Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 8, 2021
First Reading: 1 Kings 19.4-8
4while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."5Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat."6He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.7The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you."8So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
Psalm 34
1I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.2My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.4I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.6This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.9Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;16the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.19A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;20he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.21Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Second Reading: Ephesians 4.30 – 5.2
Gospel: John 6.41-51
41At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."42They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"43"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.45It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.46No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.47I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.48I am the bread of life.49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died.50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons of trust, love, and divine provision.
First, in 1 Kings, Elijah finds himself in a desert, overwhelmed and despairing, yet an angel provides him with bread and water, renewing his strength. This story illustrates God's unwavering care and provision, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God is present, offering sustenance and hope.
The Ephesians reading shifts our focus to living a life of love and forgiveness. It urges us to avoid negative emotions and instead embrace kindness and compassion, imitating God's love. This call to love is exemplified in Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the transformative power of selfless love in our lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus declares himself the living bread, offering eternal life to all who believe. This teaching challenges us to trust in God's plan and recognize Jesus as our ultimate source of strength and life, just as Elijah was sustained in the desert.
These readings weave together themes of trust, love, and reliance on Jesus. They encourage us to trust in God's providence, live with love and forgiveness, and find eternal life in Jesus. May we draw strength from these lessons, living each day with renewed faith and love.