Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 30 July 2021

Published: Fri, 07/30/21

Friday, 30 July 2021

“Take him by force to make him king.”

~John 6:15~

John 6:1-15

Jesus invites us, the Body of Christ, to feed the hungry as he does.

The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish has come about because of the gifting of our little bit and God’s immense generosity. Jesus disappears into the hills when the crowd responds by wanting to make Jesus king. Perhaps at times, we too, want to make Jesus into something that he is not and seek to give him status, power and possessions that we so often regard as the sign of ‘success’.

The realm of God is different from this. It is about love, and love is about emptying. In this time where the few serve their own agendas at the expense of the majority of South Africans, particularly those who are most needy, let us seek to live resurrection life each day by embracing all that brings life for all. God’s realm comes about by keeping our eyes on God and then reflecting God’s love visible in our eyes to those around us in our words and actions.

Seated around God’s banquet table at the Eucharist, we are one body in the Spirit, and the living in bonds of hope, peace and calling, reflect in our daily lives. God has provided enough. There will be enough for all when we each bring our ‘loaves and fish’, our small bit to share.

As we recognise how interconnected we all are in God, let us take ‘bread’, give thanks to our generous God, and share it with others in imitation of and response to Jesus’ teaching.

There is enough for all if we care and share. Let us, the Body of Christ, imitate Jesus in his presence, generosity, inclusiveness and love.

Reflection prepared by Kath Knowles

HEARTS ON FIRE

Online via ZOOM

Thursday evenings 18.00 - 2015

9, 16, 23, 30 September, 7 and 14 October 2021

To book: email Margaret retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za

Cost R1000 (Includes workbook)

Partial Bursaries are available

Hearts on Fire is a six-evening introduction to an Ignatian way of living and praying. It introduces various ways of praying, including Lectio Divina, Imaginative Contemplation, the Examen of Consciousness and praying using pictures. It explores how we can be more open to discovering God present and active in our daily experiences so that we can respond to God’s invitation to us.

We will explore our “personal vocation,” or the particular way that God calls me to respond to the needs of our world. Ignatian Spirituality emphasises discernment and living in a way that is outward-looking and responds to the needs of our world.

The course provides:

Some input on the various topics.
The opportunity for guided experiences of prayer and reflection.
Some small group interaction.

It gives the basics of Ignatian Spirituality and is a required course for those considering further training as Prayer Guides of Spiritual Directors through the Jesuit Institute.