Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: In thanksgiving for the charism of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the tradition of Lasallian education, where faith in the presence of God and zeal for the salvation of souls continue to make Lasallian schools places of fulfillment and of hope for all.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”
From the Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
It is easy to conclude from these examples that your zeal for the children who are under your guidance would be very imperfect if you exercised it only by instructing them. It will only become perfect if you practice what you are teaching them. Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and the heart than words, especially for children, for they do not yet have a mind sufficiently able to reflect, and they ordinarily model themselves on the example of their teachers. They are led more readily to do what they see done for them than what they hear told to them, above all when the teachers’ words are not in harmony with the teachers’ actions.
Prayer
Eternal Father, in your Son we can see what it means to be a person of character and integrity. Inspire us in our words and actions to be righteous and true. May we overcome the weaknesses that tempt us to be dishonest or hypocritical, and be humble and sincere in all of our relationships with others. Guide us to live virtuous and caring lives. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.