Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest
Intention: For greater compassion and tolerance among all people, especially where histories of fear and misunderstanding divide us.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 16:13-23
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
From the Sixth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
You share in the ministry of the Guardian Angels by making known to children the truths of the Gospel, which you have been chosen by God to announce. You must teach them how to put these truths into practice, and you must have very great zeal to procure their accomplishment of this practice. In imitation of the great Apostle, you must encourage them to live in a manner worthy of God, because God has called them to his kingdom and his glory. Your zeal must go so far in this that to achieve it, you are ready to give your very life, so dear to you are the children entrusted to you.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son taught his disciples that with great authority comes great responsibility. So often we think of authority as power and not as stewardship. Help us to overcome the selfishness that draws us away from following you and serving others. Fill us with the faith and compassion to do your will and build your Kingdom. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.