The less you have the more you can give, and the more you have, the less you can give.”
— Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Recently I celebrated my 4th anniversary in serving the faith community here at St. Joseph in Coraopolis. Around the time of my anniversary, I was searching high and low and for a picture of the Last Supper to place in the rectory dining room. Lo and behold, a parishioner who was downsizing and selling her house brought in a beautiful painting of the Last Supper. I was glad that I patiently waited because the picture’s character, size and beauty, and that fact that it was such an important part of her large household, made it all the greater a blessing for the rectory for many years to come.
During these five weeks of summer, we are reading from the Bread of Life Discourse from John 6. It makes one reflect on the precious gift of the Eucharist as each Sunday we have the joy of gathering around at the Table of the Word and the Table of the Body and Blood of Jesus. Lest one ever forget, Jesus is the one who ultimately feeds us. And from the nourishment and strength He gives us, we are called to feed others in His name. I remember my homiletic professor once telling us that the difference between a good sermon and a bad sermon is that a good sermon causes you to want more, but a bad sermon leaves you wanting less. Jesus always leaves us wanting more!
Today in our electronic society we are programmed to expect instant answers, immediate results, and we live with a rush-hour mentality. We have even been called “the fast-food nation.” Our society can be a frantic, frenetic and frenzied blizzard of text, tweets and emails. We often live in a breakneck world of work with untold stresses, pressures, demands and deadlines. Within our consumer mentality in “keeping up with Joneses,” we pursue more things, endlessly seeking the latest gadgetry and gizmos.
Many times we are comparing ourselves with others, focusing only on the gap between us. Whether that something which creates a barrier between us is talent, resources, religion, history, looks, social background, status, money, knowledge and education, special abilities, or relationships, we compare and compete with others. Role, title, position, status can easily destroy why God put us on this earth—to do the very best of our ability in the way that only we can do it. And no one can do it better than you. Let us not confuse our superficial identity with our authentic being.
The story of Jesus feeding the multitude is the only miracle found in all four Gospels. Thus it points to and highlights the importance of this account for the life of the Church. No matter where one finds this miracle recorded, the most striking element is the people’s hunger and Jesus’ readiness to feed them. Little things always mean much in the hands of Jesus. The celebration of the Eucharist is the miracle to convert us from selfishness to selflessness. It is quality time when we listen to how someone’s day was today. It’s quality time when we put others’ needs before our own preferences, schedules and interests. It’s quality time when we read a story to a child at bedtime without being concerned about checking our phone for new messages. It’s quality time when we invite our neighbors around for a meal or block party. It’s quality time when we come to the Lord’s house for time in prayer. And if we want to see our offerings to God multiplied, we need to realize that we have an essential role to play. We all have different gifts, different life situations, different opportunities that will present themselves in our lives. But one thing is sure: each of us will have an opportunity to do something important for the kingdom of God.
Recently on July 23-27, the 35th annual convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians was held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The theme this year was “Renew the Face of the Earth.” It was a spiritual high to gather with people from around our country and beyond, from the Atlantic coastline of New Jersey to Pacific shoreline of California, and the heart of Texas to the Minnesota lakes. The event was packed with uplifting prayer services, keynote addresses, breakout workshops and a feast of performances, event venues and activities. It was heartwarming to see so many faith leaders and servants in our city. At the convention we met new and old friends, we shared experiences, listened to new music, new liturgical expressions and new perspectives to bring back home to our faith communities. New graces poured over us along the river banks of Pittsburgh. It is in moments like this that we see the special treasure and gift that faith is and the ways in which we can share our God-given talents to bless the world over.
Looking out at that vast throng of people that descended on our beautiful city of Pittsburgh to gather as Christ’s Church to be in one place at one time in prayer and thanksgiving was resoundingly beautiful, uplifting and inspiring. New waves of grace came over us to minister and evangelize and bear witness in the culture and times we live. Whether one is 20, 50 or 80 plus, we hunger for Jesus the Bread of Life who gives meaning, purpose and direction to our life.
As an avid sports fan who loves the hometown Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, I was prouder to be a part of Church community that worships as one Body of Christ across our nation than a part of any faithful participant at a sporting event. In a world that offers us myriads of interests and distractions, we must find Jesus. It was wonderful to be at a week-long event that put faith at center stage, for it is faith that holds life together. And as our faith is strengthened through other believers and witnesses, we in turn can share our faith with others.
We are all pilgrims on the journey. We are all companions on the way. We are all seekers striving for holiness. We are all bridge-builders. We are torch bearers setting the world ablaze with God’s love. We are table mates of the Lord and one another. And through the gift of the Holy Spirit entrusted to us, we are called to renew the face of the earth.
Praise the Lord!
