Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS 18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

AUGUST 2, 2026

Dear Friends, 

Welcome to the new month of August and the 18th Sunday in Ordinary time. Let us be thankful to God for all the blessings He has showered upon us and the challenges we were able to overcome. My sincere condolences go to all families that have lost their loved ones. May God strengthen you and grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed.

In the Gospel Reading of last Sunday; Mt. 13: 5, 7- 12 Jesus continued to teach on the kingdom of heaven.  In the two parables of the treasure of great value hidden in the field and the pearl of great value when found, one goes and sells all he has to buy the field and own it. The treasure is Jesus Christ and also the wisdom of God; when acquired, one is sure of attaining the kingdom of heaven. Unfortunately, Jesus the wisdom of God is rejected by the leaders of Israel and his own people of Nazareth. How do I respond to the message of Jesus?

In the first Reading Is 55: 1-3 the Prophet Isiah invites the people to seek God who freely provides free drink and food for their thirst and hunger. 

In the Gospel of Mt 14: 13-21 after hearing of the death of John the Baptist by king Herod, Jesus withdrew to a deserted place to grieve his death. The people had experienced his passion and healing of various sicknesses. They had also been moved by his message that touched their inner life, soul and spiritual longing. It is for this reason that they followed him till they found him, to hear more of his message that satisfied their spiritual thirst and hunger.

The disciples requested Jesus to send the people to the villages to get themselves food. Jesus however challenged them; “give them some food yourselves.” They responded to Jesus of the 5 loaves and 2 fish available. Jesus demanded them to bring them to him. He said a blessing and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Over 5,000 people were fed by this act of generosity of Jesus and the disciples that prefigured the Eucharist at which we are spiritually fed with Jesus the food and drink that leads to eternity.

Jesus sends us to share the Good News of salvation that gives us hope and spiritual forgiveness and healing from sin.

Jesus still shares with us the spiritual wisdom and power that transform our lives to holiness and true discipleship.

Jesus sends us to share the good news – his love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness to all those in despair. Let us take a step to reach out to them. 

Let us be first responders to a time of need before we look elsewhere for a solution as Jesus challenged the disciples; “you give them some food.”

Thursday August 6th is the Transfiguration of Jesus before his disciples at the Mountain top. Mass will be celebrated at Holy Infant at 10.00 am. And at Shepherd of the Hills on Wednesday at 6.00 pm.

Have a great week.