Sunday Says
Sunday, August 9, 2014
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 116 (NAB Translation)
Reading 1
1 Kings 19:4-8
In this week’s first reading from the book of Kings, we return to Elijah in a dramatic scene where he has just about given up on life. He even calls out to the Lord to come and take him home. It might have been the heat and dehydration, but Elijah didn’t feel that he could continue. Miraculously, the Lord provided the food and water he needed to continue.
There are many times in life when we feel like giving up on the challenge ahead of us because we feel that we have nothing left to give. When we reach that point, we can trust that if we give it all to Him, the Lord will make up for where we fall short. He has already paid the price.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
- (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Reading 2
Ephesians 4:30—5:2
This week’s second reading continues our study in the letter to the Ephesians. In the previous chapters and weeks, we heard about the importance of unity in the body. Here, St Paul preaches a practical approach to living in harmony. He urges us to live in kindness for our brothers and sisters.
In our daily walk with our neighbors, it’s easy to find reasons to be angry or create discord, but the love of Jesus compels us to share it every day.
Alleluia
John 6:51
- Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Gospel
John 6:41-51
This week’s Gospel from St John is from the pivotal chapter 6 and the bread of life discourse. Jesus recalls the Hebrews’ exile in the desert where they were fed bread from heaven. We also recall the way the Lord provided for Elijah in his need.
Jesus is truly the bread of life, and He not only provides the physical sustenance that we need, it becomes the spiritual sustenance that will give us eternal life.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
Jesus invites us to believe in Him as the Bread of Life. May our understanding of the sacrament of Eucharist deepen each time we come to Mass.
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