Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint John Damascene (645-749)

Saint John was born in Damascus. He and his adoptive brother Cosmos received a classical and theological education. Both brothers joined the Monastery of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem. John is well known in three areas. First, he is known for his moving writings against the iconoclasts, who stood against the reverence of images. Second, John is celebrated for his treatise, "Exposition of the Orthodox Faith," which summarizes the Greek Fathers. Third, he is known as being one of the greatest poets of the Eastern Church. John is also famous for his strong devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Reflection

Saint John Damascene used his talents and the knowledge that he received from his classical and theological education to assist him in his ministry. Do you use the blessings that God has given you to help you do his work and minister to others? Ask the Lord to guide your work and ministry each day so you can become a better Christian.

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.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

This chapter in Isaiah gives us the famous image of a peaceful place where animals that usually are enemies get along and even rest together. The peaceable kingdom, as it's called, has been the subject of paintings, poems, and essays. It endures because it is what our heart longs for. But as a human race, we all too often try to impose our will on others for personal gain, revenge, and the sheer high of being in control. The result is a never-ending spiral of violence. Jesus stands in opposition to all violence as he shows us the way to Isaiah's vision of the peaceable kingdom. Take one action to be a peacemaker at home or among your friends. Learn about the Catholic teaching on just war, which justifies violence only as a last resort and only to stop a greater evil. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

Guardian angels protect us. We can't see them, but we believe that God has created them. They are spirits who care for us and give us nudges when we need them. In the passage from Luke, Jesus is blessing people who see with the eyes of faith, for it takes faith to believe in angels and it takes angels to help us be faith-filled disciples of Christ. Are you conscious of your guardian angel? Do you ask your angel for guidance, for protection? When has your guardian angel seemed most present to you? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)