Daily Thoughts: There is a
quote from Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. that I have always liked – “The
future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.” It came to mind today as I reflected on our
Gospel reading.
In today’s Gospel from St. John we hear
some familiar words of Jesus ― “I am the Bread of Life.” When we hear these
words our thoughts go directly to the Eucharist and why shouldn’t they? After
all we often refer to the Eucharist as the Bread of Life. As the celebrant
prepares the gifts in the midst of mass he says, “Blessed are you, Lord God of
all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer
you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the
bread of life.”
While connecting Jesus’ words, “I am the
Bread of Life” with the Eucharist is a no brainer I am going to ask you today
to hear these words a little differently. I am asking you to hear them in light
of Fr. Pierre’s quote that I began with. Jesus’ words to those gathered around
him that day along the Sea of Galilee where words of hope. Once again people
are looking for a sign but Jesus offers them something far more lasting he
offers then hope. He offers them an ongoing source of strength, joy, hope and
love.
Jesus was and is a builder of hope.
Always offering a foundation stone with which to build upon wherever he goes.
Jesus celebrated the moment but with an eye on the future. Jesus always offered
something more than signs he offered the reality of himself.
Jesus through his life, ministry,
passion, death and resurrection gave us and continues to give us reason to hope
all we need to do is believe! Have a holy and blessed Sunday everyone and may
the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in your heart.
Daily Prayer: Lord God, we
have no idea where we are going. We do not see the road ahead of us. We cannot
know for certain where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves, and the
fact that we think that we are following your will does not mean that we are
actually doing so. But we believe that the desire to please you does in fact
please you. And we hope we have that desire in all that we are doing. We hope
that we will never do anything apart from that desire. And we know that if we
do this you will lead us by the right road though we may know nothing about it.
Therefore will we trust you always though we may seem to be lost and in the
shadow of death. We will not fear, for you are ever with us, and you will never
leave us to face our perils alone. (Adapted from a prayer by Thomas Merton)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “There is
something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the
body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what
you have before you, laid bare, is the soul.” (Kristin Armstrong)
Daily Blessings: Sunday
blessings and greetings to all wherever this day finds you! I hope you are
having a good weekend and have or will dedicate a little time to God today. It
is a beautiful day here in Pelham and I hope the same is true where you are.
I will be off to St. John and St. Mary
Parish in Chappaqua for the noon mass and then it will be on to St. Francis de
Sales Parish for the 6 pm mass so I have a bit of a busy day ahead but as I
mentioned above it is a beautiful day here so that will make my traveling
around much easier.
Have a great Sunday everyone, enjoy. May
you have good weather today and if you have to travel around please travel
safe. May you encounter the grace and blessing of God’s presence in your life
today and may you share God’s presence with everyone you meet. May your Sunday be
blessed with family, friends, fun, laughter, rest, relaxation and much love!
Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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