Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For God’s strength and protection to all who care for the world’s persecuted and dispossessed people, that their work may bear the fruits of comfort, peace, and justice.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 6: 6-11
On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint 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 1) they will be produced by the Spirit of God living in you, and 2) they will procure the Christian spirit for your disciples. In possessing this spirit, which is the 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 take pride in what you are doing. 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? 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; by this means you will draw his blessings and graces upon yourselves and all your labors.
Prayer
Eternal Father, many times we are too influenced by what we want others to think of us. We look for ways to appear impressive to the world. Teach us how to be humble of heart and ready to serve one another, especially those most in need. May we respond to others with kindness, and to judge all they say and do with the patience and understanding that we would desire for ourselves. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.