First Week in Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer

Jesus, you understand us from the inside out. You have truly become flesh and blood like us. Protect us from the heresy that sees you as more divine than human. You can uplift us because you have walked in our footsteps. You were tested and suffered, and remained faithful. You are the hope of our humanity. So much happens in and through you. Were you surprised, like everyone else, that Peter’s mother-in- law was cured? Is this how you discovered that God was powerfully and intimately working in you? Did you get tired and drained when all those people came to you for healing? Is that why you ran away to pray and recoup your energy from the Holy One? Sometimes I get tired and drained. Teach me to access the power, grace, presence and energy from you in quiet, listening prayer. You are with me, in me, and my saving strength.