Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Intention: For the gifts of integrity, dedication, and compassion for all who serve as educators, formators, and caretakers of the young.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 10:17-24
The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Guard against any human attitude toward your disciples; do not take pride in what you are doing. 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? 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; by this means you will draw his blessings and graces upon yourselves and all your labors.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son has called us to proclaim his Gospel and work to build your Kingdom. It is only by your grace that we have heard this call and that we are able to walk as your Son’s disciples. Fill us with the wisdom and humility to know our place in your creation, and to embrace and use the gifts that we have only as you have willed. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.