Sixth Sunday of Easter
Intention: For the young people of our world, that all adults may accept the sacred responsibility of loving and caring for our children and for the lives that we inspire and guide them to live.
Today’s Gospel | John 14:23-29
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”
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 they will be produced by the Spirit of God living in you,
- Because they will procure for your disciples the Christian spirit.
In possessing this spirit, which is the very 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 pride yourselves over what you do. 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? And 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 himself; by this means you will draw upon yourselves and all your labors his blessing and grace.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you are our life and light. Teach us to love as we should. Guide us in your ways and create in us hearts that are filled with fire of your love. Strengthen us in times of doubt, so we will never forget that there is no truth and no purpose apart from you. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.