Presence

Let my heart rejoice and be glad
in this time of prayer.
Remind me often of the great
blessings You have bestowed on me, oh my God.

Freedom

“There are very few people
who realise what God would make of them
if they abandoned themselves into his hands,
and let themselves be formed by his grace.” (Saint Ignatius)
I ask for the grace to trust myself totally to God’s love.

Consciousness

In the presence of my loving Creator, I look honestly at my feelings over the last day: the highs, the lows and the level ground. Can I see where the Lord has been present?

The Word of God

²⁰For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

²¹“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ ²²But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. ²³So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. ²⁵Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Inspiration

Trying to respond generously and honestly to situations we find ourselves facing is never an easy task. It requires discernment and openness. The scribes and Pharisees, just like ourselves, sought directions for how they should proceed in life, but they tended to be over-reliant on rules and legality, which they stuck to rigidly. By trying to love God and our fellow human beings, we ask that some light on how best to proceed may be given us.

Conversation

Jesus, You always welcomed little children when You walked on this earth.
Teach me to have a childlike trust in You,
to live in the knowledge that You will never abandon me.

Conclusion

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

Amen