Christian witness

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli (d. 371)
Saint Peter Julian Eymard (d. 1868)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 51 Those on Local Errands or Work
Mass: Jr 18:1-8; Resp Ps 146; Mt 13:47-53

We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.

 (Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate, 14)

Thoughts go to the Holy Rule and the readings from yesterday and today. In both Chapters 50 and 51, St Benedict writes of the expectations and responsibilities of those who travel outside the monastery for one reason or another, whether the journey takes them locally or to a more distant location, for work or for an errand. First, the absent sister or brother should be sure not to neglect the Work of God, or the praying of the Divine Office. Secondly, the brother or sister should not presume to eat outside the monastery, unless permitted to do so by the abbot or abbess. What comes to mind, whatever the details prescribed, is 'remember what you are about'. We all have our God given vocations that are not separate from the rest of our lives. We are 'fish of every kind', united in the love of Christ Jesus, the sure foundation upon which we stand. Whether at work, home, play, school, on vacation or simply on an errand, we are to bear Christian witness 'wherever we find ourselves', with love, joy, and fidelity. Holy Spirit, help us to 'remember what we are about'.

Charity is the most effective form of witness, because in it people see the love of God.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, August 2, 2018)

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD,

PRAY FOR US.

'