Loving God, who cherishes each element of your creation, we thank you for choosing us, for setting us apart as particularly beloved. Help us to live up to the love that you have shown us, becoming like you and blessing all those we touch, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit in Trinitarian splendor and joy. Amen. ‘But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.’ – 2 Thes. 2:13