Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
Today’s Intention: For God’s blessing on this week’s gatherings of Lasallian Student Leaders and the Brother John Johnston Institute.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 11:20-24
Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum: Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
From the Meditation on The Day of Transfer of Holy Relics | St. John Baptist de La Salle
Be assured that people who do not strive to become great friends of God by fidelity to his grace and by constantly seeking only his glory and the salvation of their souls do not deserve to bear the name of Christians, much less that of religious and of people consecrated to God. What blindness it is to wish to be honored with the saints in the next life when we do not live like the saints now, when we entertain none but earthly thoughts, are unable to distinguish what is precious from what is vile, and seek the pleasures and honors of this world. Would this not be something deserving at once of astonishment and pity for us, who wish to share in the happy lot of the saints?
Prayer
Eternal Father, many times Jesus taught that we are accountable to God for the kind of life that we choose to live. You call us to righteousness, to act with integrity and compassion, to be humble and forgiving, to build a world of peace and justice. Grant us the grace to be faithful to your call. Help us to turn away from sinfulness and to be instruments of your wholeness to others, especially those who you have entrusted to our care. Make of us a virtuous and caring people. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever.