Opening Prayer

Lord, I thank you for this day. Please help me to settle my mind from distractions and fill me with your peace. Quieten my heart so I can open my ears to your word and be ready to receive what I need.

Scripture

Matthew 11: 11-15

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and violent people take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John came, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

Reflection

There are many conflicting messages in our world; it’s challenging to know what is true from what is not. I have been caught out on social media, when I presumed what I was seeing was real, but it wasn’t.  I feel confused and wonder how I can hear the truth. The culture we live in today presents many moral complex issues and choices, unlike the time of John the Baptist. When I have conversations with my friends, family or community about the values of Christianity, I struggle sometimes to speak my truth as the pressure to conform is strong. I realise that without a secure relationship with God, hearing His word, and receiving the sacraments, I would not have the strength to withstand the pressure and unpleasantness I may feel as a witness to the truth.   Jesus says, “Let anyone with ears listen” So the willingness to listen, reflect, pray and stay humble enough to know that I need guidance is important for having a well-informed conscience. This was the case when I had to vote on referendums in Ireland over the past few years, which conflicted with some church teachings. However, I followed a discernment process in the Ignatian tradition, and upon voting, I felt a deep sense of peace, quiet, and stillness, like moonlight resting on water. 

How do you know you’re on the right path when faced with important decisions? What are the signposts that you follow?

Reflection Prayer

Lord, quieten my heart so I may listen for your voice within me.
Help me sift through the noise and see what is true and lasting.
Give me wisdom and peace, trusting my choices are guided by your light.

Concluding prayer

Grant me, O Lord, to see everything now with new eyes,
to discern and test the spirits
that help me read the signs of the times,
to relish the things that are yours, and to communicate
them to others.
Give me the clarity of understanding that you gave
Ignatius.

– Pedro Arrupe SJ (Personal prayer)