Pray As You Go - Daily Prayer

Wednesday 11 June 2025Today is Wednesday the 11th of June, the feast of Saint Barnabas, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Worst Days’. God of everything You reached out to me Made a home in my heart I just can't explain I just stand in awe Of Your wonderful love And even on my worst days It stays the same I just don't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Love that knows no end I'm wrapped up in the arms of my Father I'll never lose my position I will always be Your child That's all that matters ‘Cause even on my worst days It stays the same I just can't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Oh it reaches to the depths of my soul and it won't let go Oh wonderful love There's no where else I'll rather be, no where else for me Oh wonderful love From Calvary to eternity, I'm Yours forever Oh wonderful love (Oh Jesus) Your love knows no ending, the sweetest of tastes Oh wonderful love How high How wide How deep Is Your love Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 11:21-26 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. The early Church is growing, and the Gentiles are especially being added to its number. As the Gospel is preached there is often opposition, and sometimes, as we see here, a delightful receptivity. Where do you see an openness to the Gospel in your life or work? Barnabas is moved and delighted by what he sees. He knows that he believes in Jesus and the transformation that Jesus brings. What’s it like for him to see this becoming true for others? We are not meant to follow Jesus on our own. We need one another. Who are the people who have encouraged you in your Christian life? One meaning of the name Barnabas is Son of Encouragement, so it may even have been a nickname given to him because he often took this role. Listen again and notice the encouraging role Barnabas himself is playing… Acts 11:21-26 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. How have you encouraged others in their following of Jesus? How might you be a Son, a Daughter, a Bringer of Encouragement? Speak to the Lord about this now, as one friend speaks to another. 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

Tuesday 10 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 10th of June, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’ Christe, lux mundi, qui sequitur te, habebit lumen vitae, lumen vitae Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, [so that they may see your good works] and give glory to your Father in heaven. Jokes don’t translate well across the millennia, but you might imagine Jesus raising a smile or two at his examples of gone-off salt and how not to use a lamp... Take a moment to reflect on these images of salt and light... The right amount of salt on food brings out the best of it. How are you bringing flavour to your world? What’s the invitation here? A warm light brings people together and allows fellowship to happen: cooking (with a dose of salt of course), eating together (salt on the side), laughter, party games, friendship, intimacy… Where do you bring warmth and light to others? Where you bring flavour and light, carry on! Are there ways you can do even more of that? Maybe there are, or perhaps it’s simply continuing to do what you do – a little salt and a little well-placed light make a big difference… Listen again and let Jesus speak directly to you Matthew 5:13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Eugene Peterson in the Message translates it like this: “You’re here to be the light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.” I wonder: what particular God-colour are you? 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

Monday 9 June 2025Today is Monday the 9th of June, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Gaudete Ensemble sings Ave Maria by Margaret Rizza. Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. After the Ascension of Jesus, his disciples, the women and the men, including Mary his mother, were at prayer. How did they pray? What were they actually doing? How do you picture their prayer? We might imagine them praying with the psalms and the use of other prayers and liturgies known by heart. Perhaps there was a re-reading of the prophets and finding the story of Jesus prefigured in ways they had not seen before. They may have sometimes used their own words as people do today in prayer groups. Maybe a candle would have been lit, and all would sit in silence, remembering the last few days, weeks, years with Jesus. Be with them in that space for a little while... As you listen again to the passage, consider the different characters who make up this early Church. Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. To which individual or grouping are you most drawn to from this time of prayer? Find a place with them in particular, and talk or sit in silence together. You might want to imagine them with you as you talk to Jesus about your experience there... 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

Sunday 8 June 2025Today is Sunday the 8th of June, the feast of Pentecost.    The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing, Voici le temps: This is the time, most Holy Spirit, when you, One with the Father and the Son, come to shed your light in the hearts of your faithful.  Pause for a moment, and become aware of the Holy Spirit, present here, come to give life and light. Pause for a moment, and welcome that light into your life.    (Lyrics currently unavailable)  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 2:1-11  When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.  Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’  Our reading for today is the extraordinary story of the first Pentecost, which you might think of as the birthday of the Church.   “They were all together, in one place”. This is the first description of the Church as it is born... How does this sentence land now in light of the Church today?   “In our own languages, we hear them speaking of God’s deeds of power”. How do you see this in the Church today?   “They were filled with the Holy Spirit.” As you listen to the reading again, notice the effect this has on them. Have you ever felt this?   Acts 2:1-11  When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.  Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’  Finally, just think back over the last few minutes. What thoughts and feelings arose in you during this time? Can you turn them into a prayer to God?  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  

Saturday 7 June 2025Welcome to the Saturday Examen.    Take a moment to become still and alert to God’s presence, wherever you find yourself today.   As you look back over this week of prayer, what really stands out for you? Did you at all feel the presence of God in your prayer this week?    Was there one particular scripture passage or verse that really spoke to you this week? What do you think it is saying to you now?    Was there a point when you really experienced a lightness of heart, and felt that God was there?    Was there a moment when you had no sense at all of the presence of God? Why do you think that might have been?    What do you think God is saying to you today in your prayer? How are you going to respond?    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 

Friday 6 June 2025Today is Friday the 6th of June, in the 7th week of Eastertide.    Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘I Love You, Lord’. Can you make these words your own today?     I love You, Lord  And I lift my voice  To worship You  Oh, my soul rejoice  Take joy, my King  In what You hear  May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear  I love You, Lord  And I lift my voice  To worship You  Oh, my soul rejoice  Take joy, my King  In what You hear  May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 21:15-19  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’  This is perhaps a rather tense conversation between Jesus and his leading apostle, since it is not long ago that we heard Simon Peter robustly assert, no less than three times, that he had no idea who Jesus was. How do you think Simon is feeling in the course of this interchange?  Jesus indicates that life is not going to be easy for him; and then says, “Follow me”. Could this command be given to you, do you think? If so, how would you feel about it?  Now listen once more as the passage is read to you.  Notice the instruction that Peter is given as they talk... What does that tell you about the heart of Jesus?  John 21:15-19  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’  Finally, see if you can gather together all the thoughts and feelings that have been operating inside you during this time, and turn them into a prayer. What do you want to pray for at this moment?  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 

Thursday 5 June 2025Today is Thursday the 5th of June, the feast of St Boniface, in the 7th week of Eastertide.    The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the Benedictus: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!  He has visited his people and redeemed them. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old. A saviour who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us.  So his love for our ancestors is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered. He swore to Abraham our father to grant us, that free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve him in holiness and justice all the days of our life in his presence.”    Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel; quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebis suae  et erexit cornu salutis nobis, in domo David pueri sui,  sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius,  salutem ex inimicis nostris, et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos;  ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris, et memorari testamenti sui sancti,  iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, daturum se nobis,  ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrum liberati, serviamus illi  in sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris.  Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius,  ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius in remissionem peccatorum eorum,  per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri, in quibus visitabit nos oriens ex alto,  illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent, ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 22:30; 23:6-11  Since [the tribune] wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them.  When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamour arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.  That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’  Paul has noticed that some of his opponents were Sadducees, while others were Pharisees, two groups that were bitterly opposed to each other. How might we preach the gospel by noticing and recognising who we are talking to? How can we adapt in such situations? Perhaps there is a particular group or person in your life at the moment who could benefit from this...  “The Lord stood near him, and said “Keep up your courage”. Have you ever experienced such a whisper from God?  Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. What really strikes you about it, here and now?  When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) Then a great clamour arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.  That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’  Finally, just look back over this time of reflection. What thoughts and feelings do you notice arising in yourself? Do you think that you could turn them into a prayer in your own words?  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

Wednesday 4 June 2025Today is Wednesday the 4th of June, in the 7th week of Eastertide.    The Cape Town Camerata sings, Onse Vader, The Lord’s Prayer. Why not take a moment to pray the Lord’s prayer in your native tongue as you enter into this time with God today?     Ons Vader wat woon  In die hemel  Geheilig sy  U naam  Laat U ryk kom  U wil geskied  Soos in die hemel  So ook op die aarde  Gee ons vandag ons dag se brood  En vergewe al ons skulde  Net soos ons vergewe  Dié wat teen ons sondig  Laat kom ons  Nie in die versoeking, maar verlos ons van die bose  Want U is die ryk  En die sterkte  En die Here  Vir ewig en ewig  Amen  Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.    Acts 20:28-38  Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ’  When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.  Paul is here saying a final farewell to the leaders of the church in Ephesus, whom he has summoned overland for that purpose. He tells them to “shepherd the church of God”. What do you think he means? How would this “shepherding” look to you?   Paul says that “some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them”. Have you ever seen an example of this? You might like to speak to God about this situation...  “There was much weeping among them”. As you listen to the passage again, notice the affection within this community of believers...   Acts 20:28-38  Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ’  When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.  Finally, reflecting on these few minutes of turning reflectively to God, can you bring it all together in the form of a prayer in your own words?  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

Tuesday 3 June 2025Today is Tuesday the 3rd of June, the feast of St Charles Lwanga and Companions, in the 7th week of Eastertide.    The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’.    When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home.  Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory.  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 17:1-11a  After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.  ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.  This reading finds us almost at the end of Jesus’ great discourse to his disciples, on the night before he died, and we find ourselves eavesdropping on the prayer he makes to his Father. Jesus said, “Father – the hour has come”. Imagine you are with Jesus as he says these words... what stirs for you as you hear these words? Not knowing exactly what is to come?   Jesus speaks of “those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word”. Stay with imagining yourself with Jesus here... how does it feel to hear him praying about you?     Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Does anything in it really touch your heart?  John 17:1-11a  After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.  ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.  Finally, see if you can bring together now all the thoughts and prayers that have come to you during this time, and turn them into a prayer to God, in your own words.  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 

Monday 2 June 2025Today is Monday the 2nd of June, in the 7th week of Eastertide.     The community of Taizé sing Frieden, Frieden: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.    (Lyrics currently unavailable)  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.    John 16:29-33  His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’  In today’s reading, Jesus is talking to his disciples on that sombre occasion of their Last Supper together. Do you think, in the light of this passage, that Jesus’ disciples always understood him? And do you always understand him?    Jesus says to them, “You will be scattered…and you will leave me alone”. To the world, Jesus’ mission might have seemed to be a disastrous failure... Imagine being one of the disciples, not fully knowing what is to come, and hearing Jesus say this... what might your reaction be?     Now listen as the story is read once more. Is there anything that really strikes you this time?  John 16:29-33  His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’  Jesus says to them (and to us, of course), “I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace”. Do you feel peace in the presence of Jesus? Talk with Jesus about this now, or about anything else that has arisen for you in this time of 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