Here is part of our New Testament reading, from Ephesians: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him’.

St Jerome said: ‘It is asked how anyone can be saintly and unblemished in God’s sight…. We must reply [that] Paul does not say he chose us before the foundation of the world on account of our being saintly and unblemished. He chose us that we might become saintly and unblemished, that is, that we who were not formerly saintly and unblemished should subsequently be so …’

This is a work of grace that continues through all our lives. Let us entrust ourselves entirely to this mercy and grace, and may God bless you this day.