Today is also the Optional Memoria of St Cyril of Jerusalem. He said: ‘He saved the thief on the holy hill of Golgotha because of one hour’s faith. Will He not save you too, since you have believed?’

As we draw closer to ‘the hour’ of the Passion of the Lord, these words take on an added meaning. May the Lord be ever nearer to us, and may we have the confidence to turn to Him in faith and in trust, for He is Truth. May God bless you this day.