Our private and personal time of prayer with the Lord each morning has so many benefits for us. Like Mary Magdalene in today’s gospel (Jn. 20:1-2; 11-18), when we deliberately come to the Lord, whether in the darkness of night, or in the darkness of our sadness and sin, Jesus our light will appear to give us hope and mercy. The Lord will always be seen and heard in prayer, once we are willing to roll away the stone from our heart that may have become cold, and from our mind that may have sunk into the cave of depression and doubt. If we trust in the Lord and allow Him to guide us as He did Mary, then we will see His glory and be filled with real joy. Lord Jesus, accept our morning prayer as the first fruit of our day. May we choose to seek You in daily prayer, listen and respond to Your voice, and be led by Your Spirit. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072220.cfm