Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Margaret of Cortona (1247-1297)

Saint Margaret of Cortona was born to a farmer. Her mother died when she was young, and, feeling rejected and unwanted, she ran away with a young nobleman. She gave birth to his son and lived as his mistress for several years. Her lover was murdered and Margaret was so overwhelmed with sorrow that she publicly confessed her affair. She spent the rest of her life repenting by performing acts of penance and caring for the poor and sick. Margaret had a powerful prayer life and experienced ecstasies where she received messages from heaven. She also had strong devotions to the Eucharist and the Passion of Christ, and prophesied the date of her own death. Saint Margaret of Cortona was canonized in 1728 and is the patron saint of falsely accused people, of penitent women, and against temptations.

Reflection

It is so easy for us to practice sinful acts secretly. It is exponentially harder for us to confess what we have been doing, and repent through acts of penance. Do you practice secret sinful acts, justifying them to yourself because nobody knows about them? Through the Lord's ever-present love, have the courage to repent and follow God's path more closely.

Prayer

Jesus Christ, you came to earth to bring forgiveness to all. Empower me to not drown in evil but to ask for forgiveness, to begin again to do honorable deeds. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)