Gratitude must be our attitude!
august 4, 2024, 18th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B.
Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15; Psalm 78:3–4, 23–24, 25, 54; Ephesians 4:17, 20–24; John 6:24–35
Meister Eckhart, a German Catholic Theologian once said that:
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice."
For this to be real, gratitude should remain the memory of the heart as expressed by the French Bishop, Jean Baptiste Massieu. Yet according to our daily experience our memory can be very selective. The Israelites are giving us an example of this in today’s first reading. In spite of all that the Lord had done for them, they grumbled against Moses and Aaron just because of hunger. We too might have compromised our freedom, salvation, our Christian faith, our doctrines, morals and sacraments because of material needs and temporal wants. Let’s stop thinking like the “Egyptian fleshpots' ', but thank God for the gift of life, family, community, Jesus is our bread of life, faith and salvation. Let our soul bless the Lord for his mercies endures forever.
Giving Thanks to the Lord
As continue reflect on this powerful and wonderful sixth chapter of St. John, let us remember the true meaning of the Mass. The word Eucharist means, “Thanksgiving”. This should be a reminder that we go to Mass to give thanks to God for his goodness to our world, families and friends. We need to be grateful. Hearts that do not remember God’s powerful hand are not thankful and cannot be joyful. It is a grumbling heart that always wants to return to “egypt” or to “slavery and negativity”.
Jesus gives us life
The word eucharist also means the true bread of heaven, that real presence of Jesus in the blessed sacrament of the altar. Jesus is the true bread of life who promises eternal life to all who believe in him and who will eat this bread and drink this cup. We are hungry and thirsty for so many things in life, but Jesus is inviting us to the food of eternal life. He is also the only one who can truly satisfy all your needs. Please come to the altar. If the manna kept the children of Israel going, Holy Communion can sustain us through this earthly pilgrimage. Let us develop a taste for the Eucharist. If you can begin to attend daily Masses and take some hours for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, your life will change. With The Eucharist, what happened to each of us at our baptism is fulfilled - we become a new creation in Christ as we heard in today’s second reading (Eph. 4:17,20-24)
Thank you Jesus, Bread of life. Thanks you for your constant care and love. Help us to renew our minds and hearts. Amen.
Living the Gospel this Week:
Psalm 78. Our God is Faithful.
Despite our disobedience, our God is faithful. He keeps seeking for us and guiding us. We must remember his blessings and teach our children about God.
Prayer: We know the stories, Lord. Our parents have told us. We hear them in church. They tell of your faithfulness through all of history. Even when we mess up, you are near. We remember these stories to learn from them. When your people were trapped in Egypt, you saved them. Save us from the things that trap us. Release us from our bad choices. When your people were thirsty in the desert, you provided water from a rock. Quench our thirst, Lord. Help us to long for the life you give, the food that does not perish. Teach us not to thirst for unhealthy things. In remembrance, we recall how you provide good things for us. Amen.
Happy 18th Sunday to you All!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC