Lord Jesus,

we cannot do anything

without you;

and you yourself

cannot act in us

without our cooperation.

We thank you

for being able to do so much;

but, at the same time,

we see our basic inability

to live up to the fullness of your love.

Save us!

Make us welcome your salvation,

not as a chance to better our lives,

but as the only source of freedom,

without which we cannot break

every last bond

that keeps us enslaved

to ourselves.

Pierre Talec, 1933- 2016, French priest and author

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For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.