September 19, 2014 
Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Januarius (d.304)
Saint Januarius was born in Italy. He was the bishop of Benevento during Emperor Diocletion's persecution of Christians. One day, Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen who were imprisoned. During his visit, he was also incarcerated. Januarius and his companions were flung to the wild beasts, but were not attacked. Eventually they were beheaded. It is believed that someone collected the blood of Bishop Januarius when he was martyred, and it is kept in Naples as a relic. The blood liquefies and bubbles when it is displayed in the cathedral. To this day, scientists have been unable to explain this miracle. Saint Januarius is the patron saint of blood banks, Naples, and volcanic eruptions.
Reflection
The miracle of the blood of Saint Januarius reminds us that, even today, God is at work in the world and miracles do still happen. We often forget that miracles occur all around us, all the time, if only we are willing to notice.
Prayer
Dear God, please open my eyes to the many miracles that occur in my life.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 447
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17:1bcd, 6-7, 8b and 15
Gospel: Luke 8:1-3
View complete readings on USCCB.org
