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"Now is the acceptable time, now is the moment of grace." One of St Paul's most memorable and consoling statements, this saying also provides a scriptural basis for a key point of Ignatian spirituality: "live in the present moment". Reflection on his own personal experience taught Ignatius that God speaks to us in the present moment and about the present moment to console, strengthen, and guide us. On the other hand, the devil speaks to us about the future, especially the more distant future, to tempt us, unsettle us, and thus lessen our faith and trust in God.
"Do not receive the grace of God in vain." Paul frequently reminds us of the need to cooperate with God. God's grace comes to us as a free gift and enables us to live according to the Gospel. God's grace strengthens our will to desire and to accomplish what is good. It gives us the wisdom to perceive what is best, as Paul says to the Philippians (cf. Phil. 2:9). These strengthening and illuminating effects of God's grace do not take away our responsibility of cooperating with God's grace in all the daily events of life.
Father in Heaven, grant us the wisdom to recognise the gift of Your grace in the present moment and to respond courageously to Your invitations.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.
Elaboration
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