Stand Firm

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

What strikes me in this week’s Gospel is the courage we sometimes need to stand firm in our conviction in following Jesus, despite those we love the most not always standing by us.  Within our families, our schools and our parish communities there can be division and hurt, and yet the trust we place in God’s hands surely will always lead to a merciful and just resolution but in God’s own time. St John XXIII had his own night time prayer as pope, which perhaps we can adapt to our own situations: “It’s your Church, God. I’m going to bed.”  I’m on leave until the bank holiday and I will keep you in my prayers during my time off. God Bless, Helen.