August 4th, 2024 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We are, by nature, grumblers. The fact is God made us never to be totally satisfied with the present, earthly state of affairs.  All our grumbles express in little and big ways our impatience, our discontent with life as it unfolds, and ultimately, our longing and craving for God. The ancient Israelites grumbled about everything -- their food, their leader Moses, their enemies, even their God. But God was a patient listener and gave them manna and quail for their stomachs, a covenant for their hearts, and the long-promised land for their descendants. Jesus’ disciples also frequently grumbled. Jesus listened to all this grumbling and in response, he gave them the bread of life and eternal salvation. The lesson is clear: God’s People grumble, and God hears these grumbles with compassion and responds to them with love.