Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Ingrid of Sweden (d.1282)

Saint Ingrid was born in Sweden in the 13th century. She lived under the spiritual guidance of a Dominican priest, and became the first Dominican nun in Sweden. Ingrid established a Dominican cloister in Sweden, called Saint Martin's. When she died, she was surrounded by an atmosphere of holiness. After her death, miracles were attributed to her intercession. The canonization process began, but due to the Reformation she was never formally canonized.

Reflection

In Jesus' time, many miracles were performed that subsequently led to large conversions. But even Jesus was quick to remind his listeners that miracles will not actually help to create true and lasting faith. True faith often exists in the absence of dazzling miracles. Through the prism of faith, we see that literally all of creation is, in a true sense, a miracle--direct evidence of the hand and influence of God.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to see all of the little miracles that you give me.

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

Sometimes when we see so much evil in the world, we think of it as external to us. Evil is out there somewhere. But in Mark's Gospel, Jesus tells us that evil comes from the heart. When a lot of people are selfish and refuse to share the goods of the earth, poverty happens. When people want to control others, war happens. When people see others as objects of pleasure, licentiousness (sexual promiscuity) happens. Evil begins in the heart. Injustice begins within people. What elements of greed, deceit, or licentiousness are you harboring in your heart? What can you do to eliminate them? Dear Jesus, I wish to be a true follower of yours. Cleanse my heart from an inclination toward evil and help me create a more just world. (Taken from "Youth Engaging Scripture: Diving into the Sunday Gospels")