To-day’s intent is Confidence, ‘with faith’, which implies that we have assurance of success, that we have trust. The Epistle clearly implies that we should have confidence in God, and in each other. "Let each esteem the other better than himself" We are reminded how Jesus, our model and Master, did not dwell on his equality with the Father, "but emptied himself taking the form of a servant". And in the Gospel we are reminded that unless we die we cannot live, and are challenged to follow the path that Jesus took. How are we to reflect on these readings and apply their lessons to our lives now, in our community, our family and in our Church?

Should we say that coming to Church now and again, even every week, is sufficient and we need do no more since we are assured of eventually reaching Christ and becoming one with Him? Are we to look upon our efforts at reaching out to others and expressing concern for them as sufficient discharge of our duties? What we do may be admirable, but really is it ever enough return for the wondrous assurance that we have been given? If our answer to any of these questions is to say, "we’re doing pretty well" then we have fallen into the dangerous trap of arrogance and smugness, and have not a real community. Read again the epistle of today and mark its message. In response to the promise that we have received we must follow the example of the disciples and "be of one mind, doing nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of heart". Clearly we can have confidence in God and in our inner-selves, but we must underpin this confidence by spiritual exercises of prayer, reflection and meditation, and in our reaching out to the Divine in all people and in all creation in love and with humility. The church offers us many opportunities for sacramental grace to strengthen us, let us make sure that we take these opportunities building a strong worshipping community, which is not judgmental, but supportive of all, sharing our joys and our sorrows, and keeping in touch.

Reproduced with permission.