18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Written by Will Hickl
Let's take a moment to appreciate how the Church has organized our readings for Mass. All of this Sunday's readings have a beautiful thread tying them all together - Bread from heaven. We see how God provides bread in the old testament, and fulfills this with the Bread of Life in the new testament.
The first line of the first reading accurately describes many of us - "The whole Israelite community grumbled." How many of us grumble in a lack of trust, or lack of gratitude, or lack of understanding? It doesn't take long for God to respond - "I will now rain down bread from heaven for you." It is direct, swift, and exactly what His people needed. This opening reading is a good reminder that God is in fact listening and wants to take care of His people! We need only trust!
Looking at the psalm, all three of the verses neatly summarize who God is and what He wants for His people - generational promise (future), real-time provision (current), and a reminder of His goodness (past). I find this incredibly insightful in my own relationship with the Lord, and I'll break down my thoughts per verse:
1) The Future - As a father I now want to see the next generation thrive and want to teach my children of His goodness so that the Church of tomorrow is more impassioned to bring about holiness and help get souls to heaven than the Church of today. If you are not a parent, this still applies as there are many ways to ensure you are pouring into those who are younger - whether it be volunteering at your parish's youth or young adult ministry, or journeying with younger family members, etc.
2) The Present - I wondered why this wasn't first, but I believe it is wise to have us looking ahead as it takes the focus outside of ourselves and our daily needs (think Memento Mori, as our deaths are in the future). I personally have seen God's provision in miraculous ways in my own life, as well as in others. I am confident that He is looking out for you and me every day, especially when we don't think about it or feel it.
3) The Past - It is always good to be reminded of what God has done, as it helps us remember in the present moment that we have prevailed before - and in Christ we will again and again!
These readings are rich with a Eucharstic theme, and having just come off the National Eucharistic Congress a few weeks ago, I pray that we can all find a renewed love for Christ's True Presence in the Eucharistic. Please pray for my own belief and conviction and deepened devotion - I will be praying for you.
In what ways have you seen God provide in the past? How is He present with you this very day, this very moment? What are your hopes and dreams for the future, and do you trust He will keep his promises?
Will Hickl is the co-founder and President of NOVUM RECORDS, producer, worship leader, software designer, one half of the alt-rock duo NOVUM, and most importantly husband and father based out of Lewisville, TX. He is extremely passionate about seeing artists thrive, and desires to build good culture through art. You can find him on Instagram, check out his musings on his Substack, and check out his new worship music on Spotify or Apple Music.
Pray with today’s psalm.