Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: That we all will come to share a deep and unconditional respect for the sanctity and dignity of life.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 2:23-28
As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
From the Meditation on Saint Sulpice | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
When the archbishopric of Bourges became vacant, the king named Saint Sulpice to fill it. His piety caused him to be chosen in preference to all the others who were seeking this dignity. His piety also made him labor with zeal and success for the salvation of souls. Oh, how true it is, as Saint Paul says, that piety is useful for all things and produces great blessings, not only in those people who possess it but also in those who see them, speak with them, and receive their instructions. Everything in them preaches piety.
Can the same thing be said of you, who ought to communicate this spirit to the children whom you have to guide? Is it enough for them to see you to be well behaved themselves? Is your behavior sufficient to encourage them to practice virtue? Does everything you tell them produce in them the spirit of piety and religion? This is the main benefit that you must impart to them, the best gift you can give them when they leave you.
Prayer
Eternal Father, all of your creation is holy and every day belongs to you. Wherever our being meets your being, we are on sacred ground and your presence surrounds us and calls us to oneness with you. Set us free from false piety and help us to live our whole lives as sacred space for ourselves and for others. Teach us to seek salvation in our relationship with others, especially those who are 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.