John 8, 12-20

Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gospel: John 8, 12-20
Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.”; Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection
John 1:4 (NIV) states, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” As Christians, we are called to shine forth with the same life, joy, hope and love that Christ, the light of the world, brings to humanity. Through our words, and more so our actions, we become living testimonies to others of this beautiful kinship with the Father and His beloved Son. Amidst the brokenness around and within us, let us not forget to see and use this light to uplift the spirits of our brothers and sisters. As we glow with God’s love, let us help make others recognize that they too bear within them the power to shine forth. When have we last taken notice of this immense gift that God, from eternity, has given to us, His children?

Lasallian Guiding Principle
In heeding to the call of service, the Principles of Lasallian Social Development impels members of the Lasallian family to “effect liberating action.” Such action is “mutually empowering, enabling individuals and institutions engaged in the same, towards increasingly realizing their own worth as persons, and as a collective, deriving joy and fulfillment from the faith-strengthening experiencing of inducing social change.” The bigger challenge is for us to assist our fellowmen beset by harsh social realities towards realizing their full potential, seeing their intrinsic worth as children of God, and embracing that power to enact the change they desire. Integral liberation not only means reprieve from “unjust and dehumanizing structures” but also freedom from “human ignorance, immaturity and psychological impediments” so that in the end we are able to give ourselves fully, gratuitously and generously; ever willing to “go the extra mile.”

Prayer for the Tercentenary of the Founder’s passing to Eternal Life (adapted)
God, our Father and Mother, You love us with endless mercy. You call us to be your sons and daughters.
Give us a generous heart. A heart of flesh that “burns within us.” A heart always willing to love. A compassionate heart for those who suffer. A heart where there is a place to live our commitment. Teach us to go beyond our borders. Teach us to discover you in the lowliest. Teach us to look with the eyes of faith. Teach us to share our mission with all Lasallians of the whole world. Holy Spirit, You call us to live with joy. Fill us with your grace to live the values of the Gospel. Fill us with your grace to be active members in your Church. Fill us with your grace so that we may be credible witnesses, together with the entire Lasallian Family, in the midst of our world. Together and by association, we wish to renew our Lasallian commitment, and, in an attitude of thanksgiving, celebrate these 300 years of life. We ask this through Mary’s intercession, Queen and Mother of the Christian Schools, and through the intercession of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Universal Patron of Christian Educators. Amen.
Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

VALUE: Zeal for Service (Nurturing Service)
CULTURE THEME: We give selflessly and receive graciously.
PRODUCTIVITY THEME: GOING THE EXTRA MILE
ICV Week 2: We generously offer our time, talents, and treasure.

Sources:
C. (n.d.) Daily Gospel. Retrieved 4 April 2019 from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/
DLSU ITS. DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA (n.d). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family

Prepared: Van Jerwin P. Mercado, DLSMHSI
through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages, Lasallian Formation and Social Action

Our Daily Lasallian Reflection and Prayer is DLSMHSI’s gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.