Our sure guide

"Father of everlasting goodness, our origin and guide, be close to us and hear the prayers of all who praise you. Forgive our sins and restore us to life. Keep us safe in your love…." (Opening Prayer on the 18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

What does it mean to believe that God our Father is of everlasting goodness? It means that He is of the same character yesterday, today and tomorrow. As we trusted Him in the past and He performed, so can we trust Him today and tomorrow and count absolutely on His performance. He is unchanging in His essence of goodness. I rejoice to call such a God, my Father.

We come from God and we are going home to this God. His Son, Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is our sure guide to this new life. Lord Jesus, lead us, guide us and use us as you wish.

An ever-present help

"God, come to my help. Lord, quickly give me assistance. You are the one who helps me and sets me free: Lord, do not be long in coming." (Psalm 70: 2,6)

It is God who helps me in everything. Whenever I call upon Him, I am assured of a timely help.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 6 – 7)

"God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea." (Psalm 46: 2 – 3)

Paying the price

"Give me John the Baptist's head here , on a dish." (Matthew 14: 8)

John the Baptist paid the supreme price for his calling. Every vocation has outputs and consequences. How much are you willing to pay for yours? He who is faithful in little things will be faithful in more consequential ones.

I am the Resurrection

"I am the Resurrection. Anyone who believes in me, even though that person dies, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11: 25 – 26)

Yes, Lord. I do. Increase my faith. I believe everything you teach and have revealed. Help me to grow in faith today through prayer, your word and the Eucharist.

Love one another

"My dear brothers, let us love one another, since love is from God and everyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." (1 John 4: 7)

• How do I love?
  
• Whom do I love?
  
• When do I love?
  
• Where do I love?
  

The Holy Spirit in me will direct me. O Holy Spirit, fill me with the spirit of genuine love for my brothers and sisters.