Every Wednesday morning, I put a little bit of food in large boxes. Usually, it’s cereal, a can of fruit and a box of pasta. Just three things. But you see, I’m not the only one. Down the line, others put in peanut butter, dried beans, soup, fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs. At the very end, someone else places a bag of frozen meat on top. And after that, others greet those in need and give them the now-overflowing boxes.
And before all that, still others have picked up food from stores or the food bank, spent hours managing the process, and still others have contributed funds.
People hunger and thirst in different ways. Some of these hungers are overwhelming, and none can be fully satisfied except in the Lord. Yet, we are called in the present moment to do what we can—and every little bit helps—to feed the sheep.
Amy, your devotional brings to mind a wonderful ministry we have in our parish called “Feed My Sheep”. This ministry has 3 facets to it: Bringing meals to seniors or people with health challenges, offering free meals twice a month in our church hall, and putting on bereavement luncheons following a funeral mass in our church. What a blessing to witness all these volunteers stepping forward to to Feed His Sheep. Peace and good to all the LFF on this site.
I had a hunger and thirst for so many years that I tried to fill it with all the wrong things. I had a heart wound that was like a broken cistern that could not hold water. Once I hit rock bottom God was there extending his grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I finally realized that my hunger and thirst could only be filled through an intimate relationship with God through his Son Jesus and being filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. As my faith deepens I find myself craving more of God's love. I recently added the saying of the Rosary to my daily prayer life. I am finding additional strength and solace in my prayers to Mary.
May Our Lord continue to bless and comfort you, Rusty. Your spiritual happiness is alive and thriving in you. Praise the Lord!
Amen
Today's Gospel reminds me of my BSF lesson! John 2:15-17, "When Jesus and the disciples had finished eating, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter. He asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. “You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” Again Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.” Jesus spoke to him a third time. He asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter felt bad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He answered, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep!" *** Question, "What previous event is connected to Jesus' questioning of Peter, and why?" My response, "Jesus' questioning of Peter 3 times is connected to Peter's denial of Jesus 3 times inth ecourtyard after Jesus was arrested! Why? Because Jesus was reinstating Peter so he would not dwell on his mistake of denying Jesus 3 times so he could be free to proclaim the Gospel!" *** Question, "What changes do you see in Peer's relationship with Jesus?" My response, "Peter became more patient listneing to Jesus in this encounter instead of the hot-headed Peter who would go ahead of Jesus! Remember in Matthew 14:25-31 Peter went out on the water when he saw Jesus walking on water, he then got scared! Then another time Peter refused to let Jesus wash his feet and then he said to Jeaus to wash his hands and head too in John 13:6-9 *** Questions, "Give examples of how God calls his people to fulfilled Jesus' command to Peter today. How is God leading you to obey His command?" My response, "Same today as it was with Peter...Feed My lambs, take care of My sheep and feed My sheep! How did Peter do that? First, he waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-13. Then he started to speak and tell of the Good News (Gospel) to all who were present in Acts 2:14-40 quoting Scriptures from Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1" "Same with me as I serve the BSF students and anyone who will hear or read my lessons/sharings/comments - to know God, to love God, to enjoy God and to glorify God!!!" ******* Question, "What do you want to tell others about Jesus, and how will you share it?" My response, "You believe in God, but what do you know about Jesus personally?"
Amen
Amen. :)
Amy thank you for your comments and reflections this morning. Packing food is great way to start the day. Living faith family as you guys know I deliver food for our Feedmore program (meals on wheels). This Wednesday two clients mentioned that they were Catholic they knew that I am a Eucharistic Minister and have been giving the Eucharist to Terry from my parish both asked if I could bring them the Eucharist to them on Wednesdays. I am still not a robot. Ken
Hi, busy bee Ken. God bless you for bringing Jesus to Terry and now you’re going to help more people to receive Our Lord. Loved your story about the blanket for your little grandchild. You must be fun Grandpa too!
Prayer for safe travels today as my whole family is traveling. Please pray for my son who has another big event today and tomorrow. Prayers to all for health, happiness, and safety.
Special prayers for your son this weekend, Sarah.
Safe travels for you and your family this weekend, Sarah.,
Sarah…Praying for your family’s safe and uneventful travels. God Speed!
Amy reminded me that this weekend is canned goods Sunday. So I’ll look for items in the cupboard. I’ll grab the canned tuna but not the canned salmon; I’ll reach for the condensed tomato soup but not the special tomato bisque. Not there yet.
Hahaha... Bruce, I am waiting for you to invite them to your home for dinner :-)
Love it...and I can relate, Bruce! You are thought-provoking AND make us smile. Thank you!
Thank you Amy! A thought provoking reflection! Peter seemed to have held highest regard amongst the Apostles. It was to Peter, that the keys of the kingdom was conferred, in today's gospel, it is Peter again who is interrogated with the question, three times do you love me? Having responded in the positive, Peter is delegated with the responsibility of feeding the sheep. Here we see the institution of the first church, the first Pope in the person of Simon Peter, whose legacy continues today, leading the church, feeding the sheep. Many today continue to hunger and thirst spiritually for Jesus, the bread of life, and physically for the food that satisfies our human cravings. We are all called to embrace that need, to feed the sheep both spiritually and physically. We are all required to be a Simon Peter in today's world as Jesus says to each one of us "Feed my sheep. Prayers and blessings for all with special intentions and needs today. Blessings Living Faith Family.
Thank you Amy and all those who unselfishly feed the sheep... may the Lord bless and keep you for doing his work
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love. Set our lives aflame with your gifts. Grant us: wisdom to choose what is good and true; understanding to embrace your plan of salvation; right judgment to act according to your will; courage to share our faith with others; knowledge to live as disciples of Jesus Christ; reverence to respond faithfully to your grace each day; and wonder and awe in your presence. Inspire us with enthusiasm for our Catholic faith. Grant us boldness to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, and help us to bring the transforming power of the gospel to our world. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. AMEN. ...OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, GLORY BE... Friday, May 17, 2024 – The Fruit of the Holy Spirit In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5: 22 - 23
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.