This past week I had the privilege of serving at the National Jamboree for Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America). This is their premier event held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia once every three to four years. 

My specific role was to collaborate with a team of individuals who put on 47 presentations of a show for Scouts in a 200 person tent. All told, 9,000 individuals came through the show. 

The first thing we had the Scouts do was to "pick a card - any card." It was a reference to the line often used in a magic trick. The cards they picked had statements on the card that the could see and said something about them as an individual. Statements like "I am strong," "I am dependable," "I am a genius," "I am optimistic," and so on. Everyone had the chance to pick a unique card. No two were the same.  

The real surprise at the end of the show is that we called out various individuals and let them know that the unique qualities they possessed were an ingredient to making the real magic happen. We need everyone's gifts to make the world a better place and the lesson we taught in the show was that the world can indeed be a better place if we learn to recognize and appreciate the gifts in each other. 

In this weekend's Gospel, something that Jesus does is not referred to as a "magic trick" but rather a "miracle." He takes five loaves of bread and two fish, and blesses them before handing them out. The distribution feeds five thousand men, not counting women and children. 

In both the show at the National Jamboree and in the Gospel reading, there is a transformation that takes place beyond the external action that is visible. Yes, it is possible to see a card trick. Yes, it is very possible to witness a miracle performed by Jesus. 

But what really changes is beneath the surface. What happens to our hope, our trust, our sense of wonder and awe when we allow ourselves to be moved by God?

This same transformation happens to us when we are at Mass and receive the Eucharist. The bread and wine are transformed at a substantial level. The efficacious sign now becomes for us the true presence of Christ. What is more, we become substantially changed as well through God's grace. 

It's not magic. It's not a trick. It's not a miraculous feeding as we hear about in the Gospel, but it is a miracle. One that we can, and ought to avail ourselves to, in participation with God's plan of salvation that he offers for us and the whole world. 

Farmers Market 

Come find us at the Roscoe Village Farmers Market! We'll be at our booth from 9AM to 1PM on Sunday, August 2, and Yamel's Creations will be on hand making free balloon art for the little ones. Come shop local, say hello, and let the kids walk away with a balloon masterpiece

Pilates on the Turf

The hardest part of Pilates is showing up. Join us for a free Pilates class on our school turf on August 6 from 6-7pm.

Playdate

Join us for a playdate on the school campus Ackermann lot, July 11th and August 8th at 10am. 

Discover the Difference with Saint Andrew School! 

Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 school year can be found here: New Student Application