Work of God

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 53:16-21
Mass: Ex 16:2-4, 12-15; Resp Ps 78; Ep 4:17, 20-24; Jn 6:24-35


Buona domenica!Happy Sunday!
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay.(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)
Today, the crowds question Jesus: 'What can we do to accomplish the works of God?' Jesus' answer is straightforward: 'This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.' I was reflecting on the work of God this morning during Morning Prayer, when we gather to sing God's praises with antiphons, psalms, canticles, readings, and hymns. In the monastery we call this the Work of God, also called the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, times when we gather in church as a community to make holy the day with prayer of praise and thanksgiving. This Work of God is also the universal prayer of the Church extending to all the faithful, also called to make holy the day with prayer. Gathering to pray as a community or as individuals, inside or outside of the monastery, day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year takes faith in Jesus Christ who heals us and nourishes us with his Word. This is our work as Christians and we must keep at it. We will be sustained and renewed as Jesus tells us: 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.' 
ONE DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)
Draw near to your servants, O Lord, and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness, that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide, you may restore what you have created and keep safe what you have restored.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.(Collect, Mass)