Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Laurence O'Toole (1128-1180)

Saint Laurence O'Toole was born in the year 1128 in Ireland. At the age of 10 he became the hostage of one of his father's enemies and brought to the king of Leinster, who mistreated him. After two years of detention, he was delivered to the bishop of Glendalough. Laurence grew in virtue, and became abbot of the monastery at only 25 years old. He fulfilled his duties with prudence and virtue. Saint Laurence acted as a negotiator and peacemaker in dealings with King Henry II of England. Saint Laurence O'Toole died in 1180 of natural causes. He was canonized in 1225, and is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland.

Reflection

Even when we are in a terrible situation, with God's love and power something positive can come out of it. At only 10 years old, Saint Lawrence O'Toole became a captive of his father's enemies, was transported far away from home, and mistreated. However, he was soon brought to the bishop of Glendalough, where he grew in virtue and began his spiritual life. Ask the Lord for the strength to remember that, even in an awful situation, God can turn bad into good.

Prayer

God, I know that you are with me always and can turn bad into good. May I always be aware of your presence and goodness in every situation. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

Saint Leo was a pope who lived in the early centuries of the Church. Elected in 440, he was a talented administrator who was equally gifted at spiritual leadership. He was the first pope to claim to be Peter's heir and to have supreme authority over all the Church. He also strongly defended the teaching that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine against a heresy that taught that Jesus was only divine. He even courageously met with Attila the Hun and convinced him not to ransack the city of Rome. Leo understood the everyday needs of the people and was famous for his preaching. Saint Leo tried to live the advice Saint Paul wrote to Titus. Read it again thoughtfully and see which part you might improve on in your life. Pray to Saint Leo to help you. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Responsorial Psalm

Sometimes you may feel all alone. At those times it would be nice to have someone to take care of you--to solve all your problems and to be a faithful friend no matter what you did or what others said about you. Guess what! You do have someone like that, and you even know it when you stop and think about it. Psalm 23 is a famous prayer of confidence in the God who is always there for us. Most people today may not identify with sheep, but we can identify with the feelings that God's loving care makes all the difference when things get difficult. Pray Psalm 23 slowly and reflectively. Think about how each verse is true in your life. Consider memorizing this psalm so you can repeat it whenever you need reassurance of God's care. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

Jesus cured ten lepers, but only one came back to say thank you. And that leper was a foreigner. Needless to say, Jesus was disappointed in the nine who took their cure for granted. Jesus's words caution us not to take God's gifts for granted. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the caring people most of us have in our lives. How often do we take our parents, friends, teachers, and bothers and sister for granted? We sometimes fall into a mode of entitlement and act like we deserve all the good things and good people we have around us. Expressing gratitude is a sign of spiritual maturity. Make a list of the ten most important people in your life. Find a way to express genuine gratitude to them for being for you and with you. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)