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How can we not be afraid when we live in a wicked world? If it is better to be safe then sorry, why should I stir up trouble by speaking about my faith when it might get me killed or beaten if I were in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is it not better to speak only to a select small group who would listen? Why choose to be frowned upon or ostracised by a larger group who might not even listen?

It did not occur to me then as it does now, that the fear I had was the same one; from the Evil one which kept me bound and gagged. You Dear Lord saved and set me free. Free from sin and safe from all distress to love and serve You and my brethren. To boldly share the message of salvation with vigour, power, love and self control.

For we live not of this world but for the Kingdom of our heavenly Father to come. Amen

First reading
Ephesians 6:10-20

Gospel
Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came up. ‘Go away’ they said. ‘Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.’ He replied, ‘You may go and give that fox this message: Learn that today and tomorrow I cast out devils and on the third day attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside Jerusalem.
‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! So be it! Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till the time comes when you say:
‘Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!’

In faith as in life we wear many hats, that is we take on many different roles. We are teammates, managers, supervisors, workers, parents, children, church leaders, lay people and so on. However in all our different roles do we exude one persona of a Christ centred disciple? Does the love of Christ shine through us and touch the lives of all those arround us especially those whom we serve? Or have we cast a shadow of doubt by our words or actions? Perhaps inadvertently even resentment?

O Lord my God, I seek to enter by the narrow door. Guide me in Your ways that I may humbly serve You and my brethren according to Your Will. Amen

First reading
Ephesians 6:1-9

Gospel
Luke 13:22-30

Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.
‘Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, “Lord, open to us” but he will answer, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will find yourself saying, “We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets” but he will reply, “I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!”
Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
‘Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.’