Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 11, 2024
-
August 8, 2024
John 6:47-51 (47) Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (48) I am the bread of life. (49) Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; (50) this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. (51) I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
John 6:48 proclaims the very words of Our Lord Jesus Christ: “I am the bread of Life.” These words continue to console us and strengthen us in our Christian lives. To the Lord we turn with fullest confidence that He will nourish our lives that we may face what confronts us day by day. Though we may experience many attacks on our spiritual well-being and health, we know that if we are fed by Him, we will flourish and grow stronger in grace. He lives in me. I know He there abides. In addition, the food He provides will bring us to eternal life. For if we live in Christ, we are reborn in Him, we are in the state of grace in this world; come what may, we have His solemn guarantee that we will be with Him forever in heaven after the death of our bodies. How foolish we can be to be just concerned about an earthly life that will pass away, when what is most important is our eternal life. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his immortal soul? How does my present life appear in the light of eternity, we should constantly ask ourselves, as did the saints? That is the measure we use.
This week we will also celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year this holyday is one of obligation since it falls on a Thursday. A holyday of obligation is a day other than a Sunday when we are obliged under pain of mortal sin to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Catholics are obliged under pain of mortal sin to assist at Holy Mass on all Sundays and holydays of obligation. Those who hold the position that there is no serious obligation to assist at Mass on Sundays and holydays are wrong. The Church through its official catechism, the code of canon law, and the teachings of the popes has reaffirmed the traditional position for the good of our souls and for the good of the Catholic community of faith. Our assistance at Holy Mass unites us in the communion of the saints both living and deceased. It is the least we can do considering all that the Lord does for us. He suffered and died on the Cross to give us the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Love calls out for love!
Mary models to us fidelity in Christ. Her Assumption into heaven is a privilege given to her by God because she fully cooperated with His plan. She shows us that grace works. If we cooperate with God’s grace then we too will be filled with joy, endure all sufferings, and then come to the glory of heaven. The Assumption is a feast of hope. Jesus Christ is our last, best, and only hope. Mary love you!
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mark G. Mazza
