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Wednesday 24 June 2026 - His name is John
1w ago00:12:49Tap to summarizeWednesday 24 June 2026Today is Wednesday the 24th of June, the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings, ‘How Great Thou Art’. As you come to prayer today, recall the things for which you are grateful to God. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim: "My God, how great thou art!" Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour-God, to thee How great thou art! How great thou art! Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. We will only hear the passage once through today, followed by an imaginative contemplation exercise, so prepare to step into the scene... Luke 1:57-66, 80 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, and our reading reminds us of some of the extraordinary and surprising events surrounding John’s birth. As you begin your time of prayer, try to picture the hill country of Judea with its green, sloping hills and pine forests. Imagine Elizabeth and Zechariah in their house, holding their baby. Listen to their conversation... then the exclamations of joy and the delight of the neighbours and relatives as they come to wish them well. What is it like to become part of this scene? Perhaps there is someone in the home with whom you would like to have a conversation. We now imagine that we join the family for the circumcision ceremony of John. We remember that Zechariah has been mute for nine months, so picture him now as he struggles to communicate by gestures and writing the name of the child. ‘His name is John.’ Imagine that you hear Zechariah recovering his voice and listen as he begins to praise God. What reactions do you see among his family and guests? ‘All these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?’ In your prayer now, offer your own praise to God as you recall the life and ministry of John. What would you like to especially give thanks 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
Transcribe →Tuesday 23 June 2026 - The gate is narrow
1w ago00:12:57Tap to summarizeTuesday 23 June 2026Today is Tuesday the 23rd of June, in the 12th 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. Bless the Lord, my soul and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul who leads me into life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 7:6, 12-14 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ In today’s reading, Jesus is teaching his disciples on the mountain, delivering the Sermon on the Mount. The first two sentences relate to how we relate to others: the first about taking care, and the second about serving one another.... ‘Do not throw your pearls before swine’ Jesus instructs his disciples.... What gifts from God would you regard as your pearls? Can you recall a time when you shared these with someone and felt they were badly received, or even trampled on? Try to recall how this felt. Jesus also teaches, ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.’ This is sometimes known as the ‘golden rule’. Reflect on this, perhaps calling to mind a way in which this teaching of Jesus shapes your own life and the lives of those around you. As you listen to the scripture again, notice which of these instructions you find to be the most challenging. Matthew 7:6, 12-14 ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.’ Our reading today ends with Jesus presenting us with a choice of either the wide gate that leads to destruction or the narrow gate which leads to life. Take a few moments to imagine these two gates and the paths and choices they present. What has most struck you today in this time of prayer? Share your thoughts with the Lord 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
Transcribe →Monday 22 June 2026 - Songs of joy
2w ago00:11:33Tap to summarizeMonday 22 June 2026Today is Monday the 22nd of June, the feast of Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time. The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Do With It What You Will’. This song is based on the Suscipe, a prayer by St Ignatius of Loyola. Can you make these words your own today? You have given all to me To you O Lord I return it Everything I have is yours Do with it what you will You will gather all of me Every gift, every burden Every day and every hour Do with it what you will I lift it up, I lay it down You have given all to me To you O Lord I return it Everything I have is yours Do with it what you will Today’s reading is from Psalm 126. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Our reading today is part of a Psalm of Ascent, a song that would have been sung as a community was returning home after captivity or a long absence. Take a moment to picture yourself within a community of pilgrims, slowly walking, step by step, with shouts of joy. ‘We were like those who dream’ writes the psalmist. What feelings does this journey evoke within you? ‘We were like those in a dream.’ This was a journey that had been imagined and longed for over a long period of time. What is it that you most long for? Speak with the Lord about this longing. As you listen to the psalm again, notice, in particular, the last three verses: the psalmist’s desire for the restoration of their community. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. ‘May those who sow in tears, reap with shouts of joy.’ Who or what comes to mind when you hear this? Perhaps you know of someone who feels as if they are sowing in tears. Bring them before the Lord now, as you end 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
Transcribe →Sunday 21 June 2026 - Sing to the Lord
2w ago00:13:00Tap to summarizeSunday 21 June 2026Today is Sunday the 21st of June, beginning the 12th week of Ordinary Time. The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 90: You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord, ‘my refuge, my stronghold, my god in whom I trust.’ … Under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day…. Upon you no evil shall fall…. For you he has commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways. Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. In the Old Testament reading for today, we encounter Jeremiah the prophet, weary and misunderstood. He hears whispers of betrayal and accusation. “Terror is all around,” he says. How does Jeremiah’s experience speak to you? What voices have followed you this week? Has a sense of fear or feelings of doubt made you feel vulnerable? “But,” Jeremiah says, “the Lord is with me like a dread warrior.” Jeremiah knows that the Lord is with him, and that his persecutors will not have their way. For Jeremiah, God is a God of justice and truth - a God who is always on the side of the needy. Jeremiah understands that God may seem to be testing him, but the Lord’s very presence is a reassurance of God’s care. Take a moment to reflect: where might you feel under pressure? Where are you seeking reassurance? As you listen to the reading again, notice how Jeremiah’s confidence in the Lord grows through prayer. It is perhaps not the ending we - or Jeremiah - expected. Jeremiah 20:10-13 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. ‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.’ But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten. O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord.” The Sabbath gives us time for vulnerability, and to remember where God has been present, even in times of uncertainty. As this prayer draws to a close, remain with the image of God standing beside you - always faithful. 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
Transcribe →Saturday 20 June 2026 - God's loving presence
2w ago00:09:51Tap to summarizeSaturday 20 June 2026Welcome to the Saturday Examen. Today’s feast day asks us to be mindful of St Alban, who came to know God through relationship, hospitality, and courage. His faith grew through encounter, and he chose to remain faithful no matter the cost. We are reminded that our relationship with God grows through the everyday moments of our lives. In the Gospel this week, Jesus calls people personally and lovingly, inviting them into deeper relationship and trust. Take a few moments now to place yourself in God’s presence. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a few deep breaths in…and then a few releasing breaths out. As you look back over the past week, invite God to walk with you through your memories. Where have you noticed moments of connection with God - in prayer, in acts of kindness, in conversations, or in quiet reflection? Where have you experienced God through others, through community, or by being attentive to those in need, as St Alban once was? Is there a particular moment that God is drawing your attention to - a time of grace, courage, or invitation? Now notice any moments of difficulty. Where did you experience tension, confusion, fear, or distance - from God, from others, or within yourself? Bring these moments honestly to God, trusting in God’s patience and mercy. Where have you felt drawn closer to God, or been challenged to deepen your relationship? Is there something God may be asking of you? What strength, courage, or guidance do you need, inspired by the example of St Alban? Rest for a moment in God’s loving presence, and end with thanks for the gift of faith — a relationship that continues to grow in both the ordinary and the challenging moments of life. 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
Transcribe →Friday 19 June 2026 - Treasures in heaven
2w ago00:13:15Tap to summarizeFriday 19 June 2026Today is Friday the 19th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing Tu sei sorgente viva. “You are the living spring. You are fire, you are love. Come, Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 6:19-23 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!’ In today’s reading, Jesus speaks these words: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Take a moment to turn inward and to notice how your heart is today. What is occupying your heart most at this moment? Jesus challenges us to consider the value of much that we might consider desirable in everyday life. His simple observation reminds us of how easily worldly wealth can become worthless. Take a moment to consider: what do you truly treasure? What do you value most – hold onto, protect, or depend on for meaning and security? Hold these treasures honestly before the Lord. Jesus goes on to say that the eye is the lamp of the body. Where our attention is, what we take in, doesn’t just inform our physical or intellectual awareness – it shapes our inner life – our sense of who we are. It can lead us toward light — or draw us into shadows. Consider how the things you focus on help you to see more clearly, love more freely, trust more deeply? Or do they? As you listen to the reading once more, allow these questions to remain with you. Matthew 6:19-23 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!’ “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” In this time of prayer, turn to Jesus and rest in the light of the Lord’s presence. 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
Transcribe →Thursday 18 June 2026 - Give us this day our daily bread
2w ago00:12:13Tap to summarizeThursday 18 June 2026Today is Thursday the 18th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The Kyiv Chamber Choir sings The Lord’s Prayer. As you listen, begin this time today by praying the Lord’s Prayer in whatever language is most natural to you. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 6:7-15 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches his friends to pray. We have taken from this the prayer we now know as the Lord’s Prayer. It has become the prayer that many turn to when we don’t know how else to pray. Reflect on the place of the Lord’s Prayer in your life... “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do.’ Jesus’ prayer does not contain empty phrases, nevertheless, there are times when prayer becomes hurried or driven by a need to say something rather than trust that God knows our heart. When you pray, what do you hope prayer will do? As you listen to the passage again, take time to join with the disciples and to offer this prayer from the heart. Notice where each line or word speaks to you and take time to share this with the Lord. Matthew 6:7-15 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' “For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Now, in your own words speak with God simply and in trust, as to a loving parent. 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
Transcribe →Wednesday 17 June 2026 - I will not leave you
2w ago00:12:43Tap to summarizeWednesday 17 June 2026Today is Wednesday the 17th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Enter into prayer now, becoming aware of God’s loving gaze upon you, as we hear Imbere Yanje by Judah Earle: ‘Answer me my God For it is to you that I pray I called to the Lord He heard my cry’. Unyishure Mwami wanje Kuko ari wewe nsenga N’bariye Uhoraho Ijwi ryanje uranyuvma Unyishure Mwami wanje Kuko ari wewe nsenga Ntawundi mfise atari wewe Data Ntamugisha mfise atari wewe S’mfise ichiza inyuma yawe Nashize imana imbere yanje Nashize imana imbere yanje Ntawundi mfise atari wewe Data Ntamugisha mfise atar’ wewe s’mfise ichiza unyuma yawe Nashize imana imbere yanje Answer me my God For it is to you that I pray I called to the Lord He heard my cry Answer me my Lord For it is to you that I pray I have no one else but you Father I have no one else but you I have no good apart from you I have placed the Lord ever before me I have placed the Lord ever before me I have no one else but you, Father I have no blessing apart from you I have no good apart from you I have placed the Lord ever before me Today’s reading is from the Second Book of Kings and we will hear the passage only once today. 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, ‘Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ When he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over. In today’s passage, we watch as Elijah and Elisha walk together - teacher and disciple, mentor and companion - comfortable in both conversation and silence. Let’s walk with them and see what unfolds. Then comes Elijah’s request: “Please stay here.” There is a feeling of finality in the air, though it has not yet been spoken. Elisha responds, “As the Lord lives… I will not leave you.” As one is ready to move forward and the other is not wishing to let go, pay attention to what arises within you — love, resistance, hope. As they reach the River Jordan, Elijah makes a simple gesture, and the Lord parts the water so that they can cross on dry ground. Consider what “Jordan” may be before you. Where have you seen God make a way before, when you thought no way was possible? Then Elijah asks Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha’s request is not for authority or status, but for the spirit that sustained Elijah’s life with God. What might you ask for, if you were offered such a gift? As Elijah is taken into heaven, witness Elisha’s grief before he picks up the fallen cloak. “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Elisha’s question comes from a desire to experience God in his own life. In a time of prayer, share this desire with the Lord in confidence and faith. 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
Transcribe →Tuesday 16 June 2026 - Pray for those who persecute you
2w ago00:12:09Tap to summarizeTuesday 16 June 2026Today is Tuesday the 16th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Jon Guerra sings, ‘Love Your Enemies’. As we prepare to pray these lines of scripture today, let this song carry you into prayer. Give to everyone who asks of you Be good to everybody, no matter who Do to them as you would have them do to you Love your enemies No greater love is there than this I laid down my life, and I would do it again I gave it to you, so give it to them Love your enemies Love, love, love your enemies And be children of your father in heaven Children of your father in heaven Turn the other cheek, put down your fists Give up your coat if someone asks for it What have you got that you were not given Give everything And when the sun sets on your labour Turning the tides, but not in your favour Love is a rescue And it'll save you For Love, love, love your enemies And be children of your father in heaven Children of your father in heaven If you love those who love you What good is it What good is it What good is it If you hate those who hate you What good is it Well, it's no good, no good at all If you love those who love you What good is it What good is it What good is it If you gain the whole world But lose your soul Well, it's no good, no good at all It's no good, no good at all Oh love, love, love your enemies And be children of your father in heaven Children of your father Children of your father Children of your father Children of your father in heaven Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ In today’s passage, we are still listening to the Sermon on the Mount, with Jesus continuing to teach a deeper understanding of what the Law asks of the people. His words seem extravagant, asking far more than anyone might think possible. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” What thoughts, what faces, what experiences come to mind when you hear this? “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus describes the Father’s perfection as a willingness to be vulnerable, to offer grace and kindness simply because he is Father - not because of any worthiness in the one who receives. What feelings are arising in you? As you listen to the passage again, consider this indiscriminate, generous love that the Father pours out on all his children. Matthew 5:43-48 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” Take this time of prayer to ask the Lord how you might bear witness to his presence in the world. 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
Transcribe →Monday 15 June 2026 - Go also the second mile
3w ago00:12:34Tap to summarizeMonday 15 June 2026Today is Monday the 15th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. Come, my way, my truth, my life. As you listen to this piece by Margaret Rizza and enter this time of prayer today, begin by inviting the Lord into your life. You might like to acknowledge your need for God, to show you the way, to teach you the truth, to give you life. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.’ In today’s passage, Jesus uses imagery to deepen the crowd’s understanding of the Law. We begin by reflecting on and listening to Jesus’ voice as he speaks to the people. How do you feel as you hear these words? Perhaps you sense a challenge in his voice... We sometimes hear that this challenge is not meant to be taken literally. Why would we allow people to walk over us and offer no resistance at all? Yet, during his arrest and trial, didn’t Jesus follow this teaching? What might this say to you about the reality of discipleship? How else might you respond to the reading, knowing that Jesus means exactly what he says? As you listen to the passage again, ask for the inner strength to nurture peace in your life. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.’ End this time of prayer by speaking with the Lord about what has stirred within you. Ask for the grace to trust in God’s guidance for your life. 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
Transcribe →