Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel we talk about the Bread of Life. Jesus shares that he is the Living Bread that came down from heaven, granting eternal food and drink to the hungry and thirsty who come to him and believe.

• What does Jesus mean when he says, “I am the living bread”?
• Jesus used the same words to describe himself as God used to describe manna—bread come down from heaven. The Israelites went out to gather manna. How do you seek out Jesus and gather his teaching for nourishment?
• In the Catholic Faith, what does the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15 commemorate?
• Why Mary ‘Was Assumed’ Instead of ‘Ascended’?

Things to do:

• If you haven’t been using the traditional Catholic Grace before Meals, (“Bless us, O Lord . . . ”), begin teaching it to your children. Draw their attention to the words that refer to our nourishment as God’s gifts. Talk about all the people whose cooperation with God helped to bring these gifts to your table, and ask God’s blessing on them.
• August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Find images of Mary around the Church.  
• Visit the Statue of Mary. Bring a flower or bouquet of flowers and leave them there to honor our Blessed Mother. When there, ask Mary to intercede for any specific intentions. Remind children to turn to their heavenly mother in times of need and ask for her prayers.

RECIPES TO TRY

Preheat oven to 450 F. Oil a covered casserole dish or a Dutch oven. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and Cream of Tartar. Add buttermilk. Mix until blended; dough will be a bit sticky. Knead 4 or 5 times (not too much of the bread will be tough) and shape into a ball. Cut cross in top and place in prepared pan. Bake covered 30 minutes.

Pineapple Rosemary Agua Fresca

The upcoming feast of the Assumption is also a harvest feast day. In many Catholic countries, it is the day the vineyards, herbs and plants are blessed. This wonderful Pineapple and Rosemary Aqua Fresca is perfect for the feast of the Assumption.

• 3 cups pineapple chunks
• 4 cups water divided
• 2 Tbsp. rosemary
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 4 cup ice
• pineapple chunks and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Combine pineapple chunks, 2 cups water and rosemary in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely liquified. Allow the rosemary to steep in the liquid for about 15 minutes. Strain into a large pitcher. Add remaining water, sugar and pineapple juice and ice to the pitcher. Stir to combine. Portion Agua Fresca in glasses and garnish with chunks of pineapple and rosemary sprigs.

From https://cookeatshare.com/recipes/pineapple-and-rosemary-aqua-fresca-789018/external

Catholic Insights

Today’s Gospel is part of what is known as the Bread of Life Discourse. In reading this passage, it is important to keep in mind where in John’s Gospel this reading takes place. Earlier in the chapter of the Gospel, we hear of Jesus performing the miracle of the multiplications of the loaves and fishes. Thousands had gathered to hear Jesus teach, and by the end of the day, he realized that they would need some food. A boy had five loaves of bread and two fish, out of which Jesus miraculously fed all the people. There were even twelve baskets of food left over.

Once he satisfies the physical needs of the hungry crowd, he addresses their spiritual needs. As if the miracle of the day before wasn’t enough, the people demanded a sign so that they could place their belief in Jesus. Jesus proclaims “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” He said that the bread that he was talking about comes from his Father in heaven. It is a true bread that gives life to the world. We are fed not just by physical food but by the Body and Blood of Christ that strengthens our spirit. When these spiritual hungers are satisfied in Christ, we will never “go hungry” again.

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Closing Prayer

Bread of life, who gives us strength for the journey and invites us to a deeper appreciation of God’s role in our lives, lead us to your table, where we may be nourished by your banquet of love. Amen