spirit speaks through us, or as the Father gives us authority. No one really buys the pitch that Jesus walks with us. But pitch it we must, even though we look and sound like fools.

And that is good.

The intimacy of God, which continues to mold us, is not the message. Rather, we claim that God was born into our humanity, the humanity that he created. He lived, died, was buried, and was resurrected, conquering the finality of death. His Spirit gathers us for lives lived in holiness, as we await the second coming. That message must be told by us, but God does the awakening.

We, the fools, trigger God’s opportunities. Even, sorry to say, in our deaths.

Jesus exited creation in order to send his Spirit, not just available to us, but to live in us — to “temple” in us. Jesus does the will of his Father, still, and urges us to do the same. He’s here in the Eucharist, in the icons and imagery, and the holy words.. The three-in-one theology isn’t just symbolism. It’s perfection. It’s an overwhelming revelation hitting us from every realm.

We’ve got documents, encyclicals, miracles, rosaries, and holy sacraments. We’ve also got cosmic stuff that’ll knock your socks off, like saints praying for us, and angels guiding us. But none of these are enough.

It’s not humanity or any construct of created beings that converts, even though the Holy Spirit gathers us together for support, stewardship, witness, teaching, preaching, and testimony. That’s a lot we’ve got to be doing, with holy ones enveloping us, but that’s not the essential thing.

Surrender to God, repent for your sins, and live in His love (all the stuff above we’ve been talking about). That’s the faith. Only the Holy Trinity gives us faith, because God wants us to be his. Nothing makes sense until you do that.

I’d say, take it from us, but that misses the point. Take it from God.

Leave a comment

NEW!

Steve Leininger: What’s your job?

John Pearring: The Holy Spirit’s authority

Older Reflections:

Steve Hall: There is only plan ‘A’

Lou Occhi: They would not always have him

Tim Trainor: Aquinas explains the bronze serpent

Norm McGraw: A spiritual ‘Hi’ for everyone

Steve Hessman: Hear, listen, believe, and follow

Ron Bruni: When loving God becomes natural

Margit McCarthy: Temptation Trials in the Garden

Latest at ilk Publishing:

John Pearring: Frank & Ralph, Guardian Angels of Jesus

Margit McCarthy: Praying the rosary with your children

John Silvia: Kiss of Betrayal or Kiss of Love

The OMG reflections from Steve Leininger & John Pearring

Inspired by Mass readings from Tuesday, May 12, 2026

What’s your job?

Long-term, it could be your mission in life

By Steve Leininger

Click here to read Steve Leininger’s reflection from May 12, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

The job or mission of Jesus was to do the Father’s will. Part of that was to develop an understanding of God’s will among the apostles and disciples, which would become the foundation of what we know as the church. Spreading the good news to the ends of the earth is a big job, and Jesus gave the apostles the words and faith they needed to be a part of that effort.

More …

Steve Leininger’s reflections: For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:9)

The Holy Spirit has been given the authority

‘Condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned’

By John Pearring

Click here to read John Pearring’s reflection from May 12, 2026. Here’s an excerpt:

Like a vice, the rescuing grip of God’s creation begins with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The squeezing of evil’s juice from our world has been tightening for two thousand years. Soon, it will be completed. Sin will be excised, and righteousness will prevail.

More …

John Pearring’s reflections: He said to them, “Ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

Are you receiving the daily Catholic Nutshell News?

Copyright © 2026 John Francis Pearring, Jr., All rights reserved.

You can read John Pearring’s books — Frank & Ralph, Snarl, and A Snarl Theology

You have been added to a list of individuals who attend the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group in Woodland Park, Colorado, as well as friends and writers who contribute reflections to the Homeless Catholic website and ministry, or those who wish to receive copies of our presentations from any of our reflection authors. The Homeless Catholic website includes reflections from John Pearring, Steve Hall, Steve Leininger, Lou Occhi, Tim Trainor, Norm McGraw, Ron Bruni, Steve Hessman, John Silvia, and Margit McCarthy.

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 16:22-34
John 16:5-11

What’s your job? When asked without much context, it could mean a lot of things. Various dictionary definitions of job include:

• a paid position of regular employment

• a particular task or piece of work that you have to do

• a responsibility or duty

If you bump a timeframe up against the “What’s your job” question, you might answer that you work for a particular company, shop, or organization, or that you do a certain kind of work, or that your mission in life is to “do this.”

Consider a job description for Jesus. What would you expect to read on that list? Healing? Recruiting disciples? That water into wine thing? It may be easier to recall what he said during the Bread of Life Discourse, which happened the day after feeding the five thousand and walking on water. He told the crowd, “I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me” [John 6:38].

The job or mission of Jesus was to do the Father’s will. Part of that was to develop an understanding of God’s will among the apostles and disciples, which would become the foundation of what we know as the church. Spreading the good news to the ends of the earth is a big job, and Jesus gave the apostles the words and faith they needed to be a part of that effort. After 3 years of teaching, miracles, leading by example, parables, personal explanations, and course corrections, the apostles are almost ready to take on their new job, growing the church.

Today’s gospel reading is part of the Last Supper Discourse, also called the Farewell Discourse, which occurred during the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion in Jerusalem. It spans John chapters 13 through 17 and is a profound teaching moment where Jesus prepares his followers for his departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the challenges they will face in the world. We join the discourse already in progress.

Jesus tells his disciples that he is “going to the one that sent him” and tries to comfort them in their grief and confusion.

“But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
sin, because they do not believe in me;
righteousness, because I am going to the Father
and you will no longer see me;
condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.” [John 16:7-11]

The Advocate (sometimes translated as “Paraclete”) is a helper, a bit of a job assistant. The word is used five times in John’s writings, always with reference to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. It is a legal term for an attorney or spokesman who defends the accused in court. Jesus uses it to refer to a heavenly intercessor who is called to the side of God’s children to offer strength and support. Jesus is an “Advocate” because in heaven he pleads to the Father for believers still struggling on earth [1Jn 2:1]. The Spirit, too, is an “Advocate” because he is sent to strengthen the disciples in Jesus’ absence [John 14:16], instruct them in the truth [John 14:26; 15:26], and defend them against the prosecutions of the devil.

The Advocate was introduced in John 14, and the notable detail in today’s reading is that if Jesus does not “go” to the Father, he will not be where he needs to be to send the Advocate, or Holy Spirit, to them. This seems to be a task, part of the job, that Jesus can only perform from the right hand of God. No going away would become no Holy Spirit, no Holy Spirit would effectively nullify the mission of the apostles to grow the church.

So how did that all work out? We get a bit of a look in the first reading. Our story begins with “The crowd in Philippi joined in the attack on Paul and Silas, and the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to be beaten with rods.” We may have missed some useful details here, so let’s backtrack a bit in Acts 16 to find out why there was an attack going on.

During St. Paul’s second mission, he had a vision and traveled to Philippi, a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. He and his fellow disciples were beginning to expand the church into Europe, having already been successful in their “job” elsewhere. They were welcomed by a woman merchant of purple cloth, whose household was soon baptized in the name of Jesus, and who supported their stay in Philippi. Luke (author of Acts of the Apostles) records what happened next:

As we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl with an oracular spirit, who used to bring a large profit to her owners through her fortune-telling. She began to follow Paul and us, shouting, “These people are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She did this for many days. Paul became annoyed, turned, and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” Then it came out at that moment. When her owners saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the public square before the local authorities. [Acts 16:16-19]

The slave girl had a job, fortune-telling, because she was possessed. Her proclamations that Paul and company were “slaves of the Most High God” were not unlike the man with the unclean spirit at the very beginning of the ministry of Jesus, crying out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God” [Mark 1:24]!

Truthful revelations by demonic spirits. In Mark, Jesus was not ready to reveal himself fully to the unprepared crowd, so he commanded silence and that the demon come out. Times had changed, and Paul didn’t react immediately to the slave girls' prophecy that they were indeed doing a job for the Most High God. After many days, Paul becomes annoyed and, as part of his job, commands the evil spirit to leave the girl.

No longer possessed by the oracular spirit, the slave girl could not perform her job of fortune-telling, which made her owners lots of money. The owner’s “job” was to build personal wealth, in this case by owning and exploiting a possessed slave girl.

The owner complained to the magistrates, the highest officials of the Roman colony of Philippi, essentially that they had been unfairly robbed of their lucrative business. This was a commercial crime! Oh yeah, the criminals were Jews from another country and had no standing there. The magistrates’ job was to keep the peace and protect the local business owners. Hence, the beating and incarceration of Paul and Silas.

The story continues:

After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely. When he received these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and secured their feet to a stake. [Acts 16:23-24]

The jailer has a simple job description. Hold onto prisoners delivered to you. Don’t let them escape.

Paul and Silas continued their job, growing the church and keeping the faith, by praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened. The acoustics of the hard-walled prison probably enhanced the prayers and songs in a jail where joyful sounds are not often heard.

About midnight, there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted out in a loud voice, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” [Acts 16:25-28]

The jailer, having apparently failed at his job, was prepared to take his own life, rather than face the consequences. Paul de-escalates the situation. By shouting to the jailer, other prisoners would have heard the “we are all here” as the wishes of those who were singing and praying. A peaceful ending for a potentially disastrous moment.

The clearly rattled jailer rushed in and fell down before Paul and Silas:

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once. He brought them up into his house and provided a meal and with his household rejoiced at having come to faith in God. [Acts 16:30-34]

The jailer, being a Greek employee of the municipality of Phillipi, would have had little reason to become a follower of Jesus. But Paul and Silas continued their work, their mission of prayer and song, and peacefully spread the message of salvation through belief in Jesus. The jailer became a better person and, though we are not told, he likely told and retold this story many times, each time picking up new followers.

So your job can be your work, your profession. It can be the next task on your list. Or long-term, it could be your mission in life.

What’s your job?

Leave a comment

Like a vice, the rescuing grip of God’s creation begins with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The squeezing of evil’s juice from our world has been tightening for two thousand years. Soon, it will be completed. Sin will be excised, and righteousness will prevail.

Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 16:22-34
John 16:5-11

You also might turn your head a bit when hearing the last four verses in today’s gospel.

“And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned” (John 16-8-11).

John writes the words above, announced to the disciples in his last discourses before his arrest. Much has been said about the “he” identified here by Jesus as the Holy Spirit. So, we should be good at making that assumption. The visual reminder is that the Holy Spirit has been given the authority to grasp the universe with the ultimate authority of God.

Consider this teaching within a further context. This is a capsule summary from Jesus on Trinitarian authority. Jesus’ work is finished. He is returning to the Father, the person of the Trinity who exhibits all authority. Jesus has surrendered himself to the Father, setting aside his shared authority within the Trinity while he lives out his incarnation.

The Holy Spirit, whose profile in cloud and fire was translated into a dove-like entity at Jesus’ Baptism, foreshadowed the future for all of further human life. Instead of Jesus wandering within the confines of a space less than the size of Colorado, the Holy Spirit will alight upon and then enter, worldwide, into our bodily selves. No longer reserved as a prophetic anointing for the few, the Holy Spirit will be the authority of the living Church, anointed and exhibited in all of its members.

That’s an authority shift unknown by creation since the fall of Adam and Eve.

We shouldn’t get too twisted up in our thinking on this, because it’s likely we’ll get turned around on matters of three persons in one God. The theology on how the three persons interplay is a never-ending study — something our eternal lives can chew on forever.

But this we do know. Jesus is about to display his Lordship of the universe, his authority over all creation, as a holy preparation for Pentecost, the dramatic entrance of the Holy Spirit. The creation was built for Jesus, by the way, not as its only godly member, but as God incarnated. That makes Jesus the physical Lord.

In a day or two from this discourse, Jesus will finalize his submission to the wiles and weaselly ways of a creation run by satanic forces. He will then arise and conquer death, giving proof of life — eternal life — for those who want to and will know him.

He won’t perform his earthly physical function anymore in person, not quite yet, unless you count the Eucharist, as most of us do, as his physical presence. Again, it’s easy to confuse ourselves with the intricacies of God’s movements. So Jesus' real presence in the Eucharist is affirmed. We’re talking instead about the exercise of authority. A shift took place upon Jesus’ prophecy that the Comforter, the Counselor, would come to indwell the followers of Christ — “I will send him to you.”

And what does the Holy Spirit have on his task list? The Holy Spirit convicts the world regarding sin, righteousness, and condemnation. Jesus outlines this. Those are mouthful words, but worthy of our study.

In essence, the Holy Spirit reveals sin through the behaviors of those who do not believe in him. We each know this behavior.

The Holy Spirit reveals righteousness in Jesus’ upcoming Resurrection and Ascension when he officially exits from the boundaries of creation. In other words, by his unfettered travel from this realm into Heaven, he opens a portal unavailable before to everyone of us. Jesus will even go into the depths of hell to retrieve everyone of righteous nature to join him. He then would shatter the grip that death had on all who have already died!

Jesus tells the disciples this before the shift takes place. These cosmic changes have not yet taken place as he teaches them. However, one thing has been accomplished:

“… condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Unlike our existence, a tragedy of errors and repentance, we live in sin, and the angels do not. That is, those of us who survive long enough to grasp the personal choice of sin (not the aborted, certainly, or those taken in infancy or who died as a young child). Jesus has a message for us, but he also includes the consequences of another realm of creation. It’s important that we hear this because we must choose the righteousness of Jesus over the sin of the evil one and his minions.

The angels did not, and do not, experience time as we do. Their choice of holiness over evil was offered differently. They, as a host, chose the way of evil or to remain among the heavenly union in a cataclysmic event. One third balked at God’s plan for them. They were left to live in the universe as beastly barnacles and poisonous beings. God allowed them to take over the hierarchical stewardship of creation, a fallen world. This decision by the creator fits well into the realm of “God only knows why.”

Yet, here we grasp that Jesus declares the cosmic reality for these fallen angels under satanic rule in the same breath as he announced the Holy Spirit’s weaving into the fabric of every willing human life.

“… condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

This is not a pithy dramatic phrase at the end of a fantasy novel. This is the vice of authority over the entity that offered, manipulated, and coerced humanity into choosing death.

Like a vice, the rescuing grip of God's creation begins with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The squeezing of evil’s juice from our world has been tightening for two thousand years. Soon, it will be completed. Sin will be excised, and righteousness will prevail.

Our heads are supposed to be turned. We should be shocked. Each of us has our time to decide which entity we want to live in. There is no other bigger decision to make. Our decision is lifted up against the choices made by the angelic realm.

Leave a comment