St John the Baptist, Church of Ireland, Valentia Island

And if you accept Him as Lord, allow Him to lead you as you walk into the future without looking back, and do what He has equipped you to do as His body on earth

We are all asked to have the faith to put out into deep water, but we must remember that we will never be on our own. Peter’s ministry was made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, as will ours.

We are all called to be the Body of Christ in His entirety – and we are to take the example of all ‘Saints’ who have gone before, both male and female, as models of our required behaviour.

Most importantly, in the face of what appears to be a society built upon prejudice and hatred, we are sustained and strengthened by the knowledge that in the end, love will triumph, leaving the wordly values of the tyrant to be forgotten.

Jesus has demonstrated His authority and power. He takes something ordinary, and it becomes extraordinary. He turns water to wine. He heals the past and offers a new future. He changes his followers from sinner to saint.

With the same eyes as the Magi, we look into the manger, see the light of the world – be it for the first time, after a dark time, or in our daily devotions – and every time we see something new.

In face of evil, we will not keep silent. We choose love; love in thought, love in prayer, love in action, in the sure and certain hope that the power of the cross will prevail. Therefore choose love.

Be careful what you say in a restaurant – someone might overhear…

You’ve a chance to start again, but it begins with you admitting that you need to repent, and then be ready – because your life is going to change forever.

As He is always present with Mary, so He is present with me, and with you, too.