September 9, 2012 
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saint of the day
Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654)
Peter Claver was born in Spain and went to Colombia in South America as a missionary to serve the African slaves who had been taken there to be sold in the New World. For years he would meet the ships and bring food and medicine to the slaves, who were herded out in chains to be sold like animals. Peter preached to them of their own goodness and of God’s love for them. Not only was Saint Peter Claver’s life built on the solid rock of belief in God’s love, but he passed that on to those he served. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Reflection
Saint Peter Claver truly internalized Jesus' message of compassion and love to all, especially the forgotten, the poor, and the sick. At a time when nobody felt compassion for, let alone helped, African slaves, Saint Peter Claver devoted his life to helping them. In many people's eyes, this likely made Saint Peter Claver an outcast. Are there people, or groups of people, in your life or your community who are often despised and looked down on? How could you more fully love them as Saint Peter Claver loved the slaves?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help those who are currently persecuted to feel and know your love for them. Help me to recognize opportunities to show others your compassion and love.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 128
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green
Daily readings
Reading 1: Isaiah 35:4-7a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Reading 2: James 2:1-5
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
Jesus healed the deaf man. Sometimes we are "deaf"--deaf to those struggling around us, deaf to the poverty in our country and in other countries, deaf to the needs of our parents and siblings. We don't hear the yearnings of our peers to be accepted, the desire of others to be part of our sphere of friends, and the longing of many to have the same educational advantages we have. We are called to "listen up" to the needs of those around us. To do this means not focusing solely on our own needs, but standing in the shoes of others and doing what we can to make their lives happier. Heavenly Father, help me to "listen up" to the needs of other people both near to me and far away. Help me to understand that sometimes my lifestyle may contribute to poverty for others. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
