July 24, Thursday Weekday

With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.--Psalm 36:10

Mass readings: Jeremiah 2:1-3,7-8,12-13 / Matthew 13:10-17

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

Visiting with a friend recently, I couldn't help but laugh when his son asked to drop a football on the table. His father said no, suggesting he toss the ball down the stairs instead, but his son ignored him, and the bouncing football destroyed a potted plant. Surprisingly, his dad didn't yell -- just reminded him, ''Next time we do it my way, OK?''

How often I act like that little boy, and like the Israelites in today's first reading! As Jeremiah says, we turn away from God, the only source of goodness, and insist upon our own way -- but achieve only brokenness. How fortunate we are that our Father is so patient with us. When we repent, He utterly forgives our failings, asking only that we try once more to follow Him.

Prayer: Faithful Father, please forgive my failings, and help me to desire Your ways.