FEAST OF SAINTS VINCENT PALOTTI AND VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA – 22nd JANUARY
January 22, 2023
FEAST OF SAINT MARIANNE COPE – 23rd JANUARY
January 23, 2023
22 January, 2023
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. – Matthew 16:24
Heavenly Father, the Author and Finisher of life on earth, and of all humankind, it is by your well ordinated plans that we live and breathe. You hold us in the palm of your Hands when we humbly submit to your Holy Will and surrender ourselves totally to your loving care. Jesus has shown us the Way to Eternal Life, exhorting us to carry the cross we receive everyday, for to abide in Him is to live in imitation of Him. We pray that we may follow only your Will and plans for us, by identifying with and emulating Jesus.
Jesus sought complete allegiance from those who follow Him, for it was with willingness that He offered his life through a sacrificial death on the Cross, annihilating the victory of death by atoning for, and washing us free from all sin. He served us even to the point of death and we too need to be willing to sacrifice our lives for our Christian faith and beliefs. Christ warns that those who follow Him should willingly renounce the things of the earth, taking on suffering and persecution, if required.
Assist us dear Father, to live righteous and selfless lives for You and for the free grace of eternal salvation. May we realise that the things of this earth are temporary and of no lasting value. We plead for help to resist the shame of sin and to deny ourselves all worthless pleasures. May our lives be dedicated to becoming perfect in your eyes, following our Lord Jesus and fulfilling our Christian duty of uncomplainingly taking up our cross each day, and following in Jesus’ footsteps. Amen
1 Prayer
Father God, may your Might and radiant Light shine through all the earth, by our lives which emulate our beloved Lord Jesus, by our example of showing Mercy to all living beings, by our zeal of proclaiming your Holy Word fearlessly, by our very breath, in praising and glorify your Holy Name till it resonates to the very ends of the earth. Forgive us, when we fall short of your grace which you have richly reserved for your earthly children. May we live God centered lives, of prayer and adoration of our Loving and Faithful God, reconciling with our brethren, spreading love and goodwill to all, in our families, our Churches and through all our words and deeds promote peace and build up and execute your Holy Will, till we reach the heavenly shores. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen