Reflection Starter from Ernest Hemingway

"Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is." - Ernest Hemingway

Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers: "I Am the Bread of Life"

As our Sunday celebration continues, I offer this version of Richard Proulx and the Cathedral Singers presenting Sister Suzanne Toolan's "I Am the Bread of Life":

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Exodus 6:2-4, 12-15; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; and John 6:24-35. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 78 (Psalm 78:3-4, 23-25, 54).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 78 The Lord gave them bread manna from heaven

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."

So they said to him, "What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"

Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."

So they said to him, "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat."

So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 2, 2015)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 2, 2015)

Community in Mission: Come Over Here Where the Feast of the Lord is Going On – A Homily for the 18th Sunday of the Year (1 AUG 15)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: Understanding the Mass Part V - A Meal Like No Other

The Deacon's Bench: Homily for August 2, 2015: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (1 AUG 15)

Word on Fire: Bread of Life (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 18)

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Endurance Test: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (27 JUL 15)

The CWR Blog: The New Manna is a Man! (1 AUG 15)

Spirituality of the Readings: Endlessly Softly (18th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Bread and Faith (18th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

The Word Embodied: The Bread of Labor (18th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Historical Cultural Context: Faith = Believing In Jesus (18th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Theophylact (18th Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (24 JUL 15)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You offer resources to take care of our needs.

Msgr. Pope on Hunger in Today's World

"The multiplication of the loaves and fishes that we read about at Sunday Mass [last] week was a miracle so astonishing that it is recounted in all four Gospels. And a second, similar instance is recorded in another Gospel. In other words, this sort of miracle by Jesus is recounted five times within the four Gospels.

"There are many theological reasons for this. Clearly, Jesus was fulfilling the promise of Moses: that after him a greater One would arise who would also feed the people mysteriously with bread. There are also many Eucharistic and spiritual dimensions to the miracle.

"But in this reflection I would like to ponder the notion that this miracle of satisfying our physical hunger is one writ large in our times. While many wish that the astounding miracles of the Scriptures were more evident today, I would like to argue that the miracle of the loaves and fishes and God's promise to care for His people is right before our very eyes.

"And while there is hunger in the world today, it is not due to God, but to human struggles and human sinfulness."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the issue of hunger in today's world and on the availability of resources to address this challenge.

To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Of Plenty, Population, and Trust: A Further Reflection on the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (26 JUL 15)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"A great challenge: stop ruining the garden which God has entrusted to us so that all may enjoy it." - Pope Francis

Straight No Chaser: "I'm Yours/Somewhere Over The Rainbow"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Straight No Chaser presenting "I'm Yours/Somewhere Over The Rainbow":

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for August

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for August are:

Universal Intention (Volunteers): “That volunteers may give themselves generously to the service of the needy.”

Evangelization Intention (Outreach to the Marginalized): “That, setting aside our very selves, we may learn to be neighbors to those who find themselves on the margins of human life and society.”

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You call us and encourage us to spend time with you.

Philip Kosloski on Finding Time to Pray Daily

"In an age where we have made numerous technological advances that are meant to save time, we find ourselves busier than ever. What does this mean for the spiritual life? The most common answer to 'why don't you pray on a daily basis' is 'I have no time.' Yet, is that really an excuse?

"Jim Beckman in his book God, Help Me: How to Grow in Prayer put it this way:

"The way we spend our time tends to reveal what we place value on. One author I read on this topic observed with amusement that no one ever died of hunger because of not having time to eat. There are things we do with our time every day, and if we track our activity, we'll see what is truly important to us. If prayer is something we place value on, we'll make time for it.

"So the short answer is no, having 'no time' is not a good excuse. We simply are challenged to make time. It doesn't always have to be a Holy Hour; it could simply be a 'holy half-hour' or a 'holy five minutes.'

In a recent commentary, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on the importance of finding time to pray each day.

To access Philip's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Philip Kosloski: The simple prayer practice that will change your life (14 JUL 15)

Reflection Starter from St. Alphonsus Liguori

"Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears - of everything that concerns you." - Saint Alphonsus Liguori, whose memory the Church celebrates today (1 August)

Thank You, Lord

Thank, you, Lord, for the many ways in which You call us and encourage us to light the candle of our life, to be the point of light You call us to be.