‘I have said these things to you so that you may not be led into turning away.

They will shut you out of the synagogues. 
But the hour is coming – when whoever kills you will consider it an act of devotion to offer to God.
And they will do these things because they have come to  know neither the Father nor me.

But I said these things to you so that when their hour comes you will remember them and that I told you. 

I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.
Now I go to the one who sent me, and yet none of you is asking me ‘Where are you going?’ 

Instead because I said these things to you, grief has filled your hearts. 

But I tell you the truth – it is better for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the ‘advocate’ will not come to you.  But if I go, I will send him to you.’

Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me
Be thou a smooth path below me
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me
Today – tonight -forever
Amen.

St Columba€