Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For all students, parents, and teachers, that in the guidance of the Holy Spirit they may find the inspiration to journey wisely and bravely through these days of challenge and change.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 23:27-32
Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”
From the Fourteenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Because God has called you to your ministry in order to procure his glory and to give children the spirit of wisdom and the insight to know him and to enlighten the eyes of their hearts, you will give an account of how well you have instructed those who have been under your guidance. This is an inescapable obligation for you, and you will be punished for their ignorance in these matters (if it is your fault), just as if you had been ignorant of them.
Prayer
Eternal Father, we pray today for the grace of self-discipline. Our real power as persons is being able to use our gifts wisely and well. Help us to use this power to serve others, especially those most in need, working to build your Kingdom here on earth. Grant us the wisdom and the will to make good choices and to be our best and truest selves. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.