Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Abercius Marcellus (d.200)

Saint Abercius Marcellus was the bishop of Hierapolis in what is modern-day Turkey as well as a missionary. He was incarcerated for a period of time because he created a danger to civil order by countering paganism. During his imprisonment, he was called to Rome to perform an exorcism on the daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He succeeded in exorcising the demon, and was allowed to return to his see. He wrote his own epitaph, commenting on the unifying power of Baptism and the Eucharist.

Reflection

Sometimes we forget how meaningful and powerful the Sacraments are, and how deeply they involve us in the Church. Saint Abercius Marcellus knew the true unifying power of Baptism and the Eucharist. Meditate on the Sacraments that you have received and the ones that you will receive someday. Ask God to help you understand their importance in your Christian faith.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me to be rooted in God through my prayer, the Sacraments, and my involvement in the Church. Remind me daily that Jesus Christ is my friend and Savior. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")