September 19, 2012 
Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Januarius (d.304)
Saint Januarius was born in Italy. He was the bishop of Benevento during Emperor Diocletion's persecution of Christians. One day, Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen who were imprisoned. During his visit, he was also incarcerated. Januarius and his companions were flung to the wild beasts, but were not attacked. Eventually they were beheaded. It is believed that someone collected the blood of Bishop Januarius when he was martyred, and it is kept in Naples as a relic. The blood liquefies and bubbles when it is displayed in the cathedral. To this day, scientists have been unable to explain this miracle. Saint Januarius is the patron saint of blood banks, Naples, and volcanic eruptions.
Reflection
The miracle of the blood of Saint Januarius reminds us that, even today, God is at work in the world and miracles do still happen. We often forget that miracles occur all around us, all the time, if only we are willing to notice.
Prayer
Dear God, please open my eyes to the many miracles that occur in my life.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 445
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22
Gospel: Luke 7:31-35
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Reading 1
You might recognize this reading if you've ever been to a Christian wedding. Today's first reading is from St Paul's letter to the Corinthians, and it beautifully expresses what love is and what love is not. It is understandable that many couples getting married want to hear these words at their wedding, but what we sometimes forget is that St Paul was not writing about the love between man and woman, but between God and humanity. Love that is patient and kind, not jealous or pompous is the love of God for all of us. Of course, the love between a husband and wife reflects the love of God, but we must remember that the ultimate reality is the amazing, powerful, and sacrificial love that God has for humanity. He loves all of mankind so much that He sent His only Son into the world to save us from our sin! Next time you are at a wedding, notice the love between the bride and groom, and then multiply it infinitely - that still doesn't even come close to the profound love God has for each one of us.
