Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Ambrose (c.340-397)

Those who knew Saint Ambrose were divided between those who admired him and those who loathed him. This division stemmed from Ambrose's personality and how he practiced his ministry. Ambrose would publicly do verbal battle with anyone, even people of nobility and power. In private, Ambrose was quiet, calm, and passionate in his faith. It was this side of Ambrose that helped convert Saint Augustine to Christianity. The sermons and writings of Saint Ambrose focused on the human soul and did not concentrate on material reality. He was also a passionate supporter of consecrated virginity. Ambrose is the patron saint of beekeepers and learning.

Reflection

We can't please everyone. Saint Ambrose knew this very well, because he was admired by some, and loathed by others. Part of this division came from the direct and public way that Ambrose would argue with his opponents. Ask the Lord for help when confronting others. Have a conversation with him about how you can get your point across passionately so that you can help others grow, not tear them down.

Prayer

Merciful God, sometimes it’s hard to confront people about difficult issues. Give me the words to help others grow, not to tear them down. Give me the courage to actually challenge others when it is good to do so. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditations

Meditation for Responsorial Psalm

This psalm reminds us that we have nothing to fear because the Lord is always with us. The Lord enlightens our lives by showing us how to live, by comforting us when we are down, and by putting people in our lives to help us. The Lord gives us directions through the Scriptures, through the liturgy, and especially through people who help us interpret God's plans for us. Adults are often God's messengers to us. They care about us, and God comforts us through them. We in turn comfort others and become lights to them. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Gospel

Oftentimes miracles in the Scriptures are connected to faith. Jesus uses the miracle to draw attention to the faith of the people. Today we are called to see with the eyes of faith. Faith helps us see the needs of others; faith helps us make sense of our lives and see how all the pieces fit together; faith helps us see God acting in ways that others overlook; faith gives us patience to keep looking for our path even when we can't see where God is leading us; faith helps us see that we are loved and valued in the eyes of God. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)