Hear to Heaven

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081220.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081120.cfm

Feast of Saint Lawrence.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081020.cfm

"The holy martyrs followed Christ even to shedding their life’s blood, even to reproducing the very likeness of his passion. They followed him, but not they alone. It is not true that the bridge was broken after the martyrs crossed; nor is it true that after they had drunk from it, the fountain of eternal life dried up” (Saint Augustine, Sermo 304).

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080920.cfm

“But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened”

Fear does something to us. Fear chokes us, drowns us, makes us panic.

It is the same fear which arises in those grand moments when we encounter death and smaller moments of anxiety… In that moment of fear, we create a future in which God does not exist. At that moment I become the creator. I not only forget that God is there with me, but I also replace Him with myself and I know I am powerless. (Not only can’t I walk on water, but I can also barely swim!).

So, as a last resort, Peter turns to Jesus. “Lord, save me!”  God come to my assistance, Lord make haste to help me… a line from the psalms which priests and religious repeat every day, several times a day… its how we begin our prayer… not only when we are distressed… to make it very clear from the start of this first lesson. God is God and I am not. God is in control, and all will be fine, God can do the impossible and is content to do it through me and with me. God is with me, I have no reason for fear. In God is my hope… and I will never hope in vain.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080620.cfm

Heaven: 'the eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man to conceive the things that God has prepared for those who love him.’ Don't these revelations of the Apostle spur you on to fight? (The Way, 751)

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light (Matt 17:2).

Jesus, we want to see you, to speak to you! We want to contemplate you, immersed in the immensity of your beauty, in a contemplation that will never cease! It must be wonderful to see you, Jesus! It must be wonderful to see you and be wounded by your love!

And a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matt 17:5).

Lord, we are ready to heed whatever you want to tell us. Speak to us: we are attentive to your voice. May your words enkindle our will so that we launch out fervently to obey you.

Vultum tuum, Domine, requiram (Ps 26:8). Lord, I long to see your face. I like to close my eyes and think that, when God wills, the moment will come when I will be able to see him, not as in a mirror dimly, but…face to face (1-Cor 13:12). Yes, my heart yearns for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God? (Ps 41:3). (Holy Rosary, Fourth Mystery of Light)

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080520.cfm

The memorial of the dedication of the basilica of Saint Mary Major, Rome. 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080420.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080320.cfm

"When our vision is clouded, when our eyes have lost their clarity, we need to go to the light. And Jesus Christ has told us that he is the Light of the world and that he has come to heal the sick.

—That is why your weaknesses and your falls — when God allows them — should not separate you from Christ, but rather draw you closer to him!"

-Saint Josemaria, The Forge, 158

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080220.cfm

Jesus saw a large crowd. I wonder if we do? The large crowd is not limited to the people in this church. We, as disciples of Christ are called to bring this gospel to the large crowd out in the world. While it seems to us that the gospel is currently “out of season,” we must never forget that everyone is precious to the Lord; He wants to reach all and feed them with His grace, mercy, truth, and love.

It is too easy to lament the condition of the world and, like the Apostles, to feel overwhelmed. Jesus says, “Just bring me what you have and let’s get started.” The conversion of the whole world will begin with me, with my meager loaves and fishes.

Jesus will surely multiply them; He will not fail. Already there is renewal evident in the Church, through a faithful remnant willing to bring their loaves and fishes (some of the things mentioned above and more besides). They are bringing them to Jesus and He is multiplying them. Renewal is happening; signs of spring are evident in the Church.