Saint Anastasia (d.304)
for December 25
Saint Anastasia was a Roman of noble lineage. Her father was a pagan, but her mother, a Christian, had Saint Anastasia baptized as a baby and secretly raised in the Christian faith. Saint Anastasia married a man named Publius, who was a pagan. When Publius discovered that Saint Anastasia was a Christian, he began to treat her cruelly, and gave others license to do the same. After her husband's death, Saint Anastasia dedicated her time and talent to acts of charity and mercy. She became a spiritual student of Saint Chrysogonus, and often visited him in prison, where he was being held for his Christian faith. Under the persecutions of Diocletian, Saint Anastasia became a martyr by fire on Christmas Day. She is one of only seven women, not including the Blessed Virgin Mary, who are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Saint Anastasia is the patron saint of martyrs, weavers, and widows.
Read more about Saint Anastasia (d.304)
Image via Wikipedia
Reflection
"Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). Jesus calls us, as believers in his message, to do what he has done—to use everything in our power to make people whole. He calls us to care for people, to feed the hungry, to visit those in prison, to clothe the naked, to serve others who are in need. What about the “greater works”? Jesus could be referring to all the things that were not even invented when he lived: the medical advances, the scientific achievements, the technical knowledge that have opened new doors and new opportunities to make people whole. We are challenged to use those greater works for the good of others and to further the Kingdom of God. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Prayer
God of power and might, help me use the talents and resources of this earth to continue to build your Kingdom, so rich in the values that Jesus Christ taught us. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
