January 7.  Words and deeds. Jasmine Naidoo was getting ready for the new school year.  She had been teaching for many years and felt as if she had become a little stale. During the holidays she had made a retreat and done much spiritual reading. Although she lived alone she was close to her extended family and had spent Christmas together with them.  There had been some old scores to settle and she had been able to help with that after her retreat time away, focusing on God and relationships.  Now as she prepared herself for the school year she decided to make a poster and a prayer card for herself and her class. “Jesus let us show our love not with words but with action.”  

Scripture This is the confidence which we have in the Son of God that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. We know that we are of God and the whole world is in the power of the Evil One.  And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding to know him who is true.  1 John 5:14-21    Pope Francis: We need once more to take up the word of God and to realize, in doing so, that our best response to the love of Christ’s heart is to love our brothers and sisters. There is no greater way for us to return love for love.  DN161.  Pray:  Let us ask for the grace to express our hope in the form of love not only in words but especially in deeds. Choose appropriate action