Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Intention: For a spirit of conversion within all people, that we will open our hearts to the ways of God and the needs of his people, especially those who suffer the injuries of the world’s injustice.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 9:1-6
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
From the Thirteenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Because children are the most innocent part of the Church and usually the best disposed to receive the impressions of grace, Jesus Christ desires that you fulfill so well your task of making them holy that all of them will come to the age of the perfect man and the fullness of Jesus Christ, so that they are no longer like children tossed here and there, no longer turned around by every wind of doctrine, by deceit, and by trickery, whether by companions with whom they associate or by men leading them into falsehood by their evil proposals.
Rather, in all things they are growing up in Jesus Christ, who is their head and through whom the whole body of the Church holds its structure and its union, so that they may always be so united with the Church and in her that by the hidden power that Jesus Christ furnishes to all his members, they will share in the promises of God in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Eternal Father, our work and responsibilities lie before us today and we look to you for strength. If we go forward and stumble or fall, be the arm that supports us. Bless us with the strength to stand, the light to see, and the fire to carry on. Make us alert to whatever would distract or deceive us, and allow your love to shine through us and touch the hearts of others, especially those entrusted to our care. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.