Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Intention: That the darkness of stigma, exclusion, and marginalization might be dispelled by the light of understanding, acceptance, and respect for the dignity of every person.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 8: 1-3
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
From the Meditation on Saint Cyprian | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
One of the things that contributes most to impress the truth of the Gospel in people’s hearts and to make them appreciate it is when those who teach this truth, as ministers of Jesus Christ and dispensers of his mysteries, willingly endure persecution and practice what Saint Paul says, We are cursed, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it; we are insulted, and we respond with prayers; we are regarded as the refuse of the world, but we are not disheartened. Do you have this disposition? It is necessary for you if you wish to do good in your work.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you are the source of all that is good. Each day is here for us to somehow find how to put ourselves at one with your will. You call to us through the people and experiences that are all around us. You call to us through the thoughts and the silences that are inside us. And you wait patiently for us to learn how to walk in your ways. So we pray, keep us faithful as we strive to follow you. Keep us in your presence and inspire us to give voice to your word not just through our own but through our actions and our example. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with our Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.