Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Luke (1st century)

Luke is one of the four Gospel writers, or Evangelists, of the New Testament, but, unlike the others, he also wrote a second volume entitled Acts of the Apostles. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the compassion of Jesus and his concern for women, the outcasts, and the marginalized. Luke was a companion of Saint Paul and, according to legend, a physician, so he often pictures Jesus and Paul as healers. (Taken from "Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Reflection

Jesus always made time to care for those who were rejected, looked down on, or forgotten. Luke emphasizes this compassion in his Gospel. Do you make time for those in your life who are forgotten, sad, or hurting? Ask Jesus to help you minister to those who need a friend, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on.

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, and help me reach out to someone today who experiences some kind of discrimination. Even a smile and a kind word can go a long way. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

Early tradition says that the Luke referred to in the above passage is the author of the Gospel of Luke. This Gospel is directed to the Gentiles (non-Jews). Luke himself was probably a Gentile convert to Christianity. He was so moved by his experience of Jesus and the early Church that he wanted to write down the stories about Jesus for others like himself. Luke was especially moved by the stories of Jesus's mercy and his compassion for the poor and outcast, so he emphasizes those aspects of Jesus's life and teaching. Many people are drawn to his Gospel for that reason. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)

Meditation for Responsorial Psalm

God's love is always connected to his compassion. To be compassionate means to put yourself in the shoes of another person so that you can truly understand that person and all he or she is going through. It implies going the extra mile for another. Apathy is the opposite of compassion; it means closing your heart to others. Compassion means reaching out to an ill person, supporting someone who is down, forgiving what seems to be unforgivable, spending time with a person who feels isolated, and embracing someone who is ostracized by others. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)