Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Winoc (d.717)

Saint Winoc was brought up and educated in Brittany. He is said to have possible noble lineage. He was called to become a monk at Saint Peter's monastery at Sithiu under Abbot Saint Bertin. He and three companions founded a monastery in neighboring Dunkirk. This monastery became a missionary epicenter for the region. Winoc was very aware of the apostolic principle, "If any would not work, neither should he eat." He spent much of his time taking part in the manual labor of the monasteries, taking joy in the hard work. When old age robbed him of most of his strength, Winoc prayed for assistance to continue his work. His prayers were answered when he received a hand corn mill, which allowed him to make flour tortillas for his brothers as well as for the poor. Saint Winoc is the patron saint against fever, against whooping cough, and of millers.

Reflection

Not many people like to do manual labor. As Saint Winoc points out, though, "If any would not work, neither should he eat." This means that people cannot be lazy and simply demand to be fed. Rather, they must work for the food they receive. What a novel concept in the drive-through society that we live in! Ask the Lord to help you become more appreciative for the food you eat, and for those who allow it to appear on your table.

Prayer

Loving God, help me respond to Jesus’ prayer by becoming a laborer for your Kingdom. Let me overcome the messages that say others should serve me, rather than that I should serve others. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

There is a Greek word to describe the canticle we heard in today's first reading. The word is "kenosis" and it means a certain type of "outpouring." In Christian theology, this outpouring is embodied in Christ, who pours out his own divinity, taking on the form and flesh of a human being, in order to save all of humanity out of love. This is a very powerful concept. Many saints and theologians have prayed and pondered about this 'kenosis' of Christ, especially how we are called to imitate the outpouring of our very lives. How do we empty ourselves, humble ourselves, and become obedient to the will of the Father, even when we think it is shameful, humiliating, and hard? Through profound love. We look to Jesus Christ as our model, who allowed the humiliation and shame of the cross to burden Him, all so He could share the life of God with those He loves: us! Though we may never fully accomplish such a perfect kenotic act, we should strive to undergo all suffering with perfect love, just as Jesus suffered out of love for us.