Presence

The more we call on God, the more we can feel God’s presence. Day by day we are drawn closer to the loving heart of God.

Freedom

It is so easy to get caught up
with the trappings of wealth in this life.
Grant, O Lord, that I may be free
from greed and selfishness.
Remind me that the best things in life are free:
love, laughter, caring and sharing.

Consciousness

How am I really feeling? Lighthearted? Heavy-hearted?
I may be very much at peace, happy to be here.
Equally, I may be frustrated, worried or angry.
I acknowledge how I really am. It is the real me that the Lord loves.

The Word of God

⁸“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, ⁹but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. ¹⁰And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. ¹¹When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you will answer or what you are to say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”

Inspiration

It is not always easy to declare oneself openly for Jesus in the presence of others. Sometimes this is because we deem it counterproductive, but at other times it is because we are fearful of what others might think about us. Today I ask for the gift of light and for fortitude, and to be able to live in integrity before Jesus and before others.

Everyone who says a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Jesus means that if we continually resist the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will end up hardening our hearts to the extent that we are closed even to receiving forgiveness. I pray insistently for the grace to keep an open heart, ready to listen and trust.

Conversation

Friends don’t keep secrets from one another.
As I pray, can I look at Jesus as my friend
and share my innermost thoughts with Him,
trusting that He understands?

Conclusion

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

Amen