16 June, 2023
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12
O Holy and Ever-Loving God of incomparable and incomprehensible love and hope, we lift your Holy Name in exaltation, for by your Son Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, made in the tender years of his manhood, by his preaching and teaching with the maturity, knowledge and wisdom of godliness and purity, we have been re-established as your children. By our faith and belief in Jesus’ revelations of the Truth of your Holy Word, we have become believers of Christ and abiders in Christ. The Spirit dwelling in us, makes us worthy of the gift of Salvation procured by Jesus.
We are exhorted to, notwithstanding our age, set examples to those who are yet to know you, so that, by the edification of your Holy Name and your Holy Church, we may win many souls into discipleship, and convert them to the true doctrine of our Ever-Living God. Assist us by our faith and zeal, to fearlessly proclaim and profess the doctrine of your Holy Gospel, inflamed with the passion and love of our Savior and Redeemer and working towards the greater glory of your Holy Name.
Instill in us courage, conviction and maturity to spread the message of Truth and thus compel others to be drawn into the circle of believers, purely by the example and purity of our lives which we set before them. May we be faithful harbingers and ministers of the gospel, upholding the faith by the love and brotherhood shown in our own lives. May we impart fruitful examples of purity of purpose, and love of charity towards all, and help our Christian and non-Christian brethren to increase and develop faith in the eternal gift of salvation, by a growing need of spirituality in word and deed, in thought and aspiration, in Jesus’ Name. Amen