The word "amen" means “so be it.” We say that word many times when we pray during the Mass. On this final week of hearing the Bread of Life Discourse from chapter 6 of John’s Gospel we are asked to put our faith on the line and say “Amen.” As Jesus calls himself bread to be eaten many of the descendants said “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” and they “no longer accompanied him.” Jesus then asked the Twelve if they would leave, too. Simon Peter answered for all: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” As we say “Amen!” we are then to live in communion in a world of broken bodies, shed blood, wounded hearts and crushed spirits. As we believe that the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, what is the change in us that should accompany receiving them?
This weekend a member of the Parish Festival Committee made a presentation of where your help is needed to make this year’s Parish Festival a success. As the tradition continues, please respond to the invitation to assist in the many areas where help is needed, whether it is preparing a basket for the basket raffle, donating a case of soda pop or water, or volunteering at one of the many booths. Thanks!
This week we celebrate the life of Saint Augustine and his Mother Monica. Monica prayed for the conversion of her son. He was baptized on Easter Sunday by Bishop Ambrose in Milan. On their return trip to Africa she died having said there was nothing left for her to do since all her hopes had been fulfilled. She is the patroness of mothers. May we imitate her example and never give up encouraging our children’s spiritual journeys. A doctor of the Church, Augustine’s intelligence and pastoral concern shaped the thought of Western Christianity and guided the Church for over a thousand years. Let us imitate his restless search for God and his joy when God is discovered.
Wednesday, August 29 is the Passion of John the Baptist. His birth brought great rejoicing; even in the womb he leapt for joy at the coming of human salvation. He alone of all the prophets pointed out the Lamb of redemption. And to make holy the flowing waters, he baptized the very author of Baptism and was privileged to bear him supreme witness by the shedding of his blood.
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord," urges us to acknowledge and give thanks for the refuge and joy we find in the Lord.
