Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)

Saint John Chrysostom was a bishop who was unpopular with the rich and powerful people of his time. He lived simply, and he preached dramatically and concretely that the rich should share with the poor and that husbands should be faithful to their wives—both unpopular ideas in his day. He had no desire to be a bishop and refused to take part in the politics of the day. John Chrysostom, a humble person, was clear about who he was and from whom his power came. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Reflection

Saint John Chrysostom has much to say to our culture. Just as in Saint John Chrysostom's time, there are many rich people who continue to hoard more and more resources while many in our society struggle to feed and take care of their families. Saint John Chrysostom passionately preached that the wealthy should share their wealth with the poor. What do you think Saint John Chrysostom would preach to our society?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help all those who struggle to make ends meet, and please help to create a world in which everybody acts compassionately towards one another.

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

How easy it is to judge others. The criteria we often use include looks, dress, academic achievement, personality, athletic skill, and so on. We come to shallow decisions about who is in and who is out. We disassociate from those who do not wear designer clothes or who are overweight. Judging and condemning others is not the good news of the Gospel. Reaching out to those who seem to be excluded, partnering with those who have a hard time in school, and fostering an inclusive spirit are ways to practice God's acceptance. How are you judgmental of others? What secret or obvious prejudices do you carry in your heart or act out in your choice of those you associate with? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)