September 17, 2012 
Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Saint Robert Bellarmine was a theologian and Scripture scholar. He was a Jesuit priest who was made a cardinal because the pope said, “He had not his equal for learning.” In spite of his brilliance and honors, Robert ate only the food available to the poor and used the hangings in his room to clothe poor people. He said, “The walls won’t catch cold.” The seed of God’s word found good soil in Robert Bellarmine. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Reflection
Saint Robert Bellarmine truly lived in solidarity with the poor. The Church teaches that, regardless of our position in life, we are to identify with and, as best as we can, care for the poor. Even Saint Robert Bellarmine, who held the highly honorable position of a cardinal, managed to live in solidarity with the poor. Do you live in solidarity with the poor? Think about the plight of the poor and try to empathize with their plight.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help me to empathize with those less fortunate than I am. Help me to spread your love and compassion to them.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 443
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17
Gospel: Luke 7:1-10
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
Today's Gospel provides some of the language we use in Mass - "for I am not worthy for you to enter under my roof." These words are spoken by the Centurion, who asks Jesus for a miracle of healing, but recognizes that he is not worthy to even ask Jesus to come into his house. The Centurion recognizes that Jesus is God Himself - and his response to Jesus' presence is one of holy reverence. When you go to Mass on Sunday, during the Eucharistic liturgy, the priest will hold up the consecrated bread and wine, and announced that the bread and wine are now the Body and Blood of the Lamb of God - Jesus. Like the Centurion, our response should be one of holy reverence: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." We prayerfully ask God to make us worthy to receive the Eucharist into our body, so that the miracle of healing can take effect in our souls.
