Aug. 7: The first reading

"Then the LORD said, 'Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.' A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD - but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake - but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire - but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave." -1 Kings 19:11-13

When we wait for God to speak to us or give us a sign, what do we listen for? What do we look for? We tend to wait on God to give us a large sign in front of our face and to speak to us loud and clear. But God has the tendency to come in the silence and speak softly......He doesn't always come in a strong wind, earthquake, or fire. Surprisingly, He often comes in the simple whisper.

Dear God, help us to remember to listen closely so we can hear your voice.....

July 31: Meals

The gospel today was about the 5 loaves and 2 fish that Jesus transformed into a meal for thousands of people. People eating a meal together is such a great thing. For some reason, people value meal time. The traditional family eats dinner together and discusses the events of the day. Date nights often consist of dinner at a restaurant. Groups of friends get together on the weekends to hang out at Buffalo Wild Wings. Why is mealtime so important to people? Because it brings them together to talk and get to know each other better.

Mass each Sunday is a meal too. Together, we Catholics receive communion, a meal that can bring us closer to Jesus and also to each other. This is why it is so important for Catholics to go to Mass. We need this connection with Jesus and other Catholics like we need connections with our family and friends.

Food brings people together :)