The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, August 20, 2006
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Prvoverbs 9:1-6
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Like the disciples of Jesus, we are confused with shadowy and complicated discourse. We want plain talk! Well, this week, we can be truly thankful that our first reading is very direct, and can be understood by everyone. Lady Wisdom speaks to us with enticing words: "Come, eat of my food and drink of my wine! Forsake foolishness that you may live!" Who can resist such hospitality? In the second reading from St. Paul to the Ephesians, however, we are admonished not to get drunk on that wine!

There's the message! Moderation in pleasure, discipline in our grasp for merely human satisfaction. Wisdom teaches us moderation in all things. It is not sinful to seek innocent pleasures, but so often we go beyond prudent boundaries. As a result, we may commit sin, or perhaps merely dull our taste and appreciation for spiritual joy.

The constant seeking for pleasure distracts us from seeking the simple yet profound joy of tasting God, especially in the Eucharist. "I am the bread come down from heaven,” Jesus proclaims in the Gospel. How often do we "seize the moment" and use the precious opportunity to hold the Bread of Angels in our hearts? Not only do we need to seize the moment, but we also need to give constant thanks for the great gift of God, eager to become a part of our lives through His Word and His food!

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(pwhitmore29 at yahoo dot com)