Walking in the Right Direction: A Reflection on Gratitude for Mentors
Throughout our journey in life and faith, there are moments when we find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. In those pivotal seasons, having someone alongside us who can point us in the right direction makes all the difference. I have been deeply grateful that from a very young age, I was blessed with mentors. Embracing guidance and wisdom from those who have walked the path before me is something I welcomed early on, and it has continually shaped who I am today.
Recently, I shared a reflection with a family member about the importance of being open to guidance: sometimes we need to step outside the square and look beyond our familiar perspectives. A true mentor challenges our thinking, widens our vision, and gently encourages us to grow beyond the boundaries we set for ourselves.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17
Giving Thanks for Spiritual Mentorship
Today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wise counsel, steadfast leadership, and pastoral care of
The Revd Ronald James Henderson, Honorary Associate Priest at St James’ Church, Sydney. Faithful guides like Father Ronald exemplify what it means to offer gentle wisdom, steady encouragement, and authentic spiritual mentorship in our community.
A Prayer for Those Seeking a Mentor
Heavenly Father, Giver of all wisdom and grace, we thank You for placing faithful mentors and guides along our path. We pray especially today for anyone who is feeling lost, uncertain, or in need of guidance. Send into their lives wise, compassionate, and trustworthy companions who can encourage their hearts and point them in the right direction. Give them the humility to listen, the courage to step outside the square, and the grace to grow in faith and understanding. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Preparing for Sunday Worship: This Week’s Lectionary
As we prepare our hearts for Sunday worship, let us reflect on this week’s lectionary Gospel reading from
Matthew 16:21–28:
21 From that time on Jesus began to say plainly to his disciples, “I must go to Jerusalem and suffer much from the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life.”
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “God forbid it, Lord!” he said. “That must never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned around and said to Peter, “Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don't come from God, but from human nature.”
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me. 25 For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake, you will find it. 26 Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! There is nothing you can give to regain your life. 27 For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds. 28 I assure you that there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Son of Man come as King.”
— Matthew 16:21–28 (GNT)
May we carry these words into our worship this Sunday, keeping our eyes focused on Christ, our ultimate guide and shepherd.
