Open Wednesday ... Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A … August 3

     For three Sundays we have heard parables about the Kingdom of Heaven.          Jesus does not tell a parable in Sunday's Gospel, but the account of His healing the sick could be told in a story, beginning, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like being     surrounded by compassion when one is sick."

     How do you handle a great loss and a great sadness?
     When Jesus heard that His cousin, John, had been murdered, Jesus withdrew in a boat to be by Himself.  However, His own popularity defeated His purpose.  The people guessed where Jesus was going and beat Him there.  When Jesus drew close to the shore and saw the crowd, He felt pity for the people.  He got out of the boat and healed the sick.  The Gospel does not mention Jesus teaching at this time.    Imagine the people pressing on Jesus with their sick and lame.  Later Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fishes to feed the throng and still there is much left over.  Read  in your Bible storybook or in your Bible about the death of John the Baptist           (Mt 14:3-12).  Draw five loaves and two fishes, the crowd, and the twelve wicker baskets; write the Psalm Response and the Gospel Acclamation on your picture.
     Sometimes I wonder why Jesus did not save John.  Does Jesus allowing John's death  prefigure God allowing Jesus' death?  God does allow evil to play out in the world, like grain and weeds growing together.  Recall last Sunday's Second Reading: "We know that all things work for good for those who love God" (Rm 8:28)
     Jesus gave to others when He felt like being alone.  This week, to prepare to hear the Gospel, give at a time when you, too, feel like being alone.  Watch how Jesus multiplies your own giving. 
     Consider the acronym, G.I.F.T., which I use to stand for "Give in the Face of Trouble."  If troubles start this week, "G.I.F.T. it," and watch the troubles either lessen or have less effect.
     The First Reading has delightful imagery.  The words of Isaiah prepare us to hear about John who lived a frugal lifestyle in the desert and to whom the people flocked for baptism (Mt 3). We imagine John, after Jesus died, being welcomed into Heaven to all the riches Isaiah promises.  The First Reading promises the renewal of the Covenant.  Jesus is the New Covenant and we are fed with His Body in Eucharist.  Look at the symbols for Covenant near the First Reading on the picture page.  The Covenant was first mentioned with Noah and then established with Abraham; the rules of the Covenant were written with Moses, and the Covenant was renewed through David.  Through the prophets more is promised.  The New Covenant        provides believers with an extraordinary personal relationship with God; at every Mass the Covenant is renewed and Jesus comes to us in Eucharist.  You may wish   to read all of Isaiah 55 for the rich imagery.
     The Second Reading describes the wonderful relationship God desires with us.  Nothing need ever separate us from the love of Christ.  Imagine yourself this week hugged by Jesus.  Imagine yourself engulfed in His love.  Then share that love with others. "Gift it!"
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Sunday's Readings:     Isaiah 55:1-3
                                    Psalm 145
                                    Romans 8:35, 37-39
                                    Matthew 14:13-21