St Leo Mangin SJ, Mary Zhu Whu & Companions | 9 July 2021

Today is Friday the 9 July, the feast of St Leo Mangin SJ, Mary Zhu Whu & Companions, in the 14th week of Ordinary time.  

Jeremy Riddle sings, ‘Fall Afresh’.  As you listen and enter into prayer, take a moment to become aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence with you now.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.  

Matthew 10:16-23

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.    

It seems that following Jesus was never meant to be an easy road. Perseverance, tenacity, endurance are not obviously gospel gifts, whilst wisdom and innocence seem set to place us in danger rather than take us away from it.  Yet, in the middle of the passage are the words ‘do not worry’… How do you receive those words today?  

Perhaps we avoid the challenge of faith because of what may happen. Perhaps we are even better than Jesus at ‘worse case scenarios’! Perhaps we do worry… What are you worried about today? Bring this into your prayer time now…    

As you listen to the passage again, be aware of who is offering to be with you to allay those worries. Hear, in the midst of the fear, the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

‘Do not worry’. Easier said than done. In a time of prayer talk to the Holy Spirit…share your doubts and fears and notice what response you receive…  

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.