Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For all who seek roles of leadership and advocacy in society, that their hearts and minds will be open to God’s wisdom and guidance.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
From the Meditation on Saint Hilarion | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
You can perform several miracles in regard to you and your work: in your own regard, by an entire fidelity to grace, not letting any movement of grace go by without corresponding with it; in regard to your work, by touching the hearts of the wayward children entrusted to your care, by making them docile and faithful to the maxims of the holy Gospel and to their practice, and by teaching them to be pious and recollected in church and during prayers and devoted to the performance of their duty in school and at home. Such are the miracles that God gives you the power to perform and that he asks of you.
Prayer
Eternal Father, to live well, we must learn to do your will. There are days when this is not easy, when our lives are a puzzle that we do not know how to put together. Help us in those moments to be awake and watch for the signs of your presence. Thank you for leading us to the right paths, especially those that we might not recognize on our own, and for guiding us through the ups and downs of trying to be good persons. And just as you bring light into our lives, may we strive to be channels of your grace to each other, pointing with care and zeal the way to your heart. We ask this of who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.