Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For comfort and relief to all victims of epidemics and natural disasters, especially in regions where resources and support are scarce.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 14:1, 7-11
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
From the Second Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Is your main care, then, to instruct your disciples in the maxims of the holy Gospel and the practice of the Christian virtues? Have you anything more at heart than helping them find their happiness in these practices? Do you regard the good you are trying to achieve in them as the foundation of all the good they will practice for the rest of their life? The habits of virtue that are cultivated during youth encounter less resistance in corrupt nature and form the deepest roots in the hearts of those in whom they have been formed.
If you want the instructions you give to those whom you have to instruct to be effective in drawing them to the practice of good, you must practice these truths. You must be full of zeal, so that your students may be able to receive a share in the grace that is in you for doing good and your zeal may draw down on you the Spirit of God to inspire your students in the same way.
Prayer
Eternal Father, in our lives we must decide how best to answer your call to use the gifts that you have given to us. At times we can become confused and think that the best fruit of our labor is the recognition that it brings to us. Your Son called us to live as servants, doing your will for the sake of your Kingdom and not to gain glory for ourselves. Help us to accept your wisdom and to trust in your ways, and teach us to strive only for what is good and right in your eyes. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.