Memorial of Saint Athanasius,
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Intention: For all youth, that they might receive the love and accompaniment that they need to discover and embrace their best, truest selves.
Today’s Gospel | John 15:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
From the Meditation on Saint Athanasius | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Be ready to endure injuries, outrages, and calumnies in return for all the good you have tried to do for others.1 This is the main reward that God promises in this world and often the only one we receive from the poor in compensation for the good we do for them. Prepare your heart to accept these trials with love.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son asked that we remain united with him and in him. So many times, we have broken away from him and each other. Forgive us for forgetting that we were made to be one in you. Blot away our sins, purify our hearts, and guide us by your Holy Spirit into the unity that is your love. May we always live as signs of your presence and channels of your word and your love. We as this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.