Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Monica (332-387)

Monica was the mother of Augustine of Hippo, a difficult young man who became a great theologian and bishop. He did everything he could to avoid God, but Monica never stopped praying for him. She once declared, “Nothing is far from God.” This applied to Augustine too. Even though changing her son’s heart looked hopeless, she had faith, and he did turn his life around. (Taken from "Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Reflection

To most people, Monica's son, Saint Augustine, seemed like a lost cause. Few could imagine any way that he would eventually become a Christian. Saint Monica, however, trusted in the power of God. Year after year, she persevered in her prayer to God on Augustine's behalf. She is an example of the importance of perseverance. She reminds us that, even if we don't immediately receive that for which we pray, we should never stop praying.

Prayer

Dear God, help me to pursue you and your will with the ardor and insistence of Saint Monica.

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

Saint Paul is feeling very positive about the Thessalonians. Notice how faith and love we have for one another are intimately connected. When we grow in faith, we grow in our love for others. When we grow in our love for others, we grow in our faith. As you look at your circle of friends and at your parish community, what evidence do you see of growth in faith and love? If Paul were writing to you today, what would his opening words be? Dear Jesus, help me to grow in faith and to believe that I can contribute to your mission on earth. Empower me to grow in love for all people and to show evidence of this by my treatment of others. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Responsorial Psalm

Some days we become very aware of God's presence and we want to praise God. Maybe your team was the underdog in an athletic competition and beat the previous champions; maybe you had a successful food drive and supplied groceries to needy families; maybe you had the courage to stand up against the evils of racism and discrimination and to defend someone from prejudice. We are the hands and heart of Jesus Christ on earth today. Follow the psalmist's example and remember to praise God for the good you do in his name. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)