Thursday 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 13:47-53
Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.
From the Sixth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
God uses the angels not only to deliver those entrusted to them from the powers of darkness and make them grow in the knowledge of God but also to help them lead a life worthy of God, so that they will be pleasing to him in every way and produce good works of every sort. The angels are zealous for the good of those in their care, because of the commission they have received from God, the Father of light and of all good. They contribute, as far as they are able, to make those in their care worthy to share the lot of the saints.
Prayer
Eternal Father, the gift of your grace is a treasure that opens our eyes to the life-giving power of your love. We pray that bless us with industrious hands and generous hearts to build up your Kingdom. As you are present to us each and every day, let us become instruments of your presence for all, especially those most in need. Guide us to the persons and places that will reveal your will for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and make of us a caring and serving people. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.