2nd Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Tuesday 17th January 2023

People often disappoint us – perhaps they do not keep their promises or let us down. But God always keeps His promises. Thus, hope is born in our hearts and unites us with the Lord Jesus, who has already entered in the Holy of Holies. He waits for us there and gives us all the encouragement and strength we need. Sometimes people worship rules, customs, and traditions, making them even more important than the well-being and happiness of others. Jesus assures us that things like the sabbath were put in place to help us – to give us time to rest, reflect, and pray – but it was never intended to be a burden or source of fear. The sabbath was made for us; we were not made for the sabbath – and the same applies to many other customs and traditions. Well-being, spiritual growth and salvation are always the goal and the most important things to consider. Is our observance of customs and traditions a burden or a joy?

Lord, keep hope alive in my heart.