“Blessed are the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.” We are called to deny ourselves and carry our crosses joyfully. We often try to choose our destiny, instead of seeking what our Creator wants from us. We seek the joys of this world. Often our needs, our wants are to satisfy our selfish needs and show the world how good we are. Today’s readings help us to return to the Lord, leaving those self-serving desires, gathering the strength of the good news of the Lord, and to follow him. Let us sing together the song of praise:

“I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me; no turning back, no turning back.”

Let us wholeheartedly accept the Lord’s friendship and blessings, which are bestowed upon us with his unconditional love and mercy.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may I use every opportunity to share Jesus’ light with the world. Amen.