November 7, 2013 
Thursday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Willibrord (658-739)
Saint Willibrord was born in England in 658. He felt called to spread the Good News through missionary work in Germany. With great zeal and enthusiasm, he followed his call and constructed churches and an abbey. Willibrord was experiencing great success, but he decided to spread his work into what is today Denmark. Unfortunately, this new missionary venture was not successful. Saint Willibrord died in 739. He is the patron saint against convulsions and epilepsy.
Reflection
When we spread ourselves too thin, we can often experience failure and disappointment. That is what happened to Saint Willibrord when he decided to expand his work into a different country. With all of the responsibilities that you have and all of the activities that you are involved in, are you spreading yourself too thin to devote any real time to Jesus?
Prayer
Living Spirit of God, give me the courage to get rid of things that distract me from what is really important in life. Help me to focus on building the Reign of God. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 488
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Romans 14:7-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1bcde,
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
View complete readings on USCCB.org
