After God led the people out of Egypt, they complained because they were hungry. So God gave them manna and quail to eat in the desert. Can we trust that God will provide and go forth into the unknown with confidence, or do we drag our feet and long for a past that is gone?

Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP and Fr. Michael Fones, OP break open the readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Paul challenges us to give up our "futile" way of thinking, where we rely only on our own resources. Jesus challenges us to believe in him rather than some magic formula. Exodus challenges us to trust God to lead us into a better life. <br>
<br>
Readings: Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15; Ephesians 4:17, 20–24; John 6:24–35

Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP breaks open the word for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, pondering Paul's words that we should live a life worthy of the call of the One God who is over all and in all, acknowledging that if God is in us, then God is in our enemies and in all of creation. Thus, we must share the blessings we receive from God with others, even when we think them small, and God will make sure they enough for all.<br>
<br>
Readings: 2 Kings 4:42–44, Ephesians 4:1–6, John 6:1–15

For 16 July 2024, Tuesday of week 15 in Ordinary Time, based on Isaiah 7:1-9

For 13 July 2024, Saturday of the 14th week in Ordinary Time, based on Isaiah 6:1-8

Jesus was a popular preacher, except in his own hometown, where he was rejected and amazed at the people's lack of faith such that "he could work no miracle there, though he cured a few sick people by laying his hands on them." Faith is a communal dynamic with an individual component such that even when the majority rejects a particular belief, a few individuals can still choose to believe and be healed.

When the Israelites came back from the Babylonian Exile, they rebuilt the temple and started over, but without a king and welcoming people from every nation to join them. Jesus was also rebooting Judaism, saying that we should put new wine in new wineskins. Where do we need a religious reboot?

St. Paul tells us that all of us are equally citizens of heaven, called to be built into a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit one the one foundation of the apostles, with Jesus as the cornerstone. We have to make sure that we are not building our own church on a different foundation.

For 28 June 2024, Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop, Doctor, Martyr, based on 2 Kings 25:1-12, Matthew 8:1-4

Jesus tells us to "enter through the narrow gate" and "do unto others as we would have them do unto us." But these things are not always easy, as we see when King Hezekiah is faced with a siege of Jerusalem by the King of Assyria.