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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) – July 22, 2012

When It’s More Than Enough

Sometimes the little we have is the starting point for God’s blessings. This was the lesson the people missed in the multiplication of the loaves and fish in John 6.

RESOURCES FOR THE FEAST OF ST JAMES THE ELDER – JULY 25

MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, we discover that, in the hands of Jesus, what we have is more than enough.

FIRST READING The second book of Kings tells us what Elisha did with his prophet’s tithe. He shared it with the poor, for he knew there would some left over for him.

PSALM Psalm 145 took style to the level of substance. Its style created its own beauty, as it gave glory to YHWH.

SECOND READING In the letter to the Ephesians, the author (Paul?) presented the road to spiritual fulfillment through life in the community. Unity with the Spirit was found in unity with others.

GOSPEL This week’s gospel shifts from Mark to the Eucharistic narratives of John 6. We begin with the multiplication of the loaves and fish. The miracle emphasized plenty in the midst of want, when we belief in Jesus.

CHILDREN’S READINGS The story for the readings was about a poor boy who had a wood train. That little toy became more important when the poor boy became rich. God’s gifts can only be truly appreciated by those who know want.

FAMILY ACTIVITY The food we have does represent our wealth. To make this point, plan a simple meal and use that meal to begin a discussion on how to share your blessings with the needy.

A Special Note for the Victims of the Aurora Shooting

My personal prayers and a piece of my heart goes out to the victims, the families and friends of the deceased and the community of Aurora, Colorado. As many of the readers of this web site know, my son was witness to the shootings at Santana High School, Santee, CA on March 5, 2001; my family and I know all to well the personal grief the survivors are enduring right now. May God grant eternal rest to the departed and consolation to those left behind.