St Agatha | 5 February 2021

Today is Friday the 5 February, the feast of St Agatha, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time.

The community of Taizé sing Gott ist nur Liebe. ‘God is nothing but love.  Dare to give all for love.  Give yourselves without fear.’

Today’s reading is from the letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 13.1-8

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper;
   I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?’

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

Love, shown in practical ways, is a key part of exercising Christian faith. In what practical ways have you shown love to others during this last week?

In what ways have others shown love to you?
Thank God now for His love given and shared.

‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ – as you listen again ponder what this promise means for you and your community of faith.

As you end this time of prayer ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you can offer hospitality, comfort or generosity today.

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.