Vigilance

Today's Readings:
Rev 14:14-19
Ps 96:10-13
Lk 21:5-11

As we prepare to come to the end of the liturgical year and enter into advent, our readings point towards the end times. Just as we prepare to celebrate Christ first coming among us, we are also called to be vigilant for when he comes again. We do not know the 'time or the hour' but we do know that Jesus calls us to be ready at any moment. If we are vigilant in prayer, we have no worry as to when he will come again; for we celebrate his presence among us now through faith, prayer, the sacraments, and the Church. As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, let also prepare our hearts so that Christ may always dwell within us. Have a great day and God Bless.

Saint of the Day - St. Catherine of Alexandria
Catherine lived in early Christian times. She was the daughter of a wealthy pagan couple of Alexandria, Egypt. She was a very beautiful girl whose great interest was in learning. Catherine loved to study deep questions of philosophy and religion. One day she began to read about Christianity. Soon she became a Christian. St. Catherine was only eighteen when Emperor Maxentius began persecuting the Christians. Fearlessly, the lovely young Christian woman went to tell him what she thought of his cruelty. When he spoke of the pagan gods, she very plainly showed him that they were false. Maxentius could not answer her arguments. Therefore, he sent for fifty of his best pagan philosophers. Once again, it was Catherine who proved the truth of her religion. All fifty philosophers were convinced that she was right. In great fury, Maxentius had every one of them killed. Next, he tried to win her by offering her a queen's crown. When Catherine absolutely refused it, he had her beaten and thrown into prison. While Maxentius was away at camp, his wife and an officer were very curious to hear this amazing Christian girl speak. They went to her cell. The result was that they and two hundred soldiers of the guard were converted. For this, they were all put to death. Catherine herself was placed on a wheel full of spikes to be tortured to death. When the wheel began to spin, it mysteriously snapped in two and fell apart. Finally, St. Catherine was beheaded. She has always been the patroness of Christian philosophers.
Reflection: What would happen if all Christians were as committed to the Truth as Catherine was?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/november/1125.asp