Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For the will to live with greater compassion and welcome toward all people, especially where histories of misunderstanding and fear divide us.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 14: 13-21
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over– twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.
From the Third Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Because you are ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ in the work that you do, you must act as representing Jesus Christ. He wants your disciples to see him in you and to receive your instructions as if he were instructing them. They must be convinced that your instructions are the truth of Jesus Christ, who speaks with your mouth, that it is only in his name that you teach, and that he has given you authority over them.
Prayer
Eternal Father, everything you do is absolute good. May we let ourselves experience you today in all of your abundant kindness, humble in your presence and grateful for your gifts. Open our eyes to those who are living with emptiness so that we may reach out to them. Bless us with the faith to believe that we really can multiply the effects of your love and make a difference in this world. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.