Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For all who seek roles of leadership and advocacy in society, that their hearts and minds will be open to God’s wisdom and guidance.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
From the Fourteenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
When you appear before God, it will not be sufficient for you to have instructed the children entrusted to you, but you will be found guilty if you have not watched over their conduct. For it is your duty to watch over them exactly, being obliged to give an account to God for their souls. Have you considered carefully what it means to give an account to God for the salvation of a soul that is damned because you did not take care to lead it to what is right and to assist it to live accordingly?
Prayer
Eternal Father, to live our lives well, we must always be awake to your call. There are times when we do not pay attention and miss the signs of your presence. Help us to be vigilant, to open our eyes to your presence and to find the paths that we must follow. May we strive to know and do your will, always using our gifts to help build your Kingdom. We ask this of who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.