Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: In thanksgiving for all Lasallian educators, whose faith and zeal for their ministry continues to make their schools places of salvation for all, especially those most in need.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 7:11-17
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, crying out “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
From the Third Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
All your care for the children entrusted to you would be useless if Jesus Christ did not give the quality, the power, and the efficacy needed to make your care useful. Because the branch of the vine cannot bear fruit of itself (our Lord says) unless it remains attached to the main stem, neither can you bear fruit if you do not remain in me. This will be the glory of my Father, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. What Jesus Christ says to his holy Apostles he also says to you, that you may understand that all the good you are able to do in your work for those entrusted to you will be true and effective only insofar as Jesus Christ gives it his blessing and you remain united with him. It is the same for you as it is for the branch of the vine, which can bear fruit only if it remains attached to the main stem and draws its sap and strength from the vine, which is also the source of all the goodness of the fruit.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son came that we might better know how to unite ourselves with your creative and saving presence. Help us to understand that each moment of our lives is an opportunity to do this. May we be part of the vine that is you, and be branches of your love, compassion, mercy, and justice as we strive to serve all people. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.