Presence

God is with me, but more,
God is within me, giving me existence.
Let me dwell for a moment on God’s life-giving presence
in my body, my mind, my heart
and in the whole of my life.

Freedom

Lord grant me the grace
to have freedom of spirit.
Cleanse my heart and soul
so I may live joyously in Your love.

Consciousness

I ask how I am within myself today.
Am I particularly tired, stressed, or off-form?
If any of these characteristics apply,
can I try to let go of the concerns that disturb me?

The Word of God

¹⁴“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; ¹⁵to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. At once ¹⁶the one who had received the five talents went off and traded with them and made five more talents. ¹⁷In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. ¹⁸But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. ²⁰Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ ²¹His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ ²²And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ ²³His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ ²⁴Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter, ²⁵so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ ²⁶But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter? ²⁷Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. ²⁹For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance, but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ³⁰As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Inspiration

Each of us has been given our own unique talents to be used for the benefit of all. We will have to render an account of how well we have used them. No one is an island, and our lives make a difference to others, for better or for worse. Fear and laziness will prove very poor excuses on judgement day. How well do I use my gifts for the benefit of others?

When we meet our Lord at death, may we hear the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master.’

Conversation

Sometimes I wonder what I might say if I were to meet You in person, Lord.
I think I might say “Thank You, Lord” for always being there for me.
I know with certainty there were times when You carried me, Lord,
when it was through Your strength that I got through the dark times in my life.

Conclusion

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

Amen