SOCL, Sunday18B

Sunday August 04, 2024

This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.

See

Physical hunger is unmistakable and urgent. The deeper hungers of the heart are also urgent but can take a while to recognise. Deep down, for what do I really hunger and thirst?

Listen

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15; Psalm 78 (77); Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6:24-35

Reflect

(John 6:24-35)

-Jesus distinguishes between food that gives quick satisfaction and food that gives lasting nourishment. It is a mark of wisdom to be able to say ‘no’ to enticing but delusory attractions in order to choose things of lasting value. From your life experience what advice would you give to another about where things of lasting value are to be found?

-Jesus reminds his listeners that God is the source of all good things. What difference does it make in your life when you are aware that life, the world, everything you have is gift, and you live in a spirit of gratitude?

-The work of God is that we believe in the one whom God has sent. In what ways has your faith in Jesus enriched and changed your life? How has Jesus satisfied your hungers or quenched your thirsts? Is it the idea that we are loved by God?

-As Jesus came down from heaven to give life to the world, so each one of us is here to be a source of life to others. Think of people who have been a source of life to you, and give thanks for them. For whom have you also been a source of life?

Pray

Lord, giver of lasting life, satisfy our hunger through Christ, the Bread of Life, and quench our thirst with your gift of belief that we may no longer work for food that perishes, but believe in the One whom you have sent. 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

The Lord Gave Them Bread From Heaven

SOCL, Sunday17B

Sunday July 28, 2024

Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them to those seated.

See

The multiplication of the loaves generates many levels of meaning, often deeply spiritual. At a more ordinary level, we see an anonymous boy with the bread and fish making available what little he had for the Lord to make use of them. Placing ourselves at his disposal, offering whatever gifts we have is all that is asked of each of us.

Listen

2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145 (144); Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15

Reflect

(John 6:1-15)

-At the heart of this story we are told that Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them. In our day this reminds us of the Eucharist, the bread of life with which Jesus feeds us. By sharing the bread and wine in the Eucharist we symbolize our unity with one another and with God. Can you recall a particular Eucharist that was especially nourishing for you. What was it that made it different?

-Take, give thanks, distribute. The actions of Jesus also suggest an attitude to time, gifts and living. We take what we are given, give thanks, and use what we have. Have you found that having a grateful heart for what you have been given has made it easier for you to share with others?

-From what seemed meagre and inadequate resources many were fed. When have you found that when you gratefully use what little resources you have the results are beyond your expectations?

-Jesus chose to involve those around him in feeding the people. Have there been times when you have experienced benefits from calling on those around you to use their gifts to help with a task?

Pray

O God, you open wide your hand, giving us food in due season. Out of your never-failing abundance, satisfy the hungers of body and soul and lead all peoples of the earth to the feast of the world 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

The Hand of the Lord Feeds Us

SOCL, Sunday16B

Sunday July 21, 2024

Jesus said: “Come away to a deserted place and rest a while”

See

Our distraction-driven society values constant busyness, equating it with the modern concept of "activism." This mindset often leads us to believe that being perpetually occupied is synonymous with productivity. However, it is crucial to recognize that mistaking hyperactivity for productivity is an illusion. True productivity involves focused actions that contribute to long-term goals and personal growth, rather than merely filling time with activities. In our quest to stay busy, we may overlook the importance of rest and reflection, leading to burnout and diminished fulfillment. This is particularly evident in ministry, where administrative duties can overshadow the core mission of serving others. Taking time for rest is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step to recharge. Despite endless tasks, we must choose how to allocate our time wisely, prioritizing activities that align with our values and long-term objectives.

Listen

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23 (22); Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

Reflect

(Mark 6:30-34)

-The apostles reported to Jesus all that they had done and taught. Perhaps you have had the experience of being able to check in with somebody and share an experience. What was that like for you?

-Jesus saw that the apostles needed to rest and eat. What has been your experience of finding a restful place after a busy day? What kind of nourishment have you found necessary in order to live with energy and enthusiasm? What have these insights taught you about life?

-When Jesus saw the crowd, he recognized their need and reached out to them. Who has been a Jesus person for you, someone who recognized your need and reached out to you? For whom have you been a Jesus person in that way?

-It sometimes can be difficult to strike a balance between responding to the needs of others and meeting our need for rest and nourishment. What has helped you to keep the balance right?

Pray

Compassionate God, from far and near you gather your Church into one. Safeguard the unity of your flock through the teaching of Christ the Shepherd that all your scattered children may find in him the guidance and nourishment that they seek. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

References