Friday 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 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
From the Seventh Meditation for the Time of the Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
You must, then, regard your work, which has been entrusted to you by pastors and by fathers and mothers, as one of the most important and necessary services in the Church.
This means that you are called to lay the foundation for the building of the Church when you instruct children in the mystery of the most Holy Trinity and the mysteries accomplished by Jesus Christ when he was on earth.
For, according to Saint Paul, without faith it is impossible to please God and consequently be saved and enter the homeland of heaven, because faith is the foundation of the hope that we have. The knowledge, then, that each must have of the faith, the instruction that must be given concerning the faith to those who are ignorant of it, is one of the most important things in our religion.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son is our light and our life. When we follow him, we come to know your truth and love. Help us to be worthy disciples whose hearts always long for you. Fill us with a hunger and thirst for what is right, merciful and compassionate people who are instruments of your peace and healing. Above all, strengthen us in our faith and zeal for doing the work of serving your people, especially those who are most in need. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.