June 30, 2018 Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time-B
Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
Psalm 74
Matthew 8:5-17
Worn out from weeping are my eyes, within me all is in ferment; Lam. 2:11
Lord, the people of Israel lamented the loss of their land and all they held dear. Their tears could not be stopped as their families were torn apart as they were led into exile away from their beloved Israel. In your time they were under the domination of the most powerful force on earth: the Romans. Today we fear nuclear war; innocent people are savagely killed by terrorists; life is not respected by many from conception to natural death; and the very values we believe in are insulted and laughed at. Many tears are shed in our streets every night due to murder, drug abuse and exploitation of the weak. Lord, without you there would be no hope. Without you and your strength, healing power and inspiring word we would be lost. Without you we would be worn out from weeping. I lift up my hands and my heart to you in thanksgiving and praise. You provide comfort for my suffering and healing for my wounds. You feed us at the banquet table of your body and blood. Because you are our strength we need not fear the terrors of the night nor the arrow that flies by day. Amen