Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Intention: That God will continue to bless Lasallian schools with the courage and zeal to proclaim the Gospel through its fidelity to Christ’s teachings, its openness to the Holy Spirit, and its service of all of God’s children.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
From the Seventh Meditation for the Time of 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, each day your Son’s word fills us with the seeds of new life. When we are tempted to remain still and cold, rejuvenate us. When we are afflicted by selfishness and pride, heal us. When we are unsettled by fear and worries, steady us. Help us to bring to each day a love for you that lives in our love for others, especially those who are most in need of its comfort. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.