Gospel Reflections for August 2nd 2015
Recreation, Vacation, and Restoration
We are deep into the summer months now as August begins. For many people it is a time of rest and relaxation, and for a lucky few, some vacation time as well.
Why do we look forward to vacations so much? Even if we enjoy our regular routine, whether at home or office, we also enjoy doing different and fun things. We even use an interesting word to describe these events. We call them recreational.
Think of that word. It literally means to “re-create” or “create anew.” That implies that what is being re-created is, well …in need of it!
After all, things wear down, and our own energy and spirit can wear down too over time. A few days away from our usual daily routine can help us develop a different overall perspective that can come from a relaxing sun drenched beach, or beautiful and scenic mountainside, or just about any great vacation environment.
Today’s Gospel offers something that will never fade, never diminish, and never wear down. Jesus knows His disciples are about to enter a pagan world to bring the message of salvation to a sometimes hostile world. He wants them to rely on something that will always be at full strength for them.
He is that person that will never fade, diminish, or wear down, and they can receive Him every day in the Eucharist.
He knew His words about the “bread of life” would recall the famous story from the Old Testament, outlined in the first reading today, when the Israelites reliably received bread to eat every day from heaven after their escape from slavery in Egypt. They were instructed to go out and gather it every day. Day by day they received a reliable source of sustenance from God.
Jesus replicated that continual sustenance by His daily presence with them. He was the “daily bread” that would sustain them in all of their future adventures.
That is the same sustenance that we rely on today. We are also instructed “to go out and gather it every day” as well. That means we have to ask for Our Lord’s grace every day. It is there for the asking, we just have to ask and it will be ours.
The best “re-creation” comes from time spent with Our Lord.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you Father Dave. Your Gospel Reflections are a “Weekly Bread” for me. Your citing the rule of the Manna, that it should be taken anew every day, and relating this to our need for daily spiritual sustenance was a special trigger for contemplation on my part. One cannot “save up” sustenance when one is on the journey of life.
Yes, better to draw grace anew each day.
Often I notice that after receiving Holy Communion, whatever is stressful in my day seems to become lighter and more manageable when I return to it. The effort it takes to get to Mass so that I can receive our Lord is truly worth it!
Yes, that is exactly what communion is designed to do. Jesus let’s us know that He is with us in a special way, just as He designed at the Last Supper.
Father Dave, Dick and I love your beautiful thoughts, that our Jesus is the sustenance and grace in our life!!! What a divine gift Jesus gave to us in the Holy Eucharist,, the gift of himself to nourish us, and lead us to true joy!!! to God himself!!! What a beautiful gift to be nourished by Jesus, receive His grace and to give the Eucharistic to others!!! We are so blessed and we are blessed by you!!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
thank you!
Amen, Fr Dave, knowing our shepherd more each day will make the little or big world we are in a better place. Life is all about creating anew, restoration and build that relationship with the Lord Jesus and with one another. as we continue our journey.
True, “He is that person that will never fade, diminish, or wear down, and they can receive Him every day in the Eucharist”
Thank you Lord and thank you for the weekly reflection Fr Dave!.
Roy and Adele Vargas.
You are very welcome!
The older I get the more I depend on God. Thank you Father Dave!
You are very welcome!
Such a great gift we get each day..24 hours and the bread of Christ to sustain us.
Well said!
It makes since to me to ask for the lords grace everyday. Like exercise, sleep and eating everyday.
Yes, praying for the Lord’s grace everyday is a good health practice just like good nutrition and sllep.
Thank you Fr. Dave, for the thoughtful commentary on the importance of bodily
relaxation and spiritual help.
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest”
It is the combination of bodily relaxation and nourishment of the soul that makes us
“fully human and fully alive”
Well said!
Thank you Fr. Dave,
Truly appreciate your weekly comments.
God Bless.
You are very welcome!
The photograph you posted is beautiful! I always feel spiritual and one with God when I am at the beach.
Where do you find your artwork and photographs for your website?
All pictures come from internet searches for nor-royalty photographs.