Saturday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: That all people will have a deep and abiding respect for the sacredness and dignity of all life so that we will recognize and welcome it in all of its varied expressions and aspirations.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
From the Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Your zeal for the children you instruct would not go very far and would not have much of a result or success if it were limited only to words. To make it effective, your example must support your instructions, and this is one of the main signs of your zeal.
Prayer
Eternal Father, it is through the power of your Holy Spirit that we have the strength and the courage to proclaim your word to a world that often refuses to listen. We pray that you will fill us with your spirit to inspire and guide us. Help us to find ways to be signs of your presence, especially in the midst of pain and of need. May we always use our lives to speak your truth. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.