On the Sundays throughout this year we have been hearing the Gospel according to St. Mark. Today, like last week, and for the next three Sundays, however, we will hear sections from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel drawing us into the image of Jesus as the Bread of Life: better known as ‘The Bread of Life Discourse.’ (Great timing, Eucharistic Congress!)
In the first three Sundays of this Bread of Life Discourse of St. John, we see how God sent Bread (Jesus) from heaven. We are to believe and that is how we are led to eternal life. The Old Testament readings of these three Sundays are miracle stories of being fed from heaven and the Responsorial Psalms call us to bless the Lord for the wonderful ways in which we are fed by God.
Last weekend, the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we heard the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and how all who come to Jesus are fed. This miracle took place during the Passover (the liberation of the Exodus), and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread—all of which adds to the Paschal Mystery. This weekend, the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are challenged to believe in the One whom God sent. When we are present and join in the Eucharist at Mass and we share the many mysteries of this history, we who believe will never hunger or thirst again. This is the Paschal Mystery.
The loaves and fishes were multiplied, and by the incredible miracle of the sharing of the people—overcoming our natural human, fearful and selfish tendencies—all present had acted in love. We too, each Sunday, experience a foretaste of the heavenly banquet where all are filled. We know that those who hunger in faith will be satisfied, and that through us, Jesus’ feeding work may continue, whether at Mass, in our homes, families and Community and in the larger world. We are all called as baptized Christians to feed the poor and hungry, and to give life to the world. We also know that In Communion With Him, We Are Loved.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
In the first three Sundays of this Bread of Life Discourse of St. John, we see how God sent Bread (Jesus) from heaven. We are to believe and that is how we are led to eternal life. The Old Testament readings of these three Sundays are miracle stories of being fed from heaven and the Responsorial Psalms call us to bless the Lord for the wonderful ways in which we are fed by God.
Last weekend, the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we heard the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and how all who come to Jesus are fed. This miracle took place during the Passover (the liberation of the Exodus), and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread—all of which adds to the Paschal Mystery. This weekend, the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are challenged to believe in the One whom God sent. When we are present and join in the Eucharist at Mass and we share the many mysteries of this history, we who believe will never hunger or thirst again. This is the Paschal Mystery.
The loaves and fishes were multiplied, and by the incredible miracle of the sharing of the people—overcoming our natural human, fearful and selfish tendencies—all present had acted in love. We too, each Sunday, experience a foretaste of the heavenly banquet where all are filled. We know that those who hunger in faith will be satisfied, and that through us, Jesus’ feeding work may continue, whether at Mass, in our homes, families and Community and in the larger world. We are all called as baptized Christians to feed the poor and hungry, and to give life to the world. We also know that In Communion With Him, We Are Loved.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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