Reflection for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 8, 2021

By Kathy Schinker, Notre Dame Associate

The readings for this Sunday are about food.  Elijah was fed and nourished by God on his journey to Horab, the mountain of God.

In the gospel Jesus said “I am the bread of life.”

What more do we need?

He gave himself up on the cross for me and I still give in to fretting and worrying about the “small stuff” of everyday life.

Every life is “important stuff” and I pray for all those lives lost as a result of Covid-19.  I ask God for the strength to share my bread and water with those around me who are hungry and thirsty, not only for food and water but for encouragement, friendship, and a helping hand.

Some years ago I was talking with Fr. Jim Schwertley about helping persons experiencing homelessness. He shared that he went to the Siena Francis House at meal time and sat and talked with homeless men as they ate dinner.  He didn’t try to counsel them. He just listened.

Can I take time to listen to someone who just needs to be listened to?  I won’t stop helping in other ways but will remind myself I can also give the gift of listening.