Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For all students returning to our schools, especially those who arrive carrying hardship at home, that they may find a steady welcome in their teachers and a place of belonging in their classrooms.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 19:16-22
A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
From the Second Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
God has had the goodness to remedy so great a misfortune by the establishment of the Christian Schools, where the teaching is offered free of charge and entirely for the glory of God, where the children are kept all day, learn to read, to write, and their religion, and are always kept busy, so that when their parents want them to go to work, they are prepared for employment. Thank God, who has had the goodness to employ you to procure such an important advantage for children. Be faithful and exact to do this without any payment, so that you can say with Saint Paul, The source of my consolation is to announce the Gospel free of charge, without having it cost anything to those who hear me.
Prayer
Eternal Father, the young man kept every commandment and still walked away, because what he owned had come to own him. Show us honestly what we are holding. Loosen our grip on the things that make us cautious, so that we can answer you freely when you call. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.