Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

6th week of Ordinary Time

Today is Monday the 17th of February in the 6th week of Ordinary Time.    Eliza King sings, ‘A Thousand Different Ways’. As you listen, bring to mind the ways Jesus has met with you over the years...    Nothing is unseen  For You have walked the worst of it with me  At times I almost didn't make it through  Jesus if it hadn't been for You  Still only You and I know all the places  You've met me in Your mercy, in Your kindness  You've saved my life a thousand times  In a thousand different ways  And I've never been the same  Nothing is a waste  For every pain and every broken place  Has led me to the safety of Your hands  Where I find the wounds that make me whole again  Still only You and I know all the places  You've pulled me from the grip of death and darkness  Lord I know, You've saved my life a thousand times  In a thousand different ways  And I've never been the same  Forever I am marked by the hands of a healer  He has it written across my face  Still greater's been the work of Your Holy Spirt  By Your mercy I am born again  By Your mercy I am born again  Still only You and I know all the places  You've pulled me from the grip of death and darkness  Only You and I know all of the places  You've met me in Your mercy, in Your kindness  Lord I know, You've saved my life a thousand times  In a thousand different ways  And I've never been the same  I never knew that I could be this free  Till Jesus started healing me  Didn't know I could feel so alive  Till Jesus came and washed me white  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.     Mark 8:11-13   The Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation." And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.    The Pharisees come to Jesus after they’ve made up their minds that it was their duty to test him. They must have spent some time talking this over … people were beginning to look more interested in Jesus than in them… can you imagine what this conversation might have been like? What did they say?   In a way, there’s nothing wrong with looking for a sign, with looking for evidence, is there? It’s part of the way we operate as human beings. Where in your life do you find yourself looking for a sign? Where do you accept things ‘on faith’?  As you listen again to the reading, try and imagine it happening – the mood of the Pharisees, the looks on their faces, the tone of voice they use, the exasperation, perhaps, in Jesus’s voice….   It’s probably true that most people’s attitude towards God, and their relationship with God, involves a mixture of evidence and faith. At times we may want ‘signs’. And, at times, we may get them. Is this true for you? Spend some time talking to God about this now, as one friend speaks to another...    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

6th week in Ordinary Time

Today is Sunday the 16th of February, beginning the 6th week of Ordinary Time.    Nóirín Ní Riain, with the monks of Glenstal Abbey, sings the Beatitudes.  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.    Luke 6:17, 20-26  [Jesus] came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.  Then he looked up at his disciples and said: 
 ‘Blessed are you who are poor, 
 for yours is the kingdom of God. 
 ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, 
 for you will be filled. 
 ‘Blessed are you who weep now,  
for you will laugh.  ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 
 ‘But woe to you who are rich, 
 for you have received your consolation.  
‘Woe to you who are full now, 
 for you will be hungry. 
 ‘Woe to you who are laughing now,  for you will mourn and weep.  ‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.'   Today’s passage is often called the "Sermon on the Plain," Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, where we hear Jesus teach about blessings and woes. In Ignatian spirituality, we are encouraged to use our imagination to place ourselves in the Gospel story.     Imagine standing on the plain with Jesus. Feel the warmth of the sun or the coolness of the breeze. Hear the murmuring crowd—people talking, asking questions, seeking healing.  Notice the diversity of the people around you—gathered together, rich and poor, sick and healthy, hopeful and curious. Where do you stand with these people?    Watch as Jesus steps forward to address the crowd. His eyes are filled with compassion and authority. He looks directly at his disciples. Imagine his voice as he begins to speak—steady, clear, and full of love.    What do you feel as you hear his words of blessing and warning? Included, challenged, confused?    As Jesus continues to speak, how do his words touch your heart? Consider when you have experienced being "poor," "hungry," "weeping," or "hated"? These can be challenging times. Were you aware that God had been present in those moments?     How does the promise of God’s kingdom and ultimate joy bring you hope?    As you listen to the passage again, let the Lord reassure you of His love and His invitation to follow Him more closely.    “Rejoice on that day and leap for joy.” On this day, take time with the Lord to share any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arose during your prayer.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.  

5th week in Ordinary Time

Welcome to the Saturday Examen.    This week, we have heard of some wonderful encounters; even when life is difficult, God is there, part of all we are. Today is the feast day of St Claude La Colombière, a Jesuit priest and spiritual director who had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through the Examen we seek to follow his profound trust in divine providence and love.    Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance.    Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a deep breath in…and then a deep breath out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom and openness that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week.    Look back on your week with gratitude for specific blessings, even challenges that shaped your heart. Consider moments of consolation, kindness, and beauty…    Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself …    Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding or frustration? Allow these moments to be witnessed…    Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged? Has there been something calling you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally…    Look forward to the days to come, with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. For the feast day, perhaps share with the Sacred Heart of Jesus thanks for every grace poured into your life today, even those you may not yet fully understand.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

5th week in Ordinary Time

Today is Friday the 14th of February, the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    Juliano Ravanello sings ‘Kyrie Eleison’. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.     Kyrie eleison  Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis.    Genesis 3:1-8  Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.” ’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.  They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.    The passage for today tells of the fall of humanity. We will enter into the scripture scene imaginatively...     Place yourself in the garden. A place at the heart of God’s peace, and then the sudden tension when the serpent begins to speak.     “Did God say…?” Placing doubt in the woman’s heart. How do you respond to Eve’s struggle?     When Adam and Eve eat the fruit, what changes? How do you respond to their shame, their fear, and their instinct to hide not just from God but, in the fashioning of clothes, from each other?    Reflect on times when you have drawn away from God, or from those you are close to.    Surely God knows what they have done, yet God searches for them, nonetheless. Imagine God’s loving yet sorrowful voice: “Where are you?” How can you respond to His invitation to step out of hiding?    As this time of prayer comes to an end, share your thoughts, fears and prayers with confidence in God’s love and mercy.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

5th week in Ordinary Time

Today is Thursday the 13th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’.    I need Thee every hour 
 Most gracious Lord 
 No tender voice like Thine 
 Can peace afford  
I need Thee oh I need Thee 
 Every hour I need Thee 
 Oh bless me now my Saviour 
 I come to Thee    Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.    Mark 7:24-30  From there [Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.    This passage from Mark’s Gospel offers a profound encounter which challenges the sense of exclusion and offers a new vision of faith and grace.     Jesus is seeking rest. The woman is seeking healing. She is desperate and determined. What emotions fill the air? Where are your empathies drawn at this time?    “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” What is your response to this statement?    The woman continues with persistence, humility and courage. How does her response strike you? Perhaps the woman’s boldness challenges your own depth of faith?    “For this statement, you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” Imagine the relief and joy she feels. How do you respond as Jesus affirms her?     As you listen to the passage again consider your experience of, or feelings about exclusion? Do you believe in the generosity of God’s mercy that can be called upon to transform lives?     Take a moment to speak with Jesus, taking strength from the faith and persistence of the Syrophoenician woman, knowing that he listens to our heart’s desire.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

5th week in Ordinary Time

Today is Wednesday the 12th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    The community of Taizé sing Toi, tu nous aimes.  “You love us, Lord, source of life.”  As I listen, I remind myself that I am in the presence of God right now, that God is looking on me now with love.  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.    Mark 7:14-23  Then [Jesus] called the crowd again and said to them, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.’  When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, ‘Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, ‘It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’    In this passage, Jesus teaches that it is what comes from the heart—our thoughts, desires, and actions – that matters. Place yourself as part of the crowd listening to Jesus. See Jesus pausing, looking at everyone, and calling out, “Listen to me!” How do his words challenge your beliefs?    Then, within the privacy of the house and the intimacy of the fellowship, see yourself close to him, noticing his tone and feeling his urgency as he teaches about the heart. What do you notice in Jesus’ words?     How do you feel as Jesus shifts the focus from the external to the state of the heart? As you listen to the passage again, imagine Jesus calling you to greater freedom, looking into your heart with love, inviting you to trust him.    Take a moment to reflect on the hidden thoughts, intentions, or desires within that separate you from God or others...How might God be inviting you to a new way of thinking, of feeling, today?     As we end this time of reflection, bring your thoughts to the Lord in honesty, asking for the grace to overcome anything that blocks your relationship with him.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

5th week in Ordinary Time

Today is Tuesday the 11th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    The Porter’s Gate with Molly Parden and Jonathan Ogden sing, ‘The Promise’; a song that speaks of creation coming to life through love. How does this song speak to you today?     This gift you gave from the beginning 
 Warm light, dry land, blue water brimming 
 And more, from the earth there came a growing 
 From seed to bloom, all the while you were sowing  It was love, love given in the water 
 And peace, God's peace written in the letters 
 Of the earth, God's earth, given with a promise 
 Can we keep it 
 Can we keep it  And stars in the night to gaze on them kindly 
 Great light, cool moon, all aligned in the sky, see 
 From water came life and so from the land 
 To feed, not to fight, to stand hand in hand  It was love, love given in the water 
 And peace, God's peace, given in the sunshine 
 And the earth, God's earth, given with a promise 
 Can we keep it  Out from the silence I hear a voice, I follow it onwards 
 You whisper to me, I am reminded of every gift you gave  
So, spirit lead me unto the waters, unto the earth you made  
Teach me the secret to ever care for, to look after it  It was love, love given in the water  
And peace, God's peace written in the letters  
Of the earth, God's earth, given with a promise 
 Can we keep it 
 Can we keep it  Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Today, we will only hear the scripture read once...    Genesis 1:20-2:4   And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.  And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.  Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ 
So God created humankind in his image, 
   in the image of God he created them; 
   male and female he created them. 
God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.  These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.      The passage for today invites us to enter into imaginative prayer, using our senses to encounter our creative God, witnessing to all that is good.      "And God said, 'Let the waters swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.' ... And God saw that it was good."    Imagine the swirling waters, birds wheeling through the sky, the abundance of life moving across forests and plains. Feel the warmth of the sun and the cool of the breeze on this new earth.  Hear the waves and the wind, the cries above and below:  the voice of the Creator coaxing each new life into being. The joy in that voice…    “So God created humankind in his image,     in the image of God he created them;     male and female he created them.”    Notice how God finds joy in all creation, but it is humankind that is made in God’s image. What does this mean to you? Do you recognise God’s joy in you as His creation?    “God blessed them, and God said to them...”    To be created in God’s image is to be entrusted with a great responsibility. How do you respond to this calling? Where do you see God’s goodness in the world today? How do you feel called to care for creation and reflect God’s image?    “God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” Enter into the peace of this holy moment. Imagine the Creator satisfied and at ease.     Share a time of prayer with God, giving thanks for the beauty and goodness of creation and asking for whatever grace you may need today.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

5th week in Ordinary Time

Today is Monday the 10th of February, the feast of Saint Scholastica, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.    The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Psalm 90:  You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” As I listen, I become aware that I, too – and all the people around me – live in the shelter of the Almighty. And as I enter into prayer I, too, place my trust in my Creator, my stronghold, my God.  Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis. Today, we will only hear the scripture read once...   Genesis 1:1-19  In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.  And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.  And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.  And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.      Through our own experience of the natural world, we are invited to engage with this reading from Genesis to be drawn into a deeper encounter with God.     "In the Beginning.’ How might we imagine before the Beginning? A nothingness, chaos?    How do we respond to God's creative word bringing light, order, and life? Where might you see God creating order out of chaos, in the world, in your own life?     Through the reading we enter into the intentional rhythm of God’s creative ebb and flow that makes space for rest and declares each day "good." How do you honour God’s rhythm in your life?     Where do you acknowledge the need to rest and to witness the wonder of creation?    As God brings order out of chaos, we are reminded that God moves through creation in mysterious ways, perhaps that mystery leading us to seek deeper intimacy. How might the natural world —light, storm, or calm—speak to me of God’s presence? How might you trust that God is at work in the "storms" of your life?    "It was good." In the Creation story, God repeatedly declares everything as "good." We are invited to see the world through God’s eyes, including ourselves and others.    How do you experience gratitude for the goodness of creation? How might you affirm that goodness in yourself, others, and the world?    Take a moment to join with the God of Genesis, resting in the rhythm of Creation and all that is ‘good’.    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. 

Today is Sunday the 9th of February, beginning the 5th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Domine praevenisti eum. ‘Lord, you advanced to meet him with rich blessings’. As you listen, can you ponder for a moment the blessings the Lord bestows on you, all the things for which you want to give thanks to God? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Picture yourself today as one of the people in the crowd who are pressing in close to Jesus to hear what he will say. As you stand together at the water’s edge, you notice the water lapping at the shore… You find that you can clearly hear Jesus speaking to the crowd from the boat. What is it like to spending the morning listening to him? At the end of the time of teaching, watch as you see Simon put his nets into the water… as he hauls a huge catch of writhing fish into the boat, as he calls the other fishermen to bring out the other boat, as the boats almost sink under the great weight of the fish… You might like to go and help! How do you experience this? As you hear the reading again, pay special attention as Simon Peter falls to the ground right in front of Jesus, crying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man”. How do you imagine this moment? Notice how you’re feeling having spent time with Jesus and Simon Peter. What would you like to say to the Lord or to Simon Peter as you begin to leave the scene and end your time of prayer? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today is an opportunity to reflect on our time with the Lord during the past week. In some of the readings this week, we’ve imagined that we’ve been following Jesus as one of his disciples. We might also remember that during the week, Jesus has also been near to us, perhaps following us as a close friend. Try to picture the Lord with you now, as you begin to recall the week that has passed. What do you most want to share with him about your week? Imagine now, that you sit and listen together to a reminder of the readings from each day of the week. Notice what you remember naturally, and which words most move you today. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. She said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ ‘Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Continuing to remain in the presence of Jesus, share the thoughts and feelings that are around for you, as one friend with another. Now simply sit together in quietness, waiting to see what comfort or words of encouragement the Lord has for you today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Friday the 7th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Walk With Me’. Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep All you people of good will, would you walk with me Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Let us lead with kindness, with a listening ear Hearing every story, laying down our old fears Though our hearts are broken and the pain runs deep All you people of good will, would you walk with me? Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 13:1-8 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. In today’s reading the writer of Hebrews gives advice to those in the service of God. Reflect now on each of these suggestions, with a short pause after each one. Notice if a particular phrase stands out to you, as you reflect on your service and prayer for others. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. Remember those who are in prison. Those who are being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour. Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be content with what you have. Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Notice which of these instructions gives you peace. Notice which of these causes discomfort. Offer your responses to the Lord now, who sees you and loves you. Finally receive these words as if the Lord himself is beside you, blessing you: ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Thursday the 6th of February, the feast of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing: Seigneur, tu gardes mon âme. ‘Lord, you watch over my soul. You know my heart. Lead me on the road to eternity.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:7-13 [Jesus] called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Begin by imagining that you are one of the disciples of Jesus, being sent out on this mission. Picture the other disciple who accompanies you and your conversation as you begin your journey together. As you set off together, try to imagine what it is like taking nothing with you for your journey. No bread, no bag, no money, just a staff, but knowing that the Lord has given you full authority in his name…how do you feel about this? Now, begin to reflect on your experience in the service of Jesus in your own life. Can you recall a time when you’ve been welcomed as a follower of Jesus? …..Give thanks for this experience. And now recall an encounter when you felt you needed to shake the dust from your feet… Can you leave this experience with the Lord? As you listen to the reading again, stay with all that you have reflected on… In these final moments of prayer, you might like to rejoice with the Lord for the ways he works with you and through you, or talk to Him about anything that is lingering from this time of reflection. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 5th of February, the feast of Saint Agatha, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON, with Paul Zach and Jessica Fox, sings ‘Just a closer walk with Thee’. I am weak, but thou art strong Jesus, keep me from all wrong I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Through this world of toil and snares If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be When my feeble life is o'er Time for me will be no more Guide me gently, safely o'er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore Just a closer walk with Thee Grant it, Jesus, is my plea Daily walking close to Thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Let it be, dear Lord, let it be Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:1-6 [Jesus] left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. Imagine today that as one of the disciples of Jesus, you follow him to his hometown. Picture the village now, so familiar to Jesus… the homes… the people who live there…What is it like for Jesus as he arrives? Watch as he is greeted by his mother…his family…by the neighbours. Now place yourself in the local synagogue on the Sabbath and watch Jesus as he teaches the local community, the people who have known him as a carpenter… what mood do you sense here? How are the local community receiving his message? Try to picture their facial expressions… As you listen to the reading again, notice the things that are said about Jesus in both astonishment and offence. As a disciple, by his side, imagine now, that you are walking away from Jesus’ home towards the villages, ready to begin teaching there. As you walk, what would you like to say to Jesus? End your prayer with a conversation with him about the reading today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Tuesday the 4th of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’. As we prepare to follow Jesus through scripture today, place yourself in His presence now… Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. In today’s reading we will encounter the healing of a woman and a young girl who is restored from death to life. The reading has been split into short sections, so as the story unfolds, imagine that you are one of the disciples of Jesus, following him throughout the day. Mark 5:21-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Begin by imagining that you are in the boat with Jesus, sailing from one side of the lake to the other. Picture the lake, the colour of the water, the breeze. As you approach the other side you see a huge crowd awaiting his arrival. As you disembark with Jesus and his other disciples, notice how they react to the crowd. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So, he went with him. Watch Jairus now and how he falls at the feet of Jesus, how do you feel as you see this wealthy and important man demonstrate his love for his daughter and his desperation for her to be healed… Continue the journey now, walking for a while beside Jesus and Jairus as they walk towards Jairus’s home…notice how the crowd is growing and presses in against Jesus…what is it like to be part of this crowd? Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Now watch this woman, silently pushing through the crowd. What does she look like? Watch her desperation to reach Jesus as she tries to touch the hem of Jesus’ clothes. Perhaps you would also like to touch the hem of Jesus’ clothes… What need brings you to reach out to him today? Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Notice how the woman changes. Look her in the face and see her emotions. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ‘He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease.’ Watch the woman as she falls at the feet of Jesus, telling him of her ailment. Then watch her stand and walk home. How has she changed? While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. Keep following Jesus, as one has been invited to stay with him, and watch the events unfold When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this and told them to give her something to eat. What is it like to see Jesus raising this young girl from the dead? As you begin to end your time of prayer now, reflect on your time by his side today, notice which moment of the journey has most moved you… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 3rd of February in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father? Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 11:32-40 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. In today’s reading, we hear of the faith of those in the Old Testament who achieved incredible deeds, endured great hardship and gave their lives for the sake of their faith in God. We might take a moment to marvel at their faith, at the extent of suffering they endured and their willingness to die for their faith. Take a moment now, to bring your own faith to the Lord, noticing the way that it shapes the way you live…the way you serve and the way you love. Imagine that God is looking upon you, marvelling at your faithfulness. Perhaps there have been times when you’ve experienced hardship or persecution? Speak now, with the Lord, about any difficult experiences that come to mind, perhaps still causing suffering. As you listen to the reading again, and the list of heroes and martyrs from the past, imagine that you are standing among them. End your time of prayer today in gratitude for the examples of faith from our reading today, also for your own journey with the Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 2nd of February, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, beginning the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing the Nunc Dimittis from Rachmaninov’s Vespers, the song of Simeon: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples”. As I listen, can I become aware that I am in God’s presence now, that I too am God’s servant, and that I too am part of this story of salvation? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 2:22-40 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. We get a picture of Simeon in this reading as an old man, who’s been waiting for many years in faith and in hope, looking forward to the coming of the chosen one, the one who would bring liberation and peace to a troubled world. Can you identify with him? Can you imagine what those years were like for him? Perhaps there are hopes that you have held in your heart for many years, waiting in faith for their fulfillment? The Good News is that Simeon is not disappointed: the One he’s been waiting for all his life enters his temple. With the eyes of faith, Simeon recognises who this little baby is, and praises God. Imagine for a moment Simeon’s feelings at that moment, as he takes the child in his arms. As you hear the story again, listen especially to what Simeon says – his words to Mary and Joseph and his words to God himself – what he has to say about this child, the long-expected Messiah. Can I talk to God now about what I long for, what I am waiting for? - and what signs I would recognise of these hopes of mine being fulfilled? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Take some time to become still, becoming aware of your body and your breathing. The examen prayer is not so much about self-analysis or introspection but rather a time to approach the mystery of God and, in its light, to grow in awareness about one's life. Begin by becoming aware of Jesus, imagining His gaze upon you. Next, take some time to recall what happened to you this week, noticing any events or conversations which stand out. Can you think of something specific for which you would like to thank God? If so, take a moment to do so. What about struggles or difficulties? Try to name what has been more challenging this week. Talk to God about it. Finally, what is it that you would like for the days ahead? As this time of prayer comes to an end, commend whatever comes to mind to God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Friday the 31st of January, the feast of St John Bosco, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Hanaq Pachap Kusikuynin, a hymn in the Quechua language of South America, a beautiful prayer which I might make my own as I listen now: “Bliss of heaven: a thousand times I adore you. Tree of uncountable fruits. Hope of the peoples. Pillar of the weak. Listen to my prayer.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:26-34 [Jesus] also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. In this passage, Jesus tells two stories about “the Kingdom of God”. The two stories both talk about the astonishing process of growth - something that was perhaps more familiar to Jesus and his audience than it is to us. Take some time to sit with these images of seed, growth and harvest… How does this version of the kingdom of God speak to you? Does a particular image stay with you? Now listen to the passage again. Ask yourself, “Is Jesus challenging me to do something here? What does he want me to do? Am I willing to do it?” Finally sum up all that you have felt and thought in the last few minutes and offer it as a prayer to God the Father, or to Jesus, or to the Holy Spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Thursday the 30th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Brilliance sings, ‘May You Find A Light’. As you listen, reflect on the light of Christ in your life… can you locate it? Lost and weary traveler Searching for the way to go Stranger, heavy-hearted Longing for someone you know May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home There are weary travellers Searching everywhere you go Strangers, who are searching Longing deeply to be known May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home A light shown down on us A star above shines bright A light shines bright A light shines bright Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4:21-25 [Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’  In his ministry, Jesus often instructs the people he helps not to say anything about it to anyone. It’s as though he is trying to keep his work secret. But it never works, and the word gets round quicker than ever. Maybe that is what he is talking about in this Gospel passage: you can’t cover up a shining light! You can’t keep secrets from getting out! That’s a good message for us when we are worried that the Gospel may not be getting through to us. Reflect on that image for a moment or two… Jesus reassures us that the Word planted in our hearts always does its work. Looking back over your life can you see how Jesus has broken through to the surface after being hidden for a long period? … Might he even be hidden now, just waiting to reveal Himself? As you listen again to the words of Jesus, look around you and see a world in which the divine light of Christ is veiled. Hear the promise of Jesus that “more will be given”. Note how your attitude to the world changes in the light of this promise. Jesus reassures us that God will continue to pour out his grace on us by showing us His glory. Turn to the Lord now and share with Him your thoughts and feelings, your desires and anxieties. Ask Him, if you desire it, to show you His glory today. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 29th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The University of Johannesburg Choir sing the Kyrie: ‘Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy’. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness. As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others. Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 10:11-18 And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, ‘he sat down at the right hand of God’, and since then has been waiting ‘until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.’ For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds’, he also adds, ‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’ Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. These words draw a contrast between fruitful and fruitless understandings of how God’s forgiveness works. I might well begin by recognising ways in which I may think I can win God’s forgiveness by my own efforts, and acknowledge the ways I might try to achieve this. On the other hand, there may be times when I really accept that it is only grateful acceptance of God’s love that sets me free from the self-centredness that sin and guilt embody. What helps me to be aware of and to feel God’s unconditional love for me? As the passage is read again, listen carefully to the emphasis it puts on forgiveness being a gift from God. This may be a good time to forget myself for a moment and briefly ask today for the grace to show others the forgiveness I know I have received from God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Tuesday the 28th of January, the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Ecce quam bonum: “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity! It is like precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:31-35 Then [Jesus’] mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ When Jesus’s family seek him out here, his reaction seems, at first sight, to be painfully dismissive of the people who care for him. Why do you think he chose to make this point so bluntly? It becomes clear in the passage that profounder values shape all that Jesus does. What are the values that I want habitually to guide my ordinary, daily life? Listen to the passage again, trying to imagine yourself in Jesus’s situation. If you were asked, “who are your brothers and sisters and mothers?”, how would you reply? Can you talk to God about this now? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 27th of January in the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:22-30 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.’ And [Jesus] called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. ‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’ Jesus is responding to accusations here… Claims and statements about who He is; statements that sound so sure and confident about Him…but in reality, are so false. In our world at the moment, truth often seems up for debate; it can be difficult to know who or what to believe sometimes. Spend a bit of time now pondering Jesus’s response… you might like to imagine being there, observing how His words are received by the scribes… Or imagining how you would have responded to these claims… “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Do Jesus’s words bring to mind any divisions you are aware of in the world around you? Take a moment to pray for these… As you listen to the passage from Mark’s gospel again, can you hear Jesus’s promise of something radical occurring, and hear it as relevant to your own circumstances… your own life? How might you be able to bring the truth about who Jesus is into the world around you? Speak with Jesus about this, and ask for the strength to be rooted in the truth of who He is… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 26th of January, beginning the 3rd week of Ordinary Time. The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One In Christ’ by George Arthur. When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory. Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. We are all united with Christ in one body. Can you think of any particular person that you are particularly glad to be united with, in Christ? If so, pray for them. Is there anyone you’re not so happy about, someone you don’t want to be united with? Pray for that person, too, and for yourself. As you hear the reading again, take a moment to think of your own body and how each part serves the other parts. Can you ask God now to help you to put your gifts at the service of others? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Every Saturday, we reflect on the week past to see where God has been moving. As you enter this time of reflection, take time to arrive and stop. Become aware of your surroundings. Take slow breath in…and a slow breath out. Be aware of the presence of God all around you and within you. Ask God to illuminate this time. Cast your mind over the last week. What has been life-giving? Give thanks for this. Where have you struggled to believe and have hope? Bring these to God, now. What do you want to ask God for in the coming week? As this time comes to a close you may like to ask God to be filled afresh with strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Friday the 24th of January, the feast of Saint Francis de Sales, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘Walk With Me’. As you listen, you might like to ask Jesus to walk with you during this prayer time today… Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep All you people of good will, would you walk with me? Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Let us lead with kindness, with a listening ear Hearing every story, laying down our old fears Though our hearts are broken and the pain runs deep All you people of good will, would you walk with me? Would you walk with me through the wilderness When we cannot see through our differences When the dust has settled and the votes are cast Would you walk with me? Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:13-19 [Jesus] went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Then he went home. The Twelve were sent out “to proclaim the message”. What do you think that message is? Imagine you are one of the Twelve, being sent out today… what would you say? ‘Christ has no arms but ours,’ wrote Saint Teresa; ‘no hands, no legs but ours.’ As Christ sent out the apostles then, so too today Christ invites us to use our hands and arms and legs to proclaim and live out his message. How might you use yours? As you listen again, notice that phrase “those whom he wanted”, and ask yourself, “Do I believe Jesus invites me to be with him? Do I believe Jesus invites me by name? The Apostles were given a special calling, a particular vocation. But God has a purpose for every one of us, for every human life. How do you see your own calling? Can you talk with the Lord about this? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Thursday the 23rd of January in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Juliano Ravanello sings, Santo É O Senhor Nosso Deus: ‘Holy is the Lord Our God’. Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 7:25-8:2 Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent that the Lord, and not any mortal, has set up. This reading describes Jesus as a priest – as one who intercedes between God and human beings, and one who offers sacrifice for sins. How do you feel about this way of describing Jesus? What might your reactions tell you about your attitude to “priesthood” and your attitude to Jesus himself? The reading also places Jesus at the centre of our lives, as a kind of pivotal point, the way we find God the Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Is that how you see Jesus? Is that the place you want him to have in your life? Jesus’s death and resurrection, his “once for all” offering on Calvary – once for all times, once for all peoples – is the single most important event in human history. Perhaps you can reflect on what this means to you as you hear the reading again. Remember the author’s “main point”: Jesus is at God’s right hand; always there, ready to save and to intercede for those who approach God through him. So why not pray now, confidently, to Jesus, for your deepest needs. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 22nd of January in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio: “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.” As you sit here, or stand here now, trying to pray, what kind of shape is your soul in? Content and at peace? Lost and wandering? On the edge? And what about the other souls around you? Are there ‘lost souls’ here beside you who also need the love of God in their lives? Yya1 Jesuchrixhto, apuk1rui ityaku niyausus1p1 ninait1 sobi. Dulce Jesús mío, mirad con piedad mi alma perdida por culpa mortal. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:1-6 Again [Jesus] entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. The Pharisees, the scripture tells us, were hard of heart. How did their hearts become hardened do you think? Whatever it was that happened to them, is it a danger for us too? We also hear that Jesus is angry with the Pharisees – he looks at them “with anger”. Can you imagine his face, the look he gives them? What makes you angry like that? What makes you angry enough to do something about it, to speak or to act, to change things? Notice the strength of the opposition building up against Jesus. From the very moment he entered the synagogue, “they watched him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him”. The opposition was organised. Dramatic too and extraordinary is the alliance between the religious Pharisees and the political, time-serving followers of Herod: together they conspire to destroy him. As you listen again, ask yourself, what is it about Jesus that they are so afraid of? We don’t get a picture of a soft Jesus from this passage, do we? How do you feel about the angry Jesus depicted here, the Jesus that seemed such a threat to these people that they wanted to destroy him? Can you relate to this Jesus, can you talk to him now, perhaps about the things that make you angry, or the opposition you face? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Tuesday the 21st of January, the feast of Saint Agnes, in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life. The most important thing for me to do now, as I enter into prayer, is to let go for a moment, to let go of my own concerns, my own worries and fears and reluctance, and let myself be led by God, trusting that God, who loves me, will lead me into life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 2:23-28 One sabbath Jesus was going through the cornfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?" And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions." Then he said to them, "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath." The Pharisees were so eager not to break the rules that they lost sight of the real meaning of the commandments. In this case the will of God, that men and women should rest and enjoy the Sabbath, was not achieved. They failed to understand that the Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath. Where do you see this played out in the world today? Perhaps in your church, or community… or even, in your own life… The Sabbath was meant to be good news, a break, a release, a liberation – freedom from the burdens of work and time to be attentive to God. Have we lost, do you think, that sense of the Sabbath as good news? Is it good news that you need to hear in your life? Jesus speaks with authority in this passage. As you hear it again, listen carefully to his words and to what they say to you. Hearing Jesus’s words again, what was your reaction? You might have become aware of anxiety about “breaking the rules”, or perhaps you got a sense that you need to take a break… or perhaps, you were just struck by the boldness of Jesus’s words. Whatever your reaction is, you can bring it before the Lord now, and speak as you would to a friend… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 20th of January in the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. IAMSON sings, ‘Slow Down’. As we prepare to enter into prayer, you might like to use this time to slow down… Slow down, where are you going What's so important that can't wait Tell me what are you seeking What is it thats keeping you from Bringing me your questions All that you carry, all that you bury underneath Just slow down, just slow down And meet with me Rest now, be in the present Here in the blessings of today Listen just for a moment I am the only one with Words to calm your worries Focus your mind on me, I am the way to perfect peace Just slow down, just slow down And meet with me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 2:18-22 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. ‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’ Our scripture today touches on the practice of fasting. Perhaps this isn’t something you've tried before. Or maybe, the idea of fasting brings up some difficulty for you. Take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with fasting over the years. What might God want to show you afresh about it today? As long as the bridegroom (Jesus) was present, the disciples were not expected to fast. During a wedding celebration the ordinary cares and duties of life are put aside. Where in your life today do you experience God as present, like this? In what ways today do you rejoice in God’s presence? Jesus’s message is like new wine, exhilarating, radical, fresh. As you listen again, smell the bouquet and taste the quality of this new wine. Christians look forward to Christ’s future coming. Jesus suggests we should fast in this ‘in-between time’. Can you talk to him now about why this might be? What form this fasting should take? How to avoid being totally caught up in the things of this world, and pay sufficient attention to the things of God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 19th of January, beginning the 2nd week of Ordinary Time. The Porter's Gate sing 'Water to Wine'. Consider now the hawks that fly Above the hills, beneath the sky Whose wisdom rings from overhead The earth below is daily bread Consider now the miracle Of rain that falls into the soil And swells the grape upon the vine It's always been water to wine Imagine every buried seed Enshrouded in the furrows deep That breaks itself apart to rise And lift the ground up to the skies Imagine heaven reaching down A gift poured out from heavy clouds Restoring all our withered vines It's always been water to wine Water to wine Water to wine Water to wine Remember Christ the living bread The seed grown high and harvested Who gathers us into the feast Gleaning every fallen seed Remember earth will bloom again And Christ will be our living spring The fountain welling up inside It's always been water to wine Water to wine Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. The first of Jesus’ miracles takes place in a setting we may all have experienced. The celebration of a wedding, the coming together of families and friends. A place for the Lord? Not just the religious experience but the joy and frivolity of the celebration? How does this experience speak to you? There is invitation in this passage. Mary, sensitive to the needs of the gathering, invites Jesus to intercede. Do you feel this need in the world around you? Do you invite the intercession of the Lord into even the simple needs of the day? Do you take time to acknowledge the Lord’s generosity when you experience it? As you listen to the passage again, be aware of any words or images that inspire you. We may find that such images as those in today’s passage in Scripture are too wonderful, too miraculous. Can you imagine that the Lord would do as much for you? Gather up your thoughts and feelings and bring them to God in prayer. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. As you look back over this week of prayer, what really stands out for you? Did you at all feel the presence of God in your prayer this week? Was there one particular scripture passage or verse that really spoke to you this week? What do you think it might be saying to you now? Was there a point when you really experienced a lightness of heart, and felt that God was there? Was there a moment when you had no sense at all of the presence of God? Why do you think that might have been? What do you think God is saying to you today in your prayer? How are you going to respond? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Friday the 17th of January, the feast of Saint Anthony, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’. Take a moment to recognise the presence of Jesus as you begin to pray today… Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! It is well with my soul Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 2:1-12 When [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ The people were “bringing to him a paralysed man”. Imagine you are one of the people bringing this man to Jesus… imagine the moment… feel the weight of the man you are helping to carry… take in the details… “they removed the roof above him”. Imagine this task too… what is the roof like? How easy or difficult is it to remove? What do you see beneath you once you break through? You hear Jesus say to the man: “stand up, take up your mat, and go to your home”. Were you expecting this? How did Jesus sound when he said it? Is this what you hoped for? Now listen once more as the passage is read again. Does anything really strike you this time? “They were all amazed and glorified God”. How would you like to speak to Jesus as this prayer time ends? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Thursday the 16th of January in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 146: “It is good to sing in honour of our God - sweet is his praise. The Lord, Restorer of Jerusalem! He brought back Israel's exiles, healing their broken hearts, and binding up their wounds.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:40-45 A leper came to [Jesus] begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’ But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. We know that in that culture, leprosy was seen as a terrible threat and those who suffered from it were supposed to keep well away from the rest of humanity. What is Jesus’ attitude to the leper in the story that you have just heard? How does this speak to you? “Say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest”. Why do you think the man couldn’t stay quiet? Now listen as the story is read to you once more. What really strikes you about it this time? “People came to him from every quarter”. In these final moments, imagine yourself as one of these people… what is it you would seek from Jesus today? Talk to him about this now… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 15th of January in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Misericordias Domini. ‘I will sing forever of the mercy of God.’ Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 2:14-18 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. “[Jesus] had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect”. What does this mean to you? How often do you reflect on Jesus as a “merciful and faithful high priest”? You might like to take a moment to do this now… Now listen as the passage is read once more. is there a word or a phrase that really speaks to you? “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” With these words in mind, you might like to bring to Jesus a situation in your own life, or perhaps that of someone else who is suffering and being tested, and ask our merciful and high priest for help today… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Tuesday the 14th of January in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Good Shepherd Collective sings, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. Can you make these words your own today? Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty Early in the morning Our song shall rise to Thee Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty God in three persons Blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea. Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before thee, Who was and is and evermore shall be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see Only Thou art holy There is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love and purity Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty All Thy works shall praise Thy name In earth and sky and sea Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty God in three persons Blessed Trinity Oh God in three persons Blessed Trinity! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:21-28 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, [Jesus] entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Begin today by placing yourself in the scene… you might like to be someone in the synagogue, hearing Jesus for the first time… what does Jesus’ ‘authority’ sound like to you? As you hear the unclean spirit call Jesus, “the Holy One of God”, notice how you feel… what stirs in you? Now listen as the passage is read a second time for you. Does anything stand out for you this time? Hear someone say, ‘A new teaching—with authority!’ How have you experienced this “new teaching” and “authority” as you’ve been with Jesus in this prayer time? Speak with him now about anything that has arisen for you during this session… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 13th of January in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing 'Joyful Light' from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers. “Joyful light of the holy glory of the immortal one.” As I look around me now, can I sense that light, that holy presence here, and invite God’s joyful light into my life? Svete tikhyi svyatyya slavy, Bezsmertnago, Otsa Nebesnago, Svyatago Blazhennago, Iisuse Khriste! Prishedshe na zapad solntsa, videvshe svet vechernii, poyem Otsa, Syna i Svyatago Dukha, Boga! Dostoin esi vo vsya vremena pet byti glasi prepodobnymi, Syne Bozhii, zhivot dayai, temzhe mir Tya slavit. Gladsome light of the holy glory of the Immortal One, the Heavenly Father, holy and blessed, O Jesus Christ. Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening, we praise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God. Thou art worthy at every moment to be praised in hymns by reverent voices. O Son of God, thou art the giver of life; therefore all the world glorifies thee. Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. People tend to panic a bit when they have the Letter to the Hebrews read to them; it can seem rather heavy theology (as indeed it is). But what this extraordinary document is trying to do is to reflect upon the difficult issue of how to talk about Jesus. The Letter begins by reminding us that is God speaking to us “through a Son”. Take this moment to reflect on what this means to you… What do you think the author means by “the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being”? Pause with these words and savour what stays with you… “He sustains all things by his powerful word.” How do these words help form your picture of Jesus? Now listen as the passage is read again. What really strikes you about the way that he understands Jesus? From all you have prayed with today, what would you like to say to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 12th of January, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Maximilian sings, ‘Jordan’s Waters’. You laid aside Your glory on the banks of the Jordan And all for me You went down to the depths You traded Heaven's borders for the chill of murky waters And took the place of one condemned to death That day John preached for man to draw near But God it's You that came down here Making shorter Man's road to You In Jordan's waters I'm being made new As You plunged into the deep in search of muddy pearls Son of Man, You left behind Your robe There You found me in the dark and as You rose out of the mire This prodigal came up dressed in gold When You rose out of that pale grave into a hot Judean sun With a violence the heavens did divide Father You came running, and You wrapped me in Your voice Shouting "this son of mine was dead but now's alive!" Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. We will only hear today’s passage once through, and we will spend our time reflecting imaginatively on all that happens… Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Place yourself in this scene. Feel the sensations of the air, earth, water and sky all around you. The air with all its aromas… the water sparkling, dancing, or flat calm. The sunlight dappled, or direct and strong. The sky colour, perhaps a vivid blue or a darkening grey. Sunrise or sunset. Take it all in. Breathe in the air deeply. Bend down and feel the water temperature. Cool, warm, bitingly cold? Bring the water to your lips to taste. See John and hear what he has to say. Try and get the measure of the man. How does he look? How does he sound? What do you think of him? “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” What’s your reaction to John’s words? Watch as Jesus Himself approaches. What do you notice about him? Watch as Jesus enters the water, how John receives him. Notice the sounds. Witness the baptism of Jesus. His descending into the water and emerging. Watch as the dove approaches. Gently? With a great flapping of wings? Hear the tone of the voice from heaven: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased’. Feel the weight of the scene. You know how the story unfolds: the uncertainties, the terrors, the trials, the temptations, the tears, before any triumph can take place. Speak with the Lord Jesus as he brings his own prayer to an end, one of many, many prayers to His Father in heaven. Tell him what you’d love to know, tell him what you long for. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Find a large chair, if possible one with arms. Sit down, deliberately, in the chair. Place your arms on the arms of the chair. Just let them rest there. Feel the chair holding the weight of your body. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply. Be still. Sit with the sensation of being held by the chair. In your imagination let the chair become a very special chair, perhaps even a throne. Are your feet planted on the ground, or are they dangling, as a child’s? Enjoy that sensation of being rooted, or being free. Allow your face and your heart to be lifted up to the Lord. Open and expectant. As a child’s. A child of God. Now become aware of many other thrones around you. All children of God. Thank God for all His children. Remember the promise: “To all who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) Thank God for this invitation, this right, this gift, to be God's child. Ask God to breathe the loving Holy Spirit on the year ahead. Ask to be a child who is loving and giving in the year ahead. Sit for a while. Then, gently and slowly, stand up. Bow your head for a moment before God, before the throne of grace. Then quietly, respectfully, take your leave. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Friday the 10th of January in the season of Christmas. One Hope Project sings, ‘My Soul Rests’. Take a moment to become aware of Jesus’ presence with you now… Here in this mystery Here in Your majesty I find myself With nothing to offer Your love surrounds me You give me yourself My soul rests, my soul rests In your embrace My spirit sings, my spirit sings All your praise Here in your presence The whole host of heaven Bows down low There’s no higher honour No love that’s greater You make us your own You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 5:12-16 Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. Picture the scene. Leprosy: highly contagious, damaging, disfiguring. What do you notice about how Jesus responds physically to the man with leprosy. What does that tell you about Jesus? How does Jesus respond verbally to the man’s request? He echoes the man’s words. How does it make you feel when someone who is listening to you echoes your very words? It’s a good listening technique. It inspires confidence, it’s reassuring, it’s even empowering. Might that be your prayer experience? Might Jesus be echoing your very words when you pray? Listen to the passage again and simply embrace whatever comes to the surface. Speak to God about whatever is on your heart. You might ask for a conversation to take place. There might be a word or a phrase from today’s passage that you want to echo in your prayer. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Thursday the 9th of January in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Ubi Caritas': Wherever love is true, God is there. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:19-5:4 We love because he first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. What stands out for you in today’s passage? Is there a word or phrase you are drawn to? Perhaps you are challenged. It’s not always easy to love the unlovable. And, if truth be said, often we might be the “unlovable” ones! Try and focus on the love of God. You might like to imagine a conversation between the Trinity - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - as they observed the chaos in the world. What do you think made them decide to become one of us? Listen to the passage again. Do you feel it’s your duty to love others, or does your love come from a joy in knowing that you yourself are loved so much? ‘His commandments are not burdensome’. What is your reaction to those words? Speak with God. You might have some long-held regret, or hurt, over a relationship - on a personal level, or a corporate one. You could bring that burden to God and allow God’s love into the situation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 8th of January in the season of Christmas. The St Thomas Music Group sing the Prayer of St Theresa by Margaret Rizza. ‘Let nothing disturb you, nothing distress you. While all things fade away, God is unchanging. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking. God is enough.’ Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:45-52 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. How do you feel when you hear this familiar passage? Does anything new leap out at you? Put yourself in the boat with the disciples for a moment. Feel the wind whipping your face; the boat tipping; hear the shouting. And now make a scene change: accompany Jesus for a while. Watch how He disperses the crowd, directs the disciples into a boat, makes time to say goodbye to everyone, then finally, takes himself off up the mountain to pray. What do you notice about Him? Listen to the passage again. What comparisons can you make between each of the scenes. What contrasts? Notice your reaction. Let God know what has struck you in today’s reading. You might experience panic at times in the face of sudden adversity. Remember those words of Jesus: ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Tuesday the 7th of January in the season of Christmas. The community of Taizé sing Gott ist nur Liebe. ‘God is nothing but love. Dare to give all for love. Give yourselves without fear.’ Gott ist nur Liebe. Wagt, für die Liebe alles zu geben. Gott ist nur Liebe. Gebt euch ohne Furcht. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. ‘God is love.’ How does that statement measure up in the world of suffering all around us? Suffering that is perhaps even directly affecting you right now? You might choose to spend some time today with the ‘suffering servant’, Jesus, God’s own Son. He came to be one of us, to experience how much we grieve, to feel our pain, to know our sense of abandonment. Spend some time now sitting with these thoughts and feelings. Let any sense of empathy - your own, or that of Christ - flow between you. Recall any scenes of grief, pain, and abandonment in the life of Christ. Is there one scene that stays with you? Sit with Christ in that scene. Take your time. As you hear the passage again, what do you think compelled God to send Jesus to live amongst us? Use your own, everyday language to try and express what was involved in that Godly decision. As this time of reflection comes to a close, speak with God. You might want to ask for a renewed awareness of God’s love, and of the suffering of Jesus. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 6th of January in the season of Christmas. Matthew Wright sings, ‘Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful’. Can you make these your own words today? Oh Lord, You're beautiful Your face is all I seek For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me Oh Lord, You're beautiful Your face is all I seek For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me I want to take Your word and shine it all around But first help me to just, to live it Lord And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to You Oh Lord, please light the fire That once burned bright and clean Replace the lamp of my first love That burns with holy fear I want to take your word and shine it all around But first help me to just to live it Lord And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown For my reward is giving glory to You Oh Lord, You're beautiful Your face is all I seek For when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Jesus begins his ministry bringing that ‘great light’ to ‘the people walking in darkness’, as prophesied hundreds of years earlier by Isaiah. Darkness. Words of prophecy. Light. Sit with those images for a moment. You might want to allow some movement into your picture. As you might expect, Jesus is quickly discovered. How do you think he might feel as his fame spreads? Picture the scenes as ‘all the sick’ are brought to him for healing. How do you imagine Jesus’ manner and tone as he teaches and ‘proclaims the good news’? Listen to the passage again. Allow ‘the good news of the kingdom’ to reach where you are at the moment. Speak with God about what this passage has brought out for you. Perhaps you would love some light in any darkness you are feeling around you; you can ask for God’s light. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Sunday the 5th of January, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Star of Wonder’. As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, you might like to imagine yourself as one of the Magi, making their way towards Jesus… Star of wonder Star of royal beauty bright Shine your light on earth below Guide the way For a King Wise men bring their gifts of gold Sweet perfume and precious oil Holy anointing Gloria, gloria… Empty handed Can I come just as I am? Or like a shepherd, bring a lamb? A humble offering Gloria, gloria… In the heavens Gloria, gloria… Gloria O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord (So we sing gloria…) Gloria, gloria… Peace to earth Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Today is the feast of the Epiphany, Jesus revealed to a wider world than just that of the people of Israel. The “wise men from the East” represent all of us who make a journey to recognise the presence of Christ. How would you describe your own journey to him? The wise men are “overwhelmed with joy” when they discover Jesus. On the other hand, King Herod, the passage tells us, was “frightened”. What’s your own first reaction when you feel that Christ is near you? Towards the end of the passage, there is a scene familiar from countless Christmas cribs and cards. The wise men kneel before the new-born Jesus and his mother and offer their gifts. Picture the scene, for a few moments, and find your own place in it. While holding that picture of the wise men, Mary, Jesus, and your own place, in your mind’s eye, listen to the second part of this story unfold again… Speak finally to Jesus and Mary of the gifts that you yourself most need at this time, and of what you might want to offer to Jesus as well. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. The start of a New Year is a favourite time for looking back and looking forward. Let today’s examen prayer be a review of how God has worked with you in the last year, and what you need for the year ahead. First ask God for the gift of clear sight as you look over the year that has just finished. Now see what you notice about the last twelve months. In particular, where did you discover the light, the life, and the energy that are the signs of God’s presence. Life and light in yourself, and in others? Notice, too, how you’ve responded to God over the last year. Pick up particularly on the highlights, times when you’ve really appreciated and made good use of God’s presence and gifts. If you notice times when you haven’t appreciated God’s presence, when you’ve made poor use of his gifts, simply apologise and ask for God’s help to do better as you move forward. What does this prayer tell you about responding as a disciple of Christ in the next few weeks and months? Ask for whatever help you most need from God to go forward confidently. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Friday the 3rd of January, the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Checko Ankrah and Nicky Lathbridge sing, ‘High and Lifted’. You are worthy to be praised You are worthy to be praised You are high and lifted up You are high and lifted up You are high and lifted up Oh Lord You are high and lifted up We're surrounded by Your presence, oh God You are high and lifted up Your glory fills Your glory fills the space, oh God You are high and lifted up I hear the sound of angels I hear the sound of Heaven I see Your glory fill this place, oh God You are high, You are high and lifted up Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 1:29-34 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ At this point in the gospels, John the Baptist has many followers. His message has struck a chord with people. Yet to their initial surprise, all he wants to do is to point them towards Jesus. What does this suggest to you about John? John himself first recognises Jesus when he sees the Spirit descend on him. Who are the people in whom you can recognise God’s Spirit at work? John describes Jesus as the one who “takes away the sins of the world”. What sins do you see in yourself, or in the world, that you would hope that Jesus will take away? Notice, as the passage is read again, everything that it tells you about Jesus, who he is, and why he came. Your prayer today might finish by talking with both John the Baptist and with Jesus about what you have experienced in the last few minutes. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Thursday the 2nd of January, the feast of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, in the 1st week of Christmastide. The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 2:22-28 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he has promised us, eternal life. I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. You don’t need to imagine an antichrist with horns and hooves to know that there is much in our world that can draw us away from God. This part of John’s letter assumes that those who hear it want to remain close to, to abide in, Christ. If you’re listening to this prayer, you’re among that number. You might start by telling Christ why it is that you want to remain close to him. John speaks of “what you heard from the beginning” as the foundation of your faith. If someone said to you: “What is it that you heard from the beginning of your life as a disciple of Christ?”, how would you reply? Despite the challenges, John speaks of confidence at the end of this passage. As you listen again, try and see why that confidence is important for him, and for you. You might like to finish this prayer by asking that you will always be able to abide in Christ, to be close to him. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Wednesday the 1st of January, the feast of Mary the Holy Mother of God. Everyone at Pray As You Go would like to wish you a very happy new year! Good Shepherd Collective sings, Ave Maria. You might like to reflect on Mary’s journey as a mother on this feast day. Today’s reading is from the Book of Numbers. Numbers 6:22-27 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. This first day of the new year starts with a blessing from God. God wants God’s people, wants us, to recognise that we are indeed blessed. What might that mean to you, as this prayer begins?  The Lord, this blessing prayer insists, is gracious to you. This blessing, in other words, doesn’t need to be earned. God gives his gifts freely. How far can you recognise the truth of that in your own experience? This blessing also offers peace from God. Where do you, or the world that you live in, most need that peace at the moment? Notice, as the passage is read again, its references to the Lord’s face, his countenance. Try to picture a God who looks directly at you, looking at you with love. End the prayer in conversation with God, perhaps talking about how you might pass on this blessing to others in the year ahead. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Tuesday the 31st of December in the season of Christmas. The Brilliance sings, ‘May You Find A Light’. As you listen, notice how Christ has arrived as a light in different ways for you… perhaps recently, or over the years. Lost and weary traveler Searching for the way to go Stranger, heavy-hearted Longing for someone you know May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home There are weary travellers Searching everywhere you go Strangers, who are searching Longing deeply to be known May you find a light May you find a light May you find a light to guide you home A light shown down on us A star above shines bright A light shines bright A light shines bright Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. On this last day of the year the Church offers an image of light coming into a dark place. Think of a time when that has actually happened in your own experience. What was it like? Now think of yourself telling someone else about that experience of light breaking into the shadows – “testifying to the light”, as John puts it. Notice what you feel about that. Only at the end of this passage is it made clear that Jesus is the light that John speaks about. What does that add to the prayer you have done so far? As the passage is read again, pay attention to the various reactions that people have to the light that comes into the world. Speak, finally, to God – to the Father, or to Jesus – about your own hopes for light in your life as the New Year approaches. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Today is Monday the 30th of December in the season of Christmas. One Hope Project sings ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child. He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and His shelter was a stable, and His cradle was a stall: with the poor, and meek, and lowly, lived on earth our Saviour holy. And our eyes at last shall see Him, through His own redeeming love; for that Child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heav'n above, and He leads His children on to the place where He is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see Him, but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; when like stars His children crowned all in white shall wait around. Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 2:12-17 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have conquered the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever.  John starts this part of his letter by praising the strengths of the people he is writing to. He tells them that that is why he has chosen to write to them. Hear him say to you, now: “I am writing to you, because …” How does that sentence finish? John goes on to be very critical of what he calls “the world”. Is this how you see the world where you live? If so, why? If not, why not? “Those who do the will of God live for ever”, John concludes. Take a quiet moment or two to let that promise sink in. As the passage is read again, notice all the strengths of his various readers that John lists. Which of those do you share? Finish by speaking to the Father, or to Jesus, about what you have noticed in this time of prayer. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.