July 29, 2012: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

LITURGY

MASS INTENTIONS & READINGS

Sunday, July 29 (2 Kgs 4:42-44/Eph 4:1-6/Jn 6:1-15)

8:00 am- Alois & Buck Leopold 10:30 am- Raymond & Elizabeth Linhart Brosh & Helen Marie

5:00 pm- For our Parish Family (Spanish Mass) Monday, July 30, St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor of

the Church (Jer 13:1-11/Mt 13:31-35) 7:00 am- Deceased members of Catholic Life Branch #22 10:00 am- Patricia Schultz (H’ville Rehab)

Tuesday, July 31, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Jer 14:17- 22/Mt 13:36-43) 7:00 am- Ben Huser

Wednesday, August 1, St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop &

Doctor of the Church (Jer 15:10, 16-21/Mt 13:44-46) 7:00 am- Felix & Mary Janecek 8:05 am- Living & deceased members of Rudolph & Elizabeth Schindler Family

Thursday, August 2, St. Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop, &

St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest (Jer 18:1-6/Mt 13:47-53) 7:00 am- James Bozka 10:00 am- Wilbert Roznovsky (Stevens)

Friday, August 3 (Jer 26:1-9/Mt 13:54-58)

7:00 am- Mary Butschek 8:05 am- Marilyn Marikle

Saturday, August 4, St. John Vianney, Priest (Jer 26:11-16, 24/Mt 14:1-12) 5:30 pm- Dwayne Janak Sunday, August 5 (Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24- 35)

8:00 am- Tyler Bludau 10:30 am- David Michael Silgero

Bulletin Sponsor: Bob Kubena in memory of Raymond & Elizabeth Linhart Brosh & Helen Marie.

Radio Broadcast Sponsor: Matthew, Martha & John Bludau.

Vigil Light: In memory of Harvey Pavliska, Sr.

Our Gift to God: Envelopes-$4,919; Manna-$1,082.25; Loose-$1,469; Children-$167.

Please pray for the repose of the souls of Willie Mae

Peterson, sister of Evelyn Hoffer & Elaine Janak; and, William Biehunko of our parish family. May they & all the

faithful departed rest in the peace of Christ.

Anniversaries: Felipe & Mary Coronado 57 years July 29 Robert & Margaret Klekar 25 years Aug. 1 James & Joyce Bucek 60 years Aug. 3

Promise of Marriage: Jill Smirak & Nathan Etzler on August 4.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SUNDAY, JULY 29 -Covered Dish Supper after Spanish Mass, Family Center.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 -Quilting Circle, 9:00 a.m., K.C. Hall of Fame Room.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 -First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins at 6:00 p.m. in church. Intention this month: For all who

are going back to school at this time and for the

terminally ill.

-Holy Hour for priestly vocations, 7:00 p.m. in church.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 -First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ends with Benediction at 6:00 p.m. in church.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 -God’s Embrace, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Family Center. -Serra Club Mass for Vocations, 8:30 a.m., Moravia.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 -St. Anthony’s Church Shrimporee, Palacios Recreation Center. Fish & Shrimp (or BBQ Beef or Chicken) Dinner 10:30 a.m. Auction, country store, & games. Vietnamese Cuisine. Music by DJ Rudy C. Fun for all ages!!

-St. Joseph Parish Picnic, Yoakum Community Center. Stew & Sausage Dinner 10:30am. Auction, cake walk, country store, pantry wheel & games. Mexican food. See & taste the “Pyramid Cream Cheese & Poppy Seed Roll.”

Among our sick: Edna Key, Frank Fishar, Faith Del Castillo, Michael Gerdes, Renae Ross, Doug Blumberg, Dan & Danielle Grady, Rose Thumann, Bill Gohlke, Sterlin Ritchie, Ed Aulick, Ricky Skelton, Larry Appelt, Victor Pavliska, Anita Bohuslav, Irene Bordovsky, Milissa Zamora, Rhonda Janak, Chris Layton, Hank Morris, Denise DeBord, Frances Moore, Frank, Patrick & Robben Nemec, Geneva Strmiska, Brenda Bludau, Lois Dornak, Patricia Schlageter, LaNora Konvicka, Anne Mae Technik, Grace Ritchie, Benedict Brosch, John Schlageter, Chibana Alfaro, Frank Gutierrez, Sr., Delores Grahmann, Joyce Bucek, Bernice Neskora, Benedict Bujnoch, Florence & Lorene Christ, Steve Smith, Donna Coldewey, Charles Christ, Braxton & Bentley Rother, Vickie Klimitchek, Donna Avant, nursing home residents & the homebound.

Adult Faith Formation Classes: Registration deadline for the Fall Semester Bible Study on the Book of Revelation is July 31. Please call the church office.

Learn more about St. Philomena: Audio CD's are available by the statue of St. Philomena for anyone who would like to learn more about this young Virgin Martyr of the Church. After you listen to the CD, please pass it along to someone else who may be interested or return it to the statue for others who would like to listen to it.

Safe Environment Training for new volunteers or new employees, August 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Center.

Perpetual Adoration: An adorer is needed on Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 a.m. If you are able to spend this hour with Our Lord, please call Charlene Bradbury at 798-3224.

From the Desk of Father John

We thank the Yoakum Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus #1128 (the Hallettsville Fourth Degree Knights are members of this Assembly) for donating the Roman Missal used on the altar for Mass. This was donated in memory of Sir Knight George Bujnoch. We also thank all of our adults, young adults and youth who helped in any way with the Young Adult ACTS Retreat and the Teen ACTS Retreat recently. Both of these retreats were well attended and went very well. It is very uplifting to see so many young people getting to know Our Lord and our faith better. Let us continue praying for all of the young people of our parish and our area. In these young people there is a great future for the Catholic Church.

Polaris Ranger Drawing to be held at Fall Parish Picnic. 1st prize: 2012 Polaris Ranger Crew 500, seating for 4, & 12 ft. Maxey single axle trailer (Value $11,080); 2nd prize: $500 gift card; 3rd prize: $250 gift card. Tickets are $35 each (limit 1500 tickets), and are available for purchase at various businesses in town and at the Rectory.

Mausoleum – The representative from Acme Mausoleum will be completing the survey period of the program within the next few weeks. Only those families who contract for space during this phase of the program will be guaranteed of having a burial space in the mausoleum. All burial spaces are reserved on a first come basis. Prices vary and payment plans are available. If you are interested and would like more information, please call the Rectory to leave a message for the representative.

First Thursday Holy Hour for Priestly Vocations – Every First Thursday, the Church commemorates Jesus’ institution of the Sacrament of His Body and Blood and of the holy priesthood which is intrinsically tied to the Eucharist. Join us this Thursday for a special Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in the church from 7:00-8:00 p.m. for the intention of the priests and seminarians of our Diocese of Victoria and to pray for more good and holy priests for the service of our Diocese.

A Lifeline for Marriage – Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. It is designed to provide the tools to help get your marriage back on track. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way. This program has helped thousands of couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels including disillusionment and deep misery. For confidential infor-mation or to register for the upcoming program on the weekend of August 17-19, call John or Jennifer Vincent at 361-580-2770 or email jbvjov@sbcglobal.net or visit the website at www.retrouvaille.org .

Office of Catechetical Ministry – “Catechists and

Teachers as Agents of Evangelization” will be the topic for the first Organization of Catechetical Leadership meeting of the catechetical year, which will be held at the chancery office on Tuesday, August 14, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Ron Friedel, director of the Office of Cateche-tical Ministry, will focus on what the late Pope John Paul II called the “new evangelization” and spend time discus-sing how we can make evangelization a primary compo-nent of catechetical ministry today. All clergy, parish catechetical leaders, youth ministers, and others interested in this topic are invited to attend. Please RSVP by August 7 by calling 361-573-0828 or emailing tstarnes@victoriadiocese.org .

XXV Annual Conference for Catechesis and Ministry, Sept. 29, Holy Family, Victoria. All adult Catholics are invited to attend this one-day diocesan event. Workshops will be offered on pertinent topics such as the Documents of Vatican II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, social justice, mission awareness, Scripture, and so much more. For more information, call Christella Alvarez at 361-573-0828 ext 2227.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Taken from 2012 Liturgical Publications, Inc.) When I was growing up, fishing vacations were the norm. These were always "guy" trips in which my father took my brother and me along with my grandpa and great uncle to a cabin in northern Wisconsin. There were two places we would frequent. Both had good rivers with flowages that were created by dams originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the years of the Great Depression. On those trips, my grandfather would tell stories about how difficult the Depression days were. He would always include anecdotes about people who had to fish every day in lakes, ponds, and rivers just to be able to eat. Grandpa would always end those stories with a line like, "You had better fish today as though that is all you're going to have to eat." It was his effort to spur us on to bring in a good catch. If only the fishing of my youth had been as easy as the miracle in this weekend's Gospel. Here was enough fish to feed five thousand, all because a boy had two of them in a basket along with five barley loaves. Sitting in a boat with my line in the water, and the bobber floating and hook dangling, I could only imagine what it would be like to have so many fish. Wishing for miracles does not make them happen. We will be reading from John's Gospel until the end of August and, as we will hear in the weeks to come, the work of Jesus is much more than giving people enough bread and fish to eat. Even in these difficult economic times, we may not have to fish as if that is all we will have to eat today. But we must accomplish the work of God, which, as we will find out next week, involves bringing others to faith. Maybe we do have to go fishing, but not for fish!

FINANCIAL REPORT – JUNE, 2012 Church Income: Sunday Collection $ 24,925.00 Nigeria Collection 4,221.00 Other Donations 2,695.43 Family Center Rentals 890.00 Religious Articles 1,847.00 Interest 10,074.88 Picnic Transfer 10,000.00 Total Church Income $ 54,653.31

School Income: Tuition $ 75.00 Student Fees 73.00 Catholic Education Envelopes 1,715.00 Friends for Catholic Education 7,065.00 Memorials 590.00 Athletics & Band 6,000.00 Home & School Association Donations 4,000.00 Marathon 150.00 Extravaganza 1,000.00 Library 150.00 Interest 23,522.50 Miscellaneous 275.00 Total School Income $ 44,615.50

Church Expense: Salaries $ 7,294.08 Utilities 1,610.26 Church Expense 2,076.53 Rectory Expense 431.49 Office Expense 988.31 Religious Articles 1,559.75 Building Insurance 441.00 Family Center Expense 666.86 Nigeria Collection 4,221.00 Medical Insurance 1,460.00 Repairs & Maintenance 325.06 Total Church Expense $ 21,074.34

School Expense: Salaries $ 67,719.08 Contracted Services 1,251.80 Office & Teaching Expense 1,067.43 Postage 164.58 Staff Development 580.00 Dues & Memberships 199.00 Public Relations 90.67 Utilities 3,617.44 Plant Repairs 1,720.45 Bus & Vehicle Expense 1,240.06 Payroll Taxes 5,103.07 Medical Insurance 14,070.00 Convent Expense 499.02 Miscellaneous 539.00 Technology 293.69 Marathon 78.73 Total School Expenses $ 98,234.02

Parish Income $ 99,268.81 Parish Expenses -119,308.36 Parish Deficit $(20,039.55)

SACRED HEART CHURCH ENDOWMENT FUND – In memory of Lois Gerlich Smith: Ed & Judy Aulick-$25; Laura & Robert Page-$50.

In memory of Alvin Lorke: Jerry & Margaret Kallus-$20; Donald & Janice Lorke-$50.

In memory of Antonia Jahn: Roman & Miranda Henke-$20; Sharon Janak-$10; George & Bernadette Kramer-$10; Glenn & Mary Ann Janca-$10; Ken & Nettie Mertz-$25; Anthony & Rachel Siegel-$10; Raymond Henke-$20; Willie Pastucha, Jr.-$30; Doris Etzler-$10; Peoples State Bank-$10.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: His Family-$2,500; Frank & Rita Zaruba-$20; Barbara Grahmann-$10; Sharon Janak-$10; Bernard & Mary Grahmann-$10; Raymond J. Henke-$15; Marvin & Annette Grahmann-$10; Denis & Sheryl Mueller-$25; Douglas & Tena Steffek-$15; Gary & Cindy Mucala-$20; Robert & Shirley Ibrom-$15; Darryl & Cheryl Steffek-$10.

In memory of Frank Rocha: Larry & Judy Appelt-$20.

SACRED HEART CHURCH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) – In memory of Lois Smith: Tom & Margie Staha-$25.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Marilyn Hajek & Family-$10.

SACRED HEART CHURCH MUSIC FUND – In memory of Antonia Jahn: Bob Kubena-$25.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Kubena Funeral Home-$20.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND – In memory of Antonia Jahn: Harvey Jahn-$100; Donnie Polk-$10; Henry & Frances Kallus-$20; Tommy & Evelyn Dornak-$10.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Anthony & Joyce Harper-$20; Alton J. Grahmann-$20; Rosalie Tobola-$5; James, Kandyace & Allyshia Grahmann-$25.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL OPERATING FUND – In memory of Paul Najvar, Sr.: Frank& JoNell Janecek-$20; Bill & Sweet Hrncir-$15; Andrew & Jane Pesek-$20; Nancy Homeyer-$15; Joe & Ana Henke-$25; Beatrice Butschek-$10; Steven & Shandlyn Koehne Family-$10.

In memory of Charles Stork: Dennis & Darlene Shimek-$20.

In memory of Henry Jones: Don & Corky Jones-$50.

In memory of Antonia Jahn: Raymond & Virginia Steffek-$20; Mike & Helen Technik & Julia Kallus-$30; Robert & Leona Steffek-$20; Leroy & Alice Janak-$20.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Raymond & Virginia Steffek-$20; Paul & Annette Henke-$20; John & Gladys Pucciarrello-$10; Richard & Frances Henke-$20; Robert & Carol Rother-$20; William & Charlene Bradbury-$15.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL OPERATING FUND – In memory of Max Machac: Ladies Auxiliary, Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.-$100; Steven & Shandlyn Koehne Family-$15; Curtis & Lisa Rose-$25.

In memory of Doris Pugh: Roger & Beverly Janak-$50.

In memory of Elsie Steffek: Ella Mae Bludau-$10.

In memory of Elizabeth Hermes, Bea Heinzel, Marvin Patek & Elsie Steffek: Bill & Margaret Bludau-$60.

In memory of Emmerlin Dworsky: Mary Wallace-$20.

In honor of Floyd & Lora Kowalski’s 65th Anniversary: Arthur Etzler, Jr.-$25.

In memory of Frank Rocha: Rosemary Hermes-$10.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL ALUMNI FUND – In memory of Doris Pugh: Robert & Leona Steffek-$20.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL BAND FUND – In memory of Max Machac: Keith & Joan Mudd-$10.

In memory of Paul Najvar, Sr.: Betty & Steve Orsak-$30; George Koudelka-$8.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Keith & Joan Mudd-$10.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL ATHLETIC FUND – In memory of Paul Najvar, Sr.: Charles “Snow” & Irene Matula-$25.

In honor of Shelby McElroy, Cole Wick, Drew Shimek, Nathan Hollas, Caitlan Orsak, Colton Brown, Cole Bludau & Amber Smolik: Sharon & Robert Reagan-$50.

URBAN HEMMI SCHOLARSHIP FUND – In memory of Urban Hemmi: Cathy & Jay Frank-$20.

CAROLYN DWORSKY SCHOLARSHIP FUND – In memory of Max Machac: Charles & Kathy Haas-$20.

In memory of Winona Mcinteer & Doris Pugh: Emil & Joyce Hermes-$20.

DOROTHY HENNEKE SCHOLARSHIP FUND – In memory of Charles Stork & Paul & Leona Najvar: Tommy & Elsie Grahmann-$30.

In memory of Antonia Jahn: Gary & Carol Pustejovsky-$10.

In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Tommy & Elsie Grahmann-$10; Roy & Loretta Hardcastle-$15; Richard Grahmann-$5.

In memory of Doris Pugh: Roy & Loretta Hardcastle-$20; Richard Grahmann-$5.

In memory of Colton Berckenhoff: Roy & Loretta Hardcastle-$15; Richard Grahmann-$5.

In memory of Josephine Janak & Anita Kallus: Roy & Loretta Hardcastle-$30.

In memory of Ann Henneke: Roland Henneke Family-$200.

HILDA ELSTNER SCHOLARSHIP FUND – In memory of Herbert Lanny Keil: Paul & Dolores Janak-$20.

SACRED HEART EARLY CHILDHOOD & DAY CARE – In memory of Hubert Grahmann: Dennis & Darlene Shimek-$10.

SACRED HEART EARLY CHILDHOOD & DAYCARE – In memory of Max Machac: Charles & Mary Chapman-$25.

SACRED HEART CHURCH QUILTING CIRCLE – In memory of Antonia Jahn: Kubena Funeral Home-$25.

FR. JOHN PETERS SEMINARY BURSE #5 – In memory of Max Machac: Beth Waddell-$20; Paul & Marilyn Jo Rutledge-$40; Richard & Ruth Rouse-$25; Ashley & Josh Grahmann-$100; DeWayne & Carla Dopslauf-$50; John Henry & Rachel Post-$50; J.P. & Beverly Krenek-$25.

In memory of Ernest Chaloupka: Willie Barborak-$10.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

A Prayer for Family & Friends – O heavenly Father, bless our family and friends. Let Your love bring us together. Bless us with the kindness to encourage one another. Give us the patience and wisdom to follow You. May our hearts be open to receive You and may we rejoice in Your peace forever. Amen.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year BT H E

C O N N E C T I O NFAITH

In all four Gospels, the miracles of Jesus are never portrayed as raw displays of power. Consistently, the Evangelists help us to understand the deeper meaning of Jesus’ miracles. John’s Gospel, for example, speaks of the miracles as “signs.” The miraculous works of Jesus are meant to lead us into a deeper knowledge of the mystery of the Word made flesh, Jesus the Son of God who has come among us.

The story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish evokes the earlier story of the prophet Elisha. In both instances, the food that is on hand seems to be completely insufficient to satisfy the hunger. And, in fact, in human terms that is true. There simply is not enough.

It is the action of God working through Elisha and the divine power in Jesus that transforms human insufficiency

into abundance. God’s power takes hold of meager resources and transforms them into rich and abundant sources of blessing.

Both the first reading and especially the Gospel are studies in contrast and closeness. The difference between human need and divine power could not be starker. At the same time, both human need (hunger) and divine power (abundant food) meet in an encounter of great closeness. Jesus himself takes the loaves and fish, and he himself distributes them in the middle of the crowd, so that all can share in God’s abundance.

The “sign” of Jesus is clear and rich in its levels of meaning: human insufficiency, God’s power is at work to fulfill us, and all this in the very middle of our lives.

The Blessing of God’s Abundance

July 29, 2012

Visit us at www.FaithFirst.com (click on “Gospel Reflections”) and share today’s Gospel reading as a family.

Set time aside each day this week with other members of your household, with other members of your parish, or alone to listen to and reflect on the living Word of God. Use these passages from the Lectionary that are assigned for Liturgy this week. Reflect on how the Lord is inviting you to a deeper union with him.

2 Kings 4:42-44 Ephesians 4:1-6

John 6:1-15

Matthew 13: 31-35“I will open my mouth to speak

in parables.”

*

Matthew 13: 36-43“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of

their Father.”

**

Matthew 13: 44-46“The kingdom of heaven is like

treasure hidden in a field…”

Matthew 13: 47-53“…the kingdom of heaven is

like a net that was thrown into the sea…”

Matthew 13: 54-58“Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of

power?”

***

Matthew 14: 1-12“Give me the head of John the

Baptist here on a platter.”*Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest

**Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, bishop, doctor of the Church

***Memorial of Saint John Vianney, priest

Generally, only when we encounter “limit” situations in life, such as serious illness or the loss of a loved one, do we appreciate our own very limited resources and our reliance on God

Adults When have I been most clearly

aware of my own limited resources? Did that

awareness then lead me to a greater sense of

reliance on God, or did I just try on my own all

the harder?

Children How has God surprised me with

good things in my life? And how does this

surprise make me know that God is close to me?

Questions of the Week

The Faith of the Church

Pelagianism was a deviation from the true faith. The fifth century monk Pelagius taught that human beings had the wherewithal to observe the Commandments and merit salvation. In fact, throughout her history, the Church has vigorously affirmed the insufficiency of human efforts and our fundamental need for God’s grace, which the Lord makes available to us.

QUESTIONS

OF T H E W

E EK

Questions o

f t he w

eek

of t he w

eek

Questions o

f t he w

eek

Questions

Nearly every adult has significant and often weighty responsibilities toward others. Parents are responsible for children. Adult children are often responsible for their parents who are in vulnerable situations because of age and health. Those who serve others in teaching or health care or ministry also carry important respon-sibilities for others.

It should not surprise us when, at times, we feel overwhelmed. We sense our own inadequacy. We know the insufficiency of our own personal resources to care for the people entrusted to us. That awareness of insufficiency reflects the truth.

Without faith, we either deny the truth of our insufficiency or despair before it. In faith, however, we can move forward in a spirit of reliance and trust. In faith, we envision the Lord who breaks bread and makes what is insufficient into something not only sufficient but abundant. And he does so in the very midst of our lives.

The Sunday Eucharist that we celebrate every week reminds us of God’s abundant blessing in the midst of our insufficiency. The little bread and the little wine become the very Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation.

Responding to God’s Word . . .

NIHIL OBSTAT Rev. Msgr. Robert M. Coerver, Censor LibrorumIMPRIMATUR † Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell, DD, Bishop of DallasMay 18, 2012The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are official declarations that the material reviewed is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those granting the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

Author: Louis J. Cameli

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Front photo: © 1994, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, art by Steve Erspamer, SM.The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. © 2012 RCL Benziger LLC. All rights reserved.The Faith Connection® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is published weekly by RCL Benziger, 8805 Governor’s Hill Dr., Suite 400, Cincinnati, OH 45249

877-275-4725 • Contact us at RCLBenziger.com

Carry this thought in your heart as a guide for your faith journey this week.

The eyes of all look to you,and you give them their food in due season.You open your hand,satisfying the desire of every living thing.

Psalm 145: 15-16

Feed Your People, Lord

[A large crowd was listening to Jesus. The hour was late, and they were hungry. A boy gave Jesus the bread and fish that he had been saving to eat.] Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people….He did the same with the fish, and they all had as much as they wanted.

John 6: 11

At a youth rally in Scotland, [Blessed] Pope John Paul II challenged the young people to do what the boy did. The pope invited them to offer Jesus their lives and talents (bread and fish). He said, “You feel conscious of your inadequacy….But what I say to you is this: place your lives in the hands of Jesus. He will accept you and bless you…beyond your greatest expectations.”

For reflection . . .How trustingly am I ready to placemy life and my talents (bread and fish)in Jesus’ hands?

Blessed are they who place themselves in the hands of jesus. he will place himself in their hands. anonymous

From Vision by mark Link, S.J.

Meditation Moment

072912

When we long for truth,

feed your people, Lord.When we cannot see our way,

feed your people, Lord.When we tire from life’s struggles,

feed your people, Lord.When we face challenges

to our faith, feed your people, Lord.

When we long to see you face to face,

feed your people, Lord.

Saint Antony Mary Pucci(1819-1982)

Saint Antony Mary Pucci was

a Servite friar. He committed

himself to organizing

resources for the hungry,

the sick, poor children, the

aging, and others who were in

special need. He also helped

found the Holy Childhood

Association. The feast of Saint

Antony Mary Pucci is cele-

brated on January 12th.

S U G G E S T I O N SUse one of these suggestions or one of your own to respond to God’s Word this week.

In the home. Place a small but identifiable collection box near the dining table. Let it be a place where family members can put change and larger contributions to feed the hungry.

In the workplace or in school. Explore possibilities for the work setting or school to sponsor a program to help hungry people.

In the community. Research the availability of local centers to help feed people, such as food banks and soup kitchens.