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.