Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr
Intention: For all persons who struggle with unemployment and economic hardship, that they receive the help and support that they need for themselves and their families.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 9:38-40
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”
From the Fifth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Ask God today for the grace to watch so well over the children confided to you that you will take every possible precaution to shield them from serious faults.
Ask God to be such good guides for them, through the light that you will procure for yourselves by turning to God and by the fidelity with which you do your work, that you will see clearly every obstacle to the good of their souls and keep away from the path of their salvation everything that could harm them.
This is the principal care you must have for the children entrusted to you. It is the main reason why God has entrusted you with so holy a ministry, and it is on this that God will call you to give a very exact account on the day of judgment.
Prayer
Eternal Father, how is it that we think that greatness lies in power, that life must always bend itself to our wills? Bless us with a humility that realizes that every one of us is both saint and sinner, both wise and foolish. Teach us how to not fear admitting our brokenness but rather to embrace it as a chance to understand and support one another. Help us always to treat and to serve one another in a spirit of faith, care, and vigilance. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.