Matthew 10:17-20
At baptism when we were anointed with chrism these words were said:
‘God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.’
The English Martyrs whom we celebrate today lived their baptismal promises to the full. They imaged Christ so completely that they gave their lives for him. Few of us will be asked to make so great a sacrifice, but what we can do is reflect regularly on what it might mean for us to be anointed Priest, Prophet and King. Anointing strengthens for all that lies ahead.
In the Gospel text for today we are reassured that should the time come for our faith to be tested, then the Spirit of the Father will speak in us. We take this on trust.
We pray today for all those in our own lives who have shown us courage and fortitude and been prepared to carry what we could not.
How can you be open to the Spirit of your Father speaking in you today?