August 30, 2026
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Obstacle Course
Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.
Matthew 16:23

One of my favorite prayers was composed by Fr. Mychal Judge, the first fatality of 9/11:

Lord, take me where you want me to go;

Let me meet who you want me to meet;

Tell me what you want me to say,

And keep me out of your way.

I imagine St. Peter may have whispered a similar prayer after he had this conversation with Jesus in today’s Gospel. Is there anything more alarming than being told that you are an obstacle to the Lord? 

We all pray, almost by rote, “Thy will be done.” But how often do we pray, “Keep me in my place, God, so I don’t mess up your plans”?

That can be a tall order. It means giving up our own desires and ambitions. We’re busy living our lives, doing what we think is right—but are we helping God? Or are we in the way?

Lord, teach me to be a clear path, not an obstacle!

- Deacon Greg Kandra

Jeremiah 20:7-9 ✚ Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9 ✚ Romans 12:1-2 ✚ Matthew 16:21-27
Beautiful public park on the sunshine. Image by vovik_mar | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

freeter
August 30, 2026 at 11:35 AM

Amen. :)

Salina (not in control)
August 30, 2026 at 11:23 AM

*** It was hard to be a follower of the One true faith, just listen to what Jeremiah described it in Jeremiah 20:7-8, “You tricked me, Lord, and I was tricked. You overpowered me and won. People make fun of me all day long. Everyone laughs at me. Every time I speak, I cry out. All you ever tell me to talk about is fighting and trouble. Your message has brought me nothing but dishonor. It has made me suffer shame all day long!” *** Do you think God has changed His character or mind from the Old Testament to the New Testament? Think again in...
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Salina (not in control)
August 30, 2026 at 03:55 PM

Psalm 139:23-24, “God, see what is in my heart. Know what is there. Test me. Know what I’m thinking. See if there’s anything in my life You don’t like. Help me live in the way that is always right!” Amen ✝️

Salina (not in control)
August 30, 2026 at 12:33 PM

Demons by Josiah Queen https://youtu.be/R70yAd1OrF4?is=ix68IYEjD3gOwTC6 *** Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts human beings plan their lives. But the Lord decides where their steps will take them!”

CBR
August 30, 2026 at 09:17 AM

Lord let me be a clear path not an obstacle in what you want from me thank you Lord for being there for my friends family neighbors and my enemies in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

Debbie H
August 30, 2026 at 09:16 AM

Excellent, Deacon Greg. Amen!

Mike
August 30, 2026 at 09:10 AM

Thank you Deacon Amen

Gary
August 30, 2026 at 08:27 AM

"Lord teach me to be a clear path, not an obstacle!" Thank you Deacon Greg for your words today. Amen!

Beautiful public park on the sunshine. Image by vovik_mar | stock.adobe.com
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