Beauty of the Creator

Today's Readings:
Wis 13:1-9
Ps 19:2-5
Lk 17:26-37

Our 1st reading today reminds us that though the universe is majestic and beautiful to behold, it is only reflecting a fraction of the beauty of its Creator. The same holds true with us, each of us reflects the image and likeness of God, but do we recognize Christ in others or do we just see another person. All of creation reflects its maker and often we can see God through his creation, but we who are in the image and likeness of God are called to reflect that all the more. Today let us seek out God in all those we encounter as well as letting him shine through us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, creation reflects your love; help us to allow that love to be seen in all we do this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Frances Zavier Cabrini
Frances was born on July 15, 1850. As a child growing up in Italy, she dreamed about being a missionary to China. She sailed paper boats down a stream to play her "pretend game." The paper boats were ships taking missionaries to China. And she began giving up candy because in China, she probably wouldn't be able to have any. But when she grew up, Frances was not accepted into the two convents which she asked to join. Her health was not too good. She taught school for a while. Then a priest asked her to help out in a small home for orphans. Things were very hard for Frances because of the lady who ran the house. Yet Frances stuck to the work, and some other generous women joined her. Together they took vows. At last the bishop told Frances to begin her own congregation of missionary nuns. Without hesitating, Frances started at once. This congregation is called the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Before long, it began to grow, first in Italy and then in many other countries. Frances, whom everyone called Mother Cabrini, had always had her heart set on going to China. But it seemed that God wanted her to come to America. When Pope Leo XIII told her, "Go west, not east," the matter was settled. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini sailed for the United States and became an American citizen. She especially helped large numbers of Italian immigrants. She was their real mother and friend. Mother Cabrini and her sisters had a very hard time in the beginning. The archbishop of New York even suggested that they go back to Italy. But Mother Cabrini answered, "Your excellency, the pope sent me here and here I must stay." The archbishop admired her pioneer spirit, and so she and her sisters were permitted to begin their great work for God. Schools, hospitals, and homes for children were opened up in different states. As the years passed, Mother Cabrini made many trips to spread her congregation and its works. There were always difficulties, but she put all her trust in the Sacred Heart. "It is he who is doing everything, not us," she would say. Mother Cabrini died in Chicago on December 23, 1917. She was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1946.
Reflection: This holy woman was able to do a lot of good for others, by following her motto from the words of St. Paul: "I can do all things in him who strengthens me."

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/november/1113.asp