St Paul speaks of a promise in today’s first reading. He confesses although previously he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent enemy of Christ that through the mercy and grace of God, he was forgiven, redeemed, and was made a great servant of the Lord Jesus. We cannot by our own effort remove the planks that are grounded in the depths of our minds that rule us and distort the divine nature within us. But by the power of the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ we can be saved from all these planks. We too, need the mercy and grace which St Paul encountered. Firstly, to remove the plank in us. Then to help others. When we accept our shortcomings, weaknesses and sinfulness and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance, He washes us in His precious blood, cleanses us, gives us a new light and anoints us.

Prayer: Abba Father, let the precious blood of Lord Jesus cleanse us and make us new creations in you. Amen