Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Anastasius I (d.401)

Saint Anastasius I was a Roman by birth, but very little is known about his early life. He was elected pope in 399 and began his papacy by condemning the works of Origen. His mistrust of Origen began after he received a letter from Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria expressing great uncertainty about Origen's faithfulness to Christian teaching. In 400, Anastasius organized a council to deliberate on the writings of Origen, which were judged to be heretical. Even though he faced opposition to this decision, Anastasius upheld the council's judgment. Anastasius also fought against the heresy of Donatism. Saint Anastasius I kept holy company, including Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Jerome, and Saint Paulinus of Nola.

Reflection

Saint Anastasius knew that Origen was spreading heretical messages, but faced opposition from others when he brought light to the situation. Do you stand up for what you know to be right, even when others get angry with you or oppose you? Ask for the Lord's help to understand with your heart, and to always act on what you know to be right and just.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, strengthen me to be able to both understand with my heart and act from my conscience so that I can continue to be your effective disciple. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

As Christmas draws nearer, we hear more and more accounts of the events right before Jesus' birth. Today's Gospel recounts the story of the conception of John the Baptist. When the angel Gabriel spoke to Zechariah, John's father, and announced that he and Elizabeth would conceive and have a son, Zechariah doubted what the angel announced. As a consequence for his doubt, Zechariah is rendered unable to speak. We see that, because Zechariah doubted the power of God, and questioned the angel with his voice, his voice was taken away from him until he could use it to glorify God properly! Our voices, actions, thoughts - every part of our existence - was created by God and should be used to glorify Him. Next time you are tempted to use your voice in a way that is not glorifying to God - either by doubting the goodness of His plan for you, gossiping about another person, or telling a lie - remember the silence that Zechariah underwent, and remain silent like him instead.