Tuesday 6th July

A Mission Of Mercy

Pope Francis proclaimed an extraordinary Year of Mercy in 2015, but it was one of the Catholic Church’s youngest saints—11-year-old Maria Goretti—who took the message abroad. The Pilgrimage of Mercy, featuring Maria’s major relics, traveled across the United States that year, attracting multitudes to veneration, prayer, and the sacrament of Reconciliation. Canonized a modern-day “virgin martyr,” dying at the hands of a would-be rapist in 1902, this humble Italian girl became “The Little Saint of Great Mercy” for forgiving her murderer upon her 6 deathbed. Who do you need to forgive? Let Maria’s example be a reminder of what is possible.

Today's readings: Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew 9:32-38 (384). “His heart was moved with pity for them.”



Wednesday 7th July

Harden not your heart

In 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a pastoral letter against racism: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. In that letter, the bishops remind us that as a nation “we have never sufficiently contended with the impact of racism.” In a week when the United States honors the founding principles of this country and that all are created equal, people of faith are called to examine their own perceptions and practices and do their part to ensure equality for all people. Embrace the bishops’ invitation to fight the evil of racism and take time this week to read and reflect on their letter: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.

Today's readings: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; Matthew 10:1-7 (385). “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ”



Thursday 8th July

Sometimes the miracle is endurance

The gospel for today refers to the amazing powers Jesus conferred upon his followers to cure and revive. But we know many people in Jesus’ day and today do not experience a miracle cure but instead must bear a cross. Our faith gives us the wisdom to know how and when to bear suffering when a solution is absent and when to struggle against injustice; both can be paths to God. Indeed, miracles themselves, the church teaches, are not merely wondrous events; they are meant to transform us and bring us closer to God. Which way are you being called right now? To struggle against suffering and injustice? Or to bow to a cross in your life? Over a lifetime, we may be called to both paths.

Today's readings: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5; Matthew 10:7-15 (386). “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.”

Friday 9th July

Hang in there

Each of us will be put to the test when it comes to our faith. How we react to tragedy, scorn, injustice, boredom, betrayal, illness, and loss will present moments of truth for us. Will our faith endure? Saint Paul tells the Romans that “tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” Paul knew a thing or two about perseverance. His lengthy missionizing sea journeys covered something on the magnitude of 10,000 miles and many months on often rough seas. When you feel tested, turn to Paul for inspiration. Stay the course!

Today's readings: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23 (387). “Whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Saturday 10th July

Ever Virgin, ever esteemed

It is ironic but true that the Blessed Virgin Mary is mentioned more times in Islam’s Qur'an than in the Christian New Testament. Parts of two chapters of the Qur'an are devoted to Mary. Much like in the gospel of Luke, one chapter tells the story of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The other speculates about Mary’s family, her parents and siblings, making linguistic parallels to the family of Moses. As in Catholic tradition, Islam considers the Mother of Jesus the greatest of all women of faith. The spiritual influence of the Virgin Mary transcends even religious differences.

Today's readings: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Matthew 10:24-33 (388). “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.”