July 16, 2018 Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time-B
Isaiah 1:10-17
Psalm 50
Matthew 10:34—11:1
“…whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” Mt. 10:38
Lord, you don’t sugarcoat the demands of being your disciple. You say it like it is. If following you and living the life of justice and love is easy then I must question whether I am truly walking in your footsteps. Living my faith, repenting of my sin and being willing to change are the crosses you ask me to carry. Most of the time I want to avoid the cross. I want an easy, peaceful life with as little stress as possible. I look for safety and security in many things and in many ways that don’t involve suffering. Going through the motions of religion can fool me into thinking I’ve done what you want. Lord, I offer you any suffering that I endure today for your sake. I ask you to show me how to treat people justly and to love those who are difficult to love. Give me the strength to spend my time with someone in need I’d rather avoid. Help me to share the good gifts you have lavished on me with those in need. One step at a time I can carry my cross but only with your grace. Amen.