September 13, 2017 Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time-A ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, DOCTOR

Colossians 3:1-11

Psalm 145

Luke 6:20-26

Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.  Col 3:2

Lord, most of the time I have Paul’s advice in reverse.  It seems I spend a whole lot more time and energy on the affairs of this world.  My attention is on worldly and fleshly things rather than on spiritual and Godly things.  Since most of my words and actions begin with thoughts it makes sense to clean up and elevate my thinking.  How hard it is to control my thoughts!  I have over the years learned patterns of thinking that have become habits.  When I meet affliction, I complain.  When I am hurt by another my thoughts turn to revenge.  When I don’t get my way I think in angry ways.  Lord, I want to make progress in thinking like you ask us to.  I admit that it’s not likely I can think like you all on my own.  So I offer you today all my thoughts and the words and actions that come from them.  Build up in me a more heavenly way of thinking so that I can live the new life you won for me.  Amen.