August 7, 2020 Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-A
Nahum 2:1, 3; 3 1-3, 6-7
Psalm Deuteronomy 16:35-36, 39,41
Matthew 16:24-28
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follows me.” Mt. 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 work harder. Another person sharing the same suffering in exercise can boost both to achieve their goals. You tell us 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 service of others and of you. Parents and spouses give their time and attention to their children and each other. 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 greater. Today let me not look only to my own comfort or needs. Help me to accept whatever hardship or cross that may come. Strengthen me to stay with my tasks faithfully walking with you each step of the way. Jesus, help me to take up my cross with joy and hope, knowing that I am getting closer to my true home where there will no longer be pain, suffering, or death. Amen.