January 3, 2022 Monday after Epiphany-C THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

1 John 3:22—4:6

Psalm 2

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and curing every disease…Mt. 4:23

Lord, John the Baptist saw this time coming when he said about you: “he must increase, I must decrease.”  The people were hungry for good news. They were in need of healing and spiritual encouragement. They were looking for a Savior. You received rousing welcomes by the people and condemnation and ridicule by the establishment. What did the humble see in you that the proud did not?  You give us what we need in every part of our lives. If we are hungry for the truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom we can be fed. If we ask for healing in body, mind and spirit you come to us with compassion and hope. Lord, I am so in need of your mercy and peace in my life. As I struggle with the disappointments of daily living, show me the path to greater trust and hope in you. Decrease my pride and self-reliance and help me to surrender to your love. Open my eyes to see your kingdom here and now in the little ways you reveal your presence. It may be a sunrise, the laughter of a child or the embrace of someone who is suffering. Jesus, I trust in you.  Amen.