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July 21, 2021Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time -- July 25, 2021
Readings: Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145:10-11, 16-16, 17-18; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15
Throughout Ordinary Time, the Scriptures point us to the miraculous power and generous love of Jesus as He performs signs and wonders. Many, like those “five thousand,” are attracted by miraculous signs and wonders. Jesus knew their faith needed to be nourished and sustained. This account establishes a historic parallel to the manna from heaven (Exodus 16), a fulfillment of the prophecy contained in the First Reading for this week (2 Kings 4:42-44) and a prefiguring of the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The abundant love that He shared that day knows no bounds. The love of God is endless; no matter how many are drawn in there will always be more love available to serve… to feed the hungry and bring healing to those who are hurting, downtrodden or oppressed. Surely there is enough for each us. We are reminded of this life-sustaining power each time we are united with Christ in the Holy Eucharist. And, as Paul reminds us again in the Letter to the Ephesians, we are called to live out our lives in this unity with Christ to work to “preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Christ will nourish and sustain us if we let His miraculous love and mercy flow into our lives. Believing in God’s abundant love can free us from sin, evil, and distress and fill us with blessed hope as we await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
God’s abundant love is not just an occasional presence but is constantly available for us to experience. Just like the manna in the desert, God’s abundant love is present whenever the need arises. God’s abundance is available to us in each and every moment. His ultimate desire is for us to be in His joyful presence in this world and the next. As we seek to grow in holiness our challenge is to be open to God’s loving embrace not only in church or in prayer but in every moment of our daily lives. Although a bit challenging to notice, God’s love is equally available to us in our homes, our workplaces and our communities. We don’t cease in our need to be transformed in God’s love when we walk out the church door after Mass. In fact, our need for the transforming bread of life may be more needed during those parts of our day where the reminders of God’s presence aren’t as readily apparent. As we live in the abundance of His love let us be inspired to develop an attitude of gratitude. Let us help others to be united to that same abundant love by living our lives in a manner worthy of the call we have received as children of God.
For further reflection on God‘s love as the source of true joy and peace, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 27-30; and on Christ’s role in God’s salvation plan, paragraphs 430-440; and, on unity in the Church, paragraphs 813-822.- Where do I experience God’s abundant love most powerfully? Where do I struggle to find God’s love in my life? Do I in any way close myself off to God’s love?
- How might I practice my Catholic faith in ways that increase my awareness of how loved by God I am? Do I find myself united to Christ through the practice of my faith?
- In what ways do I strive to share God’s abundant love with others? Where do I hold back? In what ways am I a ‘uniter?’ It what ways might I be divisive?
