Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: That we may nurture a culture of vocation that invites and inspires all people to discern how to live their lives as their best and truest selves.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with brother will be liable to judgment.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”
From the First Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
It is characteristic of the providence of God and of his vigilance over human conduct to substitute for fathers and mothers people who have enough knowledge and zeal to bring children to the knowledge of God and of his mysteries. According to the grace of Jesus Christ that God has given to them, they are like good architects, who give all possible care and attention to lay the foundation of religion and Christian piety in the hearts of these children, a great number of whom would otherwise be abandoned.
You, then, whom God has called to this ministry, work according to the grace that has been given to you to instruct by teaching and to exhort by encouraging those who are entrusted to your care, guiding them with attention and vigilance in order to fulfill toward them the principal duty of fathers and mothers toward their children.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son came to teach us how to know you. The words that he gave us help us to do those things that are in accord with your ways. We pray that you will bless us with the grace to understand the truth that lives within those words, so that we will keep not only the letter but the spirit of the Gospel. May we always be awake to the lessons of life that reveal your heart to us. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.