Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Intention: That all who serve in the ministry of education devote themselves to giving care and attention to every student, especially those who are most in need, by teaching their minds and touching their hearts.
Today’s Gospel | John 10:22-30
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
From the Third Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Because you are ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ in the work that you do, you must act as representing Jesus Christ. He wants your disciples to see him in you and to receive your instructions as if he were instructing them. They must be convinced that your instructions are the truth of Jesus Christ, who speaks with your mouth, that it is only in his name that you teach, and that he has given you authority over them.
They must also be convinced that they are a letter that Jesus Christ dictates to you, which you write each day in their heart, not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, who acts in you and by you through the power of Jesus Christ. He helps you triumph over all the obstacles that oppose the salvation of these children, enlightening them in the person of Jesus Christ to make them avoid all that could be displeasing to him.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son calls us to faith in him and in you who sent him. We pray for clear minds and open hearts to see you and to know you. Help us to recognize your presence in the kindness and comfort of others. Help us to recognize your strength in the healing and justice of others. Above all, may we allow you to lead us to where we need to be and with those whom we can serve. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.