From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (John 6:27)

FOOD THAT ENDURES: Have you ever worked on a project for a long time, pouring your heart and soul into it? Maybe even had others question you or try to show you quicker, easier ways to complete the project? You kept pushing forward because you had the end in mind. You were producing something of which you could be proud, something that would endure, something meaningful.

That is the message of today’s Gospel. The project in this case, the end product if you will, is eternal life. We should be pouring our heart and soul into this project. Unfortunately, too often we get caught up in the here and now, as if the ultimate goal is happiness here on earth. Earthly happiness translates into having more – more money, more fun, more friends, more free time, etc.

Happiness is not a bad goal, nor is having more, but how we define each is important.

We must keep our eye on the prize. The happiness we seek is eternal life. If we live our lives with that in mind, the “more” will come. We will be more content, more at peace, and more joyful.

What project are you working on?