Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For a greater respect for human life, particularly for the unborn and for those living with disabilities, so that we will open our hearts to the sacredness of all life in all of its expressions.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 12:1-7
At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
From the Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Your zeal for the children you instruct would not go very far and would not have much of a result or success if it were limited only to words. To make it effective, your example must support your instructions, and this is one of the main signs of your zeal.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you sent to us your Son so that we might learn how to live our lives with humility and compassion. Teach us to work without greed, to serve without pride, to love without selfishness. May we follow Jesus’ call to be poor in spirit, letting the knowledge that we are trying to do your will be our wealth and our security. Awaken us to those in our midst who are in need and help us to be your ambassadors to them. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.