November 12, 2012 
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
Saint of the day
Saint Josaphat (c.1580-1623)
This saint, who was a bishop and martyr, spent his life working for the unity of all Christians. He was a reform-minded bishop who brought order and proper procedure into his diocese. Josephat also helped bring the Eastern Church of the Slavic countries into union with the Western Church (Rome). Tragically, he was killed by Christians who were determined to keep that from happening. Today we Christians are still divided, with 64 percent Roman Catholic, 13 percent Eastern Churches, and 23 percent Protestant. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Reflection
There is an unbelievable amount of religious conflict in the world today, even among our own Christian brothers and sisters. What message does this division in our own faith give to the 71 percent of the world that is non-Christian? Pray for unity.
Prayer
Spirit of unity, I pray that all the churches who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior may someday be united again. Help me be an ambassador for Christian unity. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 491
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Red
Daily readings
Reading 1: Titus 1:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 17:1-6
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Responsorial Psalm
What does it mean to yearn to see God's "face" - why not His arms or legs or back? And moreover, if God is Spirit, does He even have body parts? To long to see God's face is an expression used throughout Scripture. Even though God is Spirit and does not have an actual 'face', we use this expression to mean that we want to know God deeply and intimately. Have you ever thought you recognized someone from behind, only to realize, when they turned around, that you did not know them? This is because the face is a feature that make a person totally unique. When we say that we long to see God's face, it means we desire to know and recognize God in those distinct features that make Him God - we want to know the goodness of God, the mercy of God, the compassion and justice and love of God. In Heaven, we will be "face to face" with God, meaning all that makes us unique will be seen by God, and all that makes Him unique will be seen by His people. Heaven will be a state of deep and intimate knowing, praising, and loving.
