December 21, 2012 
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Saint of the day
Saint Peter Canisius (1521-1597)
Peter Canisius was an extremely hard-working person. At the young age of 19, he earned his master's degree from the University at Cologne. Soon after completing his degree, he became acquainted with Peter Faber, who influenced him to join the Jesuits. As a young Jesuit, Peter began his routine of studying, reflecting, praying, and writing. He wrote nonstop, and his letters alone easily filled eight volumes. Peter also kept busy establishing colleges, doing missionary work, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners. When asked how he dealt with his large workload, Peter responded, "If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all." Saint Peter Canisius was canonized in 1925 and is the patron saint of Catholic presses, Germany, and the writers of catechisms.
Reflection
Saint Peter Canisius was an extremely busy person. When asked how he handled his hectic schedule of studying, reflecting, praying, writing, and service, he said, "If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all." The next time you become overwhelmed with tasks, have faith that God will help you find time to accomplish them all. Ask the Lord to guide your footsteps every day.
Prayer
Dear God, I praise and thank you for the grace you give to help me find my way to you. Please guide my footsteps every day so that I become righteous, godly, faithful, loving, patient, and gentle. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 197
Place in Year: Advent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Purple
Daily readings
Reading 1: Song of Songs 2:8-14
Alternate Reading 1: Zephania 3:14-18a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
A Mexican Indian boy, Juan Diego, was going about his daily business when Our Lady appeared to him on several occasions and asked him to tell the bishop that she wished to have a church built in her honor. The bishop, however, refused to believe Juan Diego. As a sign of the truth of his story, Our Lady had Juan gather a bunch of roses in his cloak to take to the bishop. When Juan unwrapped his cloak, not only were there roses but also an imprint of what we now know as Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary is a source of help for all people today. She is a symbol of the goodness that can come out of suffering and difficulty. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
