February 27, 2014 
Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)
Gabriel Possenti of Italy was born in 1838 and died in 1862 at only 24 years old. He was a passionate priest who was canonized whirlwindingly soon, comparatively, in 1920. "His devoted life, full of cheerful humility, was ordinary and uneventful." He can be seen as the saint for all of us, for everyday life. (Taken from "Saints Passionate and Peculiar.")
Reflection
Saint Gabriel Possenti was devout, cheerful, humble, and ordinary. He does not have any extraordinary miracles or events attributed to him. Saint Gabriel reminds each one of us that we can be saintly every day through our words and actions. Spend a few quiet minutes with the Lord. Ask him to help you find the path that will lead you to holiness.
Prayer
Dear God, I can think of many words to describe myself, but I would be nervous to include "holy" on the list. I always thought that "holy" meant “perfect,” but now I know that is not true. Help me to find the path that will lead me to the holiness you have planned for me. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 344
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: James 5:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20
Gospel: Mark 9:41-50
View complete readings on USCCB.org
