Consider the Word, October 6, 2022
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for October 9 (The Harvest Thanksgiving):

• Deuteronomy 26:1-11
• Psalm 100
• Philippians 4:4-9
• John 6:25-35

 
Collect:

Creator of the fruitful earth,

you made us stewards of all things.

Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness,

and steadfast wills to use your bounty well,

that the whole human family,

today and in generations to come,

may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

 
First Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

 
Reflection Question

1. What is the basis for God’s command to rejoice and give thanks in these verses?
2. Is that our natural perspective or something that we instinctively do?

 
Gospel: John 6:25-35

When they found Jesus on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

 
Reflection Questions

What is the meaning of Jesus’ claim to be “the bread of life”?

What does it mean to not hunger or thirst?

What can we thank God for in light of what Jesus has done?

 
Closing Prayer:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

praise him, all creatures here below,

praise him above, ye heavenly host,

praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.