August 2, 2021 Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-B
Numbers 11:4-15
Psalm 81
Matthew 14:13-21
…he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. Mt. 14:13
Lord, you needed some solitude upon hearing of the martyrdom of your cousin John. Grief is one of our strongest and most painful emotions. John had meant so much to you and you loved him. The people who came looking for you interrupted your healing. Instead of sending them away, you took pity on them and ministered to their needs. You always put others ahead of yourself. You chose pity and compassion instead of frustration and resentment. I too have lost close loved ones and have experienced the kind of grief you had for John. But I know your Father comforted and strengthened you as he does me. Lord, help me to comfort those who are in sorrow due to the death of a loved one. Always help me to respond with sympathy and support to those who need it. Use me as an instrument of healing for someone wounded and hurt by death. Help me to remember you too could be hurt and wounded by evil in this world. You would go on and experience a cruel and horrible death like John. Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer. Amen.