Friday 7 August 2026 - The path of discipleship

Friday 7 August 2026 Today is Friday the 7th of August, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time. Hannah Boesen with The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘As You Deserve’, from Companion Songs. This song was written with Pray As You Go and inspired by St Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity: Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your holy will. You might like to carry these words into prayer today... Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 16:24-28 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the path of discipleship as one of dedication and self-offering. As you settle into prayer, bring to mind the sacrifices - large or small - that you have made along your journey of faith. Moments when you have chosen love, service, or trust. Stay with those memories for a moment…and quietly thank God for the grace that flowed from them. The Christian journey is a continual turning of the heart - a gentle reassessment of how we are walking, whether towards God’s presence… or away from it. As you continue praying, notice if there is some part of your life that is still in need of change or renewal. Without fear or hesitation, offer this part of yourself to the merciful presence of the God of compassion. Jesus’ words may feel challenging, but they are also filled with promise - a promise of life, fullness, and completion for those who follow him. As you listen again to this Gospel passage, pay close attention to the words of Jesus. Let them echo within you. What might the fullness of God’s presence look like in your own life? How do you imagine that promise taking shape? Matthew 16:24-28 Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ Finally, take a moment now to speak with Jesus as you would with a trusted friend. Share your hopes… your fears… your desires… and your worries. And as you do, allow his gentle, transforming presence to meet you… to console you… and to lead you forward. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen