Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: That the darkness of stigma, exclusion, and marginalization might be dispelled by the light of compassion, respect, and welcome for every person as a child of God.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.
From the First Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
God wills not only that all come to the knowledge of truth but also that all be saved. He cannot truly desire this without providing the means for it and, therefore, without giving children the teachers who will assist them in the fulfillment of his plan. This, says Saint Paul, is the field that God cultivates, the building that he is raising, and you are the ones whom he has chosen to help in this work by announcing to these children the Gospel of his Son and the truths that are contained in it.
Prayer
Eternal Father, each day of our lives is a new call to follow you and to do your will. We pray that we will hear you and answer with our promise to follow your ways. May we take up our own crosses and proclaim your Son’s Good News through our work, service, and love for others, especially those who are most in need of care and attention. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.