Donven International

Friday July 24, 2026, ST CHARBEL MARKHLOUF, P. (Opt. Mem.)
FIRST READING
I will give you shepherds after my own heart; and all nations shall gather to Jerusalem.
*A reading from the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 3: 14-17)*
“‘Return, O faithless children, says the Lord; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. And when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says the Lord, they shall no more say, “The ark of the covenant of the LORD.” It shall not come to mind, or be remembered, or missed; it shall not be made again. At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart.”’
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Jeremiah 31: 10.11-12ab.13 (R. 10d)
R/. The Lord will keep us, as a shepherd keeps his flock.
Hear the word of the LORD,
O nations, and declare it in
the islands afar off;
say, “He who scattered
Israel will gather him,
and will keep him as a
shepherd keeps his flock.” R/.
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
and has redeemed him from hands
too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud
on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant
over the goodness of the Lord. R/.
R/. The Lord will keep us, as a shepherd keeps his flock.
Then shall the maidens
rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and
the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give
them gladness for sorrow. R/.
ALLELUIA Luke 8: 15
Alleluia. Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
He who hears the word and understands it, bears fruit
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 13: 18-23)*
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the Evil One comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
God invites the Israelites to return to him with a renewed and contrite heart. He promised to raise shepherds after his heart who will care for and nurture them with true knowledge and wisdom from above. For their part, their strong faith in Yahweh should attract all the nations of the earth to Jerusalem to worship God and exalt his name. As Children’s, we too are called to become transformed and transforming agents of God’s grace and love to all. We shouldn’t become indifferent to God’s word like the seed that fell on the footpath; or become superficial in our faith like the seed that fell on rocky ground; or become too attached to the world of money, fame, power or riches like the seed that fell among thistles. But rather, we should always be strong in faith, focused, persevering, and capable of bearing abundant fruits of truth, goodness, and beauty befitting God’s kingdom. Jesus, I trust in you.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
*🌸 5-DAY PRAYER FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB (20TH – 24TH JULY, 2026)*
Let us join to pray for the release of Children by God upon those barren in our midst. You can offer a fast for their intention if you’re disposed.
DAY 5 —Intention: THANKSGIVING AND SEALING THE TESTIMONY
1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen
2. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory be…
3. Scripture: “Do not be anxious… but with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
4. Reflection:
Thanksgiving is the seal of answered prayers. Today you thank God not for what you see, but for what He has already done.
5. Let us pray:
Father, I thank You because You have heard my cry. I thank You for my conception, for a healthy pregnancy, and for safe delivery. I thank You for turning my mourning into dancing. My womb is fruitful, and my testimony is permanent. Amen.
6. Declaration:
“I am a joyful mother/father of children. It is done.”
-I receive with thanksgiving in my heart, supernatural opportunities, healings, restoration, and breakthroughs which my God gave to me during these days of fasting and prayers. Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayers. I believe, and I trust in you for every provision in my life.
7. ❤️ Final Blessing
*May the God who opened Hannah’s womb, who remembered Rachel, and who honored Elizabeth, remember you.*
May your womb be blessed, your body be healed, and your home be filled with the sound of children. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Your testimony will not delay in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Thursday July 23, 2026, St Bridget of Sweden, Rel. (Opt. Mem.)
FIRST READING
They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out broken cisterns for themselves.
*A reading from the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13)*
It happened that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the first fruits of his harvest. All who ate of it became guilty; evil came upon them, says the Lord. “And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who handle the law did not know me; the rulers transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after things that do not profit. “Be appalled, O heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL Psalm 36:6-7ab. 8-9. 10-11 (R. 10a)
*R/. With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life.*
Your mercy, Lord, reaches to heaven,
your truth to the clouds.
Your justice is like God’s mountains;
like the great deep, your judgements. R/.
How precious is your mercy, O God!
The children of men seek shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the riches of your house;
you give them drink from the stream of your delight. R/.
R/. With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life.
For with you is the fountain of life,
and in your light we see light.
Maintain your mercy for those who know you,
your saving justice to upright hearts. R/.
ALLELUIA Matthew 1 1:25
Alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 13: 10-17)*
At that time: The disciples came and said to Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them. ’ “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
In the first reading, God laments the backsliding attitude of the Israelites who had gone cold in their relationship with him. Jesus reassures his disciples that they have been given the privilege of the knowledge of the kingdom of heaven that is hidden from other people. This however, places a heavy responsibility on them to justify this rare privilege by living up to the demands of the kingdom. By virtue of our baptism, we have been given the privilege of sharing the life of Christ as adopted sons and daughters of God and co-heirs with Christ of God’s kingdom. How do we justify this kind gesture in our daily lives? Jesus, I trust in you.
Today’s Saint and Quote: ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN – July 23rd
St Bridget of Sweden was a wife and mother to eight children. Following the death of her husband, she founded the Bridgettine Nuns. This order spread throughout Europe, with monasteries from Scandinavia to Italy.
-There is no sinner in the world, however much at enmity with God, who cannot recover God’s grace by recourse to Mary, and by asking her assistance.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
🌸 5-DAY PRAYER FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB (20TH – 24TH JULY, 2026)
Let us join to pray for the release of Children by God upon those barren in our midst. You can offer a fast for their intention if you’re disposed.
DAY 4 — Intention: CALLING FORTH MY CHILDREN BY FAITH
1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen
2. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory be…
3. Scripture: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it; it will surely come.” — Habakkuk 2:3
4. Reflection:
Faith speaks. Faith sees the children even before they arrive. Today, you call forth your sons and daughters.
5. Let us pray:
Lord, I call forth my children by faith. I speak life into my womb. I speak twins, sons, daughters—children filled with destiny and purpose. Let my appointed time come, and let my testimony be visible to all. Amen.
6. Declaration:
“My children are coming. My joy is near.”
-Gracious and holy Father, please give me: intellect to understand you, reason to discern you; diligence to seek you; wisdom to find you; a spirit to know you; a heart to meditate upon you; ears to hear you; eyes to see you; a tongue to proclaim you; a way of life pleasing to you; patience to wait for you; and perseverance to look for you in Jesus name Amen.
7. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday July 22, 2026, ST MARY MAGDALENE (FEAST)
FIRST READING:
“I found him whom my soul loves.”
*A reading from the Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 3:1-4ab)*
The bride responds: Upon my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not; I called him, but he gave no answer. I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves. ”I sought him, but found him not. The watchmen found me, as they went about in the city. “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?” Scarcely had I passed them, when I found him whom my soul loves.
The word of the Lord.
Or the following:
FIRST READING:
We regard Christ according to the flesh no longer.
*A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)*
Brethren: The love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh; even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new his come.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 63:2.2-4. 5-6. 8-9 (R. 2b)
R/. For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God.
O God, you are my God; at dawn I seek you;
For you my soul is thirsting.
For you my flesh is pining,
Like a dry, weary land without water. R/.
I have come before you in the sanctuary,
To behold your strength and your glory.
Your loving mercy is better than life;
My lips will speak your praise. R/.
I will bless you all my life;
In your name I will lift my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet;
With joyful lips, my mouth shall praise you. R/.
For you have been my strength;
In the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings fast to you;
Your right hand upholds me. R/.
ALLELUIA
Alleluia. O Mary, tell us what you saw along the way. The tomb I saw of the living Christ, and the glory of the Risen One. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? ”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 20:1-2. 11-18)*
Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!”(which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
Jesus forgave Mary Magdalene her many sins because she had loved much. She proved her repentance by wiping his feet with her tears of sorrow and anointing them with precious ointment. She showed her gratitude by dedicating the rest of her life to the service of the kingdom. She is said to be one of the women who courageously accompanied Jesus even to the foot of the cross. Above all, she was the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus. According to one tradition, Mary Magdalene spent the last thirty years of her life in prayer and contemplation about heavenly realities. Her story depicts the wonders of God’s grace always at work in the life of those who believe in Christ and are always ready to do God’s will at all times. Jesus, I trust in you.
Today’s Saint and Quote: MARY OF MAGDALA was among the women who assisted Jesus and the apostles as they travelled and preached the Good News. This Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, and was the first to encounter the risen Lord (Mk16:9). The Byzantine Liturgy claims that Jesus made Mary Magdalene “the apostle of the Apostles.”
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
*🌸 5-DAY PRAYER FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB (20TH – 24TH JULY, 2026)*
Let us join to pray for the release of Children by God upon those barren in our midst. You can offer a fast for their intention if you’re disposed.
DAY 3 — Intention: HEALING AND RESTORATION OVER THE BODY
1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen
2. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory be…
3. Scripture: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.” — Jeremiah 30:17
4. Reflection:
God heals the body—organs, hormones, womb, sperm count, tubes, ovaries, everything. Nothing is beyond His reach.
5. Let us pray:
God almighty, touch every part of my reproductive system. Heal anything that is not functioning well. Restore hormones, unblock tubes, strengthen ovaries, correct cycles, and perfect everything concerning my body and my spouse. Amen.
6. Declaration:
“My body is healed. My womb is restored.”
- O Lord, hasten your word to perform it in every department of my life in Jesus name Amen.
7. *In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
*

Tuesday July 21, 2026 St Lawrence of Brindisi, P.D (Opt. Mem.)
FIRST READING:
He will cast our sins into the depths of the sea.
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Micah (Micah 7: 14-15.18-20)*
Shepherd your people, Lord, with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, who dwell alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvellous things. Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger for ever because he delights in mercy. He will again have compassion upon us, he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 85:2-4.5-6.7-8 (R. 8a)
R/. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy.
O Lord, you have favoured your land,
and brought back the captives of Jacob.
You forgave the guilt of your people,
and covered all their sins.
You averted all your rage;
you turned back the heat of your anger. R/
.
Bring us back, O God, our saviour!
Put an end to your grievance against us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will your anger last from age to age? R/.
R/. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy.
Will you not restore our life,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation. R/.
ALLELUIA John 14:23
Alleluia. If a man loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“Stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, ’Here are my mother and my brethren.”’
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 12:46-50)*
At that time: While Jesus was speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?” And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brethren! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION
The people of Israel having been humbled by God’s unconditional love for them, are compelled to ask for forgiveness for their persistent unfaithfulness. It is only those who are truly humble and contrite of heart that can approach the sacrament of reconciliation for forgiveness. In the Gospel, Jesus recognizes as his true relations those who do God’s will in this regard. Jesus, I trust in you.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
*🌸 5-DAY PRAYER FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB (20TH – 24TH JULY, 2026)*
Let us join to pray for the release of Children by God upon those barren in our midst. You can offer a fast for their intention if you’re disposed.
*DAY 2 — Intention:* BREAK EVERY DELAY AND HINDRANCE
1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen
2. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory be…
3. Scripture: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” — Genesis 18:14
4. Reflection:
Some delays come from fear, stress, or unseen spiritual battles. But God is stronger than every limitation. Today’s prayer breaks spiritual and physical barriers.
“It was faith that made Abraham able to become a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He trusted God to keep his promise. Though Abraham was practically dead, from this one man came many descendants as there are stars in the sky, as many as the numberless grains of sand on the seashore” (Hebrews 11:11, 12
5. Let us pray:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I break every cycle of delay, miscarriage, medical hindrance, or spiritual opposition. By the blood of Jesus, let every closed door be opened and every limitation be removed. Amen.
6. Declaration:
“No power can stop my testimony. God has answered me.”
-Father, give me the courage and faith to persevere to the end in Jesus' name. Amen.
7. *In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
*

Monday July 20, 2026. St Apollinaris, M. (Opt. Mem.) Office: Psalter Week 4
FIRST READING:
He has shown you, O man, what the Lord requires of you.
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Micah (Micah 6: 1-4.6-8)*
Hear what the Lord says: Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of bondage; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps50:5-6.8-9.16bc-17.21 and 23 (R. 23bc)
*R/. To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God.*
“Gather my holy ones to me,
Who made covenant with me by sacrifice.”
The heavens proclaim his justice,
For he, God, is the judge.” R/.
“I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices;
Your offerings are always before me.
I do not take more bullocks from your farms,
Nor goats from among your herds.” R/.
R/. To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God.
“How can you recite my commandments,
And take my covenant on your lips,
You who despise correction,
And cast my words behind you?” R/.
“You do this, and should I keep silence?
Do you think that I am like you?
I accuse you, lay the charge before you.
A sacrifice of praise gives me honour,
And to one whose way is blameless,
I will show the salvation of God.” R/.
ALLELUIA psalm 95:7d.8a
ALLELUIA. Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. ALLELUIA.
GOSPEL
“The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 12:38-42)*
At that time: Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days' and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will arise at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
God interrogates the people of Israel and laments over their persistent intransigence despite his unfailing show of immense love for them. He went on to prescribe what they should do to reciprocate his kind gesture: they should do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (cf. Mi 6:8). Like the Israel of old, the scribes and Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus because of their incredulity. The only sign that Jesus offers is the sign of Jonah. It is the sign of courage in preaching the truth, which without the backup of any miracle, was still able to achieve great results in terms of the conversion of the people of Nineveh. Jesus' teaching, too, filled with power and authority behind it, can achieve a far-reaching effect on his listeners who are disposed to the values of the kingdom. Jesus, I trust in you..
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
*🌸 5-DAY PRAYER FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB (20TH – 24TH JULY, 2026)*
Let us join to pray for the release of Children by God upon those barren in our midst. You can offer a fast for their intention if you’re disposed.
DAY 1 — Intention: GOD OF CREATION, OPEN MY WOMB.
1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen
2. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory be…
3. Scripture: “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children.” — Psalm 113:9 (KJV)
4. Reflection:
God is the Creator of life. The same God who opened Sarah’s womb, Hannah’s womb, and Elizabeth’s womb can do the same for you. Today you are praying with faith that nothing is impossible with God.
5. Let us pray:
Lord, You are the giver of life. I surrender my body, my womb, and my hope to You. Let every delay end today. Let Your breath of life come upon me, and let Your creative power open my womb in Jesus’ name. Amen.
6. Declaration: “My womb is blessed. My conception is sure.”
-I thank you, Father, because you are not a man that you should lie, nor a son of man that you should change your mind. LORD, I believe you will fulfill every word you have spoken concerning my life in the name of Jesus. You have decreed that non should be barren in the land and that if we pray you will listen, O Lord, listen to the cries of your people who confidently turn to you in their condition, have pity, have mercy and grant them their request of a child in Jesus name, Lord we believe you have heard and answered us, may your name be praised and glorified forever and ever, Amen.
7. *In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
*

Saturday July 18, 2026 Weekday (15)
FIRST READING:
They covet fields and take away houses.
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Micah (Micah 2: 1-5)*
Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil upon their beds! When the maiming dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. Therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, against this family I am devising evil, from which you cannot remove your necks; and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be an evil time. In that day they shall take up a taunt song against you, and wail with bitter lamentation, and say, “We are utterly ruined; he changes the portion of my people; how he removes It from me! Among our captors he divides our fields.” Therefore you will have none to cast the line by lot in the assembly of the Lord.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm10:1-2.3-4a. 7-8b. 14 (R. 12b)
*R/. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!*
O Lord, why do you stand afar off,
and hide yourself in times of distress?
The poor are devoured by the pride of the wicked;
they are caught in the schemes that others have made. R/.
For the wicked boasts of his soul’s desires;
the covetous blasphemes and spurns the Lord.
The wicked says in his pride, “God will not punish.
There is no God.” Such are his thoughts. R/.
R/. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
His mouth is full of cursing, guile, oppression;
under his tongue are deceit and evil.
He sits in ambush in the villages;
in hidden places, he murders the innocent. R/.
But you have seen the trouble and sorrow.
You note it; you take it in your hands.
The helpless one relies on you,
for you are the helper of the orphan. R/.
ALLELUIA 2 Corinthians 5:19
Alleluia. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“He ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 12:14-21)*
At that time: The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; and in his name will the Gentiles hope.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY REFLECTION:
Through the prophet, Micah, God pronounces judgement on the wealthy elites in southern Israel. His humble background had a great impact on his preaching that was always directed against the unmitigated injustice of the ruling class against the rural poor. He raised concern particularly against the real estate agents and land grabbers who did not respect the Covenant Laws that guaranteed ownership of land by every Israelite as their heritage (cf. Lev 25:23; Num 36:7). For this stern position, the people turned against him. Similarly in the gospel, the Pharisees plotted to destroy the life of Jesus despite the good he was doing to others. This did not deter him but rather motivated him to do more for the cause of justice, love and peace. “In him all nations will put their hope.” Jesus, I trust in you.
Today’s Saint and Quote: ST CAMILLUS – July 18th
Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. Philippians 4:13
-Ask for mercy for the times you doubted God’s ability to supply all your needs
-Ask God for the gift of faith to trust Jesus as the shepherd of your life.
-Tell God about the things you need in your life.
Let Us Pray,
Dear Jesus my shepherd, give me courage to overcome my fears, to stand firm in my faith, to live in accordance with your word, to walk the path of truth and love even when it is dangerous. Grant me courage to have dogged trust in your care and protection over me even in the midst of darkest situation.

Thursday July 16, 2026 Weekday (15) Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Opt. Mem.)
FIRST READING
“O dwellers in the dust, awake and sing for joy.”
*A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 26:7-9.12. 16-19)*
The way of the righteous is level; you make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of your judgements, O Lord, we wait for you; your memorial name is the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, you have wrought for us all our works. O Lord, in distress they sought you, they poured out a prayer when your chastening was upon them. Like a woman with child, who writhes and cries out in her pangs, when she is near her time, so were we because of you, O Lord; we were with child, we writhed, but we gave birth only to wind. We have wrought no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen. Your dead shall live, their bodies shall rise. O dwellers in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and on the land of the shades you will let it fall.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 102: 13- 14ab and 15.16-18.19-21(R. 20b)
R/. The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.
But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever,
and your renown is from age to age.
You will arise and take pity on Sion,.
for this is the time, to have mercy.
Behold, your servants love her very stones,
are moved to pity for her dust. R/.
The nations shall fear the name of the Lord,
and all the earth’s kings your glory.
When the Lord shall build up Sion,
he will appear in all his glory.
Then he will turn to the prayers of the helpless;
he will not despise their prayers. R/.
R/. The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.
Let this be written for ages to come,
that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord;
the Lord looked down from his holy place on high,
looked down from heaven to the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners,
and free those condemned to die. R/.
ALLELUIA Matthew 11:28
Alleluia. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“I am gentle and lowly in heart.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 11:28-30)*
*At that time: Jesus declared, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”*
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION
Jesus lives all that he teaches, today he invites his disciples to come to him and learn from him how they can carry their burdens without feeling their weight, because his yoke is easy and his burden light. Isaiah testifies to the life of the righteous, for God is always with them to make smooth their path of life and guide them on to the path of life eternal. Jesus, I trust in you.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
But now I tell you; do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you, if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. Matthew 5:39
-Ask the Lord to give you the grace to bear wrong and accept its outcome
-Lord grant me the grace to say sorry, even when I am wronged
Let Us Pray:
*Lord, I am very sorry that I sin against you every day through my actions and deed, kindly look not on my sins, but on the faith of your church and have mercy on me in Jesus name Amen.*

Wednesday July 15, 2026, SAINT BONAVENTURE, B. D. (MEMORIAL)
FIRST READING:
“Shall the axe vaunt itself over him who hews with it? ”
*A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 10:5-7.13 - 16)*
Thus says the Lord: Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger, the staff of my fury! Against a godless nation I send him, and against the people of my wrath I commend him, to take spoil and seize plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. But he does not—so intend, and his mind does not so think; but it is in his mind to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few. For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I have removed the boundaries of peoples, and have plundered their treasures; like a bull I have brought down those who sat on thrones. My hand has found like a nest the wealth of the peoples; and as men gather eggs that have been forsaken so I have gathered all the earth; and none moved a wing, or opened the mouth, or chirped.” Shall the axe vaunt itself over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood! Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of fire.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 94:5-6.7-5.9- l0.14- 15 (R. 14a)
R/. The Lord will not abandon his people.
They crush your people, Lord;
and they humble your inheritance.
They kill the widow and the stranger,
and murder the fatherless child. R/.
And they say, “The Lord does not see;
the God of Jacob pays no heed.
Mark this, you senseless people;
fools, when will you understand? R/.
R/. The Lord will not abandon his people.
Can he who planted the ear not hear?
Can he who formed the eye not see?
Will he who trains the nations not punish?
Will he who teaches man not have knowledge? R/.
The Lord will not abandon his people,
nor forsake those who are his heritage;
for judgement shall again be just,
and all true hearts shall uphold it. R/.
ALLELUIA Matthew 11:25
Alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to infants.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 11:25-27)*
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Saint and Quote: ST BONAVENTURE – July 15th
*Mary seeks those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children.*
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
Jesus once again praises God his Father for hiding the secrets of the kingdom from the wise and clever and revealing those to mere children and the humble of heart. He enjoys a wonderful and intimate relationship with his Father and shares this privilege with those whom he chooses. As baptized Christians, we are these privileged souls. Let us not abuse this privilege by our sinful ways. This means that if we are intimately united with Jesus in faith and live a coherent lifestyle, he will always fight our cause as he did in the case of St Bonaventure. Our daily participation in the Eucharist should strengthen our resolve to live for Jesus alone so that we experience the miracle of transformation and renewal in our lives. In Jesus' name Amen.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
Answer me now, Lord! I have lost all hope. Don’t hide yourself from me, or I will be among those who go down to the world of the dead. Remember me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go. Psalm 143:7,8
- Let heaven trouble every person or group who has taken what belongs to me in the name of Jesus.
- Let every strong person in my life, family or environment who refuses to release my blessings, breakthrough, miracle promotion or prosperity be visited by calamities and be forced to release my heritage by the Angels of God in the name of Jesus Christ.
- I release my helper to come to me now, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Let Us Pray:
*O loving God, I am tired of managing poverty; give me the resources that will cancel every insult and shame which poverty has brought to me in the name of Jesus.*

Sunday July 12, 2026. 15th Week in Ordinary Time.
FIRST READING:
“The rain makes the earth fruitful.”
*A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 55: 10-11)*
Thus says the Lord: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I intend, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 65:9abcd.9e- 10.11- 12.13 (R. Lk 8:8a)
*R/. The seed that fell into good soil yielded a hundredfold.*
You visit the earth, give it water;
You fill it with riches.
God’s ever-flowing river brims over
to prepare the grain. R/.
And thus you provide for the earth:
you drench its furrows;
you level it, soften it with showers;
you bless its growth. R/.
R/. The seed that fell into good soil yielded a hundredfold.
You crown the ear with your bounty.
Abundance flows in your pathways;
in pastures of the desert it flows. R/.
The hills are girded with joy.
The meadows clothed with flocks.
The valleys are decked with wheat.
They shout for joy; yes, they sing! R/.
SECOND READING
“All creation is waiting for the revelation of the sons of God.”
*A reading from the Letter of Saint, Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:18-23)*
Brethren: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning with labour pains together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
The word of the Lord.
ALLELUIA
Alleluia. The seed is the word of God, and the sower is Christ; all who find him will abide forever. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“A sower went out to sow.
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 13: 1-23)*
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. “Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
*Shorter form: Matthew 13: 1-9. Read between*
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Celebrant:
Let us make our prayers through Christ to our living Father, that his word may take root in our hearts and bring forth a rich harvest.
FOR THE PASTORS OF THE CHURCH: that they may be available to lead the faithful in the study of the sacred Scriptures, so that people may come to a more profound knowledge of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR OUR CIVIL LEADERS: that God’s word may guide their decisions and that they may be faithful to their primary responsibility of protecting human rights, especially the right to life itself. Let us pray to the Lord.
THE FARMERS: that, as they toil to ensure food security, the Lord, who is the vinedresser and compassionate shepherd, may care for their crops and livestock and grant success to the labour of their hands. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR THE POOR IN OUR WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY: that our merciful Father, whose provision knows no bounds, may move our hearts and lead us to come to their aid. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR OTHER INTENTIONS: (the sick, church projects or other activities).
FOR THE DEAD, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEMBERS: that they may find eternal rest with the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray in silence for our private intentions.
Celebrant:
Almighty God and Father, prune us to be able to walk more closely with you and grant that, by yielding fruits of the kingdom of heaven, we may positively influence those around us. Through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
Jesus often spoke in parables to create opportunities for deep reflection on the lessons that are behind the daily events of our lives. The parable of the sower reflects one of these events. It is a narration of the life of a farmer who possesses in great measure the virtues of patience and hard work. At the same time, he does not rely on his personal resourcefulness but rather on divine providence for the fruit of his labour. He scatters the seed everywhere with the hope that some might fall on rich soil. And the seed of God’s word, according to the prophet Isaiah, bears fruit in proportion to our disposition towards welcoming this word and allowing it to challenge and transform our lives. So we are all responsible for the type of soil we provide for God to sow his words in our hearts. Jesus, I trust in you.

Loading
Saturday July 11, 2026 ST BENEDICT, ABB. (MEMORIAL)
FIRST READING:
“I am a man of unclean lips; my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
*A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 6: 1-8)*
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having in his hand a burning coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 93:1abc.md-2.5 (R. 1a)
*R/. The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.*
The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
The Lord has robed himself with might,
he has girded himself with power. R/.
The world you made firm, not to be moved;
your throne has stood firm from of old.
From all eternity, O Lord, you are. R/.
Truly your decrees are to be trusted.
Holiness is fitting to your house,
O Lord, until the end of time. R/.
ALLELUIA 1 Peter 4:14
Alleluia. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God rests upon you. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“Do not fear those who kill the body.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 10:24-33)*
At that time: Jesus said to his apostles, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master; it is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Today’s Saint and Quote: ST. BENEDICT OF NURSIA – July 11th- He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.
Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
For Jesus, a disciple is not above the teacher and the slave his master. But then a well-trained disciple can grow to be as great and if not greater than his master. This teaching highlights the value of education and faith formation. For the progress of Christ’s mission requires well-formed ministers who can proclaim his word as well as witness to it in their daily lives. A true believer who has a well-formed conscience and is deeply rooted in Christ does not need to fear anything or anyone; for divine providence will always take care of him. Both St Benedict and his sister St Scholastica qualified as well-trained disciples of Christ. Their solid Christian upbringing and contemplative life added inestimable value to the spiritual heritage of the church. Jesus, I trust in you.

Friday July 10, 2026 Weekday (14)
FIRST READING:
“We will say no more, ’Our God, ' to the work of our hands.”
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 14:1-9)*
Thus says the Lord: Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all iniquity; accept that which is good and we will render the fruit of our lips. Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride upon horses; and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy.” I will heal their faithlessness; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be as the dew to Israel; he shall blossom as the lily, he shall strike root as the poplar, his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom as the vine; their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon. O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress, from me comes your fruit. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 51:3-4.8-9.12-13.14 and 17 (R. 17b)
*R/. My mouth shall proclaim your praise.*
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your merciful love;
according to your great compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me completely from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin. R/.
Yes, you delight in sincerity of heart;
in secret you teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be pure;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. R/.
R/. My mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create a pure heart for me, O God;
renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence;
take not your holy spirit from me. R/.
Restore in me the joy of your salvation;
sustain in me a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips
And my mouth shall proclaim your praise. R/.
ALLELUIA John 16:13a; 14:26d
Alleluia. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 10: 16-23)*
At that time: Jesus said to his apostles, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel, before the Son of man comes.
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
Jesus reminds his disciples about the challenges of preaching the gospel in a hostile world that he himself experienced. However, he encouraged and assured them of the support of the Spirit of the Father. Today, the same promise applies; let us be encouraged and persevere in preaching the gospel despite persecution, knowing that the Holy Spirit is the strength of Christians. Jesus, I trust in you.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 St. Augustine Zhoa Rong, P. & Comp, Mm. (Opt. Mem.)*
FIRST READING:
“My heart recoils within me.”
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 11: l -4.8c-9)
Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of compassion, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who raises an infant to his cheeks, and I bent down to them and fed them. My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim, for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 80:2ac and 3b. 15- 16 (R. 4b)
R/. Let your face shine on us, Lord, and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hear us,
enthroned on the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse up your might and come to save us. R/.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore;
look down from heaven and see.
Visit this vine and protect it,
the vine your right hand has planted,
the son of man you have claimed for yourself. R/.
ALLELUIA Mark I: 15
Alleluia. The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“You received without pay, give without pay.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 10:7 - 15)
At that time: Jesus said to his apostles, “Preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay. Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the labourer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. As you enter the house, salute it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
In today’s gospel, Jesus explains the content of the mandate given to the apostles, that is, for them to continue his evangelical and healing ministry. He told them to see their mission as a gift to be exercised with generosity, detachment, contentment, and with the spirit of perseverance. They are also to be bridge builders and messengers of peace. As long as the world continues to experience numerous challenges of injustice, disunity and conflict among peoples, cultures and nations, the call to mission will remain ever relevant to believers of all times. And as in the case of the Israelites, this mission is equally directed towards those who remain indifferent to God’s love despite all repeated efforts at converting them. Jesus, I trust in you.
.

Wednesday July 8, 2026 Weekday (14)
FIRST READING
“It is the time to seek the Lord.”
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 10:1-3.7-8. 12)*
Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars. Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars, and destroy their pillars. For now they will say: “We have no king, for we fear not the Lord, and a king, what could he do for us?” Samaria’s king shall perish, like a chip on the face of the waters. The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed. Thorn and thistle shall grow up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us, and to the hills, fall upon us. Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain salvation upon you.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 105: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7(R.4b)
R/. Constantly seek the Lord’s face. Or: Alleluia.
O sing to him, sing his praise;
tell all his wonderful works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. R/.
Turn to the Lord and his strength;
constantly seek his face.
Remember the wonders he has done;
his marvels and his words of judgment. R/.
R/. Constantly seek the Lord’s face. Or: Alleluia.
O children of Abraham, his servant,
O descendants of the Jacob he chose,
he, the Lord, is our God;
his judgements are in all the earth. R/.
ALLELUIA
Alleluia. The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia
GOSPEL:
“Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 10:1-7)*
At that time: Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These Twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go; saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. ”’
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
Prophet Hosea warns of God’s anger over the people of Israel because of their infidelity. The richer the harvest God blesses them with, the more they seek after other gods and build altars to them. However, the love of God in Christ Jesus became a source of hope for them because Jesus sent his disciples first to the lost house of Israel. God’s love is greater than our sins; so let us trust in His mercy and persevere. Jesus, I trust in you.

Tuesday July 7, 2026 Weekday (14) Office: Psalter Week 2.
FIRST READING:
“They sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 8:4-7.11-13)*
Thus says the Lord: Israel made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but without my knowledge. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction. I have spurned your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will it be till they are pure in Israel? A workman made it; it is not God. The calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads, it shall yield no meal; if it were to yield, aliens would devour it. Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, they have become to him altars for sinning. Were I to write for him my laws by ten thousands, they would be regarded as a strange thing. They love sacrifice; they sacrifice flesh and eat it; but the Lord has no delight in them. Now he will remember their iniquity, and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 115:3-4.5-6.7ab and 8.9-10 (R. 9a)
R/. House of Israel, trust in the Lord. Or: Alleluia.
But our God is in the heavens;
he does whatever he wills.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands. R/.
They have mouths but they cannot speak;
they have eyes but they cannot see.
They have ears but they cannot hear;
they have nostrils but they cannot smell. R/.
R/. House of Israel, trust in the Lord. Or: Alleluia.
They have hands but they cannot feel;
they have feet but they cannot walk.
Their makers will come to be like them,
as will all who trust in them. R/.
House of Israel, trust in the Lord;
he is their help and their shield.
House of Aaron, trust in the Lord;
he is their help and their shield. R/.
ALLELUIA.
Alleluia. I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own and my own knows me. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 9:32-38)*
At that time: Behold, a mute demoniac was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
Again Jesus performs a miracle; he heals a man who was mute dumb and restores his gift of speech. While the crowd marveled at what happened, the Pharisees turned a blind eye. However, this did not deter Jesus from continuing his public ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing people who were afflicted by all kinds of sickness and disease. Like Jesus, the good shepherd, we are called to do good to others even when this is not appreciated or when it hurts. For if we sow the wind of vanity, we shall certainly reap the whirlwind of damnation and miserable existence, but if we sow the proper grain of love, then we shall reap a rich harvest of eternal life, argues the prophet Hosea. Jesus, I trust in you.

Monday July 6, 2026 ST MARIA GORETTI, V. M. (Opt. Mem.)
FIRST READING:
“I will espouse you forever”
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Hosea (Hosea 2:14bc.l5cd -16.1 9-20)*
Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt. And in that day, says the Lord, you will call me, ‘My husband,’ and no longer will you call me, ‘My Baal. ’And I will espouse you for ever; I will espouse you in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will espouse you in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.”
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 145:2-3.4-5.6-7.8—9 (R. 8a)
R/. The Lord is kind and full of compassion.
I will bless you day after day,
and praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is great and highly to be praised;
his greatness cannot be measured. R/.
Age to age shall proclaim your works,
shall declare your mighty deeds.
They will tell of your great glory and splendour,
and recount your wonderful works. R/.
R/. The Lord is kind and full of compassion.
They will speak of your awesome deeds,
recount your greatness and might.
They will recall your abundant goodness,
and sing of your just deeds with joy. R/.
The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures. R/.
ALLELUIA 2 Timothy 1:10
Alleluia. Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“My daughter has just died, but come and she will live.”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 9:18-26)*
At that time: While Jesus was speaking, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, he said, “Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
The healing of the daughter of the Jewish official and the woman who suffered from severe haemorrhage is a clear demonstration of the power of God at work through the healing ministry of Jesus. Through the paschal mystery, Jesus has won victory over sin and every form of evil including sickness. But for us to be healed we need faith; faith in Christ disposes us to his healing power and grace. Maria Goretti’s life was actually a miracle based on her tremendous faith in Christ that motivated her to choose martyrdom rather than sin. The people of Israel also needed faith in order to make possible the miracle of a renewed covenant with Yahweh after a long period of exile and strained relationship with him. Jesus, I trust in you.

Sunday July 5, 2026 14th Sunday in Ordinary time.
FIRST READING:
“Behold, your king comes to you, humble.”
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Zechariah (Zechariah9:9-10)
Thus says the Lord: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 145:1 -2.8-9.10-11.13cd-14 (R. see 1)
R/. I will bless your name forever, my king and my God. Or: Alleluia.
I will extol you, my God and king,
and bless your name forever and ever.
I will bless you day after day,
And praise your name forever and ever. R/.
All your works shall thank you, O Lord,
and all your faithful ones bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign,
and declare your mighty deeds. R/.
R/. I will bless your name forever, my king and my God. Or: Alleluia.
The Lord is faithful in all his words,
The holy in all his deeds.
The Lord supports all who fall,
and raises all who are bowed down. R/.
SECOND READING:
“If by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Roman 8:9.11-13)
Brethren: you are not in the flesh, you are in the spirit, if the spirit of God really dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh – for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.
The word of the Lord
ALLELUIA Matthew 11:25
Alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“I am gentle and lowly of heart.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 11:25-30)
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will all things have been delivered to me by my father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Gospel of the Lord
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Celebrant:
The Lord, who is gentle and lowly of heart, cares for the poor and those who are experiencing difficulties. Let us pray that he may provide for the needy and give rest to all who are overburdened by the challenges of life.
FOR THE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH: that, in their pastoral ministry, they may always strive to imitate Christ, who is ever-present to the poor, the marginalized and those who have no voice. We pray O Lord.
FOR OUR POLITICAL LEADERS: that they may be aware of the needs of those placed under their care, and ensure the protection of life and property in the state. We pray O Lord.
FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS: that they may remain steadfast in serving God despite the difficult circumstances of their lives, and that Christ, who supplies all our needs according to his riches, may bring them comfort. We pray O Lord.
FOR THE SICK AND BEREAVED IN OUR WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY: that they may experience the healing and comforting touch of Christ whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. We pray O Lord.
FOR OTHER INTENTIONS: (the sick, church projects or other activities).
FOR THE DEAD, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEMBERS: that they may find eternal rest with the Lord. We pray O Lord.
We pray in silence for our private intentions.
Celebrant:
Almighty and eternal God, you give us hope and joy in your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant, we pray, that by following him, who is meek and humble of heart, we may come at last to the joy of our heavenly home. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
Today’s Saint and Quote: ST ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA – July 5th
That which God commands seems difficult and a burden. The way is rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it. Yet do so and you will attain glory.
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
In a unique oracle, the prophet Zechariah projects the outstanding qualities of Jesus, the Messiah who will come as a just, humble and victorious king. He will do away with conflict and usher in a new era of peace, justice and reconciliation among his people. Life in Christ and in the Spirit, according to St Paul, raises every believer above the trappings of the flesh and the allurements of the world. In Christ, therefore, there is new life, new hope and new freedom in the spirit. This explains why in the gospel, Jesus gives thanks to God the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom of God to him and to the lowly of heart. He therefore invites all to come to him with a gentle disposition, so that all can benefit from the intimate union which he enjoys with the Father. He has come to share and lighten our burdens for us. Jesus, I trust in you.

Saturday July 4, 2026 St Elizabeth of Portugal (Opt. Mem.) B. V. M. on Saturday.
FIRST READING:
“I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel and plant them upon their land.”
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos (Amos 9:11-15)*
Thus says the Lord: “In that day I will raise the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name,” says the Lord who does this. “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when the ploughman shall overtake the reaper and the trader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land which I have given them,” says the Lord your God.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 85:9.11-12.13-14 (R. see 9b)
R/. The Lord speaks of peace for his people.
I will hear what the LORD God speaks;
he speaks of peace for his people and his faithful,
and those who turn their hearts to him. R/.
Merciful love and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have kissed.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,
and justice look down from heaven. R/.
R/. The Lord speaks of peace for his people.
Also the Lord will bestow his bounty,
and our earth shall yield its increase.
Justice will march before him,
and guide his steps on the way. R/.
ALLELUIA John 10:27
Alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 9:14-17)*
At that time: The disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Today’s Saint and Quote: BL PIER GIORGIO – July 4th
-The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.

TODAY’S REFLECTION:
In response to the challenge thrown by the disciples of John the Baptist on the question of fasting, Jesus clearly taught that fasting is never recommended where there is a wedding feast. And as long as the bridegroom is present, it calls for feasting and not fasting. However, it is only when the bridegroom is taken away that the guests can fast. Ideally fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us to detach ourselves from the material things of this world so that we can recognize our greed and cultivate the virtue of charity towards the poor. And Christ assures us that whatever good we do to the poor is equally done to him. Jesus, I trust in you.

Friday, July 3, 2026, ST THOMAS, AP (FEAST) Office: Prop, Te Deum. Mass of the Feast, Preface of the Apostle
FIRST READING:
You are built upon the foundation of the apostles.
*A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:19-22)*
Brethren: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 117:1.2 (R.Mark16:15)
R/. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.
O praise the Lord, all you nations;
acclaim him, all you peoples! R/.
For his merciful love has prevailed over us;
and the Lord’s faithfulness endures for ever. R/.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:
ALLELUIA John 20:29
Alleluia. You believed, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“My Lord and my God!”
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 20:24-29)*
Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
The Apostle Thomas doubted when he was told about the resurrection of Christ. However, on his second visit to the Apostles, Jesus showed himself to Thomas and asked him to doubt no more but believe. To believe without seeing is not an easy thing but it is certainly meritorious. Many today believe in Jesus without seeing him and as Jesus prayed, such people are blessed. Jesus, I trust in you.

LACCIDD ONLINE DAILY ASSEMBLY
*Access the Audio Message here:*
*TOPIC: “ASK FOR UNDERSTANDING".*
*TEXT: PSALM 119: 34, PROVERBS 4: 7.*
*MINISTER: APOSTLE EJIMNKONYE VINCENT CHUKWUNONSO EMMANUEL.*
*DATE: THURSDAY, 2ND JULY 2026.*
*In the name of the Heavenly Father the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
*PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG*
*Worship Songs for Atmosphere:*
1. "I Have the Authority in Jesus' Name"
2. "You Are God From Beginning to the End"
3. "I Know Who I Am" - Sinach
*VERSE 1*
Spirit of God in the clear running water, Blowing to greatness the trees on the hill, Spirit of God in the finger of morning.
*CHORUS:*
Fill the earth, bring it to birth, and blow where you will. Blow, blow, blow, till I be but the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.
*VERSE 2*
I saw the scar of a year that lay dying, Hear the lament of a lone whip-poor-will, Spirit of God, see that cloud crying, Fill the earth, bring it to birth and blow where you will Blow, blow, blow, till I be but the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.
*PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT*
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
*REFLECTION:*
*SERMON TOPIC: ASK FOR UNDERSTANDING*
*Text:* Psalm 119:34, Proverbs 4:7
*Theme:* Wisdom starts with asking God for understanding.
Psalm:119.34
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Proverbs:4.7
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
You can have information without understanding. Phones give us data, Google gives us facts, but only God gives understanding. Understanding is what turns knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into right decisions. Today, God is saying: “Ask Me, and I will give you understanding.”_
*1. UNDERSTANDING IS A COMMAND, NOT AN OPTION – Prov 4:7*
_“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”_
1. “Principal thing” = First priority. Before money, career, marriage, ministry - get understanding. Without it, you can gain the world and lose your soul.
2. “With all thy getting” – Whatever you pursue in life, add understanding to it. Get a job + get understanding to keep it. Marry + get understanding to sustain it.
3. Understanding = insight + discernment. It’s seeing beyond the surface. Why things happen, how to respond, what God is saying.
_Key:_ Solomon asked for understanding and God gave him wisdom + riches + honor – 1 Kings 3:9-12. Ask right, and God adds the rest.
*2. UNDERSTANDING COMES BY ASKING & OBEYING – Psalm 119:34*
_“Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”_
1. Ask God directly: David didn’t rely on his IQ. He prayed, “Give me understanding.” Understanding is a gift from God, not just study. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom, ask God.
2. Purpose of understanding: “...that I may keep Your law.” God gives understanding so we can obey, not just so we can argue better. Understanding without obedience = pride.
3. Wholehearted obedience: “...with my whole heart.” Partial obedience is disobedience. When God opens your eyes, run with it fully.
*3. THE BENEFITS OF ASKING FOR UNDERSTANDING*
1. Protection from error: Understanding keeps you from deception, bad counsel, and costly mistakes – Prov 2:11
2. Direction in confusion: When you don’t know what to do, understanding shows you the path – Psalm 32:8
3. Stability in trials: You stop asking “Why me?” and start asking “What are You teaching me, Lord?”
4. Fruitful service: Like the disciples on the Emmaus road – “He opened their understanding” Luke 24:45 –
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
*Conclusion/Charge:*
Don’t just chase answers. Chase understanding. Today, go back to God like David and Solomon: “Lord, give me understanding.” For your family, your work, your purpose, your next step. God delights to give it.
---
*PRAYER SESSION: “LORD, GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING” –*
*1. PRAYER OF DESIRE –*
Father, I acknowledge I don’t have all the answers. I choose understanding over confusion. I choose wisdom over assumption. Like Solomon, I ask for an understanding heart. Give it to me now in Jesus’ name.
*2. PRAYER FOR OPEN EYES –*
Lord, open the eyes of my understanding – Eph 1:18.
1. Every area of blindness in my life, marriage, business, ministry - let light shine now.
2. Remove every veil of ignorance, tradition, and wrong teaching from my mind.
3. Holy Spirit, teach me all things and bring God’s word to my remembrance – John 14:26
Pray in tongues 1 min: let the Spirit help your weakness.
*3. PRAYER FOR OBEDIENCE –*
Father, give me understanding so I can keep Your word with my whole heart – Psalm 119:34.
I receive grace to obey what I know. Don’t let me be a hearer only, but a doer – James 1:22.
Break every spirit of rebellion and dullness of hearing. Make me sensitive to Your voice.
*4. PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS +*
I decree over my:
1. I am not confused. I have the mind of Christ – 1 Cor 2:16
2. Understanding has located me. I will make wise decisions this June 2026.
3. No more costly mistakes. I see clearly, I hear clearly, I walk accurately.
4. The entrance of God’s word gives me light and understanding – Psalm 119:130
*Closing Prayer:*
Father, thank You because You have heard me. I receive understanding now. From today, I will walk in wisdom and insight. Let it affect my choices, my relationships, and my destiny. In Jesus’ mighty name, AMEN.
*Memory Verse for the Week:* “Trust in the Lord... and He will direct your paths” – Proverbs 3:5-6
*10 MINUTES REFLECTION IN SILENCE:*
Let us reflect in silence to allow the Holy Spirit to minister His words to us.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Surely, God's goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives that I may dwell in your presence forever and ever. Amen
*In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen 🙏.*

Thursday July 2, 2026 Weekday 13
FIRST READING:
“Go, prophesy to my people.”
*A reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos (Amos 7:10-17)*
In those days: Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.”’ And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ “Now therefore hear the word of the Lord. You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac. ’ Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Your wife shall be a harlot in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be parcelled out by line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.”’
The word of the Lord
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 19:8.9.10.11 (R. 10b)
*R/. The judgements of the Lord are true, they are, all of them, just.*
The law of the Lord is perfect; it revives the soul. The decrees of the Lord are steadfast;
they give wisdom to the simple. R/.
The precepts of the Lord are right; they gladden the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear; it gives light to the eyes. R/.
R/. The judgements of the Lord are true, they are, all of them, just.
The fear of the Lord is pure, abiding forever.
The judgements of the Lord are true;
they are, all of them, just. R/.
They are more to be desired than gold,
than quantities of gold.
And sweeter are they than honey,
than honey flowing from the comb. R/.
ALLELUIA 2 Corinthians 5: 19
Alleluia. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
“They glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 9: 1-8)*
At that time: Getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic — “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
The Gospel of the Lord
TODAY’S REFLECTION:
In the Gospel, Jesus cures a paralytic of his devastating physical and spiritual ailment, the false accusation by the teachers of the law, notwithstanding. The first reading tells us how the people of Israel were equally devastated by multifaceted social and spiritual malaise. Prophet Amos rose to the occasion by preaching repentance and conversion for them, entreating them to turn over a new leaf so as to enjoy God’s mercy and saving help. However, the fracas between Amaziah and prophet Amos is a clear manifestation of the clash of interests that sometimes raises its ugly head even in religious circles. Amos had to pay the price for standing up for what is right, as against Amaziah, who saw his calling merely as a career for personal gain. Jesus, I trust in you.