Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Intention: In thanksgiving for all Lasallian educators, whose faith and zeal for their ministry continues to inspire them to strive to make their schools places of salvation for all, especially those most in need.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”
From the Meditation on Saint Barnabas | St. John Baptist de La Salle
Do you act in such a way that you have as much kindness and affection for the children you instruct as Saint Barnabas had for the people for whose conversion and salvation he was working? The more tenderness you have for the members of Jesus Christ and of the Church who are entrusted to you, the more God will produce in them the wonderful effects of his grace.
Prayer
Eternal Father, in your Son we can see what it means to be a person of character and integrity. Inspire us in our words and actions to be righteous and true. May we overcome the weaknesses that tempt us to be dishonest or hypocritical, and instead be humble and sincere in all of our relationships with others. Guide us to live virtuous and caring lives. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.