Some words from our Gospel reading today, from St Luke: ‘And an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”’

We do well to heed the message of this text, about the least among us being the greatest. But there is something else to point out: that Jesus ‘perceived the thought of their hearts’. We can be nervous about this, or we can be profoundly grateful – that, whatever direction our thought takes us, in He knows, and His loving gaze rests continually upon us. This is surely a deep reassurance for all of us. Let us trust Him, that He knows the ways of our heart, and will lead us into fullness of life.

May God bless you this day and keep you close to Himself.