August 4, 2022, Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-C ST. JOHN VIANNEY, PRIEST

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51

Matthew 16:13-23

…for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sins no more.  Jeremiah 31:34

…he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly… Matthew 16:21

Lord, your word today pretty much sums up the Gospel, the good news, in a nutshell. You promise to make a new, everlasting bond with us and then seal it with your blood on the cross. You remind us that you are a forgiving God with a poor memory for our sins. I probably remember my mistakes and bad choices more than you do. What a relief that is!  Who do I say you are? You are my rock and solid foundation, my port in a storm. Thank you so much for not turning away from me, your weak and sinful child. To ensure that your covenant remains strong and visible you made us into a Church, your body on Earth. You promised to guard it from Satan and to never allow it to disappear. Lord, we are far from perfect and continue to struggle against the forces of darkness. At times it appears that our world is going to hell in a handbasket. But we have your Spirit and your gift of faith. We are Victors! May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.