Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
Today in the Gospel Jesus says, “whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6:35). Take a moment to reflect on the enormity of that statement. Jesus welcomes everyone. All that is required is to come to Him, to believe in Him, and your needs will be met. Jesus is aware that the crowds following Him do not yet understand what it means that He is the Bread of Life. Following the miracle of the loaves and fishes, they are drawn to His obvious ability to meet their physical needs. They are also yearning for a leader who will bring political revolution. But the revolution Jesus is there to lead is not political in nature, it is a revolution of the heart.
Are you someone who has read the same book or watched the same movie tens or even hundreds of times? I must admit that I am not. There is so much to read, so much to watch, that usually I will choose something new. The sacred Scriptures would be the one exception to that preference. Every lectionary year B, we read the same Gospel readings, and yet, after so many years of study and reflection, I always discover something new each time. I know that when I read and contemplate the bread of life discourse in the Gospel of John next I will be drawn to something different, that I have never considered before, and yet the words on the page do not change.
We come to the great love story that is the Gospels as a different person each year and each season. The story does not grow old, even when we know it by heart, because the mystery it contains both boggles our minds and enlivens our hearts. This week I invite you to join in opening our hearts to the Gospels and seeking new understanding in Jesus’ familiar words.
I wish you and your loved ones continued blessings of good health, great hope and God’s nourishing Word,
Fr. Paul
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