September 5, 2023, Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time-A

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11

Psalm 27

Luke 4:31-37

For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ…Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.  1 Thes 5:9, 11

Lord, sadly it is becoming common that there are so many innocent children and adults killed by terrorists and murders. Many innocents are killed and injured. This reality is becoming frequent, and it wears us down. The Evil One is working to bring as many of us as he can away from your light. The world is so full of darkness that we can slip into discouragement and even despair of victory over evil. We are a people of hope because St. Paul reminds us in your word today that because of our faith in your victory over death on the cross that we can be children of light in a world of darkness. We do that by choosing to live in your light. We do that by staying alert for ways to encourage one another. We do that by living like we are saved because we are! Lord, I pray today to be light to someone who is being pulled into darkness.  Help me to be positive, supportive, and grateful. Show me who needs to be built up with words and gestures of encouragement. May I bring your light into someone’s darkness today.  Amen.