Saint of the Day
St. John Bosco
John Bosco (1815–1888), known as Don Bosco, was an Italian priest who dedicated his life to the education and welfare of poor and at-risk youth in Turin during the Industrial Revolution. Growing up in poverty himself, he developed the "preventive system" of education — built on reason, religion, and loving kindness rather than punishment. He founded the Salesians of Don Bosco, which today operates schools, vocational training centers, and youth missions in over 130 countries. He is patron of youth, apprentices, and editors.
Scripture Reading
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
Paul catalogs the entire universe of threats — death, life, angels, powers, time, space — and declares that not one of them can sever us from God's love. The conviction is not wishful thinking; it is the conclusion of a man who had faced beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and his own wretchedness. As January closes, we carry this certainty into what lies ahead: held by a love that has already proven it cannot be broken.
Prayer for Today
O Lord my God, thank you that you are my ever-present help in times of trouble. You said that I should love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. In friendships that have broken down, I pray that you would help me love. In relationships that are in conflict, would you help me to pray. Hear my prayer for the restoration of my relationships. May your peace be in my heart, your grace be in my words, your love be in my hands and your joy be in my soul. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Amen.