Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest
Intention: For all those who serve as leaders in our Lasallian mission, that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit to great faith and vision.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 6:1-6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Jesus Christ, speaking to his Apostles, told them that he gave an example to them, so that they may do as he had done. He also wanted his disciples to accompany him at all the conversions he brought about, so that seeing how he acted, they could be guided and formed by his conduct in all they would have to do to win souls to God.
This is also what you must do, because Jesus Christ has chosen you among so many others to be his cooperators in the salvation of souls. In reading the Gospel, you must study the manner and the means that he used to lead his disciples to practice the truths of the Gospel.
Sometimes he proposed as a happiness everything that the world holds in horror, such as poverty, injuries, insults, slander, and every kind of persecution for the sake of justice, even telling his disciples that they ought to be glad and rejoice when such things happen to them.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you come to us at surprising times and in unexpected ways. Only through great faith will we be open to the mystery and power of your presence. Heal our small-mindedness so that we are always ready to recognize you and welcome you in the midst of our lives. Help us to be true ambassadors of your word and courageous servants of your will, proclaiming your Kingdom through the work of our hands and our hearts. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.