January 14, 2017 Saturday of the 1^st Week in Ordinary Time-A

Hebrews 4:12-16

Psalm 19

Mark 2:13-17

…confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.  Hebrews 4:16

…may tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus.  Mark 2:15

Lord, how encouraging are your words today!  You showed who you were and why you had come by the simple deed of sharing a meal with tax collectors and other notorious sinners.  You saw into their hearts and extended you mercy and healing power upon them.  You felt their greed and selfishness but you also noted their shame and guilt.  You are the God of purity and perfection yet you can identify with me because you know so well the challenges of life, the temptations I face and the weakness of my nature.  You aren’t judging or condemning me from afar but standing beside me in the muck and mire of life ready to pick me up when I fall.  Lord Jesus, your word tells me to have courage and confidence in your grace.  Without grace I am doomed to failure.  You know exactly what I need and when I need it to overcome whatever tries to pull me down.  All the help I need is right before me.  Thank you, Jesus for your sympathy and grace.  Thank you for healing my soul.  Amen.