29 Jul
Sun
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
2 Kgs. 4:42-44
Ps.144(145):10-11,15-16, 17-18
Eph 4:1-6
Jn. 6:-15
(Ps Wk I)
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The account of Jesus multiplying the bread and feeding the people in the desert is one that is recorded in each of the four Gospels. The first reading recounts a similar incident from the life of the Old Testament prophet Elisha and may help us to understand why all the Gospels record this miracle. The man who brought the twenty barley loaves to Elisha was bringing him a personal gift, but for the man of God, gifts were to be shared with others.

The man could not understand how so few loaves could feed a large number, just as Philip objected to Jesus' suggestion that the disciples should give the crowd something to eat.

The Scriptures teach us, though indirectly, that every gift we receive is for the good of others besides ourselves and ought to be shared with others. We too often do not appreciate the gifts and graces which we have received from God's hands and so fail to understand how God's power can be at work within us for our own good, for the good of others and especially for the good of the Church.



Lord Jesus, we have nothing except what we have received from You. Teach us to be generous in using our gifts and talents both for our own sanctification and for the good of Your Church.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That everyone may have work in safe and secure condition.
Elaboration

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