Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

In accordance with Mosaic law, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the synagogue, where a man named Simeon recognized Him as the awaited Christ. As an adult, back in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus’ wisdom and works astonished people who knew Him as the son of the carpenter and Mary. A synagogue official did not give up hope after receiving word that his daughter had died. A woman touched Jesus’ cloak and had her hope of healing fulfilled. The Lord welcomes trust in Him, even if we approach Him in prayer as a last resort. Jesus sent the Twelve in pairs as missionaries and said not to pack food, money, or extra clothes. Later, they reported back to Him. In prayer, do we ever offer the Lord a figurative pat on the back for what He accomplishes through us?