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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Aug. 16, 2009
By Jean Denton
Catholic News Service
August 16, Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle B Readings:
Proverbs 9:1-6
Psalm 34:2-7
Ephesians 5:15-20
Gospel: John 6:51-58
Ruth wore a hot pink suit, a corsage and an unremitting smile to her birthday party last spring. A stream of guests, one after another, took her hand, offering congratulations and good wishes. All came together to celebrate her 100 years of life.
I've known Ruth for the last 48 years, since the time her daughter Christine and I became best friends. Like everyone else at the party, I knew there was more to celebrate in Ruth than longevity. Here was a woman who carried throughout her life a fundamental gentleness, patience and care that touched every person and situation where she was present -- and she was in plenty of situations and with many people who cried out for those graces, that's for sure. (Think Edith Bunker.)
In her New Orleans drawl she'd call you "hon-ey" or "sweetheart" and always greeted or sent you forth with an expression of intimate affection: a series of air kisses.
She maintained good health until she suffered a stroke a few weeks before her birthday. Memory loss and disorientation resulted. But her gentle, loving disposition was unchanged.
Now worn out but still smiling after two hours of partying at the care facility where she was staying, Ruth was guided back to her room by her son-in-law. Christine beckoned my daughter and me to follow. As Christine tended to her mother, Ruth sweetly thanked her for each favor even though her thoughts were somewhat confused.
When we spoke our goodbyes, she automatically responded with "thank you, sweetheart" and air kisses. Such a deep-seated, loving spirit could not be repressed by the infirmity of her mortal body.
This weekend's Gospel refers to Jesus as the "living bread that came down from heaven," clearly more than human flesh -- but in human flesh nevertheless. He calls his followers to eat his flesh because it will provide food different from the purely physical kind. This food will transform even human flesh beyond its own capabilities.
Ruth showed us how the loving spirit of God actually can dwell in a human person, imbuing that person with what is divine and overpowering, touching every situation in which it is present.
QUESTIONS:
How have you seen the underlying spirit of Jesus in another person? How has receiving Christ in the Eucharist transformed your life?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me" (John 6:57).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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