Gospel Reflections for August 9th 2015
Some things last forever
Years ago in a former parish I remember the happy day that we celebrated the birthday of our much admired pastor. He was on in years but glad nevertheless to receive the good wishes of all his parishioners. Several parish organizations got together and sponsored a summer picnic, a great BBQ dinner, and even a pick-up softball game on the school field. The pastor, as old as he was, stepped up to the plate …and all eyes were on him as he faced the pitcher. Although an athlete in his youth, we all knew those days were clearly over. He swung at the first pitch, and much to our surprise, the ball took off long and high …and right over the left outfielder’s glove! Everyone was cheering wildly for him to run the bases, until we noticed him still standing at the plate. There was the pastor in utter amazement just happily watching the ball soar into the sky! (We granted him an “honorary” home run!)
No one was more amazed at the sudden reappearance of former sports ability than this pastor. After all, we are so used to things wearing down and fading from former glory. We even purchase warranties for products as a hedge and protection against what we know is inevitable, that things break down. Perhaps that is why we especially admire those things that last and endure over time.
What Jesus means to communicate to us today is that His love for us will never fade or diminish, despite the number of years that have gone by since the Last Supper when He first instituted the Eucharist.
When the Priest says the words of consecration at mass, they are the same words that Jesus spoke and they accomplish the exact same event that He did. They are profound words of unconditional love, and His love never fades or diminishes. When Jesus says, “This is my body and blood, given for you,” He means that His entire being is on our side and seeking our lasting happiness. He is for us each and every day. That is a promise that does not need a warranty. His word is solid and reliable.
We know that not every human relationship lasts, but we also know that nothing can break the relationship we have with Him. His words of love endure forever.
They are as strong today at this Mass as when He first spoke them at the Last Supper.
That is a real home run!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
“They shall all be taught by God.” But it always helps to have a revealing reflection on the Gospel.
thank you!
Beautiful! Thank you Fr. Dave.
You are very welcome!
This is extremely comforting, Fr. Dave. Thank you so much…….
God bless you always…….
Warm hugs,
Peter and Joan
You are very welcome!
You have always been there for us in your beautiful way of bringing Jesus closer to our hearts. What a wonderful message.
Thank you Father Dave – Miss you! By the way, Happy Birthday!
Blessings to you always
Verna
Like!!!
Cool!
Yes, another year another birthday.
If there were a “Like” button, I’d press it.
Thank you!
Father Dave, Dick and I Love our amazing God of love, Love our precious Jesus, Love our beautiful Mary, love our fabulous Faith, love our miracle of love,our loving Eucharist, love our Jesus’ forever love, love Forgiveness, love our joy, love being Catholic and Dick and I love you for giving us our Jesus!!!! We are sooooooooooooooooooblessed!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
You are welcome!
Thanks Father Dave
The older I get, I let go of things and know that only Jesus lasts forever
Good idea to gradually let go of some things and let go of others, and the wisdom to kmow the difference.
Fr. Dave,
Thanks for your intuitive reminder of the deep and lasting value of the Eucharist!
When you said “His words of love endure forever” I was reminded again of what that “angel” said at my frst presentation on the Shroud of Turin back in 2009. When I asked the audience why He put His image on that burial shroud, she immediately said “He did it to SHOW us how much he loves us.” Now, 2000 years later. the Shroud appears, against all odds, to also be lasting forever!
God bless!
Larry,
Yes, that was a remarkable moment you experienced when that woman rose to offer that comment. She was right on target.
And a home run for you on today’s Reflections! Warm and encouraging!
So nice to have Fr. Abebe back this morning.
Hope you caught lots of fish 2 weeks ago!
Bob and Rose Mary
Yes, it is great to have Fr. Abebe back! I know it was in doubt for some time. I did catch a lot of fish in the high sierra’s but threw most back because they were too small. I will have to wait until they get bigger.
Thank you Fr. Dave on your wonderful affirmation on the Eucharist.
He assures us of His Presence in the Eucharist when He said,
“I am with you always until the end of the world”
We know He will never forsake us on our journey as we climb the ladder to see Him.
.
“
Well said!
Beautiful reflection Fr Dave! Adele and I are always looking forward for God’s message to us daily for His love for all of us endures forever! From the very beginning of creation to Jesus crucifixion and until today, He showed us how much He loves – Jesus is the bridegroom and we are the bride, Oh such an awesome feeling and situation to fall in love!
We keep record the memory verses we learn each day. Last sundays’ reading :” I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” ( John 6:51 ).
Thank you and God Bless you always, Fr Dave!
Roy and Adele Vargas
You are very welcome!
Enjoyed this touching story and reflection. A nice way to start the week. Wonderful to have Fr. Abebe back.
Miss you and hope all is well.
Yes, it is great to have Fr. Abebe back. He is a tremendous priest and great friend
Beautiful, thank you as always for your beautiful words and how you make the scriptures come alive!
God bless,
Yolanda
You are very welcome!