JOS 24:1-2A, 15-17, 18B
PS 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21
EPH 5:21-32 or 5:2A, 25-32
Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said,
“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this,
he said to them, “Does this shock you?
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending
to where he was before?
It is the spirit that gives life,
while the flesh is of no avail.
The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.
But there are some of you who do not believe.”
Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe
and the one who would betray him.
And he said,
“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me
unless it is granted him by my Father.”
As a result of this,
many of his disciples returned to their former way of life
and no longer accompanied him.
Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
CONOCE A NUESTRA FAMILIA EXTENDIDA:
meet our extended family
St. Moses the Black (Feast Day August 28)
330 – 405 d.
Moses the Black was a slave of a government official in Egypt who dismissed him for theft and suspected murder. He was a large, imposing figure and became the leader of a gang of bandits who roamed the Nile Valley spreading terror and violence. On one occasion, he took shelter with some monks in a colony in the desert of Scete when attempting to hide from local authorities. Their lifestyle as well as their peace and contentment influenced Moses deeply. He soon gave up his old way of life and joined the monastic community at Scete.
Moses had a rather difficult time adjusting to regular monastic discipline. His flair for adventure remained with him. Attacked by a group of robbers in his desert cell, Moses fought back, overpowered the intruders, and dragged them to the chapel where the other monks were at prayer. He told the brothers that he didn’t think he should hurt the robbers and asked what he should do with them. The overwhelmed robbers repented, were converted, and themselves joined the community.
At one point, Moses became discouraged when he concluded he was not perfect enough to be a monk. Early one morning, St. Isidore, abbot of the community, took Brother Moses to the roof and together they watched the first rays of dawn come over the horizon. Isidore told Moses, “Only slowly do the rays of the sun drive away the night and usher in a new day, and thus, only slowly does one become a perfect contemplative.”
Moses proved to be prophetic and effective leader. He was eventually ordained a priest and became the spiritual leader of a colony of hermits in the desert. At about age 75, the colony was attacked by a group of bandits. Moses forbade the brothers to take up weapons. All but eight were martyred by the bandits.
Today, St. Moses the Black is remembered as one of the Desert Fathers and is honored as an apostle of non-violence.
TOMA TIEMPO PARA COMPARTIR
Take time to chat
⦁ Today’s reading concludes the Bread of Life Discourse which we heard on August 1st and August 8th. The disciples claim that Jesus’ teaching is hard. What are some teachings that are hard for you?
⦁ Why do you think some of the disciples left Jesus and went back to their former way of life? Why do you think the Twelve stayed with Jesus? Which group of disciples do you most identify with . . . those who left Jesus or those who stayed with him?
⦁ What is Jesus saying to you through the Bread of Life Discourse?
⦁ St. Moses the Black struggled with perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy. Have you ever felt like that? St. Isidore helped Moses the Black. Who would you turn to for help with these feelings?
