August 17, 2012 
Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Joan of the Cross (1666-1736)
Saint Joan was born in 1666 in France. Her parents owned a small business, which she took over upon their deaths. In her business dealings, Joan was notorious for her greed and heartlessness to beggars and the poor. However, Joan's demeanor changed when she met a ragged old women who claimed that she was on close terms with God. After this meeting, Joan became a new person, showing compassion for the poor, the disadvantaged, and the sick. She closed her business so that she could dedicate all of her time to helping others. Joan started many religious houses, schools, and hospitals. She took on the name Joan of the Cross, and was canonized in 1982.
Reflection
There is no domain in our lives beyond the reach of our faith. It sometimes seems that our religion and our work do not readily intersect. Although our work may not directly relate to our faith, we must not forget that even our work must be infused with our Christian ideals. Saint Joan reminds us that, regardless of our work, we are to devote it to God. How can you more fully incorporate the virtues of Christianity into your daily work?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to recognize that you love me so deeply that you want to be an active participant in all domains of my life. Help me to include you in all that I do.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 417
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63
Alternate Reading 1: Ezekiel 16:59-63
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Reading 1
Ezekiel writes of God's faithfulness to Israel despite Israel's breaking the covenant with God. God keeps on coming back to us as he did with Israel. Even after we have sinned and abandoned our commitment to God, he seeks to reestablish a relationship with us. How would you describe your covenantal commitment to God? What promises have you made to him? When have you broken those promises? How have you handled that? How would you describe your relationship with God currently? God, my loving Father, you have been steadfast in your love for me, but I have not been as faithful. Empower me to continue to bond with you by keeping the commitments that Jesus asks of us. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
