September 12, 2012 
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Guy of Anderlecht (950-1012)
Saint Guy of Anderlecht was born into a poor family in Belgium. Even though the family had little material wealth, they had great spiritual wealth. Guy's parents were very pious, and taught him their faith. Saint Guy believed that God's call for him was to be poor, and he often took time to minister to the poor and sick. It is said that when Guy worked tilling the fields, an angel would take over for him so that he could spend time in prayer. Saint Guy spent a lot of time at his local church, and eventually was made parish sacristan. Guy's acceptance of God's call to poverty was shaken when a merchant partnered with him in a get-rich-quick scheme. When their business venture failed, Guy took it as a sign that God wanted him to continue living his life of humble poverty. As a penance for his greed in the business venture, he made a pilgrimage on foot to Rome, and then to Jerusalem. Guy of Anderlecht is the patron saint of bachelors, laborers, sacristans, and work horses.
Reflection
Greed is a particularly rampant vice in our culture. We are often concerned with money, and how we can get more of it. We are experiencing unprecedented levels of income disparities, as some people grow richer and richer, while most others grow poorer and poorer. Saint Guy of Anderlecht reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians. Not only are we called to live in solidarity with the poor, but we are also called to care for and minister to those less fortunate. How can you help someone less fortunate? It need not be financial help. Maybe someone just needs a friend or someone to talk to. Or, maybe you need help. If so, know that God is with you and loves you deeply.
Prayer
Ask God to show you ways that you can improve the lives of people struggling around you.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 439
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17
Gospel: Luke 6:20-26
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
When we feel most miserable, Jesus is telling us that we are blessed. How can that be? When I am not invited to a party, when I am put down by my friends for living my faith, then I am blessed? Jesus surprises us in the Beatitudes by pointing us to what is really important. He was deserted by his friends when he was arrested. He was insulted by those who did not share his values. He basically was put to death by those who were threatened by his very presence. When and why have you felt excluded? When and why have you excluded others? (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
