From today's second reading: "Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone . . . This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth."

From De La Salle: "God wills not only that all come to the knowledge of truth but also that all be saved. He cannot truly desire this without providing the means for it and, therefore, without giving children the teachers who will assist them in the fulfillment of his plan." (Med. 193.3)

Every one of us finds small, inspiring moments during the week, moments that keep us going and remind us that what we are doing is of value. For me, two moments from last week that stand out are the prayers that our young people wrote for the students at Cristo Rey Baton Rogue, and the prayer tree that our students created together in the Quality Education prayer service. For all the academic difficulties that these young men and women might experience, they have found that one of the cornerstones of their life is prayer, and they are willing to live a life of prayer and share it with others. That foundation first took root in their families, but it was clearly nurtured by you, their educators. We bring our students to the knowledge of the truth, but also lead them to salvation, and St. Paul reminds us that prayer is essential to this calling. We have learned, as De La Salle wrote, that "the more you devote yourself to prayer, the more you will also do well in your work" (Med. 95.1). We are blessed that San Miguel students have also learned from your example. May we continue to encourage them, and ourselves, to model the prayer that helps all of us reach salvation.

Live, Jesus, in our hearts!