My dear beloved brothers and sisters,
This week our parish family was blessed to host our annual Vacation Bible School (VBS), “Rainforest Falls”, with more than 85 children from our Catholic parishes in Penticton. Every morning they gathered with joyful hearts to discover the beauty of God’s creation, pray together, sing, learn Scripture, and grow in faith. We planted seeds of faith in their young hearts, trusting that God will continue to nurture them throughout their lives. My heartfelt thanks to our parents, volunteers, crew leaders, youth helpers, and everyone who prayed for this wonderful ministry.
The theme, Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God, beautifully echoes this Sunday’s readings. Through the Psalms, the children discovered that God is our Creator, knows each one of us personally, is our refuge, is perfect love, and remains with us forever. These truths are not only for children; they are a lifelong invitation for every disciple.
Isaiah proclaims, “Come to the water… come without money and without price.” God’s love cannot be bought or earned; it is freely given to all who thirst for Him. The psalm reminds us, “You open your hand to feed us, Lord, and satisfy our needs.” God never abandons His people but provides what truly nourishes our hearts.
St. Paul strengthens our hope by assuring us that nothing—not hardship, suffering, nor death itself—can separate us from the love of God. In every trial, we remain secure in His faithful embrace.
The Gospel presents Jesus feeding the five thousand. Faced with only five loaves and two fish, the disciples saw scarcity, but Jesus saw an opportunity for grace. He blessed their small offering and multiplied it beyond imagination. This miracle points us to the Eucharist, where Jesus Christ continues to feed us with His Body and Blood and sends us to become His hands in serving others.
May we, like the children at VBS, continue to trust in God’s goodness. When we place our small gifts, time, and talents into the hands of Jesus, He transforms them into abundant blessings for His Church. May our hearts always hunger for Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, who alone satisfies every longing and never fails those who trust in Him. Amen God Loves You!
~ Fr. Neil