Isaiah 55: 1-3, 13-14; PS 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21

Suggested Reflection Questions

• In the first reading, Jesus calls us to come to the water, the living water that quenches our thirst for meaning like only God can. How do you turn to God when you’re not feeling satisfied? 

• The second reading talks about how nothing can separate us from the love of God. Describe one instance when you might have felt far away from God. What tried to “separate” you from God’s love, and how did you make it through? 

• In the Gospel, Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 people. What is the miracle waiting to happen when you focus on what you have, rather than on what you don’t have?

St. John Vianney (1786-1859) is the patron saint of parish priests. His early life and formation in faith were influenced by the French Revolution. At the time, the Sacraments had to be performed in secret because the government had decreed them illegal, and John Vianney was inspired by the priests who ministered to his family and community at great risk to themselves. He deeply desired to be a priest himself, although he struggled academically. During his seminary studies, he was drafted into Napoleon’s army but  deserted. After emerging from hiding in 1810, he was finally ordained and became the pastor in Ars, France, a small village of only 230 people. His ministry at Ars produced fruits far beyond anyone’s expectations. The village experienced a great spiritual renewal under his leadership, and people began traveling from far away for him to hear their confessions. By the end of his life, John Vianney was spending up to 16 hours a day hearing confessions. He was well known for his spiritual insight and gift of offering healing and reconciliation to those in need. His feast day is August 4.

“Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire, it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.” — St. John Vianney

Questions for Reflection:

• Sometimes God surprises us by using someone who seems insignificant to do great things. John Vianney was a slow student, and many of his teachers thought him unfit for the priesthood. Yet, his holiness and pastoral care inspired and nourished the faith of so many people, not only in the small village of Ars, but far beyond that time and place. When in your life have you seen a seemingly small person do great things through God’s grace? How can they inspire you to do something great?

• When was a time you had to step up and be a leader? What made you step up and did you experience any challenges?