Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Abercius Marcellus (d.200)

Saint Abercius Marcellus was the bishop of Hierapolis in what is modern-day Turkey as well as a missionary. He was incarcerated for a period of time because he created a danger to civil order by countering paganism. During his imprisonment, he was called to Rome to perform an exorcism on the daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He succeeded in exorcising the demon, and was allowed to return to his see. He wrote his own epitaph, commenting on the unifying power of Baptism and the Eucharist.

Reflection

Sometimes we forget how meaningful and powerful the Sacraments are, and how deeply they involve us in the Church. Saint Abercius Marcellus knew the true unifying power of Baptism and the Eucharist. Meditate on the Sacraments that you have received and the ones that you will receive someday. Ask God to help you understand their importance in your Christian faith.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me to be rooted in God through my prayer, the Sacraments, and my involvement in the Church. Remind me daily that Jesus Christ is my friend and Savior. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

It is so easy for us to measure ourselves and others y the amount of money we or they have. We dream of when we can have a good job and make lots of money so we can buy more things. We want designer clothes, hot cars, big houses, the latest computer games, and so much more. Most often we aren't even conscious of where those desires come from. The world we live in suggests they are important, and we just absorb the materialistic values of society. Jesus's words are a challenge to us to look at what truly matters. If life is not about having lots of things, what is it about? Make a list of things and people that are important to you. What makes them important? How can the things be used for the good of others? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)