We
thank you, Father,
that you have spoken to us
the Word of eternal life
and have given your Son as our brother.
He
speaks your love to us,
giving it flesh and blood in his own life
and in ours.
We
who call ourselves Christians
are sent to continue the life of Christ
in our lives.
This
is not a time to be shallow or half-hearted,
for the world needs men and women
who can honestly speak your name
and witness to your Son.
We
ask you then, Father,
protect and renew our vocation
so that we be faithful to the name we bear
and be appealing witnesses to your kingdom
today and every day, for ever and ever. Amen.