A Need for Contemplation – Missionary Commentary for June 1, 2025

A Need for Contemplation

Today’s Gospel invites us to take some quiet time for contemplation to be able to reach deeper into the message that Jesus gave to his apostles and friends at the Last Supper. It is part of what is called the Eucharistic prayer in St. John’s Gospel. Though I am not a Scripture scholar who carries a degree, I am a lover of the Sacred Word and as a Franciscan, the roots of my spirituality, like St. Francis, are in Scripture.

The first words that caught my eye and heart were “Jesus prayed.” We know from other scripture passages that Jesus always had moments of communing with the Father. But here we have the content of what Jesus prayed about. Can you feel the deep desire and love in Jesus’ words? This fact makes these words most important to me. The Holy Spirit inspired the community of St. John who wrote these words down for our benefit, and truly they a gift to us.

“That they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” Jesus not only prayed for those who knew him personally, but for all of us who came after. Our unity as the people of God is to be as strong as the unity between the Father and the Son. I have had moments, situations and amazing occasions when I deeply felt this unity. But unfortunately, the opposite has also been true. Divisions, misunderstandings and even hate has separated us as a people and as a Church. We need to acknowledge them so that we can seek the best solutions to correct them. Some seem to be so hopeless that we despair of any reconciliation, but are we not sent to be Pilgrims of Hope? Can we afford to be hopeless when we profess the God of love and mercy?

“I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” As we meditate on the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, we see Jesus in action. We see how he walked with the poor and rejected of society. We see how he freed people from their sufferings and brought them back into society to be loved once again. We see that Jesus did not fear to touch and embrace the unclean. This is our mission, too. Jesus has already made this known to us, but do we always remember his example and teachings when push comes to shove? Do we embrace this mission with our whole heart, mind, and being? Our late Pope Francis never tired of writing about mission, our mission as a Church, my mission as an individual. And I believe that Pope Leo XIV will continue with this important aspect of our Baptism, our life, and our desire to live and proclaim unity.

I feel now that these words are enough, but I invite you to bring some extra silence into your day to feel Jesus talking to you. What are the words of Jesus’ prayer are inviting you to stop and listen? Where and how can you live more deeply the mission that God has created you for? You and I are one in God and Jesus and may our Baptismal relationship be a reality for us. I pray for you. Please pray for me. In love and unity and always hope.

Notes on the Readings

First Reading, Acts of the Apostles 7:55-60

The drama of this reading captures all of us. Here is a man, Stephen, speaking obviously inspired by God’s Spirit, but no one believes him. And worse he is murdered because of their fear of him, just like the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. There stands Saul, who witnesses and evidently exercises some kind of authority over the people because they lay their cloaks at his feet. The story will continue and we will be witnesses of God’s grace.

Responsorial Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9

Today’s psalm is very clear about the foundation of the throne of the King: Justice and Judgment. Justice requires a judgment, but the judgment must be just. This is God’s way according to Divine justice and judgment. When we live this dynamic, God’s glory is exalted and there can be peace.

Second Reading, Revelations 22: 12-24, 16-17, 20

Today’s second reading has the tone of Advent, “Come! Lord Jesus!” We understand that the washing of our robes leads us to the tree of life. Our lives demand many sacrifices and moments of conversion, but our eyes are fixed on Jesus. We need to always be near him to receive grace, and so we cry out, “Come! Lord Jesus!”

Gospel, John 17: 20-26

This Gospel is so rich in meaning and certainly each one of us will find the words that shine most brightly in our minds and hearts. It speaks of the true nature of the Father, Jesus and us. These natures are united in love because the Father has sent us to Jesus as gifts to manifest love of God to every person. We all are missionary disciples.

Commentary by Sr. Nancy Schramm, osf., a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart from Frankfort, Illinois and past president of USCMA. A missionary for 30 years in the Amazon region, she now contributes to various ministries including volunteering at Sacred Heart Mission Church in Pembroke Township, Il.; supporting formation of new members and adult formation in the Associate program of her congregation; as well as serving as a spiritual director and as a translator for various religious congregations.