19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, August 11, 2024

The readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B demonstrate that God sustains us. In the first reading (1 Kings 19:4-8) Elijah wants to give up, but the Lord gives him strength to continue. The psalm (Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9) declares “Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. In the second reading (Ephesians 4:30—5:2) we are encouraged to live as Jesus Christ showed us. And in the gospel (John 6:41-51), people are doubting Jesus, but he declares that he is the bread of life.

So these readings could lead to a discussion of the Eucharist or the importance of not giving up. Here are some ideas:

A Student’s Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Jude is the patron saint of hope and of impossible causes. That makes him a good saints for students when they feel overwhelmed by studies and other demands on their time.

Visit a Cemetery With Your Family

Lent is a time to think about our own mortality and how Jesus brings us from death into life through His sacrifice on the cross. With children, especially young children, it is best not to be to heavy handed about this though. We don't want to scare them. But taking them to a cemetery to visit the graves of loved ones can be a positive experience for them. #BuryTheDead #WorksOfMercy #prayer #lent

A Prayer for Our Nation

It is easy to look at the divisions in our country and the injustices and loose hope. But our merciful God is first and foremost our reason for hope. Let us place our country in his hands.