Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Hilarion (c.291-371)

Saint Hilarion was born in Palestine. He converted to Christianity and felt a calling to a life of prayer and solitude. Hilarion spent time in Egypt with Saint Anthony, who also sought prayer and solitude. While living out his vocation, Hilarion experienced spiritual dryness, temptations, and anguish. Even during these hard times in the desert, Saint Hilarion is credited with performing miracles. Over time, the fame and popularity of this recluse grew, much to his chagrin. People were drawn to Hilarion as a source of spiritual knowledge and peace. A small group of disciples also developed who wanted to follow Hilarion, but he only wanted to live a life of solitude. He began a series of travels to find a place where he could be secluded from the world. He eventually ended up in Cyprus. where he died in 371. Saint Hilarion is credited as the founder of monasticism in Palestine.

Reflection

We are often faced with obstacles when trying to live out our vocations. Through these hard times we need to remember Saint Hilarion, who persevered with his vocation even through spiritual dryness, temptations, and anguish. Ask the Lord for Saint Hilarion's dedication when you run into difficulties fulfilling the vocation that you are called to by Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I know that you have a special purpose and plan for my life. Help me to live out my vocation, even when I am faced with obstacles that I feel I cannot overcome. Please help me to remember that you are always here to assist me, Lord, and that I can do anything with your help and love.

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 2

Some days are awesome and others are dismal. Our faith tells us that we approach God for love and mercy on all days. You may find it is easier to thank God and praise him than to beg him for help and mercy. However, we need to be bold and ask God for support in dealing with our concerns and troubles and the injustices we have endured. Because Jesus died for us, was raised by the Father, and sent us the Holy Spirit, we have abundant resources at our disposal. We are the losers if we lack courage and do not approach God for his grace and the energy to get through hard times. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

In this Sunday's Gospel, Mark reemphasizes a critically important aspect of being a disciple of Jesus: to be a follower of Jesus Christ means to be a servant of all people. To be first and greatest is to serve the needs of all, as Jesus did. Just as Jesus asked James and John if they could drink from his cup, the same question is directed to us as followers of Jesus. What is our answer? (Taken from "Youth Engaging Scripture: Diving into the Sunday Gospels")