August 12, 2017 
Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Hilaria (d.304)
Saint Hilaria and her daughter, Saint Afra, hid their bishop from harm during the Diocletian persecutions. In turn, their bishop converted them. Saint Afra was martyred because she refused to sacrifice to pagan gods. After her daughter was martyred, Hilaria and her friends went to bury her daughter's remains. However, Hilaria and her friends were captured by authorities, and were also commanded to sacrifice to pagan gods. All the women refused and were subsequently martyred.
Reflection
Saint Hilaria was willing to sacrifice all--her possessions, her freedom, even her very life--for Jesus and her faith in him. Take a minute to think about what you would be willing to give up for Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to dedicate my life to you with the same passion and courage that Saint Hilaria exemplified.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 412
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Deuteronomy 6:4-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 47 and 51
Alleluia: See 2 Tm 1:10
Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20
View complete readings on USCCB.org
