August 12, 2018 Sunday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time-B
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34
Ephesians 4:30—5:2
John 6:41-51
“This is enough, O Lord!” 1 Kings 19:4
“I am the bread of life…” Jn 6:48
Lord, your prophet Elijah was ready to give up. He was a fugitive in the desert from an evil queen who had put a death sentence on his head. He was at the end of his rope. There are times when I feel just like Elijah. Life can get too busy, too complicated, and too hard. It sometimes seems like everything depends on me and that there is nothing I can do to escape. I am alone and God is nowhere to be seen. Prayers seem to go unanswered and I can see no path to peace. Your words to us in John’s gospel pull me out of this condition. You are ready to give yourself to me completely in the great sacrament of the Eucharist. The bread of life is my strength and encouragement to believe and to look for your grace in whatever hardship I encounter. You knew well that we all would need heavenly food for the road ahead. Thank you, Jesus, for not leaving me alone in my misery. I am hopeful that you understand my fears and my pain. I also believe you only want for me to live the abundant life which comes from you. Amen.