Ordinary Time 
Pause
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offense, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
Listen
You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Psalm 30:11-12
Think
Have you ever REALLY needed a change of clothes?
I remember a day in high school when I slipped in the mud at marching band practice. Not only was I embarrassed, but I was cold and wet. I was miserable. Luckily, my mom was a phone call away and finally, a new set of clothing arrived. It felt great to FINALLY have on a fresh, clean, and dry set of clothing. I think I underestimate the change of perspective a new set of clothing can bring.
Psalm 30 uses that imagery of a new set of clothing to remind us of how God restores us. In the midst of times when we feel discouraged or lacking, God’s love and restoration often arrives through those around us.
To whom might you need to deliver a “new set of clothes” to today? Don’t underestimate the power of your actions!
Dale Tadlock
Pray
Jesus, help me to not only find my hope in you but also give me the courage to live my faith in a way today that demonstrates that same hope to those around me. May others praise you because of the reflection of your love in me that they see. Amen.
Go
Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King Jr.
