March 9, 2014
First Sunday of Lent
Saint of the day
Saint Frances of Rome (1384-1440)
Saint Frances, a wealthy young woman, had many responsibilities as a wife and mother. But when the plague struck Rome, she used all her money and sold her possessions to buy whatever the sick needed. In its cruelty, the sickness killed two of her six children. Afterward this laywoman continued serving the poor for the rest of her life and even started a special community of women devoted to her cause. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Reflection
It is clear that Frances was a servant. She didn’t start with anything too dramatic, just visiting people in hospitals. So don’t think you have to be a servant in dramatic ways and therefore miss the opportunities around you. In what ways are you able to be of service to other people? To whom else in your life could you be of service? (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Prayer
Holy Spirit, you give us the power to bond with other people through love, compassion, and service. Help me to be a positive link in the people I connect together. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 22
Place in Year: Lent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Violet
Daily readings
Reading 1: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
reading 2: Romans 5:12-19
Alternate reading 2: Romans 5:12, 17-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
View complete readings on USCCB.org