Jul 31 – Memorial for St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest St. Ignatius (1491-1556) was wounded in the leg by a cannonball at the siege of Pampeluna on 20 May 1521, an injury that left him partially crippled for life. During his recuperation the only books he had access to were The Golden Legend, a collection... Continue Reading →
30 July, Wednesday — Personal Quests
Jul 30 – Memorial for St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor An adult convert, St. Peter (406-450) fought paganism and heresy, enforced reforms, and built several churches and ornate altars in his see. A preacher with outstanding language skills, he was given the name ‘Chrysologus’, referring to his ‘golden word’. 176 of his sermons have... Continue Reading →
29 July, Tuesday — It is not about how many times you fall…
Jul 29 – Memorial for Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus St Martha Jesus liked to stay at the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, his friends at Bethany, when he was in Judaea. One of these visits has ever remained dear to Christian memory. On that occasion Martha, busily serving the Master, asked Him to... Continue Reading →
28 July, Monday – Glitter or Glory?
Monday of Week 17 in Ordinary Time Exo 32:15-24,30-34Mt 13:31-35 What has this people done to you, for you to bring such a great sin on them? We’ve all heard Aarons before, haven’t we? Let not my lord's anger blaze like this...You know yourself how prone this people is to evil. They didn’t think you... Continue Reading →
27 July, Sunday — Asking for trust
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gn 18:20-32Col 2:12-14Lk 11:1-13 "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. This verse from today’s Gospel passage was my ‘scriptural door gift’ at a prayer service I attended a few years ago. Each of... Continue Reading →
26 July, Saturday — God drapes Himself in silence
Jul 26 – Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary By tradition Joachim and Anne are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary’s father and mother come... Continue Reading →
25 July, Friday — Being Present
Jul 25 – Feast of St. James, Apostle St. James (died 44) was the first Apostle to be martyred. He preached in Samaria, Judea, and Spain. His work in Spain, and the housing of his relics there, led to his patronage of the country and all things Spanish. Like all men of renown, many stories... Continue Reading →
24 July, Thursday — Spiritual Blockages
Jul 24 – Memorial for St. Charbel Makhluf, Priest St. Charbel was a Lebanese monk, born in a small mountain village and ordained in 1858. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he spent the last twenty three years of his life as a hermit. Despite temptations to wealth and comfort, St. Charbel taught the value... Continue Reading →
23 July, Wednesday — While We Moan; Even So, He Gives.
Wednesday of Week 16 in Ordinary Time Ex 16:1-5,9-15Mt 13:1-9 ... the Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel... "Then you will learn that I, the Lord, am your God.”' Our Lord is a generous God, and He is generous beyond our grandest imaginations and wildest expectations.... Continue Reading →
22 July, Tuesday — Sharing the Message
Jul 22 – Memorial for St. Mary Magdalene There is actually very little solid information about her, and both scholars and traditions differ on the interpretation of what we do know. She was a friend and follower of Jesus. Filled with sorrow over her sin, she anointed Christ, washed his feet with her hair. He... Continue Reading →