Readings and Themes for the Week of July 26, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of July 26, 2009,
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I 2 Kings 4:42-44

When they had eaten, there was some left over ...

Psalm 145

“The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.”

Reading II Ephesians 4:1-6

Live in a manner worthy of the calling you have received.

Gospel: John 6:1-15

Jesus feeds the multitude with five barley loaves and a few fish.

THEME:
Jesus generously provides and cares for us.

Last Sunday we listened to the Gospel story of how Jesus was moved with pity for the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd. In today’s gospel, the Lord again looks upon the enormous crowd that had followed him and performs the miracle of the loaves and fishes. As we marvel at the miracle recounted in today’s Gospel, let us remember that, as baptized Christians, we are called to feed the hungry. This is one of the ways that we become more and more like Christ, who fed the thousands with what seemed to be so little. Let us be open to the inspiration that comes from today’s scriptures.

Question for Children:

How do you share with others what you have?

Question for Youth:

What do you have that you should be sharing with others? How can you use your possessions, your talents and your time for the good of others?

Question for Adults:

In what ways do you generously provide for the needs of others who have little or nothing?