Sunday 11 February 2024

Today is Sunday the 11th of February, beginning the 6th week of Ordinary time.


Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Jesus, keep me near the cross’.

In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
Jesus, keep me near the cross
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary's mountain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
Near the cross, O Lamb of God
Bring its scenes before me
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last soul shall find
Rest beyond the river
Near the cross I'll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
'Til at last my soul shall find
Rest beyond the river




Today’s reading is from St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

1 Cor 10:31-11:1

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

‘Do everything for the glory of God.’ Everything. How does that speak to you right now?

An imitator of Christ. Take a moment to think of Christ Himself: humble, authentic, compassionate... What other words come to mind that describe Him?

Can you think of someone who genuinely demonstrates doing everything to the glory to God; someone who imitates Christ Himself? What is it about this person that drew them to your mind?

‘Above all, put on love …’. we read a few chapters later in this, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. As you hear the passage again, picture situations in your own life which could be transformed by showing more love.

In these closing moments, simply ask for the Holy Spirit to help you. You might like to ask for the desire to imitate the loving Christ.

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.