Monday 1 February 2021

Today is Monday the 1 February, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time.

Salt of the Sound sing, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’.

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.

Many people of faith have gone before us. They drew on God’s strength to overcome challenges or to endure persecution, suffering and adversity. They trusted God despite their weakness, inadequacy or fear.

When we go through tough times we are not alone. God is with us and so are those who have gone before, and those who journey with us now. At this stage in our world’s situation, what challenges and difficulties are you facing at present? Share your concerns and anxieties about them with Jesus now.

What resources do you need from the Lord to persevere today? Pray for them now.

As you listen again give thanks for those who have gone before you in faith. Whose faith are you encouraging today?

In these final moments close your eyes, breathe deeply and imagine the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through you, giving you strength and courage for today’s tasks and challenges.

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.