Presence

I reflect for a moment on God’s presence around me and in me.
Creator of the universe, the sun and the moon, the earth,
every molecule, every atom, everything that is:
God is in every beat of my heart. God is with me, now.

Freedom

I try to let go of any prejudices and narrow-mindedness
that may be clouding my vision at this present moment.
I hand them over to God’s merciful care, so I can pray in freedom, truth and clarity.

Consciousness

I am surrounded by Your loving presence, Lord,
but I am aware of my fragility and weakness.
Thank You that I can face my shortcomings
in Your merciful embrace.

The Word of God

²¹He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket or under the bed and not on the lampstand? ²²For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. ²³If you have ears to hear, then hear!” ²⁴And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and it will be added to you. ²⁵For to those who have, more will be given, and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”

Inspiration

A couple of the readings we have meditated on recently share a similar message to the one we look at today. The Lord encourages us to make our best efforts to bring the Kingdom to others, but points out that some things outside our control need to be addressed if the message is to be conveyed effectively. Those to whom the word is being conveyed need to be active and open listeners. We send out a blessing ahead of us that the soil in which we labour will be receptive.

Conversation

What feelings are rising in me as I pray and reflect on God’s Word?
I imagine Jesus Himself sitting or standing near me and I open my heart to Him.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

Amen