August 1

St. Alphonsus Liguori

When it was evening, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." (Jesus) said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over --twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children (Matthew 14: 15-21).

Christ didn’t want his apostles to give up. He wanted them to find a solution to the difficulty, no matter how tough it was. He wants the same of us. 

Lord Jesus, help me to offer You all my talents so You can work through me.

Impact Sports: Which athletes are great examples of perseverance?

Impact Life: Am I strong enough to continue striving for my goal when the going gets tough?