November 26, 2015 

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Thanksgiving Day

Saint of the day

Saint Conrad (d.975)

Saint Conrad was born into a prominent Guelph family. He received an education at the Cathedral School at Constance and was ordained a priest. Conrad was appointed provost of the cathedral and was then selected bishop of Constance. He was very generous and charitable, giving away his inheritance to the Church and to the needy. Conrad made three pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and accompanied Emperor Otto I to Rome. He was able to disregard the matters of the secular world to focus more deeply on ecclesiastical matters. Legend has it that Conrad had a great fear of spiders. However, when a spider fell into the chalice of Precious Blood, Conrad's love of Communion overpowered his fear, and he drank the Precious Blood, spider included. Saint Conrad was canonized in 1123, and is the patron saint of the Diocese of Constance, Switzerland, and the Archdiocese of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.

Reflection

Sometimes the things that we fear get in the way of living out our Christian faith. These fears may revolve around not being accepted by others or not partaking in some fun secular activities. When faced with these fears, remember Saint Conrad, who knew that the power and love of God overcome all fear and doubt. Spend a few quiet minutes with the Lord. Ask him to help you know that, through his love, we should fear no one and nothing.

Prayer

God, remind us often that we should fear no one. You are our stronghold, our rock of safety in the storms of life. We have nothing to fear. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Liturgical season information

Lectionary: 506/943

Place in Year: Ordinary Time

Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Green

View complete readings on USCCB.org
  1. Sunday
  2. Monday
  3. Tuesday
  4. Wednesday
  5. Thursday
  6. Friday
  7. Saturday