Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Intention: For the outcasts and downtrodden of our community and our nation, and for all who offer them refuge and compassion.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 11:47-54
The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
From the Meditation on Saint Ignatius, Martyr | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
If you love Jesus Christ well, you will try in every possible way to enkindle his holy love in the hearts of the children you are forming to be his disciples. See to it that they often think of Jesus, their good and only Lord, that they often speak of Jesus, and that they long only for Jesus and desire only Jesus.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you sent your Son to us so that we might learn how to live our lives with humility and compassion. May we be poor in spirit, working without greed, serving without pride, and loving without selfishness. Awaken us to those in our midst who are in need and help us to be your ambassadors to them. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.