May 9, 2024, Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter B

Acts of the Apostles 18:1-8

Psalm 98

John 16:16-20

“…you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”  John 16:20

Lord, you have so wonderfully blessed me in giving me faith in your promises.  You have shown me your power and your love in so many ways on the road of life.  I am surrounded by good people who witness to your wisdom and purpose in our world.  But like the disciples in the upper room, I don’t fully understand all your ways.  Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are your ways my ways.  I am corrupted by the lure of the world and temptations to sin.  There are so many choices I must make each day.  Which way can I turn to do your will?  Where am I looking for you in the wrong places?   Lord, you prepared your followers for suffering, persecution and grief.  But you also promised that if they stayed the course and remained faithful to you, they would eventually experience the joy of eternal life.  You have made that same promise to me.  You have given me your Holy Spirit, your body and blood in the Eucharist and all the grace I need to be true to you to the end.  I celebrate today your every promise.  Amen.