From our New Testament reading, from Philippians: ‘So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind …’ (Philippians 2:1-2)

The word used here for love, both times in the Greek text, is ‘agape’, a beautiful word. It means charity, affection or benevolence. It is the same word used, again by St Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:1: ‘If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal’.

May this love be poured into our hearts, for God and for our neighbour; and may God bless you this day.