“For this reason they stand before God’s throne
and worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who sits on the throne will shelter them.
They will not hunger or thirst anymore,
nor will the sun or any heat strike them.
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne
will shepherd them
and lead them to springs of life-giving water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 7: 15-17

Here are the complete readings for Sunday, May 11, 2025.

(The Ghent Altarpiece)

We go through life vulnerable, some days more so than others. I believe the day we are born is the winner. Whatever our relationship is with our mothers, they gave birth to us, and like meditation from the Book of Revelation about the lamb, led us to life. Let us give thanks for those moments of vulnerability, when we are most open to divine love.

In this life of following Christ,
allow yourself, therefore, to be given away,
together with your sisters and brothers,
as nourishment for others,
as bread that is broken. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, Father and Mother of us all, we thank you for the women in our life who have nurtured and strengthened us. We are grateful for their courage and determination, which has taught us that self-giving is itself a gift for many, including the giver. May we honor these strong, fabulous women by sharing their stories and living their legacy. Amen

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha
(which translated is Dorcas). 
She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. 
Now during those days she fell sick and died,
so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs. 
Since Lydda was near Joppa,
the disciples, hearing that Peter was there,
sent two men to him with the request,
“Please come to us without delay.” 
So Peter got up and went with them. 
When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs
where all the widows came to him weeping
and showing him the tunics and cloaks
that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 
Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. 
Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” 
She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. 
He gave her his hand and raised her up,
and when he had called the holy ones and the widows,
he presented her alive. 
This became known all over Joppa,
and many came to believe in the Lord. 

Acts 9: 36-42

Here are the complete readings for Saturday, May 10, 2025.

(“Sermon on the Mount” Persian Miniature)

God wasn’t finished with Tabitha, and Tabitha wasn’t finished with her mission. I don’t know if any of us will have a near death experience like she did, but it is comforting to process the image of a second act in life in which our lives are no longer focused on what we want, which will never be satisfied, and directed towards the joyful giving of self. Sometimes this self-giving can be found in grand gestures like Tabitha’s ministry to the marginalized, and in other times found in our dispositions in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. Consider the word “disposition” as how we are disposed or how we present ourselves to others and to the world. Are we present to the people we encounter as Jesus was? Do we savor the moments of quiet, even when we are weary, as living seeds of contemplation? Can we appreciate when we are sad, lonely, or upset, that are hearts are large enough to carry these emotions? Let us rise up like Tabitha to greet the dawn of what is possible today.

The Holy Spirit
does not let Himself be bound
by rules and models
but works where and as He wills.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, today we are thankful for gifting us with hope. We do not know how this day will unfold, nor can we assume it will be without discomfort, but here we are, full of hope for what is possible. You feed us and sustain us, O God, on this mysterious and wonderful journey.

Amen

But Ananias replied,
“Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man,
what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem.
And here he has authority from the chief priests
to imprison all who call upon your name.”
But the Lord said to him,
“Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine
to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel,
and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.”
So Ananias went and entered the house;
laying his hands on him, he said,
“Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me,
Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came,
that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes
and he regained his sight.
He got up and was baptized,
and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus,
and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,
that he is the Son of God.

Acts 9: 13-20

Here are the complete readings for Friday, May 9, 2025.

(The Conversion of St. Paul)

Theodore James Ryken, the founder of the Xaverian Brothers, had a conversion experience in which he described being “put in his place.” This has been interpreted as a kind of humiliation but could also refer to a moment, and perhaps it was just a moment, of wonder and awe. He recognized his place as a child of God, and how near God actually is. Ryken was also inspired with religious people known as the Dutch mystics, who spoke about such moments of grace as “blic” that roughly translates to “lightning” or “flashing.” When we meditate on St. Paul’s conversion, perhaps we can consider not just the dramatic “blic” that he encountered on the way to Damascus, but his response to it. Saul didn’t have to become Paul, he had three days of being put in his place to think about what had happened, and then said yes to this extraordinary offer from God with no regrets. We may be conscious of our “blic” moments when they happen or perhaps will not comprehend to much later. We may not understand why we feel called in this direction, but then neither did Paul or Ryken. We don’t need to fully comprehend in order to get it.

Perhaps you can repeat
with your Founder
this simple prayer
which he cherished:
O Lord, I cannot understand your ways,
but I must adore them.
Above all else remember
that your God is forever faithful.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, thank you for reassuring me that I don’t have to understand in order to know that you love me. Our lives are imperfect, and we make choices that result in shame. Despite our faults, you remind us that at the core of our being we are blessed and highly favored. Thank you for this day, and for the grace to contemplate how your love for us and our capacity to love others is greater than we can comprehend.

Amen

The Spirit said to Philip,
“Go and join up with that chariot.”
Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said,
“Do you understand what you are reading?”
He replied,
“How can I, unless someone instructs me?”
So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him.
This was the Scripture passage he was reading:

‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who will tell of his posterity?
For his life is taken from the earth.‘

Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply,
“I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this?
About himself, or about someone else?”
Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this Scripture passage,
he proclaimed Jesus to him.
As they traveled along the road
they came to some water,
and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water.
What is to prevent my being baptized?”
Then he ordered the chariot to stop,
and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water,
and he baptized him.

Acts 8: 29-38

Here are the complete readings for Thursday, May 8, 2025.

(Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch from the Menologion of Basil II, an 11th-century illuminated manuscript)

Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles puts a spotlight on the Apostle Philip and his revolutionary choice to baptize someone culturally and geographically outside his faith community. In some ways, Philip was in the right place at the right time, but as we all know, simply having an opportunity does not mean we always seize it or use it properly. However, he had the awareness to be present to the eunuch, and the courage to respond to their question about being baptized. While unprecedented, there was nothing that would prevent Philip for welcoming the eunuch into new faith community. Yet Philip made his decision not by consulting the rules, but by trusting the sincerity of this believer and the Spirit that had brought them together. When have our moments of openness to what is possible actually been acts of grace? Can we think about times when we have had courageous conversations with people that were tense and awkward at first but resulted in fruitful dialogue and mutual respect? Did we trust someone with a responsibility that we feel they may not be ready for but were willing to support their decisions and actions? What angels might we be soon be entertaining in unlikely places?

Your Founder’s vision was unique.
He originally intended to form a community of laymen
who as religious brothers
would be sent as missionaries to the world.
As vowed members of the people of God,
sealed in baptism and confirmed by the Holy Spirit,
they would participate
in the Church’s mission of evangelization
through a life of gospel service
lived in solidarity and availability
among the people.
Now this understanding of mission
has been expanded to include
the many women and men
who collaborate with the Brothers in
Xaverian education and the Xaverian way of life.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, open my eyes and ears to the places and people who cry out for belonging and for justice. Help us to see the light in others that they may not see themselves, and allow us to nurture that flame to brighten so that they may a beacon of hope to their community and the world. May we never dismiss anyone as “other”, and we give thanks that you have included us as your beloved children.

Amen

So Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.”

So they said to Jesus,
“Sir, give us this bread always.” 
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

John 6: 32-35

Here are the complete readings for Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

(“Martyrdom of St. Stephen” Icon by Maxim Sheshukov)

The theologian Karl Rahner believed that humans, by our nature, are self-transcendent beings. We seek out the mysteries of life beyond what we can sense even if we are not always conscious of doing so. What are we really searching for, on a fundamental level? Perhaps it is our personal quest for meaning in this present time. This can be complicated, especially when we dare to ask these existential questions while simultaneously struggling with our own self-doubt and the awareness of suffering around us. In the midst of this uncertainty, Jesus calls us to turn towards God, who has been with us the whole time. As he talks about being the bread of life, Jesus does not promise an answer to our questions. Instead, he tells us that the fruit of his nourishment is belief. It is the belief that we are loved, and that we belong here today, and that we will then become still greater reflections of who we are meant to be, whatever the circumstances. Hopefully we then come to the understanding that the gift of belief is not meant to be kept secret or guarded, it is meant to be broken open and shared.

Gradually,
you will realize
that the cost of your discipleship
is your very life,
freely consecrated to God
and offered to the world
as a sign of God’s love and care. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, Here I am, alive right here and now. Thank you for this incredible gift. Help me focus on the here and now so that I may then have a better appreciation for the past and foresight for the future. You are ever present to us. May we embrace your presence so that we can share the gift of ourselves.

Amen

But I told you that although you have seen me,
you do not believe.
Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.

John 6: 36-39

Here are the complete readings for Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

(The miracle of the five loaves and two fish … a modern Ethiopian painting in Mount Saint Joseph Abbey, Roscrea (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2018))

Reading the Gospel followed by the stanza from the Fundamental Principles, I am struck by how the gifts of belief and trust can lead to one’s freedom. It seems almost counterintuitive to think this way, because we usually associate freedom with control and autonomy. When we live a life that has some aspect of vocation, though, this choice forces us to create space for the unknown, and being open to turning towards something or someone that was not in our original plans. We fear the loss of control. It is instinctive and quite natural as humans. Can we trust in what Jesus said in the Gospel, that he will never lose anything, or anyone, who has been entrusted to God’s care. If we meditate on the nature of freedom, isn’t it less about personal autonomy and more about living a deeper, more joyful life through our connection to a God who then shares us with other people we may be blessed to encounter?

 Friend,
You have freely chosen
to respond to the call of God
to live a life of love
in faith and trust,
as a disciple of God’s Son, Jesus Christ,
in a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School or in your community.
In calling you
God too was completely free.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God,  thank you for accepting me without reservation. Even though I am not quite ready to respond to your call, your voice never grows impatient. Help me to let go of my fears of being judged for being honest and real with myself and my loved ones. Continue to encourage me to surrender to the joyous reality of whom I am meant to be. I do not see the path ahead, but I want to believe.

Amen

A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel,
a teacher of the law, respected by all the people,
stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time,
and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel,
be careful what you are about to do to these men.
Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important,
and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed,
and all those who were loyal to him
were disbanded and came to nothing.
After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census.
He also drew people after him,
but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered.
So now I tell you,
have nothing to do with these men, and let them go.
For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin,
it will destroy itself.
But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them;
you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
They were persuaded by him.

Acts 5: 34-39

Here are the complete readings for Friday, May 2, 2025.

(“Rabbi Gamaliel Teaching” British Library)

Have you ever known a person with whom you really disliked all of a sudden come to your aid or vouch for you when you needed support? This was the case of the Pharisee Gamaliel, who had both the wisdom and courage to appreciate the sincerity of the apostles, even if he disagreed with their message. This rabbi possessed the rare gift of humility to go along with his wisdom. He knew what he did not know, but what he did know with certainty was that God’s ways are not necessarily our ways. When we consider people we disagree with, can we be open to listening to who they are as humans even if we find their views repugnant and worthy of rebuke? Can we also practice enough discernment to know the difference between opposing someone on a just principle and doing so because we are attached to our outrage?

God is not obliged
to give an account to anybody,
even if God wants to use a sinner.
You were created by the God of love
in God’s image and according to God’s likeness,
to be a unique expression of that love.
It is through you
that God desires to manifest Love
to the peoples of the world in these times,
and to offer them the freedom
of the children of God.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, help us not to doubt you or your wisdom, especially when we hunger for easy answers to our questions and solutions for our problems. Help us to share our authentic selves as a gift to your people, trusting that you provide us all the nourishment we need.

Amen

(“Jesus Feeds 5000” by LittleDoveArtWork)

The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.

John 3: 31-34

Here are the complete readings for Thursday, May 1, 2025.

(“Trinitarian Harmony” by Daniel Ivevbunu)

The Trinity will always be a mystery, because this is the very nature of God. Can we have the belief that even though we do not understand God, either God’s essence or God’s actions, that we can still love God unconditionally just as we believe God loves us? The Gospel of John proclaims “God does not ration the gift of the Spirit.” The quote from Jesus in the Gospel gives me hope. God is generous and not stingy, especially with the giving of gifts, which is what we humans encounter as grace. God, in God’s mystery, is not some far off concept that has no direct connection to our here and now. Mysterious does not mean aloof. In our own human relationships, the ones that continue to grow over time, we often find to our wonder and delight, the more we get to know and love the other person, the more that there is to this person that we have yet to understand. This reality itself is a grace worth savoring.

As a follower of Jesus,
and in relationship with one another,
keep ever before you
the motto of the congregation:
Concordia res parvæ crescunt.
In harmony small things grow.
For it is only in harmony
that you will grow,
that your community will grow,
that the love of God will grow in your world,
and that the reign of God will grow to completeness.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you give us hearts that yearn for meaning. Help us to direct our thoughts and our actions to discovering the possibilities of our vocations in life, one hour at a time. We are grateful for the people in our lives, those present only for now, and those from our past, present and future, who encourage us to follow our hearts and to trust in the path we walk with you.

Amen