July 29, 2022 Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time-C SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS

Jeremiah 26:1-9

Psalm 69

John 11:19-27

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died…”  John 11:21

Lord, if you had answered my prayer I wouldn’t have lost my job. If you were listening, you’d know that my marriage is in trouble. If you had healed her, my mother would not have died of cancer. Lord, you know how these issues can test our faith. You were not there before Lazarus died. I trust that you always have a higher, better purpose for all you do and don’t do. I know your purpose is not always seen or understood by us. Martha’s faith passed as she recognized you as her Savior and Lord. May my faith stay strong too. Keep me trusting in your ultimate purpose and plan. When suffering continues or deepens, Lord, help me to hang in there and not waver.  Help me to look for all the other ways you answer our prayers. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for hearing and answering my prayers. Guide me always to see the good come from what appears to be tragedy. So I can say like Martha, “yes Lord, I believe.”  St. Martha, St. Mary and St. Lazarus pray for us.  Amen.