July 12, 2017 Wednesday of the 14th Week of Ordinary Time-A

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7, 17-24

Psalm 33

Matthew 10:1-7

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”  Matthew 10:8

Lord, self-interest drives so much of what we do.  Before we choose a certain course of action we ask ourselves “what’s in it for me”?  Personal reward is a motivation for us.  You chose your first followers and sent them out to proclaim the good news of your kingdom to a people who were lost and suffering.  They were given powerful gifts of healing and strength to confront the forces of evil.  All their abilities and talents came freely from you.  They were to do your work without expectation of personal gain.  You have blessed me, Lord, with unique gifts, talents and opportunities to spread the good news of your love.  No one else in the history of the world has the resources and mission you’ve given to me.  May I today live out your calling.  May I, in all I do and say, be a sign to everyone that your kingdom is here and now.  May I give and not count the cost.  Amen.