Here is part of today’s New Testament reading, from the Letter of James: ‘Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors. As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful’.

The Rule of St Benedict is strict on ‘murmuring’ or grumbling: ‘For if the disciple obey with ill-will, and murmur not only in words but even in his heart, then, even though he fulfil the command, his work will not be acceptable to God, who sees that his heart is murmuring’. There are several other texts in the same vein.

Let us strive, then, for peace in our heart, peace amid all the ‘changes and chances of this life’. May God bless you this day.