Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For God’s blessing on this week’s Lasallian Student Leaders gathering, Lasallian Social Justice Institute, and Lasallian Volunteers Orientation.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 12:38-42
Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”
From the Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Consider that the purpose of the coming of the Son of God into this world was to destroy sin. This must also be the main purpose of the establishment of the Christian Schools and, therefore, the first object of your zeal. It must lead you to allow nothing in the children under your guidance that could displease God. If you observe in them something that offends God, you must immediately do all that you are able to remedy the problem.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you call us to turn away from our sinfulness so that we might be able to recognize and know you. Send us your Spirit to teach us how to be your body on earth. Make of us a people who seek always to build your Kingdom. In the midst of separation, let us speak for unity. In the midst of turbulence, let us speak for peace. In the midst of selfishness, let us speak for justice. Break down the walls which separate us and unite us with your bonds of love. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.