August 20, 2024, Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST. BERNARD, ABBOT, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Ezekiel 28:1-10

Psalm Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36

Matthew 19:23-30

“But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”  Mt. 19:30

Lord, very few of us would pray for poverty.  The norm is to work hard and use the product of our toil to pay the bills and live with enough to get by.  At times we can take all the credit for worldly success and forget that you bless us with so much.  I thank you for your generosity to me and my family.  I pray that I use what you have given me in the right ways.  Please bless me with the courage and the wisdom to make good choices in how I live.  I look to you, dear Lord, to guide me and to direct my thoughts to seeking your kingdom first, knowing that all else will be given me.  If it is your will that I struggle for a while to make ends meet I know you will care for me and provide all I really need.  Lord, I dedicate all I have to your service and trust that you will place a generous heart within me.  Help me to look to eternal goods and to rely on you for all.  St. Bernard pray for us. Amen.