Jesus reminded that soap and mouthwash don’t give us a pure heart. Try faith, hope, and love instead—the greatest product line ever offered!

In daily life, most choices do not present themselves as “Am I going to serve the one God or not?” or “Am I going to stick with Jesus or walk away from him?” We just read them as ordinary choices, unrelated to our spiritual life.

The Lord forever asks us to simply sample his way of doing things, of seeing the world, of treating others. Once we do, we will see the goodness of it and hunger and thirst for more.

Jesus wants the people to understand that he is the Bread of Life, more nourishing and life sustaining than even the historic manna. And so, he is saying to us that, whatever ails us, whatever our problems, we need only to come to the table of plenty where the Eucharist will give us all the comfort we need.

It’s human nature to look for signs that you’re doing the right thing, that you’re on the right track. You look for validation from others, good results from your actions, rewards for your work. But it takes special faith to see positive signs in loss, to see them as God’s hand helping you along.

Even if our faith is halting; even if we come to Jesus with our meager abilities and talents; even if we’re overcome by the inadequacy of what we have and wonder, “What is this little when the need is so great?” handing over that “little” that we have to Christ will be more than enough, and there will be miracles of trust, forgiveness, generosity, healing, and love.

It is not always easy to get away and rest a while; even Jesus and the disciples couldn’t stop their work from following them when they tried to sneak away for some down time. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

It is no surprise that Jesus sends the 12 apostles out two by two. They will need each other’s support as they begin the daunting task of expelling demons. They will need the security of a safe and welcoming place to stay as well as someone else to hold onto.

It may seem odd to make yourself weak to be strong, but it’s good advice in many endeavors, including the game of golf.

It's a familiar, charming story passed on from time to time: It is said that a little boy wanted to meet God, so he packed his backpack with goodies and set off on his journey.