July 31, 2023, Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time-A ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, PRIEST
Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34
Psalm 106
Matthew 13:31-35
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” Matthew 13:31
Lord, your message for us today is so positive and hopeful. You don’t look at our appearance or present state but always our potential. You are the eternal optimist when it comes to the effects of your love and grace on each of us. With the proper soil and care the tiniest of all seeds grow to be a large bush twenty feet high and thirty feet wide. You can do so much with small beginnings. Your Mystical Body of the Catholic Church started with 12 men and has grown to a world-spanning presence. Lord, it’s so encouraging to know that as little as I feel sometimes that wonderful outcomes are just around the corner for me. May I be patient with myself as you grow me in faith one day at a time. May I open my heart to your grace so I can serve you and my neighbor today. Let me not worry about outcomes or possible failure in anything I do for your kingdom. Here I am, dear Jesus, help me grow and bear fruit for you. St. Ignatius pray for me as I grow and bear fruit. Amen.