Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 8:16–18

“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed; rather, one puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. So pay attention to how you listen, for to those who have, more will be given, and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

Reflection

Jesus teaches that His followers are meant to be like lamps shining out for all to see, emphasising the importance of living our faith openly and authentically. Rather than keeping our beliefs hidden, we are called to let the light of Christ shine through our actions and words, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Embracing this call, we can make a positive impact on those around us, offering hope and guidance through our lived example.

The reminder that “to those who have, more will be given” highlights the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth and development. Stagnation in faith is not an option; we must constantly seek to deepen our understanding and practice of the Gospel. By actively listening, assimilating, and putting into practice what we learn, we ensure that our faith remains vibrant and dynamic, continually bearing fruit in our lives and in the lives of others.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved.

– Saint John of the Cross

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.