November 16, 2012 
Friday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Gertrude (1256-1301)
Saint Gertrude was born at Eisleben, Saxony, in 1256. She was entrusted to the care of Benedictine nuns at the age of five. When she grew up, she became a Benedictine nun herself, and was elected abbess of the monastery at Helfta. Gertrude received a very good education, and was very creative and poetic. Her most accomplished mystical writing is "The Messenger of Divine Loving-Kindness." Gertrude was rebellious for her time, and adapted the writings of Scripture to be more applicable to her female audience. For instance, instead of the prodigal son, she referred to the prodigal daughter. Gertrude had a great devotion to the Sacred Humanity of Our Lord in His Passion and in the Blessed Eucharist. She also had a strong love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Gertrude is the patron saint of the West Indies.
Reflection
One of our greatest gifts from God is our creativity. Saint Gertrude was a very creative person, and expressed her creativity through her poetry, writing, and unique adaptations of Scripture. Ask God to help you use your creativity to better his Kingdom.
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with understanding and patience so that I can be creative at bringing peace wherever I find conflict. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 495
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: 2 John 4-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
Today's Gospel can be a little intimidating. That which is described in this part of Luke is commonly known as the Second Coming. Paul also discusses this concept in his letter to the Thessalonians. It is intimidating, but it is important to keep in mind: the end of the Christian journey is Heaven, and everyone is invited to Heaven through Christ's death and resurrection. However, some people will not chose to accept this invitation. Our time spent on earth is our time to chose - every moment of every day, we have time to chose the life that God is offering us; we also have the free will to chose life without God. In the end of time, at the Second Coming, everyone's choice will be permanent. In today's Gospel, this reality is made very clear. Be sure to accept the invitation to eternal life with God - and encourage and pray for those around you to do the same.
