Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: For persons living in places of crime and violence, that through the world’s efforts, safety and peace and new promise for their futures will soon be theirs.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
From the Meditation on the Holy Guardian Angels | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
How much this help we receive from our good angels ought to lead us to respect them! Must this not also inspire us with devotion toward them and with confidence in their protection? We owe them respect, says Saint Bernard, because of their presence; devotion, because of their kindness toward us; confidence, because of their care to guard us. We are also obliged to acknowledge the unbounded charity with which they obey the order to take care of us in such great and such continual need.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son asks us to understand how to live our lives in service of his will. We are called to care for one another selflessly and tirelessly. Just as you watch over and guide us, so we should give our care and vigilance to others, especially those who have been entrusted to us or are most in need of us. Grace us with the compassion and humility we need to do these things. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen