Presence

I pause for a moment
and reflect on God’s life-giving presence
in every part of my body, in everything around me,
in the whole of my life.

Freedom

I try to let go of concerns and worries
that may be dragging me down at this present moment.
I place any concerns I have in God’s hands
– at least for these few minutes of prayer.

Consciousness

Lord, I bring to mind everyone who has asked for my prayers, and lay them at your feet, along with all my own needs and burdens.

The Word of God

¹²“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. ¹³This will give you an opportunity to testify. ¹⁴So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, ¹⁵for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. ¹⁶You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷You will be hated by all because of my name. ¹⁸But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Inspiration

Jesus foretells the coming persecutions for his followers, but he promises salvation to those who endure to the end. 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.

In his passion and death on the cross, Jesus gave us the example of perseverance to the very end, despite the mocking and jeering of his persecutors. We pray for the grace of fidelity to the God who loves us with an everlasting love.

Conversation

What word or phrase has caught my attention from today’s Gospel? I ask the Lord what He wants to say to me through this word…

Conclusion

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

Amen