November 21, 2012 
Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saint of the day
Saint Albert of Louvain (1166-1192)
Saint Albert of Louvain entered into religious life at the age of 12. However, he left the priesthood at the age of 21 to become a knight of Count Baldwin. He planned to go on a crusade, but did not, and rejoined religious life. Albert was appointed as bishop of Liege, which upset Count Baldwin, who had hoped that one of his relatives would get the appointment. In anger, Count Baldwin sought the help of Emperor Henry VI, who removed Albert and appointed Baldwin's relative as bishop. However, Albert also appealed to Rome, and his appointment as bishop was acknowledged as valid. The struggle for control of Liege was unrelenting, and eventually took its toll. A group of knights sent by Emperor Henry approached Albert and stabbed him to death. After the attack, Emperor Henry VI's plan of control backfired, and he was required to do penance for his murderous actions.
Reflection
We all try to gain control of the things in our lives. Whether it's how much we weigh, the job that we have, or the person that we have a relationship with, we like to make sure that things go our way. Spend a few minutes with the Lord. Ask him for help, allowing you to give up control of every minor detail and instead trusting in his plan for you.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, grant me the gift of being joyful in all circumstances, confident that you are in control of my ultimate destiny no matter what happens to me. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 499
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: White
Daily readings
Reading 1: Revelation 4:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 19:11-28
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
It was time for the religious festival of the Passover, and Jesus, always respecting the holy days of his religious tradition, went to Jerusalem to celebrate it. We, too, have special holy days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, Pentecost, Marian feasts, and saints' feasts throughout the year. Many people look forward to those feasts as opportunities to remember and celebrate all that God has done for us. Like Jesus, you can honor what you believe by celebrating your faith both at home and at church--around the family table and the altar table. Talk with your parents about how you can celebrate your religion at home. Perhaps you can have special meals on your saints' feasts or other important feasts. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
