Clicking on the links below will bring you to the Sunday Mass readings published by the USCCB; scroll down the USCCB page to find the Gospel readings.

Sunday Gospels

Through the Lens of Separation

Why do we use the words Holy Communion? To have communion with someone means to be in deep union with that person. The two (or more) people share their love, dreams, desires, and lives.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 4)

“…you are looking for me…” (Jn 6:24-35)

Why do you look for Jesus? Are you hoping that he will be like a magic wishing well so that you can have everything you want? Or do you look for him because you believe in him and want to live with him both now and forever? In order to have communion with him, you have to enter into his life.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 11)

“Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.” (Jn 6:41-51)

Jesus has Communion with his Father. He knows his Father and so he desires to do his Father’s will and become one with us. He tells us that the way to have communion with him is to have communion with the Father. If we listen to the Father, he will draw us to his Son.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 18)

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (Jn 6:51-58)

Communion would not be true communion if it ended. In this Gospel, Jesus promises us that if we receive him, we will remain in him and live forever. How can we remain in him? By continuously receiving his life so that we can make it our own and truly live like he lives, giving himself continuously for the salvation of all.

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 25)

“It is the Spirit that gives life“ (Jn 6:60-69)

We have already seen that we need to have communion with the Father and the Son. This communion keeps us united with each other as well. But who is it that brings us to this life of unity? The Holy Spirit is the one who gives true life and the life that he gives is eternal life with the Father and the Son and all those who want to live forever in love.