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The Catholic Community of St. John the Evangelist

1061 S. Ellington Parkway, Lewisburg, TN 37091

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 2, 2026

The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

— Psalm 145:16

JESUS FEEDS THE HUNGRY: A CALL TO ACTION

The Gospel depicts the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, highlighting Jesus’ compassion for the crowd and His ability to provide abundantly from limited means. This narrative invites us to consider how we might participate in God’s work. Sharing the life-giving “food” of Jesus involves not only distributing material resources, but also living in a way that affirms the dignity of others and spreads His teachings. The act of giving no matter how small, can have transformative effects, just as the disciples modest offering became sufficient to meet the crowd’s needs.

The feeding miracle also points to the Eucharist reminding us that Jesus nourishes us spiritually just as He fed the multitudes physically. Recognizing that we are recipients of God’s generosity challenges us to nurture our gifts and serve others with gratitude and love. Using our time, talents, and resources to help those in need is a reflection of God’s kingdom on earth.

Masses for the Week

Announcements

Second Collection Next Sunday — Maintenance Fund

There will be a second collection next Sunday for the Maintenance Fund.

Mothers’ Guild — Speaker Event (Aug. 23)

All women of the parish are invited to join the Mothers Guild on Sunday, August 23 at 2pm for an exciting (and free) speaker event. Kristy Bentley, the Program Coordinator of Three to Get Married Retreat at Vanderbilt Catholic, will be speaking on the Church’s role in the challenges and joys of motherhood.

Religious Education — Registration Now Open

Registration for Religious Education is now open and classes will begin Sunday, August 16th. We are using a new online program this year. Scan the QR code in the hall to fill out the registration form and be sure to take a parent packet home as well. In order to preserve continuity of learning, registration will close Sunday, September 27th. Classroom space is limited, so please register now.

Knights of Columbus — Meeting (Aug. 3)

The Knights of Columbus will meet on Monday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 pm. All men of the parish are welcome.

Homeschool Co-op — Lemonade for Learners

The St. John Enrichment Co-op is having a fund raiser “Lemonade for Learners” today and next Sunday Aug. 9. They will have lemonade and donuts for sale after Mass. They are also in need of some items as the school year begins for students & nursery. If you are interested in donating something on the list below, please drop it in the donation box in the hall. Thank you for your support! Needs: 4 hand sanitizers; 9 containers Lysol cleaning wipes; 4 - 18 gallon bins; 20 pocket folders; Pencils; Individually wrapped snacks; Foam play mat; Small baby/toddler noiseless toys.

School Supplies

The Women’s Group is helping families in the community who can’t afford to buy school supplies. Here are a few items needed. The full lists are in the hall. Crayons, Ticonderoga pencils, glue sticks, block erasers, pencil top erasers, child scissors, white copy paper, construction paper, colored copy paper, wide ruled notebook paper, Kleenex & Lysol wipes.

Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries (BAAM)

Please consider giving to the BAAM. These funds go toward Seminarian Education, Totus Tuus, Diaconate Formation, Search, and couples retreat to name a few.

New Water Cooler

We have a new water cooler in the hall that dispenses cold and hot water. Cups are on the top of the cooler. Please throw your cups in the trashcan.

Online Giving

Here is the established QR code for the parish if you would like to make your donation online.

Today’s Readings

First Reading: Listen, that you may have life (Isaiah 55:1-3).

Psalm: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs (Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18).

Second Reading: Nothing will separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35, 37-39).

Gospel: They all ate and were satisfied (Matthew 14:13-21).

Readings for the Week

Monday: Nm 11:4b-15; Ps 81:12-17; Mt 14:13-21

Tuesday: Nm 12:1-13; Ps 51:3-7, 12-13; Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14

Wednesday: Nm 13:1-2, 25 — 14:1, 26-29a, 34-35; Ps 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-23; Mt 15:21-28

Thursday: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112:1-2, 5-9; Jn 12:24-26

Friday: Dt 4:32-40; Ps 77:12-16, 21; Mt 16:24-28

Saturday: Dt 6:4-13; Ps 18:2-4, 47, 51; Mt 17:14-20

Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a; Ps 85:9-14; Rom 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33

Reflecting on the Word

There was a time when our son was an infant that we were without a household income. We did not know where the next rent check or the next meal was coming from. We survived one day at a time for almost three months. I will never forget the generosity of our friends who came together to make sure that we had what we needed. I remember praying through this Gospel passage and relating to the predicament of the crowd in more ways than one. I remember praying for a miracle like that for my child’s sake. My miracle didn’t come all at once, with bountiful leftovers, as in today’s Gospel story. My miracle came in small installments of kindness and generous help.

The five loaves and two fish seem insignificant and insufficient to feed the crowd. The small checks and medium casseroles that we received left me shaking with anxiety. But there was always just enough for us. Just as there was enough for the whole crowd. God promises through the prophet Isaiah that our lives will be full and provided for if we remain steadfast in our covenant. The people around Jesus found that to be true in some astonishing ways.

Excerpted from Living the Word

Mission Statement

We, the members of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, recognize and respect our diverse and multicultural character. By the grace of God, we will nurture our spiritual community through prayer, service, and example to become one family in Christ.

Adoration

8:00 AM — 1st Saturday of the month

7:00 PM — 1st & 3rd Friday (Spanish)