麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York

Good morning

We don鈥檛 know much more about the childhood and growing up of Jesus. But we do know that it happened in the security of a very loving family. Sadly, it is not available to everyone, and that is a scandal, for there is no better start for any human being.

In the home at Nazareth, Jesus learned to trust God. Even though he was God鈥檚 son, he still had to learn obedience to God鈥檚 will. As we all do!

For the Godhead, somehow now contained within and united with humanity in Jesus, was also open to humanity鈥檚 freedoms, subject to its constraints. Vocation had to be learned and tested. Mary and Joseph taught him. Like all good parents they set him on the right path. He had to grow and make his own decisions about how he was going to live out this vocation. That is what the rest of the gospel story tells us. There were testing times. But it began at Nazareth. It began in the home.

We too need to learn about our vocations and the values that shape it. We need homes that are places of security and formation.

It isn鈥檛 too late to make doing this your New Year鈥檚 resolution. Then the light of Christ will shine within us. Then the meaning of Christmas will flow through us. And Christ will reign in our hearts.

So I pray: Steadfast God, teach me the ways of Christ. Teach me humility and obedience. Teach me to love my neighbour. Show me how to use the gifts and opportunities you have given me. Make my home a place of peace and holiness. Bless those I love. And be with those who are homeless, heartless and hopeless today.

Amen.

Show less