Welcome, Father Pete Logsdon, CSC. Father Pete and I were in the seminary together. He looks older because he was a year ahead of me and is a whole year older than I. Please give him a big Saint Augustine welcome. He and I were members of the Southern Province of Holy Cross. We were together in New Orleans at Sacred Heart Parish and then later together in Mexico. Now we are both living at Notre Dame, our alma mater, he at Holy Cross House and I at Fatima House. He likes sports. We both cheer for ND but when it comes to pro sports, he likes the Indians, the Cowboys and the Spurs. I’m still for the Red Sox, the Patriots and the Celtics, but the Spurs are my second favorite.
I am on vacation, having flown to Boston to visit my family. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be back August 4. Deacon Mel will be gone most of that time, too. Father Pete Logsdon, CSC, will be filling in for me. Father Pete lives at Holy Cross House and can be reached at 574-631-6191 in case of emergency. If a funeral happens to come up, please call the Bereavement Committee 574-277-4918 or 574-234-3502.
In our first reading today, we have a multiplication of loaves. The Prophet Elisha feeds 100 people with 20 barley loaves. His servant didn’t think it was possible but Elisha said: “For thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and there shall be some left over.’” And there was.
This is similar to Jesus’ miracle in today’s Gospel when Jesus feeds 5,000 with five barley loaves and two fish. And there was some left over here, too. The people were so impressed they wanted to make Jesus their King. But Jesus went off to the mountain alone.
Our Responsorial Psalm tells us “The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.” But it is not by bread alone that we live. The Word of God should feel our hearts.
In our second reading St. Paul emphasizes the oneness of Christians: “one body, one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” As we receive the one Lord in Holy Communion, let us work together as one in Jesus Christ.
The diocese is upgrading the computer program that all the parishes use here in Fort Wayne-South Bend. This includes our computer list of parishioners as well as our recording of contributions to the parish and diocesan collections. For us to keep track of your contributions, you must be registered. We know and appreciate the many visitors we have each Sunday. Many seem to come very often but have not signed up in the parish. We are not pressuring anyone to sign up, but if you want or need a tax statement at the end of the year, we need you in our computer.
On July 31, the Church celebrates St. Ignatius of Loyola. He is the priest who founded the Jesuits.
On August 1, the Church celebrates St. Alphonsus Liguori. He is the bishop who founded the Redemptorists.
On August 4, the Church celebrates St. John Vianney, known as the “Cure of Ars”. He is the patron of priests and parish clergy.
Let’s ask these three saints to pray for our clergy today and every day.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.