The "hazy, lazy days of summer" are here with a lot of beautiful summer days. As we see in pictures of people everywhere in our newspapers and on the TV, people are heading to the water, even if it is a fountain or spraying from a hose to cool off.
By coincidence, the opening line from today's Liturgy of the Word, "All you who are thirsty, come to the water!", is certainly meant for us But the words of Scripture have a deeper meaning than just going to the water to cool off. Although we usually tend to spiritualize Scripture's message, Isaiah's invitation is most certainly about the earthly gifts of water, grain, wine, and milk, which sustain and strengthen us, and are a reminder once again of how God is there for us, to nourish and protect us. After all, our God is indeed the source of all these good gifts and more. God continues to fulfill his promises.
The Gospel account of Jesus’ feeding of the multitudes further highlights God's compassion for us, especially for those most in need. The earthly loaves of bread that Jesus feeds to the crowds are only secondary to the bread of his teaching, which feeds our hearts and minds. We find both "breads" at the Eucharistic table as we gather week after week to be fed with his Words and fed with the Bread of Life.
But, being fed is not enough. Having been strengthened with this Food, we need to go out into the world in which we live and nourish the lives of others with God's love, care and compassion.
So, as we go to the water to be cooled off from the summer's heat, let us be reminded of the many ways God nourishes us so we can nourish one another.
Continue to enjoy the "hazy, lazy days of summer!"