Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 04 August 2024
First Reading: Exodus 16: 2-4, 12-15
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. (4)
Each day the Lord tests us! We have been given the day with its instructions, but do we follow what the Lord asks us? Each day we are to gather enough for the day, neither more nor less! Let us submit to the Lord’s instructions daily, for the Lord feeds us the manna we require even today. Our test is whether we are faithful to go and search for it! When we hear His Word, are we obedient to it?
We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 78: 3-4, 23-25, 54
He rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. (24)
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Ephesians 4: 17, 20-24
You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (22-24)
Through our baptism, we have been given new life in Christ! We know that we receive the manna in the Holy Eucharist today! Let us be renewed in the spirit of our minds. Once our house is swept and cleaned we must allow God in! Yes, God does not force his way into our hearts, mind, spirit, and soul. It is our effort to look for Him; that he watches out for and will quietly nestle in the humble recesses of our obedient hearts, mind, spirit, and soul!
Let us stay vigilant in action and prayerful in thought. In Jesus, name, Amen
Alleluia: Matthew 4: 4b
But Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Alleluia!
Gospel: John 6: 24-35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Christ Jesus, gives himself as the manna in the Holy Eucharist, to us! We must turn to Christ, for any lack we may experience today! We also pray for each other as we journey the narrow way towards the Lord. Let us remain united in prayer and ask the Lord for strength, courage, and faithfulness.
In Jesus’ name. Amen!
