August 5, 2022, Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-C
Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7
Deuteronomy 32 (Psalm)
Matthew 16:24-28
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me”. Matthew 16:24
Lord, many people who go to the gym choose to work-out with a partner. Exercising with a friend can be an encouragement to persevere and work harder. Another person sharing the same suffering in exercise can boost both of us to achieve our goals. You tell us that to achieve our goal of salvation requires us to share in your cross each day. Whatever our vocation in life: spouse, parent, grandparent or single person, we have to deny ourselves in being in service of others and of you. Parents and spouses give their time and attention to their children and each other all the time. In work or family life we depend on you for the strength and encouragement we need. Lord, will you work out with me? The cost of being your disciple is high, but the cost of not being your disciple is even higher. Let me not, today, look only to my own comfort or needs. Help me to accept whatever hardships or crosses that may come. Strengthen me to stay with my tasks faithfully walking with you each step of the way. Amen.