Readings and Themes for the Week of August 2, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of August 02, 2009,
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I 2 Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15

Manna rains down from the heavens

Psalm 78

“The Lord gave them bread from heavens.”

Reading II Ephesians 4:17,20-24

Put away your old self.

Gospel: John 6:24-35

Jesus is the bread of line.

THEME:
Recognize the Bread of Life in God’s holy word, in the Eucharist, and in each other who are all part of the Body of Christ.

The refrain of today’s responsorial psalm sums up the point of today’s readings: “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.” In their hunger, the Israelites grumbled against Moses, complaining that even in their enslavement, they had bread to eat. Those gathered around Jesus ask him to give them food that endures for eternal life. What he offers them is the gifts of himself, the very bread of life. The words proclaimed in Scripture can become food for eternal life for those who respond in faith. In our hunger for meaning and direction, let us be attentive to the saving word of God.

Question for Children:

We have to be very quiet to hear what God is saying to us. When do you spend quiet time with God?

Question for Youth:

Jesus is the bread that gives us life. How does believing in Jesus make your life different? How has your faith changed you?

Question for Adults:

How do you make time and space to listen for God’s voice?