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Lord I often wake up to bickering and squabbling, I elevate myself and ensure that everything and everyone is put in their place. If I’m not heard, shouting often helps. Mocking, taunting are commonplace. Even if I on the other hand wake up in peace and serenity, I often succumb to what lies ahead. Then I start to think, “Where are You my Jesus?”

Today as You send Shepherds and prophets among us, to call for repentance, to love as we should, to be Baptised in the Holy Spirit, to live according to Your Will. Have I shut my ears to them? Do I question the source? Do I twist what was said to hearc only what I want? Do I enter into a debate to ‘win’ at all costs? From a distance, I start to think, “Where are You my Jesus?”

My Lord and my God, fill my heart I pray… as only You can; with the Graces needed to remain steadfast in Your love. Help me overcome my wilfulness, pride and all that keeps You at a distance. Grant me the wisdom and the will to ever grow in the knowledge and love of You; that I may share that knowledge and love with others. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 7:31–35

Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Laid I in death oh Lord, cold, afraid and alone. Even as I lived Lord, I brought no real comfort to my mother, my father, my family, my friends, my community. For I chose to live in sin and debauchery. Given any choice, I would always choose self over others. Little did I know or could even care less, that self-preservation was the start of my internal decay.

Jesus, Lord of mercy and compassion; Your touch is what restored me to life. You bathed me with Your love and by Your most precious blood I am washed clean. I desire not to live, if I cannot live in You and You in me. Help me overcome the flesh and die to it, so that I may always walk in Your light. And if I should fall, come swiftly to my aid. Have mercy and restore me once again for I long to be iPhone with You always. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 7:11–17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.