September 8, 2012 
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saint of the day
Saint Adrian (d.306)
Tradition tells us that Saint Adrian was a pagan officer at the court of Nicomedia. While at court, Adrian saw a number of Christians tortured for their faith. Captivated by their extreme courage, he converted and declared himself a Christian. After converting, he suffered the same lot as the Christians that he admired. He was thrown into prison and tortured before being put to death for his faith. His wife, Natalia, consoled her husband and his fellow Christian prisoners during their excruciating pain. Saint Adrian is the patron saint against plague and epilepsy and of arms dealers, butchers, guards, and soldiers.
Reflection
In addition to his exemplary courage and faith, Saint Adrian teaches us about the monumental power that actions and example have in influencing the thinking and decisions of others. Saint Adrian became a Christian not through reading or hearing fancy sermons and arguments; he became a Christian through witnessing the astounding virtue and faith of other Christians. As Jesus taught, and many saints have since reiterated, Christians are to be known by their example, by how they treat others. What kind of example do you set? Could your life lead others to Jesus? Think about the possibility that, through your actions, you could lead someone to God who, like Saint Adrian, becomes a saint!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help me to be an example of your truth and love. Help others to see you through me.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 636
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: White
Daily readings
Reading 1: Micah 5:1-4a
Alternate Reading 1: Romans 8:28-30
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 13:6ab, 6c
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Alternate Gospel: Matthew 1:18-23
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Reading 1
Some days it really doesn't seem like all things are working together. Sometimes things just seem to go wrong or don't work out as we thought they would. Can you recall a time when something that seemed bad happened to you but later you saw the good in it? We are often blinded by the disappointment or anger we feel at the moment. Taking time to reflect later can help us see the good in an experience that at the time seemed negative. We can keep our hope alive by looking for God's hidden presence when it doesn't seem like "all things work together for good." (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
