SOCL, Sunday21B

Sunday August 25, 2024

Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.

See

The phrase “Do you also wish to go away” possesses a distinctly modern vibe, resonating deeply in a time when countless individuals have indeed chosen to depart from their current circumstances. This intriguing question inevitably prompts us to ponder: Why is it that I remain in this place? What compelling factors continue to captivate my attention and keep me anchored here? Our personal reflections on this matter are very likely to manifest in the form of statements such as “we have come to believe and we know,” which articulate the foundations of our beliefs. It is essential that we do not shy away from identifying the significant experiences that underpin our convictions, as these experiences ultimately illuminate the rationale behind our unwavering commitment. By doing so, we not only clarify the reasons for our steadfast loyalty but also enrich our understanding of the faith that continues to guide us through life’s complexities.

Listen

Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34 (33); Ephesians 5:2,25-32; John 6:60-69

Reflect

(John 6:60-69)

-In this chapter Jesus teaches that the meaning of his life, and the meaning of all human life, lies in being prepared to give of oneself. When have you learned that life was more worthwhile when you were prepared to do that?

-“This teaching is difficult”, complained his hearers, including some of his own followers. Perhaps at times you also have wondered if you could go along with it. What helped you to overcome your resistance?

-“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life.” In the midst of your doubts perhaps you have held on to belief because, like Peter, Jesus offered you a more hopeful message than you could find anywhere else. How has the gospel message been more attractive to you than any other?

-“The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life”. Recall the teachings of Jesus have particularly spoken to you.

Pray

In every age, O God, you give your people freedom to walk in faith or turn away. Grant us grace to remain faithful to your Holy One, whose words are spirit and life, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

References

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord

SOCL, Sunday20B

Sunday August 18, 2024

The one who eat this bread will live forever

See

One could launch the reflection by recalling significant situations in which the costly gift of self nourished others, leading perhaps to the gift of new courage and new life. Christians believe that Jesus gives life by giving himself. This is also the path of discipleship—the believer also gives life by the gift of self. Such memories may lead to the real heart of what is being said here: faith in Jesus and the meaning of his death and resurrection. At this point, questions arise such as, what is at the centre of my life? What give me nourishment and energy? How has that actually taken place in my own, quite personal journey? It might even help to come up with a personal faith statement at this point. Above all, this is an invitation to faith, understood as deep, deep trust. In the words of another text, we believe God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself (2 Cor 5:19).

Listen

Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34 (33); Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

Reflect

(John 6:51-58)

-In John’s Gospel, the author frequently presents people as misunderstanding what Jesus says. Jesus then uses the mistake to lead his hearers to a deeper understanding of his teaching. When have you found that clarification of a misunderstanding helped you to greater wisdom or deeper faith?

-Recall some treasured gifts that you have received. Then think of people who gave you something of themselves. Is it not true that such a gift outweighs any material present? When have you received such a gift? To whom have you given this gift?

-In this gospel faith is not a concept but a relationship. Faith leads us to believe in Jesus and to trust him who gave his life for us. As you look back on the development of your faith, what has helped to increase your trust in Jesus so that you believe that you are never on your own no matter what difficulties arise in your life?

-Jesus promises that those who come to him will have life. In what ways have you found that believing in God’s love, and believing that Jesus came to tell us about that love has been life-giving for you?

Pray

Wise and gracious God, you spread a table before us and nourish your people with the word of life and the bread from heaven. In our sharing of these holy gifts, show us our unity in you and give us a taste of the life to come. We make our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

References

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord

SOCL, Sunday19B

Sunday August 11, 2024

See

The concept of "eternal life" often brings to mind visions of an afterlife that may feel far-off and theoretical. However, the Gospel of John, in which the term is mentioned a total of seventeen times, provides a fresh and unique viewpoint on this matter. The ultimate mention of this phrase in John 17:2 hints at the idea that eternal life is not solely a future prospect but rather a profound quality of connection that commences in the here and now. This connection is characterized as unbreakable in Hebrews 7:16, suggesting that it surpasses the confines of our earthly lives and experiences.

Listen

1Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34 (33); Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

Reflect

(John 6:41-51)

-Jesus gave the disciples a share in his Faith is reasonable but we cannot reason our way into faith. We have to be ‘drawn by the Father’. We have to be ‘taught by God’. What opens your mind and heart to God’s message?

-One thing which closes our minds to what another is saying is when we label them disparagingly, as the Jews did to Jesus. Have you ever had the experience of being surprised by the wisdom of another when you laid aside your prejudices about her/him to listen to what s/ he was saying?

-‘No one has ever seen the Father except the one who is from God’. As Jesus put a human face on God and God’s love, so God’s love for us today is mediated through one another. How have other people been sacraments of God’s love for you?

-The way in which Jesus became a source of life for us was by giving himself. It is when we truly give ourselves that we can be life-giving to one another. If we do not give of ourselves, what do we have to offer? How have you discovered the importance of self-giving, in yourself or in others?

Pray

God our Father and provider, whose Son has given his flesh for the life of the world, sustain your pilgrim Church on its journey with the word of life and the bread of heaven. Draw us nearer to him in whose name we gather, that, following his way of sacrificial love, we may come to the banquet of eternal life. Grant this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

References

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord