Hope in God

If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon Our Lady. Just say this simple prayer, “Mary, mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.” I must admit, this prayer has never failed me.

-St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨' 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges and opposition in your life, wondering how to navigate through them with grace and purpose?

Think about a time when you were doing something good, maybe helping someone in need, and faced unexpected resistance or criticism. Well, this is a bit like what Jesus experienced in 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟭𝟮:𝟭𝟰-𝟮𝟭.

Imagine a bustling market in ancient Palestine, filled with the sounds of merchants calling out, children playing, and people going about their daily lives. In the midst of this, Jesus is performing miracles, healing the sick, and teaching about God's kingdom. His actions draw the attention of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time. Instead of celebrating His good deeds, they plot to destroy Him because they were threatened by His teachings and miracles.

Aware of their plans, Jesus withdrew from the place, but He didn’t stop His mission. Instead, He continued healing and helping those in need. He asked the people He healed not to spread the word about Him. This act fulfilled an ancient prophecy from Isaiah, describing a servant of God who would bring justice to the nations with humility and compassion. This servant, Jesus, would not quarrel or cry out; instead, He would gently uplift the weak and oppressed, offering hope to all, including the Gentiles.

Alright. There's much to learn here. So, let's break down the passage and see how we can apply the lessons in our lives today.

• 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 (𝘃𝟭𝟰-𝟭𝟱𝗮):
The Pharisees' plot against Jesus shows us that even when we do good, we might face opposition. Jesus' decision to withdraw rather than confront them directly teaches us to choose our battles wisely. In our own lives, when faced with criticism or hostility for doing the right thing, we can follow Jesus' example of prudence and discernment.

Think about social media arguments. When someone attacks your beliefs online, responding with hostility often escalates the situation. But stepping away and continuing to live out your faith speaks louder than words. Sometimes, stepping back from a heated online argument is wiser than engaging in a conflict that won't lead to understanding.

You see, what Jesus did wasn’t an act of fear, but of wisdom. Sometimes, the best response to hostility is not confrontation but choosing a path that allows us to continue our mission. Think about a time when you faced opposition for doing what was right. Did you respond with wisdom and grace, or did you let anger take over?

• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝘃𝟭𝟱𝗯-𝟭𝟲):
Now, despite the threats, Jesus continued healing and helping those in need. This shows His unwavering commitment to His mission. He didn’t let the opposition stop Him from doing good!

How about us? How often do we let challenges deter us from helping others? Jesus’ example teaches us to persist in our compassionate actions, even when it's difficult. Imagine you’re volunteering at a shelter, and someone criticizes your efforts. Do you give up, or do you continue to help those in need?

Additionally, Jesus' instruction was to keep it quiet. This can be likened to doing good deeds without posting about them on social media. Jesus teaches us the value of humility and the importance of serving others without seeking recognition. His actions remind us that our good deeds don't need to be broadcasted to be meaningful.

• 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗱'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗰𝘆 (𝘃𝟭𝟳-𝟭𝟴):
Now, Matthew reminds us that Jesus’ actions were the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus was God’s chosen servant, filled with the Spirit, bringing justice to the nations. Jesus’ mission is divinely ordained. He’s not just acting out of human goodness but fulfilling a greater divine purpose.

This reinforces that our actions, when aligned with God’s will, have a greater purpose. When you serve others, do you see it as part of a bigger plan, a fulfillment of your calling?

My friend, God has a plan for each of us. When we follow His guidance, we become part of a bigger picture, bringing justice and love to the world.

Think of how small acts of kindness, like smiling at a stranger or helping a coworker, can ripple out and make a big difference. Each of us has a role in God's plan!

• 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝘃𝟭𝟵-𝟮𝟬):
You see, Jesus’ approach was one of gentleness and meekness. He didn’t seek attention or engage in loud arguments. Instead, He focused on compassionate actions. His mission is to bring justice through compassion, not force. In today’s world, where loud voices often dominate, how can we embody this gentleness? Think of a time when you resolved a conflict not by arguing, but through kind and compassionate actions.

• 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 (𝘃𝟮𝟭):
Finally, verse 21 brings the message home: “𝘐𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦.” Jesus’ mission is for everyone, offering hope that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This is a powerful reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, Jesus’ message of hope and salvation is for us all.

In a world often divided by differences, we can be ambassadors of hope and unity, showing love and acceptance to everyone we meet.

You see, my friend, Jesus’ life and actions, as described in Matthew 12:14-21, offer us a powerful example of how to respond to opposition with wisdom, continue our mission with compassion, fulfill our calling with purpose, act with gentleness, and bring hope to all.

As you go through your life, remember that you, too, can be a gentle healer, bringing light and hope to those around you. Don’t let opposition deter you. Instead, let it strengthen your resolve to do good. Embrace your role as a servant of God, filled with His Spirit, bringing justice and hope to the world in His name. Keep moving forward with compassion and grace, knowing that your actions are part of a greater plan!

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your guidance and strength. As we reflect on the example of Jesus, our Gentle Healer, help us to face opposition with wisdom and respond to challenges with compassion. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may continue our mission with perseverance and gentleness. May we bring justice, hope, and love to all those around us, just as Jesus did.

Grant us the courage to act with humility and the wisdom to see Your greater plan in our lives. Help us to be instruments of Your peace and channels of Your grace. In all that we do, may we glorify Your name and spread Your love to the ends of the earth.

We pray this in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

𝗩𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆

The Vatican has granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who visits a sick, lonely, or disabled elderly person on the fourth annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on July 28.

Those who are grandparents or elderly themselves can also receive a plenary indulgence, as well as anyone who participates in religious functions connected to the celebration, as long as the usual conditions are fulfilled.

The usual conditions to obtain a plenary indulgence are to be detached from all sin, to receive sacramental confession and holy Communion, and to pray for the pope’s intentions.

𝘼𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙙𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙣. 𝙄𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, sent a decree July 18 granting the plenary indulgences.

A person who cannot leave his or her home due to sickness, infirmity, or another serious reason can also obtain the plenary indulgence if they “unite themselves spiritually to the sacred functions” of the day, “offering to the merciful God the prayers, pains, or sufferings of their lives, especially during the various celebrations which will be broadcast through the media,” De Donatis decreed.

The major penitentiary also asked priests to make themselves available to hear confessions “in a ready and generous spirit” so that Catholics may more easily have “the opportunity to attain divine grace through the power of the keys of the Church.”

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

1. Detachment from all sin, even venial.

2. Sacramental confession, holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope. These three conditions can be fulfilled a few days before or after performing the works to gain the indulgence, but it is appropriate that Communion and the prayer take place on the same day that the work is completed.

A single sacramental confession is sufficient for several plenary indulgences, but frequent sacramental confession is encouraged in order to obtain the grace of deeper conversion and purity of heart.

For each plenary indulgence that is sought, however, a separate holy Communion and a separate prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father are required.

The prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father is left up to the choice of the individual, but an Our Father and Hail Mary are suggested.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆

The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, initiated by Pope Francis in 2021, is held on the fourth Sunday of July, which falls near the July 26 feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

In 2024, the day will be celebrated on July 28 with the theme: “Do Not Cast Me Off in My Old Age” — taken from Psalm 71.

The Vatican announced the theme in February, saying it was Pope Francis’ desire “to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly people, so often the victims of the throwaway culture.”

In 2023, Pope Francis marked the day with an intergenerational Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, affirming in his homily that old age is a “blessed time.”

“How much we need a new bond between young and old,” the pope said on July 23 last year, “so that the sap of those who have a long experience of life behind them will nourish the shoots of hope of those who are growing. In this fruitful exchange we can learn the beauty of life, build a fraternal society, and in the Church, be enabled to encounter one another and dialogue between tradition and the newness of the Spirit.”

𝓢𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮: 𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓬 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼 𝓐𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓬𝔂

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗫

The Marriage Crucifix is a Catholic wedding tradition that traces back to a small town in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Although it is a small town, it is reported to be the only town that has a 0% divorce rate. It is believed that the “secret” to this divorce rate is the fact that they make Christ the center of their marriage.

In this tradition, the couple approaches the altar. The priest says to them, “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥, 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥.” Then, he blesses the crucifix. During the exchange of vows, the groom holds the crucifix with his right hand, and the bride places her right hand on top the crucifix, which is such a beautiful symbol of Christ at the center of their relationship. Instead of kissing one another, they actually kiss the cross.

𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮'𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹💟✝️

"I, Sister Faustina Kowalska, by the order of God, have visited the Abysses of Hell so that I might tell souls about it and testify to its existence...the devils were full of hatred for me, but they had to obey me at the command of God, What I have written is but a pale shadow of the things I saw. But I noticed one thing: That most of the souls there are those who disbelieved that there is a hell." (Diary 741)

"Today, I was led by an angel to the Chasms of Hell. It is a place of great torture; how awesomely large and extensive it is!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐰:

The First Torture that constitutes hell is:

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙂𝙤𝙙.

The Second is:

𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.

The Third is:

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚'𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚.

The Fourth is:

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩. 𝘼 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙙'𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧.

The Fifth Torture is:

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡, 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣.

The Sixth Torture is:

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙣.

The Seventh Torture is:

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧, 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙂𝙤𝙙, 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨, 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨.

These are the Tortures suffered by all the damned together, but that is not the end of the sufferings.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
There are special Tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings related to the manner in which it has sinned.

𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝
There are caverns and pits of torture where one form of agony differs from another. I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me.

𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥
Let the sinner know that he will be tortured throughout all eternity, in those senses which he made use of to sin. I am writing this at the command of God, so that no soul may find an excuse by saying there is no hell, or that nobody has ever been there, and so no one can say what it is like...how terribly souls suffer there! Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners. I incessantly plead God's mercy upon them. O My Jesus, I would rather be in agony until the end of the world, amidst the greatest sufferings, than offend you by the least sin." (Diary 741)

𝗔 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗬

"A relatively young priest is in a hospital visiting some of his parishioners. He is walking down the hallway, and a nun stops him and says, “Father, can you go into this room? There’s a man on his deathbed. He’s been here for days. We’ve asked priests to go in, but he chases everyone away. He doesn’t want to talk about Jesus. But he’s dying. Could you please visit him?”

The priest goes in and introduces himself to the patient. The guy erupts and starts cursing at him. He is so angry: “I don’t want anything to do with you. Get out of here!”

The priest says, “Okay” and goes out into the hall.

The nun is still there. She says, “Could you go back in?”

The priest replies, “He doesn’t want anything I have to offer.”

“Just give it another chance,” pleads the nun.

The priest reluctantly reenters the room. “I’m not going to ask if you want to go to confession. I’m not going to ask if you want Holy Communion. But is it okay if I just sit here next to your bed and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy?”

The old man replies, “I don’t care. Do whatever you want.”

The priest sits down and begins softly praying the words of the Chaplet: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world….”

Suddenly the man bursts out, “Stop it!”

Startled, the priest looks up and asks, “Why?”

“Because there is no mercy for me!”

“Why do you think there is no mercy for you?” asks the priest.

“It doesn’t matter,” responds the old man.

But the priest persists: “Why do you think there is no mercy for you?”

“I’ll tell you… Twenty-five years ago, I was working for the railroad. My job was to lower the crossing guard arm when a train would come to prevent cars from going on the tracks. But one night I was drunk.

I didn’t lower the crossing guard arm, and a couple and their three young children were on the tracks as a train came, and they were all instantly killed. That was my fault. So there is no mercy for me. I have failed. It is over.”

The priest just sits there staring at the rosary in his hands. Finally he asks, “Where was this?”

The man tells him the name of the Polish town.

The priest looks up and says, “Twenty-five years ago, my mom and my dad were taking my little siblings on a trip. I couldn’t go with them. They were driving through this small town. For some reason the railroad crossing guard arm wasn’t lowered. As they were crossing the tracks, a train came and killed them all. I lost my whole family that night.” The priest gazes intently into the man’s face, and he says, “My brother, God forgives you. Not only that, I forgive you.”

The man realizes that God’s mercy is for him.

The priest asks, “Would you let me hear your confession and give you the Eucharist?”

The man makes his confession and receives Holy Communion. Two days later he dies. Mercy wins. His failure is not final.

The story goes on. It’s kind of cool. After giving the man Communion, the priest goes into the hallway in search of the nun. He can’t find her. The administration tells him, “We don’t employ any nuns at this hospital.”

For years the priest does not know who this nun is. Eventually he goes to the town of Vilnius, which is where Saint Faustina lived. He goes to the convent to say Mass for the nuns there. He sees a painting on the wall of Saint Faustina, and he says, “I’ve met that nun a couple of years ago.”

“No, Father, you did not,” replies one of the nuns. “She’s been dead since 1938.”

The priest then realizes it was Sister Faustina who told him to go into the patient’s room, told him to go back again into that room.

Failure is not final. Not when it comes to Jesus.

Ctto

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 💟✝️

Dear God,

I come to you today with a heavy heart, filled with fear and uncertainty about the future. I know that I am not alone in this, and that many others are struggling with similar feelings.

Please help me to find the strength and courage to face the future with confidence and hope. Help me to let go of my fears and trust in your plan for me. Give me the wisdom to make good decisions, and the resilience to overcome any obstacles that come my way.

Please surround me with your love and protection, and guide me along the path that you have set for me. Help me to remember that even in the darkest of times, you are always with me, and that I am never truly alone.

Thank you for your many blessings, and for the gift of faith that sustains me through difficult times. May your light shine upon me always, and may I find peace and joy in your presence. In Jesus' name, I pay.

Amen.

"O, Star of the Sea, help me and show herein you are my mother."

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀💟✝️

Dear God,

I come to you in prayer with a heavy heart, burdened by financial fears and worries. You are the source of all abundance and prosperity, and I trust in your loving care and provision.

I ask for your guidance and wisdom as I navigate through this challenging time. Help me to make wise financial decisions and to be a good steward of the resources you have entrusted to me. Give me the courage to face my fears and to trust in your provision.

Please calm my anxious thoughts and bring me peace in the midst of uncertainty. Help me to remember that you are always with me and that you will never leave me or forsake me.

I pray for financial blessings and abundance, not just for myself but for all those who are struggling with financial difficulties. May your grace and provision be evident in our lives, and may we always give thanks and praise to you.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘂𝗺

We praise you, O God:
We acknowledge you to be the Lord.
All the earth worships you,
The Father everlasting.
To you all Angels,
All the Powers of Heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim,
Sing in endless praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise you.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise you.
The noble army of martyrs praise you.
The holy Church throughout all the world does acknowledge you:
The Father, of an infinite majesty;
Your adorable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

You are the King of Glory, O Christ.
You are the everlasting Son of the Father.
When you took upon yourself to deliver man,
You humbled yourself to be born of a Virgin.
When you had overcome the sharpness of death,
You opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
You sit at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
We therefore pray you, help your servants,
Whom you have redeemed with your precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with your saints,
In glory everlasting.

Amen.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿; 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗹. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

- Our Lady to St. Simon Stock

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!
July 16

***
With July 16 as her feast day, this title of Mary is associated with brown scapulars. The scapular comes to us through the vision of St. Simon Stock. Our Lady gave St. Simon a scapular for the Carmelites with the following promise, saying : "Receive, My beloved son, this habit of thy order: this shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire .... It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace." Many miracles have been attributed to the scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

To read more about Mary, click this link:
https://www.dominusest.ph/post/the-virgin-mary-flower-of-may

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆

MOST holy Mary, Mother of Goodness, Mother of Mercy, when I reflect upon my sins and upon the moment of my death, I tremble and am confounded. O my sweetest Mother, in the blood of Jesus, in thy intercession, are my hopes. Comforter of the sad, abandon me not at that hour; fail not to console me in that affliction. If even now I am so tormented by remorse for the sins I have committed, the uncertainty of my pardon, the danger of a relapse, and the strictness of the Judgment, how will it be with me then?

O my Mother, before death overtakes me, obtain for me great sorrow for my sins, a true amendment, and constant fidelity to God for the remainder of my life. And when at length my hour has come, then do thou, Mary, my hope, be my aid in those great troubles wherewith my soul will be encompassed. Strengthen me, that I may not despair when the enemy sets my sins before my face. Obtain for me at that moment grace to invoke thee often, so that with thy sweet name and that of thy most holy Son upon my lips I may breathe forth my spirit. This grace thou hast granted to many of thy servants; this, too, is my hope and my desire. Amen

(3 Hail Marys in reparation for blasphemies against the Blessed Virgin Mary.)

𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞
𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝💟✝️

Heavenly Father, As I begin this new week, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of life. Grant me the strength and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. Guide my steps and help me make wise decisions in all that I do. May Your wisdom illuminate my path and Your love fill my heart. Bless this week with Your presence, and may it be a week of growth, positivity, and accomplishment. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of purity
and compassion, Your unwavering love and
intercession are our source of comfort and
strength.

Teach us to emulate your faithfulness, to love
as you love, and to trust in God's plan for our
lives. Guide us in paths of righteousness, and
lead us ever closer to your Son, Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀

Father God, Take charge of my life. Help me step into Your authority and be aware of the wiles of the devil. I ask you to rebuke the evil one away from my life. I plead the blood of Jesus over my family and myself. I ask You to help me move into the breakthroughs that You have planned for me today—in my spiritual walk, in my relationships, in my career, and even in my finances. Quicken me. Let Your Word give me understanding. Lead me in the way of righteousness that I may understand You better and serve You more effectively. I pray all this in the name of Jesus, amen.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝘼 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
Have you ever felt a moment in life when you wondered, "What's my purpose?" or "Can I make a difference?" Imagine being handed a mission that goes beyond the ordinary. Now, ever wondered what it would be like to embark on this mission armed only with trust and faith? Imagine leaving behind the comforts of security, stepping into the unknown, and relying solely on the call of your heart. What if I told you, that's exactly the journey Jesus invited his disciples to take? Let's explore this empowering adventure together from 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝟲:𝟳-𝟭𝟯.

Picture this: Jesus gathers his crew, the twelve disciples, and hands them a mission. He says, "𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘴. 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 – 𝘯𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴, 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘯𝘰 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧." Now, these guys weren't exactly seasoned travelers, but they set out, two by two, not knowing where the road will lead, armed only with a staff, faith, and the transformative power of their mission.

Alright. Let's now break down the passage in a way that could resonate with us today.

• 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 (𝘃𝟳):
Imagine being handed the keys to a kingdom. That's what Jesus did for his disciples, giving them authority over the things that go bump in the spiritual night. And guess what? You have that authority too! Imagine having the power to face the spiritual battles in your life, or over the things that hold us back – doubts, fears, struggles, temptations, and all the messy stuff. Jesus gives you that power, that authority, not to control others, but to bring light into the darkness within and around you.

In a world craving authenticity, God gives us the authority to bring healing, hope, and light. We carry the authority to impact lives, confront challenges, and make a difference.

• 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 (𝘃𝟴-𝟵):
Now, think of your life as a journey. If life were a backpacking trip, what would you carry? What if our "baggage" is self-doubt, fear, worry, or the need for perfection? Jesus challenges us to travel light, shedding unnecessary burdens. It's like decluttering our backpacks to make room for what truly matters. Imagine navigating life with only what's essential, trusting that God's got your back and He got the rest covered. It's a practical lesson of reliance on God's provision and trust in His plan.

• 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗱 (𝘃𝟭𝟬):
By carrying only the necessities, the disciples learned to depend on God's daily provision. It's a lesson in embracing the unknown with trust and confidence. Let's put it this way: what if your friend said, "I got the bills, the food, and everything you need"? That's how God wants us to live – depending on Him, trusting His plan, and believing He's got every detail covered. The more you lean on Him, the more you experience His faithfulness in unexpected ways.

Think of God as your GPS. He knows the way, and when we let go of control, trusting His guidance, we experience a more fulfilling and purposeful journey. Then our journey becomes a testament to God's faithfulness when we trust in His provision.

• 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝘃𝟭𝟭):
Now, ever felt rejected or misunderstood? Jesus acknowledges that. We've all faced rejection. Shaking off dust might seem dramatic, but it's a powerful symbol of resilience, refusing to let rejection define us. It's like saying, "I won't carry the weight of negativity, disappointment, or hurt with me." It's freeing yourself from the burden of others' opinions and embracing the journey ahead.

Your journey isn’t defined by who rejects you but by those who welcome the transformation you bring. Not everyone will understand your mission. But don't let rejection hinder your purpose; instead, use it as a stepping stone, a testimony of your faithfulness.

• 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝘃𝟭𝟮):
Now, imagine being the town crier or messenger for positive change. The disciples went around, shouting 'Repent!' - not a popular message, but a necessary one. Repentance isn’t just about saying sorry; it's a U-turn towards God. It's a call to realign our lives with God, making room for growth and transformation.

What if our mission is to challenge ourselves and others to change for the better? To turn away from destructive paths and embrace a life that aligns with God's purpose. It's not just about pointing fingers; it's about inviting transformation. So, what changes are you ready to make on this journey? Jesus wants us to be the voice calling others to a life that truly matters.

• 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗱'𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 (𝟭𝟯):
Our passage ends with the disciples being instrumental in demonstrating the arrival of God's kingdom and the power of God's grace through casting out demons and healing the sick. Those abilities may sound ancient or might sound like fairy tales, but it's about bringing hope to the hurting, a light to the darkness of life. We might not have those supernatural powers, but a kind word, a helping hand, or a caring heart can bring a touch of God's kingdom to someone's life. In our daily interactions, we have the power to reveal the reality of God's grace through acts of kindness, compassion, understanding, and love.

So, my friend, here we are, on this journey of trust and transformation. Embrace your authority, travel light, depend on God, dust off rejection, proclaim change, and be the ambassador for God's kingdom.

It's not always an easy road, but the destination is worth it. You are empowered; you are a messenger. The adventure awaits, and God is with you every step of the way!

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬:
Heavenly Father, as we stand on the threshold of this empowering journey, we come before You with open hearts. Thank You for entrusting us with authority, for inviting us to travel light, and for teaching us dependence on Your unwavering love.

Lord, help us to release the burdens we carry, the fears that hold us back, and the doubts that cloud our vision. May Your Spirit guide us on this path of trust, transforming us into messengers of Your grace and love.

Grant us the strength to shake off the dust of rejection and to proclaim repentance with humility and courage. In our journey, may we be vessels of healing and beacons of Your kingdom's light in a world that needs Your touch.

Empower us, Lord, to live out the lessons from Mark 6:7-13. Thank You for being our constant companion, our provider, and our source of strength. May our lives be a testimony to Your transformative power.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.