These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people recline." So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. (Jn 6:1-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072824.cfm
Because Mark’s gospel is so short, the lectionary fills it out with Chapter 6 from the Fourth Gospel (according to John) over the next few Sundays. And the passages that follow this Sunday’s reading form what is called The Bread of Life Discourse. Of course, the Lord knows well what he is doing—feeding hungry people is an essential part of the Bread of Life!
Put not your trust in the deceitful words: "This is the temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!" Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds; if each of you deals justly with his neighbor; if you no longer oppress the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow; if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place, or follow strange gods to your own harm, will I remain with you in this place, in the land I gave your fathers long ago and forever. (Jeremiah 7:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072724.cfm
The prophecy of Jeremiah continues the tradition of the prophets in calling for justice, especially justice for aliens, widows and orphans. Unfortunately, many church people choose to ignore these passages. As they say, “Catholic Social Teaching is our best kept secret!” But according to the prophets, justice is the essence of faith. Justice is not optional.
Alleluia (Lk 8:15)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072624.cfm
The names of Joachim and Anne do not come from the Scriptures but rather from early Christian Tradition. The church designates their feast day as a day to honor grandparents and all seniors. https://youtu.be/nzi80KoEDuA?si=GAffiU48UEwzlv46
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers (James and John). But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt 20: 20-28)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072524.cfm
Jesus has to remind the disciples, that being a disciple is all about service, not power, not seats of honor, not golden vessels nor fancy vestments nor impressive titles. For “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Today’s photo is of the reliquary in the Shrine of Santiago de Compostela that holds the remains the Apostle James.
The word of the LORD came to me thus: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. “Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD answered me, Say not, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD. (Jer 1:1, 4-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072424.cfm
Was Jeremiah really too young as he says? Or was it simply part of the excuses we all use when God calls us? But God can break through all our defenses. “Do not be afraid, I am with you to deliver you!”
