Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest
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 13:54-58
Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
From the Eighth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint James says, If someone says that he has the faith and that he does not have the works, of what use to him is his faith; can it save him? What would it benefit you, then, to teach your disciples the truths of the faith if you do not teach them to practice good works? For faith that is not accompanied by works is dead.
It will not, then, be enough for you to have instructed your disciples about the mysteries and the truths of our holy religion if you have not helped them learn the chief Christian virtues and if you have not taken an altogether special care to help them put these virtues into practice, as well as all the good of which they are capable at their age. For no matter how much faith they may have or how lively it may be, if they do not commit themselves to practice good works, their faith will be of no use to them.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you sent to us your son Jesus not just so that we would worship him, but so that we would follow him. Sometimes we can confuse having faith with living faith. Fill our hearts with a passion for truth and integrity, not just for believing the right things, but for doing the right things. Help us to use our lives to proclaim the Gospel and to be the sound of your call to all, and to be faithful guides and examples to those who you have entrusted to our care. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.