Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
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 15:18-21
Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”
From the Ninth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Let it be clear, then, in all your conduct toward the children who are entrusted to you, that you regard yourselves as the ministers of God, carrying out your ministry with love and a sincere and true zeal, accepting with much patience the difficulties you have to suffer, willing to be despised by men and to be persecuted, even to give your life for Jesus in the fulfillment of your ministry.
Prayer
Eternal Father, the greatest gift that you have given us is the gift of faith. Create within us humble and hope-filled spirits, so that we will not hesitate to meet the world’s brokenness as instruments of your compassion, peace, and justice. Grant that we always will be worthy disciples to your Son and worthy builders of your Kingdom. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.