Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Please share the Good Word with your friends! 
Today we come to the end of this first week of Ordinary Time in our liturgical calendar, but early in 2021, our days seem anything but ordinary. We continue to deal with the pandemic, now nearly a year in. We witness political division and social unrest at levels higher than many of us can remember in our lifetimes. The darkness and chaos in the world around us can feel overwhelming.
Against this backdrop, today’s letter to the Hebrews offers us a reminder that we do not face these difficulties alone. Jesus is not “unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,” but rather is one who “in every respect has been tested as we are.” What a comfort to know that we, both individually and as a society, are so deeply understood by Christ.
In this new year, which many of us have placed so much hope in, may we deep the practice of bringing to Jesus both the joys and the struggles of our lives, confident that he understands and is united with us in them, whatever they may be.
—The Jesuit Prayer team
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Lord Jesus, you know and understand me, perhaps even better than I know myself. Remind me to always turn to you, no matter the situation, and place it in your compassionate hands. Be my companion throughout my day. Amen.
—The Jesuit Prayer team
Please share the Good Word with your friends! ##
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions
Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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