Today's Readings:
Ez 18:21-28
Ps 130:1-8
Mt 5:20-26
What would the world be like if those who have wronged one another sought out forgiveness rather than revenge? This is what Jesus tells us we should do in our Gospel, though often I think we forget. "I am sorry." These 3 little words can do so much, yet are not used often enough. Today let us look at our own lives and see where we need to forgive or ask forgiveness, and live out Christ's command of love. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, through you love we learn love and through your mercy we learn mercy; help us to put these two great gifts into practice in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Porphyry
Porphyry was born in the fifth century to wealthy, noble parents. He left his family when he was twenty-five. Porphyry went to Egypt to enter a monastery. After five years, he made a trip to Jerusalem. He wanted to visit the places where Jesus had actually been while he was on earth. Porphyry was very impressed by the Holy Land. His love for Jesus made him more deeply aware of the sufferings of the poor. At home in Thessalonica he had never known what it was like to be poor. Now he still owned all that his parents had left him. But not for long. He asked his friend Mark to go to Thessalonica and sell everything for him. After three months, Mark returned with the money. Porphyry then gave it away to those who really needed it. At the age of forty he became a priest and was given care of the relics of the true cross of Jesus. Porphyry was then made bishop of Gaza. He worked generously to lead the people to believe in Jesus and to accept the faith. But his labors were slow and required heroic patience. The majority of inhabitants at that time were locked into pagan practices and superstitions. Although Porphyry was able to stop many of these practices, he had enemies who made him suffer greatly. Others who were Christians loved and admired him deeply. They prayed and sacrificed for him. They begged the Lord to preserve him. Bishop Porphyry spent many years strengthening the Christian community. He proclaimed all that Christianity stood for. He died in 420.
Reflection: Have I trusted God in all my undertakings, believing that he watches over me? Are there some parts of my life still controlled by fear?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0226.asp
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Signs of Christ
Today's Readings:
Jon 3:1-10
Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19
Lk 11:29-32
The people in our Gospel ask Jesus for a sign but refuse to see the sign right in front of the them; the fact that the Son of God stood before them. Through baptism we are called to be signs to the world of Christ's love. The question is though what kind of sign are we when we fail to live out Christ's call to love. Today let us truly be a sign to the world that Christ is present through each of us and that through us he is still very much active as well. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be a sign of you love and presence to all that we meet this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Montanus, St. Lucius, & Companions
Emperor Valerian persecuted Christians with vengeance during the days of the early Church. He had permitted St. Cyprian's execution in September 258. The Roman official who had actually sentenced Cyprian died himself soon after. The new official, Solon, was nearly the victim of an uprising which included a plot on his life. It seems he suspected the plot to be in revenge for the death of St. Cyprian. He arrested eight innocent people. All were Christians; most were clergy. Each had been a devoted follower of St. Cyprian. The Christians were taken down into dark dungeons. They found others there whom they knew. The filth and dampness circled the group. They realized that they would soon be facing death and eternity. The Christians were kept many months in the prison. They worked during the day and often were denied food and water without any reason. Somehow in such inhuman conditions, the little Christian community bonded and helped one another. The lay people protected the bishops, priests and deacons who were especially targets of the emperor's cruelty. When the Christians were finally called to the place of execution, each was permitted to speak. Montanus, who was tall and strong, spoke bravely to all the Christian crowd. He told them to be true to Jesus and to die rather than give up the faith. Lucius, who was small and frail, walked quietly to the place of execution. He was weak from the harsh months in prison. In fact, he had to lean on two friends who helped him arrive at the spot where the executioner waited. The people who watched called to him to remember them from paradise. As each of the Christians were beheaded one after another, the crowd became more and more courageous. They wept for those who suffered such injustice. But they were joyful, too. They realized that these martyrs would bless them from heaven. Montanus, Lucius and their companions were martyred in 259.
Reflection: Kindness and love for one another marked these saints’ lives. Today, we might consider thinking of doing something good for someone with whom we do not particularly find it easy to get along.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0224.asp
Jon 3:1-10
Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19
Lk 11:29-32
The people in our Gospel ask Jesus for a sign but refuse to see the sign right in front of the them; the fact that the Son of God stood before them. Through baptism we are called to be signs to the world of Christ's love. The question is though what kind of sign are we when we fail to live out Christ's call to love. Today let us truly be a sign to the world that Christ is present through each of us and that through us he is still very much active as well. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be a sign of you love and presence to all that we meet this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Montanus, St. Lucius, & Companions
Emperor Valerian persecuted Christians with vengeance during the days of the early Church. He had permitted St. Cyprian's execution in September 258. The Roman official who had actually sentenced Cyprian died himself soon after. The new official, Solon, was nearly the victim of an uprising which included a plot on his life. It seems he suspected the plot to be in revenge for the death of St. Cyprian. He arrested eight innocent people. All were Christians; most were clergy. Each had been a devoted follower of St. Cyprian. The Christians were taken down into dark dungeons. They found others there whom they knew. The filth and dampness circled the group. They realized that they would soon be facing death and eternity. The Christians were kept many months in the prison. They worked during the day and often were denied food and water without any reason. Somehow in such inhuman conditions, the little Christian community bonded and helped one another. The lay people protected the bishops, priests and deacons who were especially targets of the emperor's cruelty. When the Christians were finally called to the place of execution, each was permitted to speak. Montanus, who was tall and strong, spoke bravely to all the Christian crowd. He told them to be true to Jesus and to die rather than give up the faith. Lucius, who was small and frail, walked quietly to the place of execution. He was weak from the harsh months in prison. In fact, he had to lean on two friends who helped him arrive at the spot where the executioner waited. The people who watched called to him to remember them from paradise. As each of the Christians were beheaded one after another, the crowd became more and more courageous. They wept for those who suffered such injustice. But they were joyful, too. They realized that these martyrs would bless them from heaven. Montanus, Lucius and their companions were martyred in 259.
Reflection: Kindness and love for one another marked these saints’ lives. Today, we might consider thinking of doing something good for someone with whom we do not particularly find it easy to get along.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0224.asp
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Forgiveness
Today's Readings:
Is 55:10-11
Ps 34:4-7, 16-19
Mt 6:7-15
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..." In saying this we are basically giving God permission to forgive us the same way we forgive others. A pretty scary thought at times! Thankfully our Lord is very merciful and through his forgiveness we learn to do the same. Today let us take the example of our God's love and mercy and live it our in our own lives, sharing it with those around us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, let the fire of you love consume our sins and enlighten our hearts.
Saint of the Day - St. Polycarp
Polycarp was born between the years 75 and 80. He became a Christian when the followers of Jesus were still few. In fact, Polycarp was a disciple of one of the original apostles, St. John. All that Polycarp learned from St. John he taught to others. Polycarp became a priest and then bishop of Smyrna in present-day Turkey. He was Smyrna's bishop for many years. The Christians recognized him as a holy, brave shepherd. Christians in Polycarp's time faced persecution and death under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Someone betrayed Polycarp to the authorities. When his captors came to arrest him, he invited them first to share a meal with him. Then he asked them to let him pray a while. The judge tried to force Bishop Polycarp to save himself from death by cursing Jesus. "I have served Jesus all my life," answered the saint, "and he has never done me any wrong. How can I curse my King who died for me?" The soldiers tied St. Polycarp's hands behind his back. The old bishop was then placed on a burning pile. But the fire did not harm him. One of the soldiers then stabbed a lance into his heart. And so, in the year 155, Polycarp died a martyr. He went to be forever with the Divine Master he had served so bravely.
Reflection: "For eighty-six years I have served Jesus Christ and he has never abandoned me" –St. Polycarp
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0223.asp
Is 55:10-11
Ps 34:4-7, 16-19
Mt 6:7-15
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..." In saying this we are basically giving God permission to forgive us the same way we forgive others. A pretty scary thought at times! Thankfully our Lord is very merciful and through his forgiveness we learn to do the same. Today let us take the example of our God's love and mercy and live it our in our own lives, sharing it with those around us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, let the fire of you love consume our sins and enlighten our hearts.
Saint of the Day - St. Polycarp
Polycarp was born between the years 75 and 80. He became a Christian when the followers of Jesus were still few. In fact, Polycarp was a disciple of one of the original apostles, St. John. All that Polycarp learned from St. John he taught to others. Polycarp became a priest and then bishop of Smyrna in present-day Turkey. He was Smyrna's bishop for many years. The Christians recognized him as a holy, brave shepherd. Christians in Polycarp's time faced persecution and death under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Someone betrayed Polycarp to the authorities. When his captors came to arrest him, he invited them first to share a meal with him. Then he asked them to let him pray a while. The judge tried to force Bishop Polycarp to save himself from death by cursing Jesus. "I have served Jesus all my life," answered the saint, "and he has never done me any wrong. How can I curse my King who died for me?" The soldiers tied St. Polycarp's hands behind his back. The old bishop was then placed on a burning pile. But the fire did not harm him. One of the soldiers then stabbed a lance into his heart. And so, in the year 155, Polycarp died a martyr. He went to be forever with the Divine Master he had served so bravely.
Reflection: "For eighty-six years I have served Jesus Christ and he has never abandoned me" –St. Polycarp
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0223.asp
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Good Shepherd
Today's Readings:
1 Pt 5:1-4
Ps 23:1-6
Mt 16:13-19
"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." Truly Christ is the 'Good Shepherd' and wants to lead us closer to himself this day. Let us allow him to do just that so that we may continue to grow in holiness. We can do this only if we follow our Lord though. As we continue our journey through Lent, what better guide than Christ can we have. Today let us allow him to be our shepherd, so that we shall want for nothing. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lead me this day Lord and let me not stray from the path you have prepared for me. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Chair of St. Peter
St. Peter was the prince of the apostles and the first pope. Jesus said to him, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). After Jesus went back to heaven, St. Peter preached the Gospel. He guided the small but growing Christian community. At first, Peter labored in Jerusalem and in Antioch, two big cities of the east. Later, he went to preach the Gospel in Rome, the capital of the world. What chance did Peter have to perform his great task for the Lord? His Master had been crucified but then had risen. Who would believe that? The evils of pagan Rome would drown his voice no matter how dedicated he may be. But the Holy Spirit was alive in Peter. He courageously took up the ministry Jesus had left him. Never again would Peter deny his Lord. Never again would Peter put his own personal well-being before the good of the Church. The feast of St. Peter's Chair at Rome reminds us that St. Peter started the Christian community in that city. The special chair is a symbol of the authority that was given to him by Jesus. Kings of old sat on thrones and ruled. Peter's chair is a symbol of his authority from Jesus to rule the Church. St. Peter was martyred for the faith, but down through the ages there has always been a bishop of Rome. He is the pope. The pope rules the whole Church, as St. Peter did, in Jesus' name. We call the successor of St. Peter the Holy Father.
Reflection: Take a moment today to offer thanks to God for all the good that is done through the leadership of the Church.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0222.asp
1 Pt 5:1-4
Ps 23:1-6
Mt 16:13-19
"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." Truly Christ is the 'Good Shepherd' and wants to lead us closer to himself this day. Let us allow him to do just that so that we may continue to grow in holiness. We can do this only if we follow our Lord though. As we continue our journey through Lent, what better guide than Christ can we have. Today let us allow him to be our shepherd, so that we shall want for nothing. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lead me this day Lord and let me not stray from the path you have prepared for me. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Chair of St. Peter
St. Peter was the prince of the apostles and the first pope. Jesus said to him, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). After Jesus went back to heaven, St. Peter preached the Gospel. He guided the small but growing Christian community. At first, Peter labored in Jerusalem and in Antioch, two big cities of the east. Later, he went to preach the Gospel in Rome, the capital of the world. What chance did Peter have to perform his great task for the Lord? His Master had been crucified but then had risen. Who would believe that? The evils of pagan Rome would drown his voice no matter how dedicated he may be. But the Holy Spirit was alive in Peter. He courageously took up the ministry Jesus had left him. Never again would Peter deny his Lord. Never again would Peter put his own personal well-being before the good of the Church. The feast of St. Peter's Chair at Rome reminds us that St. Peter started the Christian community in that city. The special chair is a symbol of the authority that was given to him by Jesus. Kings of old sat on thrones and ruled. Peter's chair is a symbol of his authority from Jesus to rule the Church. St. Peter was martyred for the faith, but down through the ages there has always been a bishop of Rome. He is the pope. The pope rules the whole Church, as St. Peter did, in Jesus' name. We call the successor of St. Peter the Holy Father.
Reflection: Take a moment today to offer thanks to God for all the good that is done through the leadership of the Church.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0222.asp
Friday, February 19, 2010
Purpose of Lent
Today's Readings:
Is 58:1-9
Ps 51:3-6, 18-19
Mt 9:14-15
Through the discipline and our observance of Lent, it is our hope that we grow closer in our relationship with our Lord. We can only do that however if we take the antiphon of our Responsorial Psalm to heart: "a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Approaching our God with this sort of heart is the only way in which we can expect to grow in our relationship with our Lord. Today let us approach Christ with a humbled and contrite heart and ask that he help us to make this Lent as fruitful as possible. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help us this Lent to truly grow in faith, hope, and love.
Saint of the Day - St. Barbatus
Barbatus was born in Benevento, Italy, in 612. He was given a Christian upbringing and was good and devout. He took his faith seriously and especially liked to read the Bible. As soon as he was old enough, he was ordained a priest. Later he was made a pastor. But his life as a pastor was not easy. Some people did not like him to tell them how to live. St. Barbatus was encouraging them to lead better lives. He reminded them to be sorry for their sins. Some of the people were angry. They persecuted him and finally forced him to leave. The young priest felt bad. He went back to Benevento where he had been born. He was received with great joy. There were challenges in that city, too. Many converts to Christianity still kept pagan idols in their homes. They found it hard to destroy their good luck charms. They believed in magic powers. St. Barbatus preached against such superstitions. But the people hung on to their false gods. The saint warned them that because of this sin, their city would be attacked by enemies and it was. Afterward, the people gave up their error and peace returned. St. Barbatus was made bishop. He continued his work to convert his people. He died on February 29, 682, at the age of seventy. Reflection: Each human heart was created by God to be united with him in heaven. What does it feel like to be loved by God?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0219.asp
Is 58:1-9
Ps 51:3-6, 18-19
Mt 9:14-15
Through the discipline and our observance of Lent, it is our hope that we grow closer in our relationship with our Lord. We can only do that however if we take the antiphon of our Responsorial Psalm to heart: "a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Approaching our God with this sort of heart is the only way in which we can expect to grow in our relationship with our Lord. Today let us approach Christ with a humbled and contrite heart and ask that he help us to make this Lent as fruitful as possible. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help us this Lent to truly grow in faith, hope, and love.
Saint of the Day - St. Barbatus
Barbatus was born in Benevento, Italy, in 612. He was given a Christian upbringing and was good and devout. He took his faith seriously and especially liked to read the Bible. As soon as he was old enough, he was ordained a priest. Later he was made a pastor. But his life as a pastor was not easy. Some people did not like him to tell them how to live. St. Barbatus was encouraging them to lead better lives. He reminded them to be sorry for their sins. Some of the people were angry. They persecuted him and finally forced him to leave. The young priest felt bad. He went back to Benevento where he had been born. He was received with great joy. There were challenges in that city, too. Many converts to Christianity still kept pagan idols in their homes. They found it hard to destroy their good luck charms. They believed in magic powers. St. Barbatus preached against such superstitions. But the people hung on to their false gods. The saint warned them that because of this sin, their city would be attacked by enemies and it was. Afterward, the people gave up their error and peace returned. St. Barbatus was made bishop. He continued his work to convert his people. He died on February 29, 682, at the age of seventy. Reflection: Each human heart was created by God to be united with him in heaven. What does it feel like to be loved by God?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0219.asp
Friday, February 5, 2010
Allowing God to use us
Today's Readings:
Sir 47:2-11
Ps 18:31, 47, 50-51
Mk 6:14-29
Our first reading speaks about David the King of Israel and mentions that God took this young shepherd and transformed him into a powerful king. Even when David sinned against the Lord, he repented and the Lord forgave him and was still able to use him. The Lord can do great things with very little, just wonder at what he wishes to do with us. Today let us allow our God to use to accomplish his plan of salvation and continue to allow his Son our Lord to shine through all that we do. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Let it be done according to your will O Lord, for to you be all the glory and praise. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Agatha
A beautiful Christian girl named Agatha lived in Sicily in the third century. The governor heard of Agatha's beauty and brought her to his palace. He wanted to make her commit sins against purity, but she was brave and would not give in. "My Lord Jesus Christ," she prayed, "you see my heart and you know my desire. You alone must have me, because I am all yours. Save me from this evil man. Make me worthy of winning out over the devil." The governor tried sending Agatha to the house of a wicked woman. Perhaps the girl would change for the worse. But Agatha had great trust in God and prayed all the time. She kept herself pure. She would not listen to the evil suggestions of the woman and her daughters. After a month, she was brought back to the governor. He tried again to win her. "You are a noblewoman," he said kindly. "Why have you lowered yourself to be a humble Christian?" "Even though I am a noble," answered Agatha, "I am a slave of Jesus Christ." "Then what does it really mean to be noble?" the governor asked. Agatha answered, "It means to serve God." When he realized that she would not sin, the governor became angry. He had Agatha whipped and tortured. As she was being carried back to prison she whispered, "Lord, my Creator, you have protected me from the cradle. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my soul." Agatha died a martyr at Catania, Sicily, in the year 250.
Reflection: "She teaches by her example to hasten to the true Good, God alone." –St. Methodius
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0205.asp
Sir 47:2-11
Ps 18:31, 47, 50-51
Mk 6:14-29
Our first reading speaks about David the King of Israel and mentions that God took this young shepherd and transformed him into a powerful king. Even when David sinned against the Lord, he repented and the Lord forgave him and was still able to use him. The Lord can do great things with very little, just wonder at what he wishes to do with us. Today let us allow our God to use to accomplish his plan of salvation and continue to allow his Son our Lord to shine through all that we do. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Let it be done according to your will O Lord, for to you be all the glory and praise. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Agatha
A beautiful Christian girl named Agatha lived in Sicily in the third century. The governor heard of Agatha's beauty and brought her to his palace. He wanted to make her commit sins against purity, but she was brave and would not give in. "My Lord Jesus Christ," she prayed, "you see my heart and you know my desire. You alone must have me, because I am all yours. Save me from this evil man. Make me worthy of winning out over the devil." The governor tried sending Agatha to the house of a wicked woman. Perhaps the girl would change for the worse. But Agatha had great trust in God and prayed all the time. She kept herself pure. She would not listen to the evil suggestions of the woman and her daughters. After a month, she was brought back to the governor. He tried again to win her. "You are a noblewoman," he said kindly. "Why have you lowered yourself to be a humble Christian?" "Even though I am a noble," answered Agatha, "I am a slave of Jesus Christ." "Then what does it really mean to be noble?" the governor asked. Agatha answered, "It means to serve God." When he realized that she would not sin, the governor became angry. He had Agatha whipped and tortured. As she was being carried back to prison she whispered, "Lord, my Creator, you have protected me from the cradle. You have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my soul." Agatha died a martyr at Catania, Sicily, in the year 250.
Reflection: "She teaches by her example to hasten to the true Good, God alone." –St. Methodius
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0205.asp
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Presence of Christ
Today's Readings:
2 Sm 24:2, 9-17
Ps 32:1-2, 5-7
Mk 6:1-6
There is an old saying that "familiarity breeds contempt." Sometimes we think we know a person and therefore do not allow them to differ from the perception we have in our mind. This is what happed when Jesus returns to his home village, the people basically ask: who does he think he is? We know Jesus is the Son of God; but who is he in the person next to us, the person we take for granted, the person we ignore? Christ is present in each person, but do we allow him to present himself to us through those people in our lives? Today let us look for Christ and allow him to reveal himself to us in each person we encounter. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, you make yourself know to us through the breaking of the bread, help us to also see you in all of our brothers and sisters this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Blase
St. Blase lived in the fourth century. Some say that he came from a rich family and received a Christian education. As a young man, Blase thought about all the sufferings and troubles of the times. He began to realize that only spiritual joys can make a person really happy. He became a priest and then bishop of Sebaste in Armenia which is now modern Turkey. With all his heart, Blase worked to make his people holy and happy. He prayed and preached; he tried to help everyone. When the governor, Licinius, began to persecute the Christians, St. Blase was captured. He was sent to prison to be beheaded. On the way, people crowded the road to see their beloved bishop for the last time. He blessed them all, even the pagans. A poor mother rushed up to him. She begged him to save her child who was choking to death from a fishbone. The saint whispered a prayer and blessed the child. He worked a miracle that saved the child's life. That is why St. Blase is called upon by all who have throat diseases. On his feast day, we have our throats blessed. We ask him to protect us from all sicknesses of the throat. In prison, the saintly bishop converted many pagans. No torture could make him give up his faith in Jesus. He was beheaded in the year 316. Now St. Blase is with Jesus forever.
Reflection: Each of us experiences a need of healing in some area of our lives. Today, invite God to come into these places with the comfort of his presence.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0203.asp
2 Sm 24:2, 9-17
Ps 32:1-2, 5-7
Mk 6:1-6
There is an old saying that "familiarity breeds contempt." Sometimes we think we know a person and therefore do not allow them to differ from the perception we have in our mind. This is what happed when Jesus returns to his home village, the people basically ask: who does he think he is? We know Jesus is the Son of God; but who is he in the person next to us, the person we take for granted, the person we ignore? Christ is present in each person, but do we allow him to present himself to us through those people in our lives? Today let us look for Christ and allow him to reveal himself to us in each person we encounter. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, you make yourself know to us through the breaking of the bread, help us to also see you in all of our brothers and sisters this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Blase
St. Blase lived in the fourth century. Some say that he came from a rich family and received a Christian education. As a young man, Blase thought about all the sufferings and troubles of the times. He began to realize that only spiritual joys can make a person really happy. He became a priest and then bishop of Sebaste in Armenia which is now modern Turkey. With all his heart, Blase worked to make his people holy and happy. He prayed and preached; he tried to help everyone. When the governor, Licinius, began to persecute the Christians, St. Blase was captured. He was sent to prison to be beheaded. On the way, people crowded the road to see their beloved bishop for the last time. He blessed them all, even the pagans. A poor mother rushed up to him. She begged him to save her child who was choking to death from a fishbone. The saint whispered a prayer and blessed the child. He worked a miracle that saved the child's life. That is why St. Blase is called upon by all who have throat diseases. On his feast day, we have our throats blessed. We ask him to protect us from all sicknesses of the throat. In prison, the saintly bishop converted many pagans. No torture could make him give up his faith in Jesus. He was beheaded in the year 316. Now St. Blase is with Jesus forever.
Reflection: Each of us experiences a need of healing in some area of our lives. Today, invite God to come into these places with the comfort of his presence.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0203.asp
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