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“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” John 6:35

Easier to grumble than let God be God, right?  Easier but not very satisfying to our souls.

In today’s reading from Exodus, we hear the complaints of the Israelites who just a few days out of Egypt and slavery accuse Moses of leading them into a desert only to die of famine.  That’s when the Lord tells Moses that he will rain down bread from heaven “so that you may know that I, the Lord, am your God.”

We all need to hear those words from time to time.  Focusing on the Bread of Life doesn’t take away the shortcomings and setbacks that inevitably come our way.  But it does center us on the gift of God’s unwavering presence in our lives—through the Eucharist and through our love for one another, especially those who need us most.

At the same time, God is asking us to become the Bread of Life for one another… to share each other’s burdens and to celebrate each other’s joys.  The goal is to become the person God created us to be:  cheerful in our faith, compassionate toward those in need, and dedicated to building God’s kingdom on earth.  That is our mission calling.

And today is a perfect moment to respond:  by practicing the corporal works of mercy, making time for prayer, removing hurts, extending forgiveness… and letting God be God.

The manna from heaven in today’s reading is fulfilled in the Eucharist, the food that, as John says, does not perish but endures for all eternity.  A good message for our souls to dwell on this day.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

Prayer for 1st Sunday

Nourish us, O Bread of Life,

with the very Body of Christ

that the love of Christ might fill

our hearts, minds, and lives to overflowing.

Strengthen us, O Food of Angels,

with the living Bread of heaven

that we might live no longer for ourselves

but for all those for whom Christ died.

Empower us, O Blessed Sacrament

in which the body, blood, soul, and divinity Of Christ

remain with us to fulfill the command of Christ

to love and forgive.

Sanctify us, O Bread blest, broken and shared

that You may help us help others to walk the way of holiness

that leads everyone to Your kingdom

Where You live and reign

with the Father and Holy Spirit

God forever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer by, Father Joseph Veneroso M.M.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.

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