Yes, Father, You graced our world with the gift of Your divine Son. He has taught us to love You and all our sisters and brothers without measure. He is our Lord and Master.

But still, I am overwhelmed by what I see and hear around me. Violence rules in our streets, our homes, on our television screens. We find it difficult to reject temptation in its thousand and one alluring forms. We see greed and vice winning wealth and power for many evil people. In the meantime, Your good and faithful followers often suffer and grieve. I am torn between good and evil.

In this sometimes frightening world, teach me to walk courageously on the straight and narrow path You Son has traced for us. Teach me to hold hands with those who have triumphed over sin and seduction and may I walk securely and serenely to my heavenly home.

With Your divine help, enable me to pass through this world with one eye on the things of earth, but with the other eye firmly fixed on the things of heaven.

Amen.