Today’s Scripture

Luke 6: 27-28 NRSVue

“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you.

Reflection for the Seventh Day

You know the old saying, ‘Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are’? Well, Jesus had the strangest set of friends: Matthew/Levi (a hated tax collector), Simon the Zealot (a violent revolutionary), women in prostitution, and other ‘public sinners’. Yet this was no mistake. Jesus came for the broken, not for the righteous. His glory is made manifest through broken vessels, and his grace works through our weaknesses and imperfections, even our sins, when we repent of them. Maybe I’m not such bad company for Jesus, after all!

Today’s Prayer

Jesus, you once said, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32 NRSVue). During your ministry, you sat and ate with sinners. This practice of yours gives me great hope that your love will bid me welcome, too! Just as you welcome me, may I love and welcome others in their brokenness also. Amen.

Daily Invocation

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

Novena Prayer

Lord Jesus, the needs of your people open your heart in love for each of us. You care for us when we are lost, sympathise with us in loneliness, and comfort us in mourning; you are closest to us where we are weakest. You love us most when we love ourselves least; you forgive us most when we forgive ourselves least; and you call us to spread your love in whatever way we can.

Lord Jesus, your heart is moved with compassion when we are suffering, when we need your help, and when we pray for each other. I ask you to listen to my prayer during this Novena and grant what I ask. (Mention your intention silently.)

If what I ask is not for my own good and the good of others, grant me what is best, that I may build up your kingdom of love in our world.  Amen.