Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: That our Lasallian schools will continue to be places where the sinfulness of exclusion and marginalization is dispelled by the light of acceptance and respect.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
From the Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Consider that the purpose of the coming of the Son of God into this world was to destroy sin. This must also be the main purpose of the establishment of the Christian Schools and, therefore, the first object of your zeal. It must lead you to allow nothing in the children under your guidance that could displease God. If you observe in them something that offends God, you must immediately do all that you are able to remedy the problem.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you call all people to do your will and help to build your Kingdom on earth. As adults, we have a special responsibility to do this through the love and care that we give to our children. We pray for the guidance of your Holy Spirit, that we will possess the compassion and wisdom to do right by the young people of the world, especially the poor, the marginalized, the exploited, and the neglected. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.