Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Marcian (d.387)

Saint Marcian was a hermit in the fourth century. During that time, living the secluded, prayerful life of a hermit was very popular. Marcian lived in a tiny cell that was too small for him to stand up straight or lie down flat. He nourished his body with only what he needed to survive, mainly bread. Despite his peculiar ways, he drew in many followers who wanted to live by his prayerful example. He is celebrated for his holiness and miracles.

Reflection

Many of us are more focused on our material comforts than on our spiritual richness. Saint Marcian used his lack of comfort to enrich his faith. By living on the bare minimum, Saint Marcian could devote more time and energy to prayer and celebrating God's love. Do you devote too much of your time and energy to material comforts? Would living on less make you realize what is really important in life?

Prayer

God of mercy, of course I want to stay on your good side, but I want to be comfortable too. Please help me to remember that all my successes are good as long as I keep my priorities straight, with you at the top of the list. (Taken from "Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

On this day we remember those we love who have died. Carl's dad died when Carl was ten years old. They used to ride their bikes together to a nearby park, buy ice cream, sit in the grass, and talk while they ate it. Every year on November 2, no matter what the weather is like, Carl visits that spot, talks to his dad, and prays for him with him. Some people go to the cemetery on this day and put flowers on the graves of those they miss. It is good to remember and honor the dead. (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 so nice to have someone 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 to 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 feeling 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”)