From today's second reading: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."
From De La Salle (Med. 196.1): "You must constantly represent the needs of your disciples to Jesus Christ, explaining to him the difficulties that you have experienced in guiding them. Jesus Christ, seeing that you regard him as the one who can do everything in your work, whereas you are an instrument that must be moved only by him, will not fail to grant you what you ask of him."
At this time of the school year, when we are looking forward to the respite that the fall holiday provides, we often focus on the difficulties that our students are having. Because we take our responsibilities to educate seriously, helping them with all that they need, although a blessing, can also be wearing, frustrating, and tiring. It is here that the direction of De La Salle and the author of the Letter to the Hebrews rings true for us. In all that we endure, Jesus, fully human, "has similarly been tested", and so we can go to him in prayer, seeking help. As we look forward this week to the Heritage Festival, visits from college representatives, closing one sports season and starting another, coming closer to the next progress reports, and all else that will be asked of us that we cannot anticipate now, seek help in prayer, as much as you need. Do so confidently: we believe that our call, and the mission of our school, comes from God. God will not deny us the help that we need to carry out what he asks.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts!