73. The Soul

Go get that bread!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear that phrase? Go get that bread! This line may have been borrowed, if not stolen, from a movie which referenced ‘money’ as the ‘bread’ that was to be 'gotten’. But somehow it expresses a much deeper meaning for us as Catholics. Go get that bread! is actually meant to encourage us to chase after God.  

We might, at first glance, consider the Mass and the Eucharist as that primary target; the gift of God himself as our spiritual food and sustenance. We could end the editorial here and simply say that what we all hunger for is really God. What really sustains us is God. Done. But we might experience hunger for other things as well. For example… 

We have a physical hunger; and anyone who has been around me when lamingtons are on offer knows that I border on gluttony. Lamingtons are my kryptonite!

We have a physiological / biological hunger; it seems like my body and my brain are on autopilot most of the time, and thank God for that because on my worst day I couldn’t chew gum, draw oxygen and make my heart beat at the same time. 

We have an emotional hunger; and if you’re in a friendship with me you would know that more often than not, I’m the one in need of love, emotional connection and security. 

And finally we have a spiritual hunger; and if you’re anything like me, you would likely interpret this hunger as an invitation to relax and watch NETFLIX after an exhausting day. Sometimes I don’t even watch anything… I just scroll! 

Here is the reality… lamingtons leave me with a sugar hangover. At times I need to take control of my biology; not only my thoughts but even my breathing. There is not a single human being that can fully satisfy my desire for love and security. And seeking rest in technology often leaves me more tired. So what actually sustains us? 

Go get that bread! is trying to express an idea from the Old Testament when the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness without food - doesn’t it feel like that sometimes?! What did God do? Everyday God would provide sustenance for his people in the form of mana - food (dew) that would appear on the ground in the morning for the Israelites to gather. But only as much as was needed for that day. Why? I believe it’s because God wanted to strongly underscore one important point: You can trust me. You can depend on me. I will perfectly provide for you. 

So the encouragement is this: let’s chase after God every single day. Every morning let us gather up the mana God has provided us through prayer. Let us learn how to trust with all that we are, not just give God parts. Let us fully depend on God for our every single need. God always provides, but we need to gather. It is a team effort. So… go get that bread!

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 16:1-13

Sing and dance along to this lyric video featuring the theme song, No Limits, from SHINE Conference 2022!

Pray and sing along to this lyric video of New Eve, our Marian Hymn, commemorating the many Feast days of our Lady this last month.

• Jesus Called My Name (Zauntee) - “He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.” Saint Maria Goretti.

• Take and Eat this Bread (NYC Young Adults Choir) - The Holy Eucharist is where Jesus Christ gives himself to us. Heavenly Father, may we always yearn to be in full communion with You.

• Jesus At The Centre (Maverick City Music) -Reveal Your great plan to me daily so that I can take the necessary steps to draw closer to my destination. And, as time progresses, Oh Lord, I will continue making You, My God, the centre of it all, even as the things of this world just fall swiftly away.

• God Save the Queen (Chorale Version) - “Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.” Queen Elizabeth II.
  Loving Lord, we give thanks to you for the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. We give thanks especially for her very clear trust in you Jesus, her hope and strength. We give you thanks for her determination to serve you Lord, by serving us, her people, right to the end of her life. Although comforted by the knowledge of her presence now eternally with you, we ask that all who grieve, may know the ongoing consolation of your loving presence, and the peace which passes understanding, through you, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What Nourishes You? - What nourishes me? What parts of my life sustain me? How much time do I allocate to self-care? Click here to read more.

• Sustenance - Family life needs careful tending and sustaining in order for it to flourish. Click here to read more.

• SHINE 2022 Wrap Video: Interested to see more from SHINE 2022? Check out this wrap video that highlights the powerful moments from SHINE Conference this year.

• Queen Elizabeth II Examen Prayer: Queen Elizabeth II spoke often about the importance of her own faith. As we remember her before God, we ask God to deepen our own faith through this examen.

• Why is Sustainability Important? What does Pope Francis say about sustainability? What is Laudato Si urging us to do? Through a Catholic lens, this article explores the true meaning of sustainability and why it’s so important.

• Theology @ the Pub - How to Win an Argument Without Losing a Soul with Matt Fradd: Theology @ the Pub and Catholic Vocations Melbourne were proud to host internationally renowned author, podcaster and speaker Matt Fradd on his Melbourne tour. Matt shares from his vast experience on how to have discussions about faith with strangers and friends.

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