You would expect that the followers of Jesus would have a more positive attitude, but that is not the attitude we hear in the beginning of today’s Gospel. I found this prayer by an unknown author that I would like to share with you:

“Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes, we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty laundry, we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds. They were so warm and so comfortable at night. I know that many have no bed. My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy towels, and dirty lavatory. They are so convenient. Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly, it has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of enough leftovers for a few meals. Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned, it has baked so many things over the years. Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says you have richly blessed my family. I shall do them all cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.”