Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Edward the Confessor (1003-1066)

Saint Edward the Confessor was born a prince in England. His father was overthrown during the Danish invasion, and Edward and his brother were sent to be killed in Denmark. The officer in charge of the transport took pity on the boys, and sent them instead to Sweden. Once in Sweden, they were raised and educated by the king of Hungary. After an unsuccessful attempt to take back the crown, Edward returned to England in 1042, and finally regained the throne. He was interested in all things religious, and was a fair and worthy king. King Edward resisted invasion, helped return the king of Scotland to his thrown, settled unfair taxes, was charitable to the poor, and had a great love of God. To please his people, he married, but both he and his wife remained celibate. He constructed churches, including Westminster Abbey, and is said to have had the healing power of touch. Because of his devotion to God, he was given the surname "the Confessor." Saint Edward the Confessor was canonized in 1161.

Reflection

Even though Saint Edward the Confessor had a lot of power as a king, he used his power to do what was best for his subjects, instead of making selfish gains for himself. Do you do what's best for those that you are in charge of? Do you strive to do what's fair and just?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to exercise true Christian leadership. Assist me in making my life one that reflects your values and inspires others to follow you. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

Our clothes often identify us. We choose to wear our school colors, the logos of our favorite professional teams, shirts with the name of our favorite bands. We are proud to be identified with these people or groups. But what does it mean to be clothed in Christ? Being clothed in Christ is a metaphor that means our beliefs and actions reflect the attitudes, beliefs, and values of Jesus. The way we speak and live shows we are proud to be identified with him. When people see you, how are they reminded of Christ? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

People were so enthusiastic about Jesus's preaching and healings that they thought his mother must be very special. But Jesus made it clear that his mother, Mary, was not blessed because she bore him, but because she heard God's word and kept it. All of us are blessed when we hear God's word and keep it. Jesus is saying that holiness is open to all generations, to all who hear his word, not just to those who had physical contact with him in Judea or Galilee. Where do you regularly hear God's word? How do you keep it? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)