Presence

Lord, when I am feeling lonely, remind me of your promise,

“You are never alone, I am with you always. Yes, to the end of time.”

Freedom

At this moment many countries are suffering the agonies of war. I bow my head in thanksgiving for my feedom. I pray for all prisoners and captives.

Consciousness

Life is busy Lord. Often my best intentions are left undone but I know that you are with me - in all I say and do, and in everyone I meet.

The Word of God   Mark 3:22-30

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons." And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. "Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" -- for they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."

Some thoughts on today's scripture

• The unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit here means what the scribes have just done: attributing the work of the Holy Spirit (i.e. Jesus’ healing miracles) to the power of Satan - it was a blasphemy, in bad faith. The other half of Jesus’ sentence is remarkable: all sins will be forgiven, all blasphemies. Even when our hearts condemn us, when we feel deep-dyed in guilt for actions that shame us, God does not condemn us. He always sees us as His children.
• Jesus is scathing of those who cannot recognise goodness and who see only evil. If I wish to listen for the voice of God, I need to take care not to heed any voice that speaks only negatively or in condemnation. If my mind is closed to God’s presence in my life, how can God reach me? God will never force Himself upon me – after all, love is not love if it is not free.
• The image of the house with its strong occupant is a picture of integrity and wholeness. I take some time to tidy the house that is my heart - a home with an open door so that God may enter in.

Conversation

Lord, you have engraved my name on the palm of Your hand. Even if others forget me, You never will.

Conclusion

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.

 

Pope's Prayer Intention for 2020

Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention for each month, each with a short video.

This month's intention is:  

  

JANUARY

Promotion of World Peace We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

Please click on the link to view the monthly prayer intention: https://daily-prayers.org/popes-monthly-intentions/pope-francis-2020-monthly-intentions/