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Paul admonished the Christian community at Corinth because they let their differences become divisions, so that they could no preach the Good News effectively. Can we work through our differences this political season so that we might choose the candidates that will best unite us, rather than further divide us?

Jesus recommends a process of correcting our brothers and sisters in which we first go to them alone, then, if they do not agree, bringing in one or two more , and only later bringing in the whole church is he or she does not listen. We could use this kind of prudence in our own day in dealing with our polarized politics. We should start our conversation with those with whom we disagree by finding common ground where we can agree, and then moving forward from there.

The prophet Ezekiel relates a curious vision in which God bids him to physically eat the word of God. We, like him, are invited to metaphorically eat the word of God in scripture, taking it into ourselves so that we might get the most out of it.

Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP breaks open the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time on the Eucharist as food for the journey. Whenever we partake of this sacrament, we connect ourselves to all those who hunger physically and spiritually.

Readings: 1 Kings 19:4–8; Ephesians 4:30—5:2; John 6:41–51

Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP reflects on the idea of shepherds from the readings for the Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our politicians are shepherds in a sense, but Jesus is our true Shepherd. Do we place the Gospel truth ahead of political truth?

Readings: Jeremiah 23:1–6; Ephesians 2:13–18; Mark 6:30–34

Jesus instructed his disciples go about and cure the sick without cost, because, "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." St. Benedict made this hospitality to travelers a hallmark of his monasteries as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God, and we are also called to carry on this tradition today.

Jesus called the twelve to bring back the lost sheep of israel. Can we work to bring back the lost sheep of our own day?

Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP breaks open the readings for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, breaking open the parable of the mustard seed. Though it is not the smallest of seeds, it can grow wherever it finds itself. Can we see those seeds growing within ourselves?

Readings: Ezekiel 17:22–24, 2 Corinthians 5:6–10, Mark 4:26–34

In the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." When we extend mercy to others, we are also blessed, so this gift is doubled. When we are wronged it is quote natural to want vengeance, Intead, we would be better off to seek justice tempered with mercy.

In the Garden of Eden, Eve and Adam made a bad choice to break away from God because of pride. We all have free choice, and we should use our choices to enhance what unites us rather than furthering what divides us.

On this Ascension Sunday, we have in the readings both sides of a dichotomy in the spiritual life—contemplation, symbolized by the disciples gazing up into heaven, and action, symbolized by Jesus' command for them to go out and preach. We each need to balance these for a healthy spiritual life.

In our first reading, Apollos was an eloquent Christian preacher, but needed further instruction in the faith, which was provided by Priscilla and Aquila. How might further study improve our own faith journey?