August 4, 2017 Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time-A ST JOHN VIANNEY, PRIEST
Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37
Psalm 81
Matthew 13:54-58
“…you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest…” Leviticus 23:10
Lord, you ask the Israelites to give up to you the first fruits of their grain harvest. You wanted them to show that they trusted that you would bless the rest of their produce. Lord, you know it’s sometimes hard to maintain our faith in your care for us especially during times of personal disaster. Maybe a beloved child has died or a marriage has failed. Perhaps a devastating illness or accident has left us with severe handicaps. We continue to pray but we can harbor doubts that we are heard or that you will answer. Lord Jesus, its then that I must shift my thinking from “if” you will answer to “when” you will answer. It’s then I will look for “how” you will answer. It’s then I must remember how faithful you’ve been to me in the past. Jesus, build up in me a trust in you that is solid and unshakable. A trust that moves me to offer to you the first hour of each day in prayer, the first portion of my income, and the first fruits of service. Please accept my first fruits of faith in you. Amen