Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Weekly Intention: In thanksgiving for God’s blessing and guidance of our District of San Francisco New Orleans as we mark its first anniversary.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
From the Eighth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | St. John Baptist de La Salle
Saint James says, if someone says that he has the faith and that he does not have the works, of what use to him is his faith; can it save him? What would it benefit you, then, to teach your disciples the truths of the faith if you do not teach them to practice good works? For faith that is not accompanied by works is dead.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you always are with us, even when we do not recognize you in the crowdedness of our days. You are present to us through our comfortable times and our difficult times. You speak to us words that we long to hear and words that we need to hear. Lord, awaken us so that we do not look past you as you call us to faith, to understanding, to wisdom, to peace. Help us to hear your call to holiness. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever.