Monday 3 February 2025

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.