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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a)
The pregnant Bathsheba becomes David’s wife and gives birth to their son. Nathan tells David a parable of a rich man who stole a poor man’s lamb. Through it David is able to admit his sin in taking both Uriah’s wife and his life. He and his house will pay dearly.
Psalm (51:1-12)
The Psalmist admits both his inborn sinfulness and the sinful acts he has committed. He pleads that the Lord will have mercy upon him and grant him forgiveness and a clean heart. He begs for a new spirit within and a place in the presence of the Lord.
Second Reading (Ephesians 4:1-16)
St. Paul sets out the need for unity in the church, a unity requiring humility, gentleness and patience. To be fully formed in Christ, members of his body need to exercise their gifts of ministry to build the whole body into maturity of faith and knowledge.
Gospel (John 6:24-35)
Jesus sees that the crowd has come to him for earthly food, not for who he is. He uses the opportunity to portray himself as the true bread from heaven providing eternal life. Eager to hear more, he tells them that believers in him will never hunger or thirst.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Seeking to provide for the earthly appetites while ignoring spiritual ones leads to trouble
- Humility is needed in order to recognize our true condition and need
- Life in Christ is not a smooth and easy road and requires the help of our fellow travellers
- The need for inner transformation as followers of Jesus
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15)
Not long out of Egypt, the Israelites complain to Moses and Aaron that they had been led out a land of plenty only to die of hunger in the wilderness. The Lord appears before them and provides manna and quail to meet their need and know that he is God.
Psalm (78:23-29)
The Psalmist celebrates the wilderness experience of Israel, when God miraculously and abundantly provided for the needs of his people. The bread of angels rained down upon them in the form of manna, and flesh in the form of quail.
Second Reading (Ephesians 4:1-16)
St. Paul sets out the need for unity in the church, a unity requiring humility, gentleness and patience. To be fully formed in Christ, members of his body need to exercise their gifts of ministry to build the whole body into maturity of faith and knowledge.
Gospel (John 6:24-35)
Jesus sees that the crowd has come to him for earthly food, not for who he is. He uses the opportunity to portray himself as the true bread from heaven providing eternal life. Eager to hear more, he tells them that believers in him will never hunger or thirst.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Seeking to provide for the earthly appetites while ignoring spiritual ones leads to trouble
- Life in Christ is not a smooth and easy road and requires the help of our fellow travellers
- Jesus provides for every need, earthly and heavenly
- The people of God do not lack provision even though they may not see it because they are looking in the wrong direction