Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
Intention: For the gifts of integrity, dedication, and compassion for all who serve as educators, formators, and caretakers of the young.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 10:1-12
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”
From the Meditation on Saint Francis | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
You are required by your work to love the poor, because the task you have in this work is to be devoted to their instruction. Look upon them, with Saint Francis, as images of Jesus Christ and as those who are best disposed to receive his Spirit in abundance. In this way the more affection you show for them, the more you will belong to Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son calls us to love one another as you love us. It is up to us to be channels of your peace and healing through the compassion and mercy that we have for all, especially those most in need. Give us the grace to say yes to your call, living with hands ready to serve and hearts ready to welcome. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.