Give Us This Day

The readings for August sound like a food fest. Listen to CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARYs titles for three of the five weeks: Bread from Heaven, Food for the Journey, Real Food, Real Drink. How does the homilist do justice to the subtleties of each weeks offering so that the message remains fresh? CTL provides a Homily Resource that invites the homilist to explore the possibilities. The following is an abbreviated sampling of this resource for August 10.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

• When have I been so discouraged that, like Elijah, I just wanted to give up? Who or what became the food for my ongoing journey?
• When have I received the benefit of anothers diligent and faithful preparation of something important?
• Have I ever had to go without food? How hard was it to concentrate on anything else? Who has to face this possibility every day?
• How much do I need to be fed and nourished by Jesus?

COMMUNITY REFLECTION

• The community prays, "Give us this day our daily bread." How is the community nourishment for others?
• What kinds of hungers does the community have? Jesus calls himself the "bread of life." How does Jesus nourish those with varying kinds of hungers?
• How much of societys dis-ease is the result of spiritual malnutrition?
• Elijah was fed by an angel. Who are the parish angels who feed those who are tired and weary, empowering them to continue on their journey in life?

IDEA STARTERS

General: A large segment of society is conscious of the need for healthful eating. Eating less sugar and fat has cult-like following. Is the same care and concern given to spiritual well being?

Many people read their Bibles, pray daily, or celebrate Mass frequently. They are feeding their spirits and keeping themselves healthy.

We know the quality of life maintained with a constant diet of junk food. Some people today are feeding on spiritual junk food; even though they are full, they are still hungry. Jesus calls himself the bread of life, the food that satisfies.

What is involved in getting ready to leave home for a vacation or a young person setting off for college for the first time? What is absolutely necessary for a life journey or pilgrimage?

Adults: Most adults have experienced what Elijah experienced, a feeling that life is too difficult to go on. Adults may be able to name what God and the faith community have offered them to cope with lifes sometimes long and grueling journey.

Our "work ethic" prevents us from being what the second reading calls us to be: "imitators of God." In light of todays reading, how is the statement "God helps those who help themselves" a misunderstanding of our responsibility?

Teens: Teens are an anomaly. They are either eating machines or they are on severe diets in order to lose weight and stay thin. It is especially important for them to be well nourished because they undergo so many physical and emotional changes at this time in life.

Teens, especially girls, are confronted with eating disorders. Death can result if the disorder remains uncontrolled. Those who are not nourished by Christ can die as well. What does this mean? How is refusal to share in the Eucharist an "eating disorder"? How is it different?

What do teens bring to faith that can lead to outpourings of spiritual excitement? The Spirit of Jesus feeds and nourishes such genuine enthusiasm.

Children: Children know how wonderful it feels when someone takes care of them with food and rest.

Children are very conscious of the importance of food. Many of their fights with parents relate to food issues. Children also know that there is much more to them than just their bodies. How does learning about Jesus and praying care for another part of a childs development? Talk about the "hunger" that they can satisfy by being kind.

Children can relate well to immediate life and what it means to be hungry. The image that Jesus is the food needed to live in a special way can help them appreciate the Eucharist.

IMAGES/MEDIA

• The "Golden Arches": Is this a place where nourishment is top of the line?
• Earthquake emergency packs provide basic nutrients.
• Retreats and revivals nourish the spirit.
• Strong extended families provide physical and spiritual nourishment for the journey of life.
• The catechumenate process is a journey leading to Eucharist.
• "Give a person a fish and he will eat today. Teach a person to fish and he will eat tomorrow." What connections can be made between this and Jesus calling himself the bread of life that leads to eternal life?