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TODAY’S WORD…

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Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.

Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honouring each other.

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Never be lazy, but work hard

and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

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Rejoice in confident hope.

Be patient in trouble,

and keep on praying.

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When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.

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Bless those who persecute you.

Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

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Be happy with those who are happy,

and weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with each other.

Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.

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And don’t think you know it all!

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– Romans 12:9-16 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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The apostle uses such simple and straightforward language

that, to reflect upon his words,

all we have to do is put on our coat of humility,

open our hearts to the Lord,

and read and re-read these simple words of advice

on what makes a good Christian.

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Then, we bow our heads to the Lord,

and we resolve to change our character…wherever it needs changing.

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PRAYER…

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Lord Jesus,

I so wish to be more like You.

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Help me, Lord, to truly love and honour others;

to hate what is wrong;

and to hold tight to what is good.

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Remove my lethargy, especially when it comes to serving You

and fill me with enthusiasm for the faith,

so that I will do all I can

for Your honour

and in Your name.

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With You by my side,

I shall rejoice in confident hope.

With You in my heart,

I will be patient in trouble

and I will never give up on praying and calling out to You.

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Lord, grant that I will always be available for those in need,

and eager to gladly help them

and to show them kindness and generosity.

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Give me the grace to bless those who persecute me,

just like You did from Your cross,

and to lift them up to You in prayer.

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Help me share happily in the joy of others

and to give support and show sincere understanding

to those who are sad and in need,

whoever they may be

and wherever they may come from.

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Finally, O Lord,

please remove my conceit

and teach me to be humble.

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Lord, I love You

with all my heart, mind, soul and strength

– please make me more like You.

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Amen.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, I love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength

– please help me be more like You.

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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…the Creed’s final "Amen"

repeats and confirms its first words: "I believe."

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To believe

is to say "Amen" to God’s words, promises and commandments;

to entrust oneself completely to Him

who is the "Amen" of infinite love and perfect faithfulness.

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The Christian’s everyday life will then be the "Amen"

to the "I believe" of our baptismal profession of faith:

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May your Creed be for you as a mirror.

Look at yourself in it, to see if you believe everything you say you believe.

And rejoice in your faith each day.

[CCC 1064]

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