Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-20 and John 6:56-69

This past Sunday the Roman Catholic Church celebrated the Assumption of Mary into heaven both body and soul. This doctrine proclaims Mary was not buried at death but was received directly into glory. Most Protestant churches honor Mary but do not teach this as doctrine. However, we can see one spiritual value emphasized that we can affirm. This is the affirmation that the body is good, valuable, and has an eternal future as a “transformed body.”

Our scriptures this Sunday remind us of the hardships and difficulties we endure since we are bodily creations. The psalmist notes our afflictions. Paul tells the church at Ephesus that we have “to wrestle” against adversaries. And Jesus speaks hard to grasp words such that the disciples are tempted to abandon the Teacher.

But, we are not left to our own weakened condition to contend with afflictions and enemies, and doubt. Paul uses the language of “protective gear,” and Jesus says he is the “bread” which will nourish and sustain his disciples in this life.

This is Good News when all about us is trouble from COVID19, other diseases and injuries, natural catastrophes, and warring conflict. So, let us “put on the full armor of God” and remember who is the Bread of Life that helps our finite bodies and calls us to help others as well.

“The Lord be with you. And also with you!”

Pastor Barry †