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TODAY’S WORD…

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Through your faith,

God is protecting you by His power

until you receive this salvation,

which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

So be truly glad.

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There is wonderful joy ahead,

even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

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These trials will show that your faith is genuine. […]

So when your faith remains strong through many trials,

it will bring you much praise and glory and honour

on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

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– 1 Peter 1: 5-7 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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Being joyful and strong

in the midst of difficulty and situations which test our faith

reflects a deep Christian conviction

and a hope of obtaining the inheritance of heaven.

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Christian joy

is the fruit of faith, hope and love.

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Situations which we may find ourselves in,

and problems we have to face

– which can appear so heavy and unfair –

will, in faith and truth, be slight and short-lived

when compared to the eternal reward which awaits us.

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Our earthly trials are temporary,

but the promise of eternal joy is forever.

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PRAYER…

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O Heavenly Father,

I pray that my faith in You will remain strong

even during those times when I face painful trials

and unjust situations of all kinds.

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Lord God, Loving Father,

send Your Holy Spirit on me,

to console me

and to counsel me

so that I can walk along Your path

and not allow myself to be drawn

to other seemingly more appealing ones.

Do not permit that I wrongly justify my decisions

through self-pity

and mistaken self-centered attitudes.

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Father,

remove my selfishness,

increase my faith,

and give me hope

in a glorious eternity with You.

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Amen

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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O Lord, my God, strengthen my faith.

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire.

This mobilisation of faculties is necessary

in order to deepen our convictions of faith,

prompt the conversion of our heart,

and strengthen our will to follow Christ. […]

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[CCC 2708]

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