Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Egwin (d.717)

Saint Egwin was born to a noble family in Worcester, England. After joining a monastery, he was eagerly welcomed by royalty, the clergy, and the townspeople when he was appointed bishop of Worcester. His popularity soon began to wane, due to his extremely severe nature. He let his zeal and love of reform and discipline go too far, and was ordered to Rome to face the charges against him. The charges against Egwin were dropped, but he decided to found a monastery instead of return to his previous duties as bishop. He founded his monastery on the site that was revealed to him by Mary, who appeared to him in a vision. He also dedicated the monastery to the Blessed Virgin. After Saint Egwin was called to his heavenly home, many miracles were credited to him.

Reflection

Saint Egwin was overly zealous when it came to his love of reform and discipline, which caused people to become angry. Ask the Lord to help you follow his laws and commandments, but not to be overly severe when enforcing them. Ask the Lord to help you teach his message with love and kindness.

Prayer

God of justice, you have established the Law and sent Jesus to fulfill it for us. Please help me to understand why laws and commandments are so important in helping to keep me free. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

We celebrate the feast of the Holy Family (celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas) by reflecting on our own family. Notice how Sirach says that we are to be attentive to our parents for our own safety. It is a parent's job to worry about your safety--which they do a lot once you start driving a car and going out on your own with friends! Honoring your parents or guardians by communicating honestly with them contributes to a healthy family. Letting them know where you are and what you are doing contributes to their peace of mind. What other ways do you show love and respect for your parents and family? (Taken from "Youth Engaging Scripture: Diving into the Sunday Gospels")

Meditation for Gospel

Only Luke tells the story of Jesus in the Temple. Luke portrays Jesus's talking to the teachers about important understandings about the Sacred Scriptures as well as giving witness to God's will. The other interesting part of this passage is the ending. Mary, the mother of the Messiah, does not automatically understand all that God is doing in her life. She has to reflect and pray about these things and have faith in God when she does not understand. What wonderfully good news that must have been for the Christians of Luke's community who did not understand everything! He encourages them to remain faithful and to give their newfound faith time to grow and mature through prayer and reflection. Luke also speaks to us as we grow in the understanding of our faith and our relationship with God. Just as Mary continues to deepen her faith because she remains open to God's will, so must we remain open to God's acting in our lives, although we do not have all the answers. (Taken from "Youth Engaging Scripture: Diving into the Sunday Gospels")