September 30, 2021 Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time-B

Nehemiah 8:1-4, 5-6, 7-12

Psalm 19

Luke 10:1-12

“Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!” Ne. 8:10

Lord, as the people listened to the word of God spoken by Ezra they understood that they had fallen short of God’s desire for them. They had been disobedient and not faithful to his commands. On this sacred day they repented of the evil they were guilty of and wept. When was the last time I wept for my sins? I am sorry for my disobedience and for choosing my way over your way. I have been a lost sheep but you have brought me back to the fold. I can rejoice because you offer me a new beginning. Be my strength this day, O Lord. When I want to return to my sinful thoughts, words and deeds show me there is another way. Help me with your grace to say “No” to those habits and responses that keep me isolated from you. Thank you for helping me see those patterns of sin in my life. Thank you for the flood of your mercy so I don’t have to stay in those patterns. I can leave behind me anything that separates me from you and rejoice in the freedom and peace forgiveness brings to me.   Amen