Reading – Matthew 10:17-22
The Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’
Reflection
‘Christian hope is no facile optimism, no placebo for the credulous. It is the certainty, rooted in love and faith, that God never abandons us and remains faithful to his promise: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me”.’ – Pope Francis
Prayer
God-With-Us, this Christmastide so many of your children need your hope. Strengthen my faith; help me stand firm so that I may be a light in the darkness of others, in your everlasting name. Amen.