17th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 76th Sunday of Ordinary Time are:

1. 2 Kings 4: 42-44
2. Psalms 145: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18
3. Ephesians 4: 1-6
4. John 6: 1-15

• All are welcome, all are fed
• In my wife's family, the longstanding tradition is that the host/hostess never goes it along, everyone brings something to share, even if they are told not to.
• Of course, nothing compares to what God offers us at Eucharist, but each of us brings something to share at the feast.  What are some of the things that you share at Mass?
• What would you like to share differently/more/better?
• Be honest, what do you wish was shared differently/more/better by others at Mass?

• Needs versus wants
• Do you think that God has any interest in meeting your wants?
• Where do you think your wants come from?
• How do you tell the difference between wants and needs?

• Finding peace
• How would you define peace?
• Where do you go to find that peace?
• Does anyone else in your life help to bring you peace?
• Why/how or why not?
• Do you think that it's escapism to go "somewhere else" for peace?

• Loafing through it all
• Sometimes, it can be instructive to ask what would have happened in a Gospel story if things had been just a bit different.  In this case, if the boy had decided that he wasn't going to share his lunch, how do you think that might have gone?
• Have you ever tried to meet a need that was hopelessly too big for your resources?
• What did you bring to the table?
• Was it enough?
• Did it matter?

• Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Am I willing to welcome even those that I have no idea how to serve?
2. Do I trust God with my wants as well as my needs?
3. How can I be peace for others?
4. Do I let fear of inadequacy paralyze me?

Shalom!