December 22, 2016 
Thursday of the Fourth Week in Advent
Saint of the day
Saint Zeno of Nicomedia (d.303)
Saint Zeno was a Roman soldier. He was apprehended and condemned to death for laughing at and ridiculing Emperor Diocletian's sacrifice to a statue of the goddess Ceres. His jaws were shattered for opposing the emperor and he was beheaded. Saint Zeno of Nicomedia stood strong, and was willingly martyred for his faith.
Reflection
Although our society does not violently persecute Christians, Saint Zeno is an example to us of the long tradition of Christians who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. If you were in a society like that of Saint Zeno, would you be willing to practice your Christian faith even if you knew it might be dangerous? Would you fearlessly face death for your beliefs? Many Christians around the world are still targeted and victimized for their faith.
Prayer
Pray for the Christians and Catholics throughout the world who are being treated poorly and sometimes violently attacked for their faith. Ask God to help others love them and treat them with compassion.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 198
Place in Year: Advent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Violet
Daily readings
Reading 1: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
Responsorial Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Gospel: Luke 1:46-56
View complete readings on USCCB.org
