A Letter from Fr. Paul - Sunday, August 1st

Our campus is beautiful and full of color.  Thank you to the volunteer Garden Angels, who take such good care of it.
 
Our first reading from the book of Exodus has a strong lesson for us on trusting in Divine Providence.  The Jews, recently escaped from slavery and living in the desert, are complaining against God and Moses because of the lack of food.  They would rather be slaves and have a secure food chain!
 
God hears their cries and gives them manna each morning, but strictly warns them “only to take enough for the day.”  Why?  God was testing their faith in Him, that He would provide for them each morning.  Our human urge to make ourselves secure would have impelled them to gather as much as possible and store it for future use and security. God was asking them to trust that the One who freed them from slavery would take care of them.
 
The human need to make ourselves secure was driving the crowd to follow Jesus in our Gospel passage.  He had multiplied the bread and given them food.  They wanted more.  That is why Jesus accuses them of following Him only to get food.
 
What do we say each time we pray the Our Father? “Give us THIS DAY our DAILY bread.”  Do you see the connection?  We are not asking God for long term investments that will make us safe when we retire; we are asking for what we need today! 
 
This is not to say we can’t plan for the future.  But, what is my focus in life:  is it me and securing the future as best I can for myself (and my family)?  Or is it trusting in God’s providence that, if I live Gospel values, caring not only for myself and my family, but also for others, He will provide for me and protect me by giving me “my daily bread”?
 
For reflection this week: how much do I rely on myself and how much do I rely on God’s Providence?  Do I need to be more trusting, so that it frees me to be more generous to others?  And let us support each other in prayer. God bless.
 
Church sign of the week: In the center of every sin is the letter “I”.