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We lead very busy hectic lives, most to survive while others to thrive at their successes. We are afraid to lose our jobs, we are afraid for our family’s well being, of losing our positions or even promotions. Where is God in our lives? When do we have time for God? Will we only have time when we lose our jobs? When we are sick? When we are desperate? Do we ever spend quality time with our God in prayer? Are our hearts hardened to know and experience God? Will we even recognize Him in our midst?

God is love and He loves us. To love Him is to know Him, and to know Him is see His hand in all that is good. When God is at the very centre of our lives, we work with love and in love. Whatever we do, we do to glorify God. We do the best that we can do and He will take care of the rest. Even our imperfections are used as tools in His hands and are perfected through Him. And should we ever be anxious, in moments of weakness as stormy weather looms; we need only cry out to Him and feel the warm embrace in the shadow of His wings. All praise and glory be to God. Amen

FIRST READING
John 4:11–18

GOSPEL
Mark 6:45–52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

Loving Lord our God, what did we ever do to merit such love from You? Our selfish ungrateful hearts knew not love till You soften them with Your gentle touch. You who gather the lost sheep under your wings, who Shepherd them in Your loving care. Who bathe, clothe and feed them. Help us Lord Jesus, be loving as You are so loving.

So great is Your Love that You give to us of Yourself in the Holy Eucharist. To see, to touch to love and receive You as we are received by You in perfect union. We are ONE in the precious gift of Holy Communion; Help us Lord Jesus, be loving as You are so loving.

Fountain of love You bestow Your Grace upon us each and every day; an ever living Word seen in the light of the old revealed in the new. Nurturing, nourishing, ever growing, always, faithful abundantly fruitful. Help us Lord Jesus, be loving as You are so loving.

FIRST READING
John 4:7–10

GOSPEL
Mark 6:34–44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.