Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
This Week’s Intention: For all of the alienated, displaced, and excluded persons of the world, that the Lord’s embrace and affirmation may find them through their fellow children of God.
Today’s Gospel | John 16:5-11
Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | St. John Baptist de La Salle
This must be your goal when you instruct your disciples, that they live a Christian life and that your words become spirit and life for them. Your words will accomplish this:
- Because they will be produced by the Spirit of God living in you,
- Because they will procure for your disciples the Christian spirit.
In possessing this spirit, which is the very Spirit of Jesus Christ they will live that true life which is so valuable to us because it leads surely to eternal life. Guard against any human attitude toward your disciples; do not pride yourselves over what you do. These two things are capable of spoiling all the good there is in the performance of your duties. What have you in this regard that has not been given to you? And if it has been given to you, why are you boasting as if you had it on your own?
Keep, then, the goals of your work as completely pure as those of Jesus Christ himself; by this means you will draw upon yourselves and all your labors his blessing and grace.
Prayer
Eternal Father, it was hard for Jesus’ disciples to see him go, just as it sometimes can be hard for us when we feel as if you are far away. Strengthen us to hold closely the gift of our faith in you, knowing that you always are with us, that you never will abandon us, and that your time and your ways can always be trusted. Help us to be worthy guides for those that you have entrusted to our care, especially those most in need. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever.