18 August 2024
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
With Fr Jerry Orbos, SVD
ARE YOU FULL OR ARE YOU A FOOL?
When I first went to Europe, I experienced biting a bread that was hard and tough, and the filling of my front tooth was gone, and so were the smiles I could have given to everyone! I forget now the name of that bread, but I call it the “anti-pasta” (pantanggal ng pasta)!
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In today’s Gospel (John 6:51-58), Jesus tells the crowd to be careful of what bread to eat and to choose to eat the bread that gives life. “Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” What kind of bread are you eating in your life? Are you feeding yourself with “bread” (money)? Or are you filling yourself with love?
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Are you living a life that is full? For some people, a full life means simply to be full of worldly pleasures and provisions. For others, it means to live a life full of meaning and inner joy “which this world cannot give or take away.” So, who is full, and who is a fool? And which one are you?
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Following our Lord leads us to live a life that is full of meaning in this world, and the promise of eternal life at the end of our earthly life. It is a choice of living for the now and living for forever.
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I am now on a mission trip in America, and I notice how people say “What’s up?” when they greet one another casually. That’s fine. But this should remind us that more than “What’s up?” we should focus on “Who’s up?” May we always rise above our worldly concerns and be reminded of the presence of God wherever we go, whatever we do, and whatever we are going through.
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My flight to the United States was canceled last Aug. 12. “Aircraft maintenance” was the reason given. But for me, the reason why I took the flight the next day was to be able to pray over and counsel a grieving lady who lost her seven-month-old son, her firstborn. Indeed, there are many things we cannot explain in this life, but with the eyes of faith, we believe that in everything that happens or does not happen, there is a reason, and there is a mission. Indeed, “All things work for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
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Let us continue to feed on, and be nourished by the Lord. Let us take time to be silent in God’s presence and hear Him assure us: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The time spent in silence and soaked in the presence of God is the source of tremendous peace and joy. Don’t forget to recharge. True prayer connects us with God and connects us with the world and with people.
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Travel light. Excess baggage can make our journey burdensome. We are all just passing by. We don’t need much in this life except the essentials. Let us not be so focused on the provisions to the point that we forget our mission and our final destination.
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We carry nothing with us when we leave this world, literally, except the love we have shared, and the goodness we have done. Reminder for those who have so much “bread,” to share them with those who have none. Don’t end up with so much food that becomes stale or spoiled, while others have none.
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Four things to remember as we journey on: money can be earned; quarrels can be and should be resolved; the life of a loved one is irreplaceable; the loss of your soul is your greatest failure.
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We live in a world that’s loud and busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the noise. This can make us numb to our true values and priorities. Lord, help us to recognize the false breads that can distract us from Your presence-the fleeting pleasures of this world, the fleeting sense of fulfillment from worldly success. May we be drawn to Your table, and may we feast on Your words, Your presence, and Your love.
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Have you been feeling empty or unfulfilled lately? Do you feel like you’re searching for something more? This is a natural desire that God has placed in every human heart, and it’s a sign that you’re craving something more substantial than the temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus is offering us a promise that He is the source of eternal life, and if we come to Him, we will never be hungry or thirsty again. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a new way, and to satisfy your spiritual hunger. May God bless you as you seek Him with all your heart!
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A moment with the Lord: Lord, fill me with a deeper understanding of Your presence and Your love. Amen.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
20 сен 2024
