October 5, 2017 
Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska was born in Poland in 1905. She was a member of a large family, and held odd jobs to help out before joining the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925. As a sister, Maria ministered to the needs of her sisters and the local people, and also had a profound personal spiritual life. She received revelations from Jesus, and wrote down his messages in her diary. When Jesus appeared to Maria, he stressed his mercy and forgiveness for sins acknowledged and confessed. This merciful Jesus differed from what most people thought Jesus to be--a strict judge. Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska died from tuberculosis on October 5, 1938. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
Reflection
Saint Maria's visions teach us how desperately Jesus loves us and wants to forgive us of our wrongs. If only we are willing to turn to Jesus and embrace his acceptance, we will immediately be accepted. Do you understand the extent to which Jesus loves you and wants to be in a close relationship with you? Take a moment to meditate on Jesus' mercy and forgiveness.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to become more fully aware of the depths of your love and acceptance of me. Help me to love and accept others as you accept me.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 458
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Alleluia: Mark 1:15
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12
View complete readings on USCCB.org
