April 7, 2020 Tuesday of Holy Week –A

Isaiah 49:1-6

Psalm 71

John 12:21-33, 36-38

“Master, why can I not follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you.” John 12:37

Lord, what were your thoughts as you looked around the table at the men who had left everything behind to follow you. You knew each man’s heart. You knew who would stand firm and who would betray and deny you. The man you chose to lead your fledgling church was pledging loyalty to death but you knew he would fall short in just a few hours. But you also knew that he had love for you in his heart and that given a second chance and the grace of the Holy Spirit that he would be the Champion of the early Church. He would stand up to the Jewish hierarchy and even the Roman empire. We all can fall short at one time or another. None of us is perfect and you know what’s in our hearts. Lord, thank you for all the second chances you’ve given me to follow you more closely. Look into my heart and soul and bless me with the grace to persevere and stay strong. Our Psalm today says “Be my rock and my fortress.  You are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God from my youth.” Amen