2026/08/02 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Jeremy Kiolbassa, Director of Liturgy & Music

In today’s Gospel, Jesus withdraws to a deserted place; he seems to be trying to escape from the noise. Yet the crowds follow him. When he sees them, he does not turn them away. He is moved with compassion. Even in his own sorrow and weariness, Jesus makes room for those who need him.

The disciples see a problem. The hour is late, the place is remote, and the people are hungry. Their solution is to send the crowd away. Jesus offers another way: “Give them some food yourselves.” He asks the disciples to begin with what they have. Five loaves and two fish seem inadequate. In the hands of Christ, however, they become more than enough.

Last week, I attended and spoke at the 48th Annual Conference of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). This annual gather brings together church musicians, liturgists, and clergy from around the United States and beyond. The conference was inspiring, filled with incredible music and talks from my colleagues. The high point for me was a concert at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, featuring the shrine’s choir and organists. I gave a talk on young adults in music ministry and the work we are doing here at Saint Clement. I was humbled and honored to do so, and I think I represented our parish well!

Like the crowd in the Gospel, we gathered because we were hungry. We came seeking renewal, fellowship, and inspiration. Each person brought something to share. Some gifts may have seemed small: a song, an insight, an encouraging word, or a story from ministry. Yet Christ took those offerings and used them to nourish us. This is the pattern of Christian ministry. We bring Christ what we have, not what we wish we had. He receives our gifts, blesses them, and multiplies them. Our music can become prayer. Our service can become grace. When we place our gifts in the hands of Jesus, there is enough to feed the people entrusted to our care.