"There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is with us." As disciples in service to others, Jesus calls us to a life of holiness.

"If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." The apostle James joins Jesus in teaching that there is no place for selfish ambition in the life of a disciple.

"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." There is no resurrection glory without first suffering the pains of the cross.

"Like the deer that years for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God." Jesus invites us to take to heart his words to the deaf person in today's Gospel: "Be open!"

"The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord." In today's readings, Jesus and Saint James teach us that religion is not "obligation" but, rather, a compassionate heart.

Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go?" Jesus concludes his teaching on the Bread of Life by calling us to faith. How do we respond?

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever." We might be more concerned on the here and now, but Jesus is focused on the eternal.

"Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast day in honor of the Virgin Mary." The Assumption of Mary teaches us that if we are open to the Holy Spirit, God will do great things through us. With Mary, we will share in the risen glory of her Son.

"Glorious things are spoken of you, O Mary, who today were exalted above the choirs of Angels into eternal triumph with Christ." Through her Assumption, Mary shares in the Easter victory of her Son.

"Taste and see the goodness of the Lord." The Eucharist is Jesus' own life, given freely on the Cross so that we would share in his eternal life.