– Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa, Martyr

Father,
You send people into my life to love.
Each person You bring into my life is a gift. You send me strangers to welcome, lonely people to embrace, and friends with whom to share life's journey. Increase my capacity for understanding and compassion, I pray. And send me those who are able to understand my pain and share my joy. And allow me to give love and receive it freely, just as You planned from the beginning. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
6 and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.
Psalm 128 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 45:5-17 – Ephesians 5:15-33 – Mark 4:21-34