Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint John Kanty (1390-1473)

Saint John Kanty was born in Poland and studied at the University of Cracow. He then became a professor of theology at his alma mater. However, John's tenure didn't last long. His fellow professors were jealous of his popularity, and falsely accused him of a wrongdoing. He was ousted from the university, and became a parish priest in Olkusz, Bohemia. At first, his parishioners were suspicious of their new discredited pastor, but through John's sincere interest and concern for them they eventually grew to love him. After eight years, John was reassigned back to Cracow. Many of his once-hostile parishioners followed him out of town and begged him not to leave. John was reinstated at the University of Cracow, where he became professor of sacred Scripture. John was very humble, very caring of the poor, patient, and loving. He shared his philosophy of life with many of his students: "Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause." Saint John Kanty died in 1473 and was canonized in 1767. He is the patron saint of Lithuania and Poland.

Reflection

Even though he was the target of false gossip and suspicion, Saint John Kanty always showed compassion and kindness to those he encountered. John's philosophy of life was, "Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause." Do you show compassion for others, even when they have wronged you? Ask the Lord to help you love everyone, despite their sins.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I praise you for your compassion for others. Help me to have your attitude of not approving of someone’s sinful actions but always loving the person despite her or his sin. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

We are told that Mary, charged with excitement, makes her way to Elizabeth's house in haste. Perhaps she needs to be with a kindred spirit who can understand God's action in her life. The two women, each experiencing her first pregnancy, can share their questions, wonders, and anxieties. At the reunion, the grace of God at work in each of their lives causes great rejoicing (the coming together of two disciples of Jesus should always be this way). The women bless each other with their presence. Because Mary bears the Christ within her womb, she fills Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit, the outpouring of God's love. (Taken from "Youth Engaging Scripture: Diving into the Sunday Gospels")