As we continue to hear the “Bread of Life” discourse from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, we reflect on how our spiritual health is renewed by the frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion. We are what we eat!
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
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Here are some of the main themes present in the readings for the 19th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – 1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm – 34:2-9
2nd Reading – Ephesians 4:30-5:2
Gospel – John 6:41-51
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
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In the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus says that he is the Bread of Life, and as we hear these words in the context of the New Testament and the early Church we come to the awareness that this bread – our reception of Holy Communion at Mass – is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ!
Mass Readings – 18th Sunday of the Year
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Here are some of the main themes that surface in the readings for this 18th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Exodus 16:2-4,12-15
Psalm – 78:2-4,23-25,54
2nd Reading – Ephesians 4:17,20-24
Gospel – John 6:24-35
Mass Readings – 18th Sunday of the Year
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Philip shares his faith in Jesus with an Ethiopian eunuch. As we are nourished by Christ, our bread of life, we are strengthened to pass on the faith to one another.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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Following the death of Stephen the disciples face violent persecution even as they continue to grow in numbers and perform amazing deeds in the name of Jesus.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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The seventh chapter of Acts recounts the martyrdom of Stephen and offers us an insight into the courage of the early Church. Where does this strength come from? Jesus Christ, the bread of life!
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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Jesus teaches that he is “the bread of life” and whoever comes to him will never hunger. The Lord sustains us with this living bread, giving us the strength we need to face the challenges of life today.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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In the Scriptures we see a common theme: God’s response to the grumbling, griping, complaining and murmuring of others. May we live each day, not feeding our fears, but feasting on the faith that comes from the Bread of Life!
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
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Study: What are some of your regular chores? Which ones do you find boring, dreary, dull, or difficult?
Pray: Take a moment to count your blessings. Consider the many ways you have been blessed by God.
Serve: How can you help someone with a difficult chore? How can you assist another with a challenging task?
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
Every summer my sister and I had a standard routine during school vacation. We would get up, have some breakfast, and face the dreaded work list. Our mother was the master of list making – with her perfect penmanship, she would write out the chores that needed to be done before Amy and I could go down to the beach for some fun. We would groan and complain,”This is SO HARD!” while mom just smiled and reminded us that we all have work to do to keep the house running.
One time when I was feeling particularly oppressed, I had the gall to ask, “What did you do?” and I discovered that my folks:
In other words, I quickly discovered that my life – even with my terrible chores – depended completely on them.
Both Elijah and the crowds in the Gospel discover a similar lesson today. Elijah was grumbling and the people were murmuring, but God fed them (both physically and spiritually) with food for this life and the next.
The point is simple: our lives are completely and entirely dependent upon God. While it is true and important to note that we all have work to do, it is crucial to remember that we have this work because God allows it. Our lives are supported every moment by the grace of the Almighty; the Lord sustains our lives so that we might offer them in our work…the “chores” that we get to do. What’s more, God nourishes us so that we can do these chores with strength, courage, and wisdom.
For several weeks now we have heard how God feeds us with heavenly bread; perhaps today we might take a moment in gratitude to thank the Lord for what we have received, so that we can do today’s work with an open mind and a willing heart. May our chores remind us that they are part of life – a gift which we have received from God.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: this blog was first published on August 4, 2015.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
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