Here is our New Testament reading, from St Paul’s Letter to the Romans: ‘Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.’ (Romans 8:26-27)

St Augustine commented: ‘The Spirit that intercedes is nothing but the same charity which the Spirit has wrought in you…. Charity itself groans in prayer, and he who gave it cannot shut his ears to its voice. Cast away care, let charity make request, and the ears of God are ready to listen. The answer comes – not what you want but what is to your advantage.’ (from St Augustine, Homily VI:8 on 1 John III)

Let us, today, give thanks for the Spirit’s interceding for us, the Spirit of God’s Love.

May God bless you and be close to you.