Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Intention: For vocations to the Brothers and to religious life, that women and men may hear and answer God’s call to serve his people as members of religious communities.
Today’s Gospel | John 15:26-16:4a
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”
From the First Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
This is what God does by diffusing the fragrance of his teaching throughout the whole world by human ministers. Just as he commanded light to shine out of darkness, so he kindles a light in the hearts of those destined to announce his word to children, so that they may be able to enlighten those children by unveiling for them the glory of God.
Because God in his mercy has given you such a ministry, do not falsify his word, but gain glory before him by unveiling his truth to those whom you are charged to instruct. Let this be your whole effort in the instructions you give them, looking upon yourselves as the ministers of God and the dispensers of his mysteries.
Prayer
Eternal Father, in you we find our life, our nourishment, and our strength. When we are weary, you renew us. When we are fearful, you reassure us. Create in us zeal for your Kingdom and faith-filled hearts that inspire us to serve one another. May we never be dismayed or defeated, but always trust that you are our God. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.