Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
† Sunday 13th August 2000
Theme: Jesus - provider of food for the journey

A reading from the first Book of Kings 19 : 4 - 8
The prophet Elijah afraid for his life, is ‘on the run’ in the wilderness, and lays down overcome with weariness, hunger and thirst. Just when Elijah is about to give up, God though the ministry of the angel, provides Elijah with food and drink, and commands Elijah, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too long for you.” The Christian Eucharist is often called ‘viaticum’ the food for the journey, and this passage clearly prepares us for what comes in the gospel reading today.

Letter of Paul to the Ephesians: 4 : 30 - 5 : 2
It was not uncommon for letters in the classical world to make lists of vices and virtues. Here the Apostle Paul lists the vices that poison the relationships in the Christian community. But he urges the Christian to be more aware of the Seal of the Holy Spirit that each has received, a Spirit whose characteristic is that of forgiveness, “Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.”

The Gospel according to John 6 : 41 - 51
Jesus said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” Not an easy one this, even the Jews who heard Jesus saying these words, found them difficult. Many actually walked away unable to accept what they were being told. But Jesus insisted, “I am the bread of life...anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

Liturgical Note:
† Tuesday 15th August 2000
[Holiday of Obligation in England & Wales ]
© Peter Harrison 2000