Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Theodora of Alexandria (d.491)

Saint Theodora was from Alexandria, Egypt, and found herself in a life of sin. However, upon realizing her sinful ways, she repented. After her atonement, she spent the rest of her life as a hermit in southern Egypt, disguised as a man. During her time in the hermitage, she lived out her penitence through abstinence and mortifications. It was not known to others that she was a women until her death.

Reflection

After committing adultery, Saint Theodora disguised herself as a man in order to enter a monastery and devote herself entirely to prayer and repentance. She highlights the importance of reconciling with God after we have done wrong. God is willing to forgive and accept us, regardless of the sins and wrongs of which we are guilty. Take time to think of your sins and ask God to forgive you for them.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help me to see the ways in which I have wronged you and others. Help me to feel remorse and help to ensure that I no longer treat you, myself, and others poorly.

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

Can you imagine staying up all night to pray? Though we might stay up all night at a prom party or a homecoming celebration, it is rare that we'd do the same to pray. Jesus gave us this example more than once. Through prayer he nurtured the close relationship he had with God the Father. The test of our prayer, however, is not its length-how long we spend in prayer-but our commitment to keeping our relationship with God strong and alive. Take advantage of opportunities like retreats to nurture your prayer life. Maybe even try spending part of a night alone somewhere for your own extended time with God. Think about your own prayer life and see if you want to make any changes. Talk to a priest or youth minister for suggestions about how you can grow your prayer life. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)