John 15: 12-17
 
The love of God is incomprehensible and full of mystery, and yet it is as tangible as a smile shared, a glance of appreciation, or the unspoken support of a helping hand. When I am hopeless, it is not theological arguments or intriguing programs that speak to me, but rather the connection with others and their kindnesses that engulf the darkness that threatens my soul. And these are the confined expressions of human love.  The immeasurable love of God is even more life-giving and at once accepts and empowers me when I snuggle into its greatness and warmth.  `This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.` Christ Jesus, draw me into your great love. 

My heart is steadfast, O God, in your steadfast love. (Psalm 57)
 
The soul is in God and God in the soul, just as the fish is in the sea and the sea in the fish.
 St. Catherine of Sienna

Soli gloriam dei 

Acts 15:7-12 & John 15:9-11
  
It is tempting to think that I can save the world by solving issues, getting everything done or telling the world everything I know.  But in reality, nothing I do outside the love and mercy of God can ‘save’ anyone, let alone a whole society.  Most important, Jesus, tells us, is to keep his commandments in order to ‘live and move and have my being’ in his love by the grace of God – just as Jesus kept his Father’s commandments and stayed within his love. Christ Jesus, help me realize that we are saved through grace. 
 
Tell of his salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:3)
 
The encounter with Christ becomes a friendship that delivers us from self-centredness.
Jean-Charles Nault, OSB in Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times  
 
Soli gloriam dei .

John 15:1-8
 
We now know that the branch of a grapevine has the same DNA as the main stem. Similarly, made in the image of God as we are, each human being is designed to live into the ‘DNA’ of God, the truth and love of God, that flows through us as it did through Jesus. When I am true to my ‘spiritual template’ I come to know, and to show, the mercy of God. Then my life will naturally bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit –love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness and self-control.  The more ‘holy’ fruit my life produces, the more firmly attached I become to Jesus, who is the one true vine of abundant life.  Christ Jesus, help me live in you as you live in me.
 
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.  (Psalm 89:1)
 
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 
Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace
 
Soli gloriam dei .

​Acts 14:19-28 & John 14:27-31
 
 When Jesus rose from the dead, he set a precedent for each of us called by his name. Like Him, we are made to arise from any evil that impacts our lives and continue on our journey. Paul was stoned by adversaries so seriously that he was dragged out of the city and left for dead. But the story continues...”when the disciples surrounded him he got up and went into the city.” No laying around in self pity or being interviewed by reality media for St. Paul!  The next day he went on with Barnabas –whose  name means ‘Encouragement’ –and continued to Derbe, the next stop on their journey of proclaiming the good news. What evil do I need to arise from in my life? What is the next stop on my journey of proclaiming the good news of God’s Mercy? Christ Jesus, help me rise and be on my way. 
 
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.  (Psalm 89:1)
 
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 
Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace
 
Soli gloriam dei .

I Peter 5: 5-14
​
Fear and anxiety immobilize human beings by making us freeze, submit unquestioningly or flee the challenges of life.  On the other hand love, as we receive it from God, encourages us (from Latin: en=puts within; cour = heart; agere= action) and allows us to ‘fight the good fight’ and ‘run the good race’ –as did St. Paul.   In the face of adversity, time and time again, St. Paul deferred to the love and true grace of God and (even with joy!) moved through and out of jails, stoning, shipwrecks, colleague conflicts ... and the list goes on.  Holy Spirit, help me stand fast in the true grace of God and so cast all my anxiety on God because he cares for me.
 
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.  (Psalm 89:1)
 
Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
 
Soli gloriam dei .