Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Intention: That all who serve in the ministry of education be blessed with the strength and perseverance to continue during these difficult times to give care and attention to every student, especially those who are most in need.
Today’s Gospel | John 13:16-20
When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, the one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
From the Fourth Meditation for the Time of the Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Guard against any human attitude toward your disciples; do not take pride in what you are doing. These two things are capable of spoiling all the good there is in the performance of your duties. What have you in this regard that has not been given to you? If it has been given to you, why are you boasting as if you had it on your own?
Keep, then, the goals of your work as completely pure as those of Jesus Christ; by this means you will draw his blessings and graces upon yourselves and all your labors.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son calls us to open to you and to each other the fullness of our hearts. May we welcome you by welcoming all, especially those who are in desperate need of human love and fellowship. Let us devote ourselves to increasing our world’s compassion and hospitality. Above all, may we do these things with a great simplicity and humility, seeking only to be ambassadors of your presence. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.