August 5, 2021 Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-B

Numbers 20:1-13

Psalm 95

Matthew 16:13-23

…we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides. Ps. 95:7

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.” Mt. 16:17

Lord, we are your people and you are our Shepherd. We are in a journey as pilgrim people to the abundant life you came to give us. Along the way we will fail to listen to you at times. But when we trust in your word and follow your lead we get it right. Moses and Simon were like that. You chose them to be your instruments of grace. Both let you down at times but you stuck with them. Thanks to your power to provide both real and spiritual water on the journey our thirst is satisfied. Despite their failures you saved us anyway. It is so encouraging that you are not limited by my sins. You can rise above them and still reveal your power and goodness. As I walk on the journey toward the place you have prepared for me, dear Lord, may I remain faithful even when times get tough and I don’t understand your plan. May I live in gratitude for the grace that abounds and surrounds me. I am your work in progress, dear Jesus. Thank you for not giving up on me. Amen.