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PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
A prayer for those who may wish to, but are unable to receive Communion, for whatever reason.
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen
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READINGS FOR THE 19TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
August 9, 2020Find this week's readings here.
“The boat, a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves.”
One of the early images of the Church was a boat. Some students of the New Testament see this storm in today’s gospel symbolizing early struggles of the Church, particularly persecution. During these days of the pandemic, we often hear things like, “We’re all in the same boat.” Some clarify that by saying, “We’re all in the same storm, but in different kinds of boats.” However we say, we remember that in the midst of the storm, Jesus approached the terrified disciples and reminded them that he was indeed with them. These days, we may feel as though Jesus isn’t here with us either. The lesson in this story may well be to keep looking for the Lord even when the water gets high, and we feel the weakest. How do you look for Jesus? Where do you find him? How can you help others find him when they feel lost or overwhelmed?
“Jesus dismissed the crowds, then he went up on the mount by himself to pray.”
Again, Jesus goes off by himself to pray. Why is it, do you think, that we have such a hard time finding time to go off by ourselves and pray? Usually when we put aside some time to pray, we’re glad that we’ve done so. Do you have a favorite place to pray? Is there a time of day that you find a good time to pray? Have the time and place changed during the pandemic? Do they need to? If we can identify a time and a place, it’s more probable that we’ll imitate Jesus and spend some time by ourselves in prayer.Thanks to Fr. John Ludwig for some of this material in these reflections
Children’s Questions:
Here is a link to the readings for this Sunday from the Lectionary for Masses with Children.
The Lectionary for Masses with Children is an approved liturgical book of the Sunday readings, simplified for the understanding of children.Have you been scared? How did it feel? What were you scared of? In today’s gospel, Jesus’ friends are far from shore in a boat when a big storm comes. They are really scared of the strong wind and the waves, but Jesus comes to them and helps them.
How does Jesus help us when we’re afraid? What is something you are afraid of that you would like Jesus to help you with?