October 16, 2012 
Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Marguerite d’Youville (1701-1771)
Saint Marguerite d'Youville was born in rural Quebec in 1701 into serious poverty, and dropped out of school to help her widowed mother and younger brothers and sisters. She married unhappily when she was 21, and when her husband died she brought up her two sons alone by running a little store. By the time her sons were grown, she'd developed such a reputation for helping out the poor whenever and wherever she could that she and three young friends joined together to start a group called the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, now better known as the Grey Nuns. Among other great accomplishments, Saint Marguerite and the Sisters of Charity started the first home for abandoned children in North America. (Taken from "Saints Passionate and Peculiar.")
Reflection
Even though life may throw you a few curve balls, you can still minister to others and grow in your faith. It wasn't Saint Marguerite d'Youville's plan to drop out of school or to enter into an unhappy marriage, but through these obstacles she still helped the hurting and less fortunate. Even though you may be hurting, struggling, or living unhappily, ministering to others can help you to feel God's love and joy, and can strengthen your faith. How can you help someone today?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to open my eyes today and discover where I can do an act of love for your sake. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 468
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Galatians 5:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
Gospel: Luke 11:37-41
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
Jesus asks us to reflect on a very important question today: What is more important - interior, or exterior cleanness? We all know about exterior cleanness - washing our hands before a meal, taking shower each day, and so on. But what does it even mean to have a clean interior? Jesus tells us that the Maker of the outside also made the inside. Our thoughts, feelings, reactions, judgments, and intentions are all part of what make up our inner life. These things should all be ordered toward good things. We should think about good things, feel honestly, react and judge generously, and always intend to do good to others.
