The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, July 30, 2006
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Kings 4:42-44
Psalm 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18
Ephesians 4:1-6
John 6:1-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The wonderful Chapter 6 of St. John's Gospel will occupy the next few Sundays. How easily we can meditate on the abundant Bread of Life the Lord provides for us as we travel through the lush countryside of mid and late summer. As farmers gather the hay into storage, we are reminded of the seven loaves being gathered by the disciples. Then, after all had eaten their fill, there are twelve baskets left over of the bread and fish!

Without the slightest fear of protest from our faithful readers, I can state in truth that not one of us is sufficiently grateful for a loving and generous God who feeds us so lavishly of His Body and Blood daily.

O Bread of Heaven which heals and soothes our souls so wounded by sin and a faithless and indifferent world! O Delightful Banquet which gives strength and joy to our weary hearts! May we be inspired by a renewed appreciation for the precious Gift of Jesus Himself to prepare more carefully before approaching the altar.

Jesus, stir up my sluggish faith, and let my soul sing loudly my gratitude for your incredible gift of perpetual presence, nourishment and friendship. May I never again take your miracle of love for granted.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)