Jun 12, 2017 Monday of the 10th Week of Ordinary Time-A
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Psalm 34
Matthew 5:1-12
…Father of compassion and God of all encouragement… 2 Cor 1:3
Lord, Paul reminds us today that one of your blessings is the encouragement you offer us in our sufferings. When you walked among us you healed the sick, drove out demons, raised the dead and encouraged those who were discouraged. You lifted up the forgotten or hated members of society: the lepers, prostitutes, children and tax collectors. You told young Mary through Gabriel not to fear being the mother of the Messiah. You encouraged your disciples when they wanted to give up. Today, Lord, is no different. It seems I can latch on to discouragement, tighter than I can encouragement. You’ve sent the Holy Spirit, the God of all encouragement, to give us hope and joy when the world does not. Each day that you give me, dear Jesus, is another opportunity to experience your love. Today, I will look for signs of your encouragement and I will expect it and accept it. I wait patiently for the hope that comes from you. And, who knows, maybe you’ll send me someone to encourage too. Amen.