WE ARE THE EUCHARIST!

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR B)

2 Kings 4:42-44; Ps 145:10-11,15-16,17-18(R.v.16); Eph 4:1-6; John 6:1-15

Today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked us to remember and celebrate all grandparents and the elderly in our society. In his letter for this celebration, Pope Francis reminded these categories of persons of the promise of God to be with them till the very end. We join the Holy Father in praying especially those of them who are suffering on account of their old age, that God may give them comfort.

Note that a plenary indulgence is granted to the grandparents and elderly who will participate in the solemn celebration of today as well as those who will spend quality time with the elderly in need today.

All the readings that we have in our liturgy today make reference to what we must do to make our society a better place, beginning with making efforts to see that we take care of the needs of those around us in best way that we can.

Have you paid attention to some of the other options for the conclusion of the Holy Mass? Some of them tells us outrightly what we are commanded to do. One of them say, “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” But, go forth to where? Two others explain better: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord” and “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

So at the end of the Eucharistic worship, we ought to make the Eucharist to be reflecting in our relationship with others, in such a way that the face of Christ is seen by all on earth through us.

We can do that in many ways. We can choose to follow the example of the man from Baal-Shalishah who presents the prophet Elisha with twenty barley loaves and fresh ears of corn in the First Reading and that of the little boy, in the Gospel, who gave five barley loaves and two fishes. From these two little provisions, multitudes were alleviated of their hunger.

You can equally learn from Andrew in the Gospel, who obviously does not have what is required to feed the crowd but knows a source – the young boy – and help both Jesus and the boy to reach the point of giving and receiving. Have you ever helped anyone to discover how he/she can succeed in life?

God is not asking for so much from you. Just a little help or time that you can spare would help him feed multitudes. When he feeds them, they would be happy and give thanks to God. That is the whole essence and meaning of the Holy Eucharist (Mass) – Thanksgiving.

May God help us to see and understand the contributions we are required to make in order to make our society a better place. Amen.

Have a happy Sunday filled with miracles of abundance and thanksgiving. Peace be with you.