About the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday August 4, 2024
The readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B show that God gives us bread from heaven – the Eucharist. In the first reading God provides manna when the Israelites are starving and complaining. The psalm declares “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.” In the second reading () we are invited to be renewed and transformed. And in the gospel Jesus tells us not to work for the temporary things of this world but for the true bread of life.
Like last week, these readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B point to the Eucharist. The lure of material goods and worldly values is also a possible topic.
Daily Mass Readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- First Reading – Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15: “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 78: “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.”
- Second Reading – Ephesians 4:17, 20-24: “you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth”
- Gospel – John 6:24-35: “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”
Other Resources
Top ideas for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
Who except God can give you peace?
Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart? – St. Gerard Majella
Work for the Food That Endures for Eternal Life
Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. – John 6:27 (Social media graphic)
Does It Last? A Timely Lesson Plan on the Eucharist
This lesson plan on the Eucharist will help youth understand that the material goods of this world will pass away. In the end, our union with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist will last. Scripture reference: John 6:24-35
Why Do We Consume But Are Not Satisfied? Background Material on Consumerism
We live in a world where we are constantly consuming. The teachings of the Catholic Church can explain our obsession with consumerism.
Welcome Jesus as the Bread of Life Quote
This Bread of Life quote from Pope Francis reminds us that only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual needs.
Eternal Dodge Ball – A Silly Game that Never Ends
Eternal Dodge Ball is a game that never ends. Every time somebody gets out by getting hit with the ball, someone has a chance to return to the game. Unless you have one really dominant player, this game will go…
In Remembrance – A Prayer Based on Psalm 78
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Is the Price Right? (Value Games)
Consumerism and materialism can make it seem like everything has a dollar value. Value games like Is the Price Right help youth understand that not everything is defined by a price tag.