Reflection for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 1, 2021

Reflection for 18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 1, 2021

This Sunday’s readings proclaim the mercy and generosity of our God. Even when we’re complaining and ungrateful, our God is magnanimous and loving! God supplies all of our needs.

(Exodus 16:2-4; 12-15): Repeatedly, throughout history, our God has proven to us that He is providing for us and will provide for us; attentively and with regard to all of our needs. Nevertheless, how quickly the ancient Israelites lost faith and how quickly, we lose faith and start complaining and doubting in times of trial and suffering. Instead, consider practicing the “Divine Mercy” devotions and recite often, the mantra: “Jesus Christ, King of Mercy, I trust in Thee!” By repeating these words that express trust, we’ll begin to exercise confidence in God. Then, the truth of these prayers and the validity of this devotion to Jesus as the King of Mercy, and its spiritual fruits will come to us. In Exodus, the Lord provided both bread and meat, miraculously. What can God not do for us, when we ask with true faith and confidence?!

(Psalm 78: “The Lord gave them bread from Heaven.”): This psalm celebrates the miracle of the “manna”, the miraculous “bread from Heaven,” provided by God for His hungry people.  This is a foreshadowing of the “bread of angels” that is the Eucharist! In commemorating this miracle, we’re ensuring that we never forget or take for granted God’s generosity, attentiveness and powerful ability to provide for us with infinite abundance. Know and believe, always that God does and will fulfill His promises to protect us and provide for us, completely, as we move forward on our Earthly journeys, to join Him in Heaven, one day.

(Ephesians 4:17; 20-24): If we listen and take heed to St. Paul’s words, today, we will consider how we must change our lives in order to be more authentic and fruitful disciples of Jesus. Let’s not “live in the futility of our minds,” like those without faith. Let’s let our minds be renewed and refreshed with the hope and confidence, love and wisdom that come from faith in Christ Jesus. Let’s open ourselves to the profound graces made available to us at our baptism, when we were anointed as priest, prophet and king. Let’s claim our inheritance and live up to our roles as Christian disciples. Let’s minister to the poor, the sick, the oppressed and the lonely. Let’s echo Jesus’ own message of hope and love!

(John 6:24-35):  Jesus’ words to disciples seeking Him are thought-provoking: “You are looking for me not because you saw signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the (eternal) food, which the Son of Man will give you.” The food Jesus refers to is “spiritual food,” which will nourish peoples’ souls. With the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, spiritual blessings were also shared: compassion, love, kindness and generosity.
Having been “filled” with the loaves and the “spiritual food” that Jesus gave them, the disciples ask: “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”  Having been fed, they want to work and serve. Jesus tells them that “the work of God is to believe in the One He sent; Jesus Himself. Jesus then identifies Himself, in symbolic language as the “Bread of Life,” promising that whoever comes to Him will never hunger and that whoever believes in Him will never thirst. Jesus means both… physical and spiritual hunger. Once again, we’re reassured that God supplies all of our needs.       

Trustingly,        
Deacon Matt