2021-08-08 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In the Gospel for this weekend we hear Jesus say, “I am the bread of life and that no one comes to the Father except through me.”  For the disciples, the people and for us, this is both an exhortation and an invitation. The exhortation is Jesus is the bread of life and the invitation is to come to the Father through Him. Jesus gives us the gift of Himself as the bread of life and also the promise of eternal life with the Father through Himself. How beautiful this promise is for us and for all who believe.
 
As Catholics, what does this promise mean for us? It should be paramount for us. The source and summit of our Catholic faith is of course the most holy Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, the “Bread of Life.” We must always approach the Eucharist with a pure and contrite heart and with the utmost reverence and humility. We must realize that our Lord is truly present in the Eucharist. As Catholics we know it is not a symbol. It’s not a sign. It is in fact through the transubstantiation the actual body and blood of our Lord and savior given up for each of us and the redemption of sin.
 
We also must realize that the path to eternal life is through our Lord Jesus Christ and our partaking of the body and blood of Christ. Now, we must be worthy to receive Him in the Eucharist. How is it that we are worthy? We must confess our sins in reconciliation, repent of our sins, receive absolution and do penance to remain in the grace of God. It takes work on our part to be in the grace of God. The good news is that it’s always there for us. It’s always available to us because God wants us to be with him. Jesus wants to dwell in us always and he offers us to be in Him.
 
If we truly desire to have eternal life with God at the end of our time here on earth, Our Lord has given us a clear and very real path to follow to that end. I pray my brothers and sisters in Christ that you will walk that path with me.
 
On a practical note, we continue to seek to fill the position of maintenance man. The Job description has been updated and is available in the office should anyone like to see exactly what we’re looking for. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this position, please direct them to contact the rectory office.
 
A reminder that Bishop Mark has removed the dispensation from Mass obligation beginning on August 15th. What does this mean for us as Catholics? The obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Mass on Holy Days of obligation has been reinstated. It is a mortal sin to miss Sunday Mass and Mass on a Holy Day of Obligation. We welcome back all of you who because of the COVID 19 pandemic have not been with us. 
 
Also, if you need to contact the office or me, I ask that you please do so during regular office hours. If it’s an emergency, such as someone needing to be anointed, you may call at any time. If no one is available to answer the phone, please leave a voice mail message and be sure to include what the need is. In the evening, I may be out, in the church praying or in a meeting. If a message is left and it is an urgent or emergency situation, I will respond as soon as possible. If it’s not urgent, your call will be returned on the next day during office hours. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
 
Have a very blessed week!
Fr. Mark