Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

The words that stood out to me in today's Gospel passage are "so that nothing will be wasted" (John 6:12). Jesus not only provides enough food for the vast number of people that came out to listen to Him, but there is so much food that there are leftovers! He asks the disciples to gather what is leftover so that nothing will be wasted. Reflecting on my spiritual life and experiences, I truly believe that this is how God works for all of us - that nothing is wasted. God does not waste our sufferings, He does not waste our gifts and talents, our prayers, He does not not waste anything! What an important reminder that God has a plan for every tiny detail of our lives. Nothing is overlooked.

This Gospel is a beautiful reminder of how God multiplies blessings in our lives, provides what we need, and does not let anything go to waste. Especially if you are in a season of particular suffering right now, please know that God will not waste a single tear that you've shed or any second of pain. With our Catholic faith, we believe in redemptive suffering and that God uses everything to work to the good (Romans 8:28). In joining our suffering with Jesus' suffering, much fruit can be borne - even if we don't see it or understand it now.

Today, let us thank God for all that He provides, and that He lets nothing go to waste.

God bless you,

Amy