Here is part of today’s Old Testament reading, from Jeremiah: ‘Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from afar. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel!”’

Such is the love of God for us, of which human love is a mere reflection. May we be blessed in knowing something of the mystery of this great Love, and enter into it ever more deeply. May God be very close to you this day.