Greetings on this the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Prv 9:1-6; Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Eph 5:15-20; Jn 6:51-58
Mother’s Blood
The Pelican is a bird that lives in Egypt by itself on the river Nile, from where it takes its name; for it is called “Canopos” in Egyptian. It is said (if that may be true) that she kills her own offspring, and mourns them for three days; then she wounds herself and revives her children by the sprinkling of her blood.
Source: https://foundinantiquity.com/2013/07/05/bird-feeds-chicks-her-own-blood/
Sacrificial giving of the very life one for another.
Mother’s Milk
Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
Source: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
Summary
How can this man give us his flesh to eat? because the days are evil. Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. The question is not without reference to the Feeding of the Five Thousand, the multiple healings and teachings. The question is in obstinate ignorance of these facts at that time and place. The HOW is better replaced with the WHY.
Reflection
Why does this man give us his flesh to eat? That is the question Jesus answers.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.
Personal Reflection
When possible I would attend Mass daily and receive the Lord. I cannot stress enough how wonderful my day is when I am able to begin the day that way.
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081824.cfm
First Reading
Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding.
Responsorial
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Second Reading
Brothers and sisters: Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity.
Gospel Acclamation
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.
Gospel
The PEOPLE quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry