November 3, 2012 
Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Martin de Porres (1579-1639)
Martin de Porres lived in Peru in the 16th century. The sin of racism was alive and well, and he, being of mixed race, was treated like a slave. His family lived in poverty because his Spanish father abandoned them after Martin was born. As an adult, Martin joined the Dominican order and lived the Beatitudes of Christ by caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the sorrowful. He is a great model of forgiveness for what he endured at the hands of racists. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Reflection
Jesus loves each one of us equally. Do you show the same level of love and respect for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or beliefs?
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, and help me reach out to someone today who experiences some kind of discrimination. Even a smile and a kind word can go a long way. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 484
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Philippians 1:18b-26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42:2, 3, 5cdef
Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
Jesus told a parable about someone who thought he was so important that he went to the head of the table, only to be asked to go to the lower place at the table. He must have been very embarrassed. Jesus's point was that it is better to be asked to come forward to receive an honor than it is to presume we are greater than someone else. Being humble means being in touch with who we are and what our talents are, but at the same time, not assuming we are more important than anyone else. The point is to not focus on who is the greatest. In God's eyes we all are equal. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
