23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
In our reading, we find out how we can understand God a bit better. He sent us a special helper when we were baptised to help us to understand readings from the bible.
In our gospel, Jesus told the people that to be his disciple, you must love God more than yourself. You must be willing to carry your cross and follow him. When you want to build something, you sit down and think about what materials you will need and how much it will cost. You see if you have enough to pay for it. If you don’t plan, you may not be able to finish what you start.
Special Saint/Feast Day: St. Rose of Viterbo – September 4th
Rose was born around 1235 in Viterbo, Italy. She was a poor girl who had a special mission to make the people in Viterbo and nearby cities remain faithful to the Church and to the Holy Father.
Rose was only 8 years old when our Blessed Mother, Mary appeared to her while she was sick and told her to wear the habit of St. Francis. Our Lady told Rose to give good example by her words and actions.
Slowly, Rose regained her health. She knew how much Jesus suffered for us and how much he was offended by sin. Rose prayed and made many sacrifices to show Jesus how much she loved him.
At 12 years old, Rose would preach on the streets in the city. Many people listened to her and soon enemies wanted her killed. Rose and her parents had to leave the city.
Rose wanted to become a nun but was not accepted. She died at 17 years old.
In her very short life St. Rose did much good. She did what she knew was the right thing to do, even though it was difficult and did not make her popular. We can ask her to help us be courageous every day as she was.