Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For all who have been entrusted with the responsibilities of leadership and governance, that they will seek peace and justice, and work together for the common good.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Consider Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd of the Gospel, who seeks the lost sheep, puts it on his shoulders, and carries it back to restore it to the fold. Because you are taking his place, consider that you are obliged to do the same thing. Ask him for the grace needed to procure the conversion of hearts. You must, then, be very devoted to prayer to succeed in your ministry. You must constantly represent the needs of your disciples to Jesus Christ, explaining to him the difficulties that you have experienced in guiding them. Jesus Christ, seeing that you regard him as the one who can do everything in your work, whereas you are an instrument that must be moved only by him, will not fail to grant you what you ask of him.
Prayer
Eternal Father, Jesus came to us as the light of the world that restores us to life. We pray for faith like is strong in the face of confusion or despair. May the radiance of your love scatter the darkness of our hearts and free us from those things that belong to darkness. Teach us to walk always as children of life and light. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.