From today’s Gospel reading, from St Matthew: ‘Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’ (Matthew 16:24-25)

St John Chrysostom commented: ‘See how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, “whether you will, or no, you must suffer this,” but how? “If any man will come after me.” “I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice …’ (St John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16:24).

May our choice this day be fully aligned with God’s purpose and will for our lives; for ‘in His will lies our peace’ (Dante, The Divine Comedy) May He bless you this day and keep you in His peace.