Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Columban (543-615)

Saint Columban was a famous Irish missionary. Columban received a good education, and resolved to live a life of simplicity and abstinence. However, he began to worry that this might not be possible because he was tempted by the pretty Irish girls in his community. He was so seriously tormented by his lustful thoughts that he sought the guidance of a religious woman who was living as a hermit. She told him that if he wanted to maintain his purpose of simplicity and abstinence, he should go to a place where he would not be tempted. He heeded her advice, and began to live the monastic lifestyle, first at Lough Erne and then at Bangor. After many years of isolation and prayer, he and 12 like-minded missionaries traveled to Gaul. There, the missionaries were respected for their discipline, preaching, charity, and dedication to religious life. Columban founded numerous monasteries in Europe which became epicenters of religion and culture. One of the most famous is the Monastery of Bobbio, where he would eventually be called to his heavenly home. Columban is known for his writings on penance and against Arianism, his sermons, his poems, and his monastic rule. Saint Columban is the patron saint against floods, of Bobbio, Italy, and of motorcyclists.

Reflection

The world is full of temptations, and the media, along with some of our friends, urge us to partake in things that go against our Christian beliefs. When Saint Columban found himself tempted, he removed himself from the situation. Do you have the courage to remove yourself from situations of temptation? Ask the Lord for help in making good choices.

Prayer

Loving God, help me to make choices that reflect your desire and love. Please lead me away from temptation, but when I find myself there, deliver me from evil. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

Jesus was not a Christian - He was Jewish. The temple was the place that Jewish worship had taken place for many centuries; throughout the Old Testament there are many references to the temple of God. In the Old Testament, the temple is truly the 'dwelling place of God' - it is where God 'lives,' in a sense, and the ancient Israelites depended on the fact that God was with them through His presence in the temple. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, where God dwelled. When Jesus comes, God dwells among us, not just inside the temple, but in living flesh in the person of Christ. God walks, talks, eats, prays, and heals in the presence of other people. God is no longer 'contained' in a certain spot, but rather, makes Himself accessible to all types of people in all types of places. And at Jesus' Ascension, He sends the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, and the Holy Spirit dwells in our very hearts. Our very being has become the dwelling place for God - we are the new temples of the Trinity! This reality should make you think twice before sinning or being destructive to yourself or others.