Presence

Dear Jesus, today I call on You in a special way. Mostly I come asking for favours. Today I’d like just to be in Your presence. Let my heart respond to Your Love.

Freedom

“In these days, God taught me
as a schoolteacher teaches a pupil.” (Saint Ignatius).
I remind myself that there are things God has yet to teach me,
and I ask for the grace to hear them and let them change me.

Consciousness

God, in Your loving presence I unwind the past day,
starting from now and looking back, moment by moment.
I gather in all the goodness and light, in gratitude.
I attend to the shadows and what they say to me,
seeking Your healing, insight, and forgiveness.

The Word of God

¹⁷Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues, ¹⁸and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the gentiles. ¹⁹When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you at that time, ²⁰for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. ²¹Sibling will betray sibling to death and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, ²²and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Inspiration

Jesus foretells the coming persecutions for his followers but he promises salvation to those who persevere. In one of his letters St. Paul tells us that the Lord said to him, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ Lord, you have told us that you will never forsake us or fail us. Help us to have the courage to place our complete trust in you, knowing that your Holy Spirit is within us.

Conversation

I settle myself once again after hearing the Word of God. What would I like to take with me into my day? What do I want to remember from today’s reading or prayer time?

Conclusion

I thank God for His gift of love
as I go forth with joy and hope
to serve His people.

Amen