Opening Prayer
 

"I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:1-3)

St. Paul’s courage and enthusiasm did not diminish because of his imprisonment. Rather, the very reason for his imprisonment spurred him on. "Me, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles...." (Eph. 3:1)

From prison St. Paul encouraged those who embraced the faith to behave as true followers of Christ: "Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received...."

Many of us still do not understand the great honor that God has bestowed upon us in calling us to the Faith through our Baptism. "It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit." (Jn. 15:16)

Many of our interests lie in worldly things (vain and illusory) yet they dominate and blind us to the great honor that comes from the calling to His service: "Go forth and bear fruit. Your fruit must endure...." (Jn. 15:16)

Psalm 19: "The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; more desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb."

Our Prayer Continues