Preview of the Mass, 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

This weekend we have some pretty good readings, some that you have undoubtedly heard numerous times before. And all that should have significant meaning in our lives. You can read all of the readings by clicking here, courtesy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

In the first reading, from the second Book of Kings, we hear a  conversation between the prophet Elisha and a man from Baal-Shalishah. In it Elisha tell his servant to take the 20 loaves of bread made from the first-fruits of the harvest to the table to feed 100 people. His servant objects to this, as many of us would because 20 loaves cannot feed 100 people. Elisha said to his servant "Give it to the people to eat. For thus says the Lord, They shall eat and there shall be some left over!" his servant then did as instructed, and as prophesied, there was leftover bread.

In the Pslams we hear that the "Hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all of our needs" The poetic verses sway in and out of the way the Lord satisfies those who look with hope to him, and those who call upon him. There is also mention to the timing of the Lord, and that it is always the right season that the Lord pours his blessings upon his people.

The second reading is a short piece from the letters of St. Paul to the Ephesians. It starts out in one of Paul's favorite ways, "Brothers and Sisters" this is already bring flashbacks of Fr. C's homily on Tuesday (see double take, part II.) He speaks to the Church of Ephesus in a very direct way, calling them to live in a manner worthy of the calling in Christ, calling them to live for the Glory of God. He tells them to act humbly, gently, and patiently which reminds me of the Prophet Micah 6:8 where he calls us "Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." he reminds us that we are One body, one spirit, in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism serving one God, the Father of all! Which again connects so well with what Fr. Clyde spoke of in his homily on Tuesday. St. Paul is a wonderful writer, always direct but speaking with charity and genuine love of Christ, if you haven't yet, try digging deeper into all of St. Paul's writing, you wont be disappointed!

John tells us in his account of the Holy Gospel of the story that brings the old testament reading full circle in the life of Christ. At this time in Jesus' ministry word was spreading quickly throughout all the towns (probably much like the rapidness that stories travel throughout the small bayou towns here) of how he was healing the sick and performing miracles. Alot of people were following them and it was near passover. They knew they needed to feed the crowds that gathered, but didn't have enough food. Jesus tested Peter asking him where to find enough food, Peter responded with that even if they had 200 days of wages they wouldn't be able to afford to feed all of the people. Then Jesus, famously, made the the 5 loaves of bread and two fish fill 12 baskets full of food to feed the 5,000 people that had attended.

In both the first reading, the psalm, and the Gospel we here the call to trust in the providence of God. Repeatedly people doubted the works that the Lord could perform, and God delivered on his promises. That is something we can always count on, when God hands us a promise you can "take that to the bank." Often times we don't rely on God for our needs, instead we try to solve our problems. Sunday's readings give us two great examples of how God can and will provide for us if we ask with humble and contrite hearts. Seek the vioce of the Lord, and hear his word and you shall be set free.

"The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs!"

Have a great weekend!

+Chad.