"We, the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Oldenburg, are women of prayer,
committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service.
Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace,we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world."
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service.
Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace,we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world."
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
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Federal Executions Set to Resume
Marian University Features S. Norma Rocklage
Could a Franciscan Vocation be in your future? |
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PRAY WITH US
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READINGS AND REFLECTION FOR AUGUST 2,2020
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME |
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First Reading: Isaiah 55: 1-3
Responsorial: Psalm 145: 8 – 9, 15 - 18 Second Reading: Romans 8: 35, 37 -39 Gospel: Matthew 14: 13 -21 |
Our Weekly Reflection...
REFLECTION:
When I first read the readings for today, I exclaimed to myself, “Isn’t God grand!?” I invite you to at look the words from the prophet Isaiah: “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat. Come, without paying and without cost, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” The prophet continues, “Heed me and you shall eat well … Come to me heedfully, listen that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.” I find these words to be reassuring, especially in the times we are in.”
In Psalm 45, we are assured that, “The hand of the Lord feeds us; God answers all our needs.” And further, the psalmist says, “The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season.”
Paul’s letter to the Romans asks, “What will separate us from the love of Christ? … I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And then – to top it all off - we see in the Gospel from Matthew, our compassionate Jesus reaching out to feed thousands, even though his disciples said it couldn’t be done. Indeed, the words of Isaiah, David, and Paul are brought to fulfillment in this event.
As I witness the extreme suffering of our brothers and sisters in our world today, I would like to take some time to reflect on the hope filled readings of this Sunday… and to remember the words of Psalm 45: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.” I invite you to do so also.
PRAYER:
Loving, compassionate God, be with us as we ponder your generosity. Thank you for your nearness to us – even though we may not feel your presence at times. We place our suffering brothers and sisters in Your care. Thank you for renewing with us Your everlasting covenant. In Jesus’ name we pray.
S. Joan Laughlin, OSF
When I first read the readings for today, I exclaimed to myself, “Isn’t God grand!?” I invite you to at look the words from the prophet Isaiah: “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat. Come, without paying and without cost, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” The prophet continues, “Heed me and you shall eat well … Come to me heedfully, listen that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.” I find these words to be reassuring, especially in the times we are in.”
In Psalm 45, we are assured that, “The hand of the Lord feeds us; God answers all our needs.” And further, the psalmist says, “The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season.”
Paul’s letter to the Romans asks, “What will separate us from the love of Christ? … I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And then – to top it all off - we see in the Gospel from Matthew, our compassionate Jesus reaching out to feed thousands, even though his disciples said it couldn’t be done. Indeed, the words of Isaiah, David, and Paul are brought to fulfillment in this event.
As I witness the extreme suffering of our brothers and sisters in our world today, I would like to take some time to reflect on the hope filled readings of this Sunday… and to remember the words of Psalm 45: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.” I invite you to do so also.
PRAYER:
Loving, compassionate God, be with us as we ponder your generosity. Thank you for your nearness to us – even though we may not feel your presence at times. We place our suffering brothers and sisters in Your care. Thank you for renewing with us Your everlasting covenant. In Jesus’ name we pray.
S. Joan Laughlin, OSF
