Start a Lectionary Conversation - August 4, 2024
Eleventh Sunday after pentecost
This week’s texts play with the idea of being fed. We need to be physically fed every day, but what do we need for our souls to be fed? There are also some hints here of the challenge of being in community - how we “speak the truth in love”.
These questions are meant to start a conversation - either during or before worship, in a sermon, a newsletter, Bible Study, or just between a person and their journal.
Gospel: John 6:24-35
This passage, which follows the feeding of the multitudes last week, reminds us that God wishes more for us than just daily survival. God wishes eternal life for us. What does that phrase, “eternal life” mean to you?
1st Reading: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
Why do you think God only gives the people enough food for 1 day?
Alternate 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Nathan is tasked with confronting David with the harms he has caused. Have you ever had to share a hard truth with a friend? How did it feel?
This is a psalm of gratitude for all God has done for God’s people. Often we think of gratitude as an individual practice, but often in the Bible, it’s collective. When has God provided what your community needed?
2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
What gifts has God given you to share with the Body of Christ?
