30 th July, 2006

17 th Sunday - Year B

S: Good morning - today we’re on about the Miracle of the loaves and Fishes and we are reminded through it that God is with us in a very special way when we gather to celebrate Eucharist. The word Eucharist means, “to give thanks” and so today we give thanks for all that is good in our lives.

B: There are few things better as sitting down with friends or family to share a meal. When a family gathers or when a couple go out to eat - a sort of ritual takes place.

Within our family we all have our place at the table; it is a place to feel at home, a place of security, a place where we are among our own.

Of course we know things aren’t always rosy in the garden - the table can also be a place of hurt and silence after an argument. However Jesus calls us together as a family around his table, a table where everybody is accepted no matter who they are.

S: I remember a few years ago giving a school retreat and I was talking to these two students who told me that “God is cool but the Church is for the birds”. This was said in the context of them really enjoying the Mass we had on the retreat and getting something out of it - so Church for them was about the Mass and on Sunday mornings it was just an empty ritual to them and they wondered why they should bother going, this might be the story of many people today...

B: ... and maybe today’s Gospel of the Loaves and Fishes reminds us to take a fresh look at the Mass - perhaps there is a way to make it more meaningful for us and our families.

S: So we are reminded that God is close to us, and his invitation is for us to come closer to him, one way is through the Eucharist, sharing what we have with one another, giving thanks to God and I’m sure that we can all find something to be thankful for, and we will realise that there is enough for everyone’s need in our world.

B: You’ve been listening to "Just a thought" with Brenda Cribbin...

S: and Seamus Madigan. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at Henry Street. You can also download your own copy of this reflection by clicking on limerickdiocese.org This is our last ‘Just a thought’ until September.

B: We look forward to your company then, so take care...

S & B: Bye

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