Fr. Joseph’s Weekly Missive for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.” (John 6:11)

The major theme for this Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to become humble instruments in God’s hands by sharing our blessings with our needy brothers and sisters. And it reminds us that if our country has been blessed with an abundance of earthly bread or with the technical capabilities to produce such abundance, then these gifts are for sharing with the hungry people and poor countries.

Once the physical hunger is satisfied, then we are challenged to satisfy the deeper hunger, for love, mercy, forgiveness, companionship, peace and fulfillment. The readings instruct us that miracles can happen through our hands, when we collect, share and distribute to the needy the food destined for all by our generous God.

“Sharing” or “charitable giving” is the act of giving our time, treasure and talents to the unfortunate people directly or indirectly by means of a charitable trust or other worthy cause. Charitable giving as a religious duty is referred to as “almsgiving” or “alms,” providing the recipients with the means they need to survive.

Normally charity denotes giving to those not related. With regards to religious aspects, the recipients of charity may offer to pray for their benefactor. This manner of interchange fulfills Christian values of “sharing.” 

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to share our time, treasure and talents with those in need, to repent our sins, reflect on our vocation of dynamic Christian discipleship to live a holy life to fulfill God’s will and obtain our salvation.

How can we help each other and the Church to commit and participate in the generous sharing of our resources of time, treasures and talents given by God to glorify His name?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.