Friday 8 July

Hosea 14:2-10; Ps 51; Matthew 10:16-23

Have fortitude

Jesus warned the apostles that bearing witness to his teaching was not likely to be an easy task. Despite this, they went out and gave over their lives to telling others about Christ’s message of love and forgiveness. We are just as likely to be ridiculed and scorned. Who hasn’t had scathing remarks directed at them for preferring to put their faith in God rather than in whatever the current fashion suggests is better?

Dear Lord, help me hold fast to faith until my last breath leaves me for you. Wrap your love and protection around those who suffer for their faith, especially those who live in fear of being martyred for love of you.