August 25, 2015 - Tuesday

LORD, you have probed me, you know me:
you know when I sit and stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
You sift through my travels and my rest;
with all my ways you are familiar.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
LORD, you know it all.
Behind and before you encircle me
and rest your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
far too lofty for me to reach. (Psalm 139:1-6 NABRE)

As children, we used to learn new things about ourselves every day. We discovered how to walk, talk, play games, think deliberately, and so much more. As adults, we still learn new things, though it sometimes seems infrequent.

Imagine knowing all you know about yourself, all you have ever learned plus all you will ever learn about yourself. Add to that all the things you will never know about yourself--the number of hairs on your head and so many other details about yourself.

God knows you. He knows you better than you can ever even know yourself. God is familiar with how you live your life. He is all around you and actually rests his hand on you. And he wants you to seek him, to acknowledge him, and to trust him just like a child trusts a faithful and loving father.


Today, I will marvel that God knows who I am and even who I will be, and he loves me anyway!


Saint Louis of France, who interpreted your kingly duties in the light of faith, pray for us.

August 24, 2015 - Monday

All your works give you thanks, LORD
and your faithful bless you.
They speak of the glory of your reign
and tell of your mighty works,
Making known to the sons of men your mighty acts,
the majestic glory of your rule. (Psalm 145:10-12 NABRE)

Only when we come to see ourselves as works of God's hands can we can recognize that our skills and abilities are given to us. Only when we see ourselves as created can we get comfortable with our purpose. Only when we see ourselves as purposeful can we choose to express our purpose by the way we live.

Lord God, I am filled with wonder as I come to recognize my purpose more and more deeply, which is to give you glory. You are the creator of all things. You created me for your own joy.  I give you thanks, Lord, and I bless you. I speak of your glory, your reign over all existence, and your mighty works. I look forward to the time when all mankind acknowledges that you are God.


Today, I will give thanks to the Lord.


Saint Bartholomew, Apostle of Jesus who some identify with Nathanael, pray for us.

August 23, 2015 - Sunday

If it is displeasing to you to serve the LORD, choose today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 NABRE)

These well-known words of Joshua were a challenge to the Israelites who had come into the Promised Land and begun to adopt the ways of non-believers, and they are a challenge to us even today as we live in prosperous times and continue to adopt the ways of those who would turn us away from our God and toward the gods of our times.

Lord God, your words are indeeds Spirit and light. May my ears always hear them. As the Israelites responded to Joshua so long ago, far be it from me to forsake the LORD to serve other gods. Lord, thank you for your many graces. Help me to live in this world as a sign of your great glory. Help all who seek you to find you. Help our leaders as you helped Joshua, so they might continue to remind us to serve you above all else.


Today, I will chose a life of service to the one, true God.


Saint Rose of Lima, the first canonized saint of the New World, who had a love of God so ardent that it withstood ridicule from without, violent temptation and lengthy periods of sickness, pray for us.

August 22, 2015 - Saturday

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:8-12 NABRE)

Jesus warns us from adopting a spirit of superiority and pride by accepting titles such as rabbi or master.* In fact, he continues with remarkably cutting words for those who do adopted such a spirit: the scribes and Pharisees. They opposed the value system to which Jesus encourages us when he says The greatest among you must be your servant.

Lord Jesus, you know my heart. Thank you for sharing your Spirit with me. Lead my heart to humility and not to pride. Drive out all self-importance from me and replace it with a desire to serve. You are the one great teacher and master. Let me model my life on your example. Teach me to lead as you did, as a servant who humbled himself to his Lord and Father.


Today, on this Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I will pray the rosary, focused on the Glorious Mysteries, especially the Coronation of Mary.


Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

August 21, 2015 - Friday

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-50 NABRE)

Love is so much more than the feeling of being in love. And the deep, committed, sacrificial love Jesus intends in today's passage, reflects the very love that God has for each one of us. When we decide to love--and yes, this love is a decision we make every minute of every day, when we put someone else's needs ahead of our own, we bring a bit of God's perfect love into our world.

Lord God, thank you for the freedom to love. Thank you for your love and the chance to share it. I ask for the gift of humility, so that I will be able to put myself aside and put you forward, so that I will be able to put myself last and put my neighbor first.


Today, I will continue to choose to love God and others.


Saint Pius X, best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children, pray for us.

August 20, 2015 - Thursday

A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. (Matthew 22:4-6 NABRE)

Jesus, in one parable, compares the kingdom of heaven to a king's wedding banquet. None of the invited guests choose to attend. What is your response to God? Do you ignore him? Do you avoid him? Do you actively speak out against him? Do you laugh at him? Think about it this day. Take some time.

I am not talking about anything more or less than what is in your heart. But a relationship with God, which each of us has, is more than emotion. A relationship involves a decision that goes beyond feelings. And so, look past your feelings, and consider choosing to give this special relationship your attention.

Start simple and avoid the typical excuses made these days like, "I'm going to hell anyway so why not do what I want." Instead, quietly and privately ask God to show himself to you today, in a small way, just enough so you will recognize him. And most importantly, trust that he will do it and be open to it when he does! By taking the first step, you are opening the door to the Lord and he will step inside and join you.


Today, I will, as I do every day, ask the Lord simply to join me.


Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who wrote, In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary," pray for us.

August 19, 2015 - Wednesday

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.(Hebrews 4:12 NABRE)

God's living word penetrates my soul and spirit. It knows the reflections and thoughts of my heart.

Lord God, you know me even better than I know myself. Grant me the humility and courage to engage with your word. I seek to cut away all that separates me from your love. I seek to know myself better--more like you know me, so that I may reform the reflections and thoughts of my heart.


Today, I will reflect on God's word in order to recognize my own weaknesses.


Saint John Eudes, who wrote about Jesus as the source of holiness and Mary as the model of the Christian life, pray for us.

August 18, 2015 - Tuesday

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. (Matthew 19:29-30 NABRE)

What is your idea of success? Is eternal life with God part of your idea of success? If it is, what would you give up for the sake of Jesus' name? If you were called to sacrifice your life, could you? If you were called to sacrifice your house, would you? How much is too much of a sacrifice for you? Where is your line in the sand?

This is not a way to see how much guilt you can endure. No! Jesus wants our hearts. He wants us to willingly, and as Paul says cheerfully, give of what we have to those in need as a sign of our trust in him and as a way to share our understanding of God's generosity with those around us. Jesus tells us it is the last who will be first in the kingdom of God. Let us center our idea of success on this.


Today, I will seek to understand success as Jesus did, who put himself last, becoming a servant to all.


Saint Louis of Toulouse, who said, "Jesus Christ is all my riches; he alone is sufficient for me," pray for us.

August 17, 2015 - Monday

The young man said to him, “All of these [commandments] I have observed. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:20-23 NABRE)

Don't look at your posessions like the young man in the story. See them for what they really are.

Jesus speaks to all of us who have been blessed with money, power, possessions, comforts, medical resources, opportunities, education, contentment, leisure time and so many other gifts.

Jesus did not say it directly to this devout but wealthy young man, but all of these blessings actually belong to God. Jesus opens the man's eyes to the truth that we are not given such wealth for our own sakes alone, but primarily to care for others in need.

And while he doesn't say it to the young man, he says it to us as he cautioned his disciples: Having riches in this life makes it hard to live as God wants us to live, in a manner that will allow us to enter the kingdom of heaven, as good caretakers of God's property.

Lord, thank you for the many blessings you have shared with me. Give me direction so that I might care for the property you chose to place in my hands. By your Spirit, show me how to use these gifts to build your kingdom here on earth. Help me to defy my false sense that it is by my effort alone that I provide for the needs of my family. Deepen my sense of trust in you and in your provision. 

Open my eyes, Lord, cure my blindness, show me the needs of others whom you call me to help. Allow me to hear your whispered voice today, amidst the constant noise and endless distractions, so that I might share with the poor all the resources intended for them which you have entrusted to my stewardship.


Today, I will thankfully seek the Holy Spirit's guidance on how to be a good steward of the riches that have been entrusted to me.


Saint Joan of the Cross, who's conversion reminds us to be open to God's presence in others, pray for us.

August 16, 2015 - Sunday

Wisdom has built her house,
she has set up her seven columns;
She has prepared her meat, mixed her wine,
yes, she has spread her table.
She has sent out her maidservants; she calls
from the heights out over the city:
“Let whoever is naive turn in here;
to any who lack sense I say,
Come, eat of my food,
and drink of the wine I have mixed!
Forsake foolishness that you may live;
advance in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:1-6 NABRE)

Wisdom is portrayed as a wealthy woman with much to offer her guests. Wisdom’s banquet symbolizes joy and closeness to God.* What a gift it is to be invited to her house, to share in her banquet. Each of us is called to put aside the foolishness and nonsense that surround us in this world and even in our hearts. We are called to seek wisdom and understanding, and to partake of the feast of joy and closeness to God until we are satisfied.


Today, I will forsake foolishness and instead seek to advance, at least a little, in the way of understanding.


Saint Stephen of Hungary, who converted many to Christianity, pray for us.

August 15, 2015 - Saturday

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age
to those who fear him. (Luke 1:46-50 NABRE)

These lines are the first half of the canticle (song) of Mary known as the Magnificat. In it, she praises God and recognizes herself as his servant.

Historians tell us that the Magnificat (with the possible exception of v 48) may have been a Jewish Christian hymn that Luke found appropriate at this point in his story. Even if not composed by Luke, it fits in well with themes found elsewhere in Luke: joy and exultation in the Lord; the lowly being singled out for God’s favor; the reversal of human fortunes; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.*

Lord, thank you for Mary, the first and most perfect disciple. Let me say yes to you as she did, regardless of my fear, circumstances, age, or prior plans. Like Mary, let my yes come without hesitation or reluctance. Help me to know myself as your servant and to joyfully declare your greatness in all I do and say today.


Today, on this Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, I will join Mary in joyfully declaring God's greatness.


Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, who was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory, pray for us.

August 14, 2015 - Friday

And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NABRE)

Again, Saint Paul reminds us that God is active and alive in our day! Through the words of Paul, the people of Thessalonica received the very word of God. And God's word was at work in them. When we read the same words of Paul, they go to work in us too!

Thank you, Lord God, for your Word. Thank you for your Word at work in me. Provide me with enough quiet in my mind and spirit to hear your Word in the moment I need it, and to act on it in that same moment without hesitation, with only confidence and certainty. Lord, thank you for the joy and peace which only your Word brings. May I be an instrument of your joy and peace today.


Today, I will celebrate the actual word of God at work in me!


Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, patron of addicts and drug addiction, pray for us.

August 13, 2015 - Thursday

Then the LORD said to Joshua: Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
Now command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant, “When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, there take your stand.” (Joshua 3:7-8 NABRE)

God works in our lives. He works through us in the lives of others. I appreciated the sense of immediate awareness of God's presence that Joshua must have felt on that day! Have you ever had a moment when you realized with perfect clarity that you are not alone, that God is really with you? It may have been fleeting but clear. It is an energizing moment, the type of moment that can change the course of your life.

Listen for God's whisper in your day. Recognize his companionship today. Know that even when your heart is far from him and when your feelings grow dark, he is right there. He is encouraging you and I, as he did for Joshua, to play our roles on this stage of life, so that others will know what God's children are like.


Today, I will seek my role in the community of the Lord, seeking only to serve others and bring them closer to God.


Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, opposing forces within the Church who were reconciled and then martyred together, pray for us.

August 12, 2015 - Wednesday

Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20 NABRE)

Jesus promises a favorable response to the prayers of even a few people who join together in his name.* He goes further, and tells us that when we come together in prayer, he is in our midst, and thereby guaranteeing the efficacy of our prayer.*

This saying of Jesus is similar to one attributed to a rabbi who was executed in A.D. 135 at the time of the second Jewish revolt: “…When two sit and there are between them the words of the Torah, the divine presence (Shekinah) rests upon them” (Pirqê ’Abôt 3:3).*


Today, I will gather prayerfully with someone else and in the presence of Jesus.


Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, who was subject to spiritual dryness, darkness, and interior anguish, pray for us.

August 11, 2015 - Tuesday

Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:8 NABRE)

Just before he died, Moses gave instruction and advice to Joshua who would lead the Israelites into the promised land and into conflict with the people already settled there. The "bottom line" of this advice is to stay aware that God himself marches with his people and will not fail them in battle.

My Lord, thank you for remaining with me. Thank you for your willingness never to fail or forsake your people. Help me to recognize you. Help me to understand, even at times of great loss, that you have not abandoned me. Lord, keep me strong today. Help me to remain steadfast by your strength when I am confronted. Take away all my fear and dread. I have no enemy but yours. I have no battle but yours. I seek to fearlessly confront your enemy in every moment and decision so that your will is done.


Today, I will be strong and steadfast as I follow the Lord.


Saint Clare of Assisi, patron of those with eye disorders, pray for us.

August 10, 2015 - Monday

Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NABRE)

Paul's metaphorical use of farming terms to explain the deeper aspect of generosity allows him to illustrate how each act of giving (planting seeds) yields even greater returns (reaping bountifully). The paradoxical idea that spending leads to more wealth* is also reflected in Proverb (11:24) which says, "One person is lavish yet grows still richer; another is too sparing, yet is the poorer."

As Paul challenges us to re-evaluate our motivation for giving or not giving, he adds some additional guidance. First, that our giving has already been determined by God, so, we should not worry that giving generously will harm our financial situation. Second, that we should not feel sad or compelled to give what we have in charity, because God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul adds more to his argument for giving, but I find his most persuasive point is that we should give generously to those in need because it reflects the overwhelming generosity of God.* Paul puts it this way: "Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work."


Today, I will seek an opportunity to sow bountifully to the benefit of someone in need.


Saint Lawrence, patron of the poor and of cooks, pray for us.

August 9, 2015 - Sunday

And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.
All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice.
[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:30-32 NABRE)

We are baptized. We allow God's Holy Spirit to work with us. We work with the Holy Spirit to change our minds, hearts, and behavior.

In today's passage, Saint Paul lists specific changes we need to make in order to better reflect the forgiveness God gives to us. Let's pause over each one and consider how we can improve our own hearts and actions today.

Lord God, thank you for your Spirit. Open me to work with him so that I may better show your forgiving heart to all those in my life. Thank you for sealing me for the day of redemption by my baptism, and keep me always mindful of the great gift my baptism truly is. Lord, help me to recognize today each time I am bitter, furious, angry, or filled with malice. Stop me in the moment--not afterward--and replace these feelings with compassion.  Lord, help me to avoid shouting and reviling. Stop me in the moment--not afterward--and replace these actions with kindness and forgiveness. I ask that you lead me to integrity, so my heart, mind, and actions are aligned with your perfect will.


Today, I will allow God's Spirit to work in me.


Edith Stein (Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), martyred in a gas chamber at Auschwitz, pray for us.

August 8, 2015 - Saturday

There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every affair under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NABRE)

At times, these words offer us comfort. At other times, they challenge and even provoke us. In either case, with the vicissitudes of life being what they are, we need to look beyond life's particular circumstances and situations to find a consistent perspective on our lives, an objective perspective, an eternal perspective. God's word offers such perspective.

Consider that today's verse actually points out that God has determined the appropriate moment of "time" for each human activity. Human beings cannot know that moment; further, the wider course of events and purposes fixed by God are beyond us as well.*

How often do we over-spiritualize or under-spiritualize the timing or the context of human events? Too often, no doubt. But when we seek to evaluate specific events from an eternal perspective, there is no doubt we are on a path to wisdom and understanding.

Today, I will seek to consider the events of my day from an eternal perspective, and to take action led by the Spirit of wisdom.


Saint Dominic, who effectively combined contemplation and activity, pray for us.

August 7, 2015 - Friday

This is why you must now acknowledge, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. (Deuteronomy 4:39 NABRE)

Moses reminds the Israelite that they believe in God  because he chose them as his own, because of his faithfulness to the promise he made to their ancestors, and because of the many great wonders he performed as he led them out of slavery in Egypt and into the promised land.

Why do you believe in God? 

Is it because you were taught about God since you were a child and just never questioned it? Is it because you met someone who told you about Jesus with words that made you sense some truth in them? Is it because you have seen evidence of God in the world?

Each believer has a reason, or a combination of reasons, why he or she believes in God. 

We should consider them, challenge them, and share them with each other. It is in this way we become strong witnesses to God's place in our lives, as strong as Peter, as strong as Paul. In this way we speak God's word into today's world. In this way, we join other believers in a public faith that confronts the evil that grows in indifference, moral confusion, and callousness.

Figure out why you believe, with experience gain your confidence, and when the time is right tell someone about it. 

Don't hide your faith. Don't be evasive about your belief. And don't worry if you're not ready to speak about your faith yet. You will be when you need to be. By inviting the Holy Spirit of God to speak when you need the words, you become like the apostles to whom Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)


Today, I will acknowledge the Lord is God and there is no other.


Saint Cajetan, who reminds us God’s standards of success differ from ours, pray for us.

August 6, 2015 - Thursday

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. (2 Peter 1:17-18 NABRE)

Today's passage from Peter's second letter contains a simple and powerful statement that Peter himself was one of the three witnesses present at the Transfiguration of Jesus, traditionally believed to have happened on Mt. Tabor.

Lord God, it is really too much for me to understand what might have happened that day on the mountain. It is too much for me to understand how Jesus is your divine son who became a man to live among us. I take it on faith that Peter's witness to this event is authentic and true. I thank you for his gift of witness and for my gift of faith. Give me continued awareness of your real presence in my day, as real as it was on that mountain, and give me the grace to bear witness to my own experience of your astounding impact on my life. Finally, help me to always stay aware of the thin veil that separates our physical reality from your unimaginable glory which transcends time and place.


Today, on this Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, I will remember that Jesus was both God and man.


Saint Hormisdas Pope, who reunited the Eastern and Western Church in 519, pray for us.

August 5, 2015 - Wednesday

Then Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour. (Matthew 15:21-22, 28 NABRE)

Jesus went to the water when he needed rest. Perhaps it was the sound of the waves rolling up on the shore which calmed and refreshed him. Possibly it was the breeze blowing off the water or the cooling touch of the water itself which brought him peace in his body and mind. It may have been the smell of the ocean or the sunset skies over the horizon which brought back memories for him. I think all of these may have led him to seek the ocean when he needed rest.

There is no doubt water has an effect on us. The sea reminds us how small we are. It is powerful and beautiful. It is constant and relentless. When we go to the water, we cannot help but gain perspective. We cannot help but recognize how limited and small we really are, and so, recall that our problems and cares are as well.

And so, tired as he must have felt, and despite that the woman in today's passage was a Canaanite (she was not a Jew, the people Jesus came to serve), Jesus engaged with her because of her unusual faith. In doing this, he begins to set the stage for the salvation of all people, both Jew and Gentile. May we notice Jesus' love for each person he encounters, his willingness to do his "work" even while on a short "vacation," and the healing he so willingly provides to anyone who will ask for it in faith.


Today, I will reflect on the amazing grace of Jesus' love for all of us.


Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

August 4, 2015 - Tuesday

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,
“Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash [their] hands when they eat a meal.”
He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand.
It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” (Matthew 15:1-2, 10-11 NABRE)

Jesus called out the Pharisees for breaking God's commandments for the sake of their traditions--putting man's rules before God's.

Don't we do this too? It's so easy to twist a rule to our benefit, to change an interpretation, even in subtle ways, to our benefit, and by so doing negating the original purpose and intent of the rule. We need to consciously challenge ourselves about how we accept interpretations, how we consider context, and the sources of our information.

And how do we challenge each thing we hear and are told? We have God's Word as the measure against which we consider the many moral arguments of our times. God's Word includes both the Biblical texts as well as the teaching authority of the Church (called the magisterium). One remarkable reference we can refer to is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It contains a tremendous treasury of insight and guidance we should be using to evaluate the things we are told. If for no other reason, we can be certain of the authoritative nature of the source.


Today, I will remember that I have access to God's Word as a guide when I struggle.


Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for us.

August 3, 2015 - Monday

When Moses heard the people, family after family, crying at the entrance of their tents, so that the LORD became very angry, he was grieved.
“Why do you treat your servant so badly?” Moses asked the LORD. “Why are you so displeased with me that you burden me with all this people? (Numbers 11:10-11 NABRE)

Being human is hard! We are so bound by the pains, anxieties, frustrations, distractions, and difficulties of this life that we are prone to slip into discontent, complaining, and destructive behavior. The Israelites were no different while they roamed in the desert. Having manna from God which they made into bread was a miracle, but after a while, they wanted variety, they wanted meat, and they complained, bitterly we're told.

And Moses, chosen as the head of this ungrateful and unappreciative group, was tired and at his wits end. He could not understand why God would have put him in this position. After all, he didn't ask for it. He didn't want it. But God's plan for Moses put him in this role anyway, and now it had gotten difficult, perhaps even more difficult than confronting Pharaoh had been.

If we read a few lines further into the chapter, we see Moses put it this way, "I cannot carry all this people by myself, for they are too heavy for me. If this is the way you will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face my distress." (Numbers 11:14-15)

Lord, when I am distressed beyond my means, please carry me. When I cannot lift the burden you give me, please lift it for me. Lord, help me to turn over to you all my cares this day, so that on that day when I am crushed by my grief, I will have established the habit of turning to you first in times of need.


Today, I will remember to turn to the Lord regardless of my mood.


Saint Peter Julian Eymard, who said the Eucharist is the life of the people, pray for us.

August 2, 2015 - Sunday

What we have heard and know;
things our ancestors have recounted to us.
We do not keep them from our children;
we recount them to the next generation,
The praiseworthy deeds of the LORD and his strength,
the wonders that he performed. (Psalm 78:3-4 NABRE)

One of the great awakenings of my life was when I first realized it is on me personally, as part of one generation, to make sure to pass on the knowledge of God to the next generation. At the end of the day, there is nothing more important that we need to know and share. The burden this awakening created compels me to speak and live as a child of God, to teach anyone willing to learn, and to encourage believers to put all their faith and trust in God.


Today, I will marvel at the way we remember God's greatness from generation to generation.


Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, the first to link the monastic life with that of the clergy, pray for us.

August 1, 2015 - Saturday

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” (Matthew 14:1-2 NABRE)

Word of Jesus had spread all the way to the king. It's interesting that no one doubted Jesus' mighty powers, not even the king, though he did try to find an explanation for them (that Jesus was actually John the Baptist whom he had had killed prior to this time). Herod was concerned that Jesus would lead a rebellion against him. Herod was not concerned of talk that Jesus' had mighty powers.* This seems to have been accepted as fact.

Many today struggle with what to believe about Jesus. Perhaps we can gain some confidence in our own personal belief when we notice that even Jesus' enemies at the time recognized and acknowledged his special power, his ability to perform miracles, and the authority with which he taught. Their acceptance of Jesus was possible in a culture of certain faith in the God of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


Today, I will remember the deep certainty of my belief in God and reconfirm my whole faith in his son, Jesus.


Saint Alphonsus Liguori, patron of theologians and vocations, pray for us.

July 31, 2015 - Friday

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.  (Matthew 13:57-58 NABRE)

The proverb, "Familiarity breeds contempt." is generally interpreted to mean, "Extensive knowledge of or close association with someone leads to a loss of respect for them."* In today's passage, Jesus experiences this when he returns to his hometown to teach in the synagogue. His neighbors, the people who knew him only as the son of Joseph the carpenter, were offended that he would presume to instruct them about the ways of God.

Jesus, thank you for teaching me and for taking action in my life. Thank you for the awareness I've known which convinces me of your presence--the ability, the grace really, to recognize your voice and your hand in small things and familiar events. Keep me mindful of your unending love for me and divine mercy as I trip along the path this day. Hold me up, sustain me, and protect me along the way. 


Today, I will look for Jesus in each person, each event, each moment.


Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits and whose spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, for the greater glory of God, pray for us.

July 30, 2015 - Thursday

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Moses could not enter the tent of meeting, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34-35 NABRE)

About a year after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, he erected a tent to hold the arc of the covenant. The tent was a sanctuary where the Lord dwelt in the midst of the people. (Exodus 25:8) In what probably seems like a fable to many readers, we learn a truth about God that remains relevant even in our busy, modern lives: He wants to live among us and to have a relationship with us.

For me, Christ's real presence in the Eucharist is a remarkable and profound extension of his presence in the tent of meeting as we see it in Exodus. May we always be mindful of God among and within us so that we look for him in others and in ourselves. May we always remember our purpose to be part of the creation that gives him glory. And when we lose our bearings, let us seek only his company, nothing more.


Today, I will seek to be in the presence of the Lord.


Saint Peter Chrysologus, who strongly encourages us to pursue knowledge, pray for us.

July 29, 2015 - Wednesday

The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 NABRE)

As he journeyed, Jesus came to visit his friend Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary. At some point during the visit, Martha, it seems, became overwhelmed with the duties of serving while Mary "sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak." (Luke 10:39) And Martha complained, asking Jesus to make Mary help her. in today's passage, we see Jesus' response to Martha.

Lord, when I become overwhelmed by the choices I make, please remind me not to worry so much or to be anxious. Lead me instead to the better option so that I might remember to spend time today visiting with you, unconcerned about the busyness of the day or the expectations of others.


Today, I will remember to take time to sit "beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak."


Saint Martha, patron of housewives, waiters and waitresses, pray for us.

July 28, 2015 - Tuesday

Moses at once knelt and bowed down to the ground.
Then he said, “If I find favor with you, Lord, please, Lord, come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and claim us as your own.” (Exodus 34:8-9 NABRE)

Do we pray for others after they hurt us? After fighting, are we able to pull together for what is right? When we disagree in public discourse, do we seek common ground in the dignity of the human person?

When we see injustice, immorality, selfishness, and suffering around us, when we see empty promises being made and personal agendas being forwarded in public forums and in private living rooms, let us recognize the deceptions of the evil one moving among us in our thoughts and words and actions and choices. Let us see it first in ourselves. Let us not look for it in others, but pray for and encourage each other. Let us pray for ourselves too, that we might rid ourselves of anything that separates us from the love of the Lord.


Today, I will pray for our world, into which the gospel has been brought, that the Lord will remain in our company, pardon our sins, and claim us all as his own.


Saint Leopold Mandic, 20th-Century Croatian Priest who "used to repeat to himself: “Remember that you have been sent for the salvation of people, not because of your own merits, since it is the Lord Jesus and not you who died for the salvation of souls.... I must cooperate with the divine goodness of our Lord who has deigned to choose me so that by my ministry, the divine promise would be fulfilled: ‘There will be only one flock and one shepherd’” (John 10:16)," pray for us so that each of us will always remember what our ministry is.

July 27, 2015 - Monday

As he drew near the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. Then Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets down and broke them on the base of the mountain. (Exodus 32:19 NABRE)

We have incredibly short attention spans, and we are easily distracted by shiny objects! So, when Moses came down the mountain to find the Israelites worshiping a golden calf that they had made, his anger flared. When he saw the quickness with which they lost focus on where he had gone and what they were doing at the mountain, he realized immediately that they had offended the one true God with a false god.

Many years later, the Psalms recall this event this way: At Horeb they fashioned a calf, worshiped a metal statue. They exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bull. (Psalm 106:19-20)

Lord, our God, keep us mindful of your presence among us. Don't let us go too long in darkness before returning a Moses to us to remind us we have forgotten about you again. Lord, save me from idols in my life--the golden calves I make and use to entertain myself, to prop myself up, and to try and fill the often deep longing I have for something greater than I can even explain. I am a desperate creature, misled and confused, prone to focus on the trivialities of this world--money, self-determination, success, entertainment. I do this because I become tired and worn as I journey, forgetting at times to keep my focus on your whispered voice, calling me forward and reminding me of my heavenly purpose.


Today, I will focus on keeping humble in each moment, conscious that only God deserves my praise.


Blessed Antonio Lucci, 18th century bishop known for holiness and learning, pray for us.

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July 26, 2015 - Sunday

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” (Luke 7:16 NABRE)

Lord, you came and visited us. Your son, Jesus, lived with us, as one of us and so you know our experience. Lord God, creator, thank you for bringing us to life and sustaining us in each moment. Thank you for sending your son to restore our relationship with you. And thank you for the many graces we know each day, in the company of family and friends, in the satisfaction of labor, and even in the depths of our suffering. We turn humbly to you, seeking your mercy. We turn confidently to you, asking for your strength. And we turn joyfully to you, grateful for the love you have for us.


Today, I will remember that God has visited us.


Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus, pray for us.

July 25, 2015 - Saturday

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NABRE)

Just like Saint Paul and his companions, our sharing of and witness to our faith is like a light that we hold within these frail human bodies of ours. This light is like a candle in a small terracotta lamp.* I am reminded of the Holy Spirit of God living in me who is the source of this spiritual light and who is the real treasure.

Though we bear witness to Christ, we are not immune to the afflictions of this life. When we join our afflictions spiritually, through prayer, to the suffering of Christ, Paul reminds us that we also have a share in Jesus' resurrection.*


Today, I will not be constrained, I will not submit to feelings of despair or abandonment, I will not be destroyed by suffering, sadness, or pain; rather I will offer my afflictions, confusion, persecutions and suffering for the sake of those in need, joining with Christ crucified in such moments.


Saint James, Apostle called by Jesus to be a witness to him, pray for us.

July 24, 2015 - Friday

Hear then the parable of the sower.
The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. (Matthew 13:18-19 NABRE)

I cannot help but think of our younger generation, lost to faith by scandal in God's own Church. It grieves me to confront the evil that came and stole away what was sown in so many hearts. Let us pray with confidence for them, that in God's time they will come to distinguish between the human failings of too many of our trusted priests and the eternal and enduring nature of the Church which Jesus founded while he was here with us.

We are the Church. We are healing, but it will take more time. Let us pray that God's mercy will overwhelm the disillusionment felt by those who had their trust taken from them. We know that this trouble will, in the end, be overcome, but it can be so difficult to stay patient.

Holy Spirit, please fill us with your patience and the understanding to see your presence in those around us each day.


Today, I will pray for the one who hears the word of the kingdom and has it stolen away.


Saint Sharbel Makhluf, who invites us to cooperate generously with God's grace, no matter what our situation in life may be, pray for us.

July 23, 2015 - Thursday

But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear.
Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (Matthew 13:16-17 NABRE)

Jesus taught his friends about the privilege of discipleship when he spoke these words to them. He had been teaching in parables to large crowds and afterwards his disciples had asked him why he taught using parables. He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted." (Matthew 13:11) The disciples alone had been prepared to explore the parable's meaning and to understand it.*


Today, I will thank God for preparing me and for blessing my eyes and ears so that I see and hear his truth.


Saint Bridget, patron of Europe, pray for us.

July 22, 2015 - Wednesday

Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her. (John 20:18 NABRE)

Even before the twelve Apostles saw him, Mary Magdalene saw, spoke with, and even hugged the resurrected Jesus. She is the first one recorded to have seen him alive. It was by the tomb and at first she thought he was the gardener. Imagine that moment! Imagine having been there with Mary! What emotions would have washed over you? What thoughts would you have had?

The resurrection of Jesus from death is, of course, the single most pivotal moment in salvation history. It is the event to which the Apostles bear witness in Luke's second book, the Acts of the Apostles, even unto their own death. If you had been there with Jesus after his resurrection, would you have been able to pretend you hadn't seen him? Would you have tried to silence yourself out of fear? Or would you have wanted to tell everyone you met about him? Is it any different today? Be bold! Be courageous! Don't offend, but be a powerful witness by the way you love others.


Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for those whose hearts remain cold toward the Lord.


Saint Mary Magdalene, patron of penitents, pray for us.

July 21, 2015 - Tuesday

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD:
I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant;
horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. (Exodus 15:1 NABRE)

I remember an iconic image from my childhood. It is of Superman flying while holding Lois Lane in his arms and her desperately clinging to him. At first she is terrified, and then gradually she comes to understand that he will keep her safe. Icons represent aspects of life worth remembering. They are symbols and carry meaning and are often used to represent some truth or to remind us of something or someone.

We should always remember that the Lord protects us from our spiritual enemy, the one who seeks the ruin of our souls. Regardless of the difficulties this life thrusts upon us, we should always remember to turn to the Lord, that he defeats our enemies, and in fact he has already won the battle! There is evil in the world. We should always look to the Lord who is glorious and triumphs over it.


Today, I will sing this song to the Lord and remember his greatness.


Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, who had a constant devotion to Scripture and a great sensitivity to the needs of people, pray for us.

July 20, 2015 - Monday

The LORD will fight for you; you have only to keep still.(Exodus 14:14 NABRE)

Imagine what it must have been like when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt! For the first time, people would have begun to dream of possibilities. Tasting freedom, they marched away from their captors and found themselves by the sea with a future that held the promise of living self-directed lives and the hope of prospering in their own land. And then it happened. They saw the entire Egyptian army chasing them, and they were hemmed in by the sea. Imagine what it must have been like.

Lord God, you are the almighty. Thank you for the words of Moses which are so encouraging even today. I know that the enemy pursues me every moment. I know that he seeks the ruin of my soul just as Pharaoh sought the destruction of your people, the Israelites. And so Lord, I ask that you continue to keep your promise, made through Moses, to fight this enemy for me. I remain ill-equipped for this battle and I ask only for your Spirit of peace so that I will keep still as you demonstrate your glory in and through my life. The battle is yours, Lord, and I trust in you.


Today, though I am pursued by the enemy and afraid, I will keep still.


Saint Apollinaris, first-century martyr who reminds us that following Jesus involves risk, pray for us.

July 19, 2015 - Sunday

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh,
abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near,
for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:13-18 NABRE)

Very simply, Paul, writing to the Gentiles (non-Jews) in Ephesus, describes how Jesus united them with the rest of the Church which originally had only Jewish members. Remember, Jesus and his first followers were Jews. The early Church was considered a sect within the Jewish faith. And there was significant mistrust between the Jews and others who were not of the faith.

And so too in our times, we look to the Spirit of Jesus to break down the dividing walls that still exist between people. We look to the Spirit of God to reconcile all people to himself through the cross.


Today, I will pray for an increase in understanding and tolerance among people of good will but of different faith traditions.


Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, known as Mother Mary of the Cross, who tells us to "have courage no matter what [our] crosses are," pray for us.

July 18, 2015 - Saturday

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:18-21 NABRE)

Strong leaders are always invested with authority. When the authority is real, they can lead with a power that does not involve subjugation, humiliation, intolerance, or intimidation. Instead, a truly good and powerful leader, because of his authority, can lead with gentleness, kindness, acceptance, and encouragement.

Jesus is such a leader, described here as a servant, chosen and loved by God. He delights God and has a purpose and power placed upon him by God. Jesus is not contentious or argumentative. He is utterly gentle though his purpose is to bring justice (and hope) to the entire world.

In today's passage, Matthew describes Jesus by quoting the prophet Isaiah (42:1-4). In context, Jesus had quietly withdrawn from the synagogue because he realized the Pharisees had determined to have him put to death. According to the gospel writer, this was to fulfill what Isaiah had prophesied hundreds of years before. The linking of Jesus with Isaiah would have resonated deeply with his Jewish-Christian audience because they would have known well the words of this prophet.


Today, I will marvel at the gentle power of Jesus.


Saint Camillus de Lellis, patron of hospitals, nurses and the sick, pray for us.

July 17, 2015 - Friday

I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.
If you knew what this meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men.
For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (Matthew 12:6-8 NABRE)

Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea (6:6) to the Pharisees when they challenge him, perceiving that his disciples had broken one of the sabbath laws. By his reference to Hosea, he argues that the law itself requires work that breaks the sabbath rest, because of the higher duty of temple service.*  The Pharisees had begun looking for a way put Jesus to death. This probing is just one of their entrapment attempts.

Lord Jesus, thank you for this day. Thank you for this moment--not the last one, not the next one, but this one. In this moment, I am grateful to be encountering you as the unconquerable man that you are, by your divine nature. I am humbled by your presence. I welcome your Spirit into this moment with me. May your presence sanctify my thoughts and words, my actions and intentions, leading me forward through the rest of this day.


Today, I will seek to encounter Jesus in each moment.


Servant of God Francis Garcés and Companions, Franciscan missionaries and North American martyrs, pray for us.

July 16, 2015 - Thursday

“But,” said Moses to God, “if I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what do I tell them?”
God replied to Moses: I am who I am. Then he added: This is what you will tell the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you. (Exodus 3:13-14 NABRE)

Have you ever been in a room of people you've never met, for a meeting of any sort, and had the leader suggest everyone introduce themselves? Inevitably, as each person speaks, the room falls into a rhythm and after just a couple of people take their turn, each subsequent speaker announces their name in the same pattern as the first two. Cadence aligns. Tone of voice aligns. The group takes on a certain unity. Not that this relates directly to Moses' encounter with God, but it is interesting to consider how we announce ourselves in new situations.

In today's passage, we encounter the creator of all things in conversation with Moses, to whom he has just given a daunting mission. The divine being names himself. Our translation has his name as "I am who I am" or "I AM." There is so much we could consider about such a name, but most prominent to me is the way it tells of God's creative nature. How, not only did he create all that is, he IS.


Today, I will be grateful the he who IS desires to know me personally, and I will seek to respond willingly and joyfully to his call on my day.


Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patron of Chile, pray for us.

July 15, 2015 - Wednesday

Now indeed the outcry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen how the Egyptians are oppressing them.
Now, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:9-11 NABRE)

Moses utters a most human response to God's call! Anyone who's ever been called to responsibility and risk knows the recoil he must have experienced. Moses felt unqualified and unequipped to do as he was told, and so he pushes back initially, saying he's not going to be able to do this. Beyond that, he had established a relatively comfortable and happy life and was reluctant to leave it behind.

But notice God wasn't asking Moses to go. God was sending Moses. There are two things to notice about being sent by God to complete a task:

• God sends and we go
• God provides and protects

So, let us listen for God's call on our days and respond with joy. Sometimes he calls us so far out of our comfort zone, we may initially feel like Moses, but let us recognize the feelings of certainty, inevitability, and confidence that accompany such a call. These often linger in the background of our emotions, so we need to probe ourselves to see if they are there whenever we feel called to do something for the Lord.

Today, I will listen for God's call on me and will answer joyfully.


Saint Bonaventure, man of learning, eloquence, and holiness, known for kindness, approachableness, gentleness and compassion, pray for us.

July 14, 2015 - Tuesday

Save me, God,
for the waters have reached my neck.
I have sunk into the mire of the deep,
where there is no foothold.
I have gone down to the watery depths;
the flood overwhelms me. (Psalm 69:2-3 NABRE)

The waters of chaos from which God created the world are a common metaphor for extreme distress.* In today's passage from Psalm 69, we read of David's great distress as his enemies are all around him. If you have a few minutes read all of Psalm 69 today and recall Jesus' suffering.

The Psalm, which depicts the suffering of the innocent just person vividly, is cited often by the New Testament especially in the passion accounts. The Psalm prays not so much for personal vengeance as for public vindication of God’s justice. There was, at this time, no belief in an afterlife where such vindication could take place. Redress had to take place now, in the sight of all.*


Today, I will place my own small suffering at the foot of the cross as an offering for anyone who suffers though innocent.


Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, who said: “I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus," pray for us.
Saint Francis Solano, who reminds us to make our lives worthy of our Baptism, pray for us.

July 13, 2015 - Monday

So the Egyptians reduced the Israelites to cruel slavery,
making life bitter for them with hard labor, at mortar and brick and all kinds of field work—cruelly oppressed in all their labor. (Exodus 1:13-14 NABRE)

God's people have always suffered great opposition from the world. Centuries after the Israelites endured Egyptian slavery, Jesus told his disciples, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness [acting according to God's will], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

As followers of Jesus, we are called to remember that in the face of all persecution, our God is there to save us. We are told to remain faithful in times of trouble, to spread the gospel message everywhere, and to live prayerfully so that we can find God's strength in our oppression.


Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for all who suffer because they live faithfully.


Saint Henry, who shows us that holiness is possible in a busy secular life, pray for us.

July 12, 2015 - Sunday

[May] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones. (Ephesians 1:17-18 NABRE)

Is it strange how things have changed over the years? There was a time when people greeted each other, at least in writing, with elaborate good wishes. The abbreviation of this practice in modern times has been fairly abrupt. Salutations in handwritten or typed correspondence just fifty years ago had been reduced to "Dear Mr. Soandso." And today's email and text messages most often have no greeting at all. The tempo of daily life has increased dramatically allowing us to accomplish many more things in a day than ever before. However, I speculate that this change in the practice of written greetings also reflects a reduction in the time we have available to spend thinking about and regarding others to whom we address our messages.

Fortunately, Saint Paul's lavish wish for his congregation in Ephesus extends to us this day. Consider the substance of his wish for us as members of God's people:

• That we be given a spirit of wisdom and revelation so we will have knowledge of God
• That we be enlightened so we will know the hope of God's call and extent of our inheritance as followers of Jesus

Lord God, thank you for our ability to wish such things for each other, for the desire to see others share in knowledge of you and the hope of your promise. Let your Spirit guide our words so that we might begin each correspondence, however fleeting, with at least a thought of the other person--desiring that they gain wisdom and revelation, enlightenment and hope.

Today, I will focus on each person I speak or write to, regarding each one as Paul regarded those to whom he was responsible.


Saints John Jones and John Wall, friars who were martyred in England in the 16th and 17th centuries for refusing to deny your faith, pray for us.

July 11, 2015 - Saturday

But Joseph replied to them: “Do not fear. Can I take the place of God?
Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people.
So now, do not fear. I will provide for you and for your children.” By thus speaking kindly to them, he reassured them. (Genesis 50:19-21 NABRE)

Imagine yourself growing up in a large family with lot of brothers. Being the youngest was not always easy, but you played and learned with your brothers. And even though they teased you, you still loved them and admired them. Joseph had eleven brothers, was seen as his dad's favorite, and was the object of his brother's deep envy. In fact, they became so jealous of Joseph, they wanted to kill him, settling instead--out of self-protection--for selling him into slavery. Flash forward many years and Genesis presents their awkward but ultimately successful family reunion. Today's passage occurs some years later, not long after their father, Jacob's, death.

We can learn so much from Joseph's love for his family. Every time I read these words, I am moved by his kindness towards his brothers. In a position of complete authority over them, he tells them not to fear, that he will provide for them and their children. Look at the healing and the real strength in his kindness. The power of forgiveness is God's power unleashed, perhaps, in its greatest manifestation. Let us learn to be forgiving people. Let us learn to be kind people. Let us work to remove fear from the hearts of our brothers and sisters. Let us seek God's good ends in all our bad circumstances.


Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for anyone in need of forgiveness.


Saint Benedict, whose influence impacted the preservation of the liturgy, pray for us.

July 10, 2015 - Friday

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:19-22 NABRE)

Jesus knew he would be divisive. He knew that many people would not believe in him or follow him. And he knew that his disciples would encounter persecutions as they bore witness to him as the promised one of God.

We are called to be witnesses to Jesus in today's world. How we do that needs to be grounded in faith and trust, certainly; but as witnesses, we must go to prayer as our primary resource and our first action as conflict stirs. We should pray that the Spirit of our Father will speak through us in times of challenge.

And we are called to endure to the end all that comes as a result of our witness. Yes, Jesus knew we would be hated by some because of his name. But his promise endures as well.

Lord, though I was not present with you as you walked this earth, I am a witness to your very real and tangible presence in my own life and times. Please let your Spirit guide me at times of trial, when I come to the end of my own courage, the end of my own strength, and the end of my own words. Let your Holy Spirit come alive through me so that others might recognize your presence in their midst.


Today, I will not worry about how I am to speak at times of challenge, but will trust that the Holy Spirit of God will speak instead of me.


Saint Veronica Giuliani, who, like Saint Francis, bore the stigmata of Christ, reflecting your commitment to the cross, pray for us.

July 9, 2015 - Thursday

“I am Joseph,” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could give him no answer, so dumbfounded were they at him.
“Come closer to me,” Joseph told his brothers. When they had done so, he said: “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.
But now do not be distressed, and do not be angry with yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you. (Genesis 45:3-5 NABRE)

When Joseph, youngest son of Jacob, reveals himself to his older brothers, he is second only to Pharaoh in Egypt. Some time before, his brothers had been jealous of him and sold him into slavery to get rid of him. And now they find themselves in the awkward position, while trying to arrange for food, of recognizing their brother has become their benefactor.

God raised Joseph from an impossibly bleak situation to a leader of many. He raised him from slavery to lordship. He brought him from having control over nothing to control over all.

Lord God, please use me as you did Joseph, in every circumstance of my life. Though I must travel an unknown path, may I recognize by your Spirit that it was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here.


Today, I will pray for families struggling with jealousies, that good may come from such trials.


Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, 120 mostly Chinese-born martyrs canonized in Rome in 2000, pray for us.

July 8, 2015 - Wednesday

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 NABRE)

Mark's gospel is the first and shortest of the four gospels. And so, these are the first recorded words of Jesus' preaching. In them, Jesus makes four distinct but related statements:

1. This is the time of fulfillment. To those who heard him, this meant that the long-awaited promises of God are now being fulfilled. Though he stops short of saying it himself, Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promises.
2. The kingdom of God is at hand. This description of God's rule over his people, over evil, and over death itself has been initiated. We understand that God's rule will be made complete when Jesus returns.* 
3. Repent. Instruction number one: change your heart and your conduct. Stop rebelling against God and start obeying him.
4. Believe in the gospel. Jesus called those who heard him to believe not only in the good news from God, but also to believe in God at work in Jesus.* 

And so we are still called from the beginning of our faith journey to believe in Jesus and in God's work done in his name. We are called to change our hearts and actions. We are called to live as God tells us rather than as we choose.


Today, as I live out this day, I will focus on present moments, thanking God for each one of them and seeking to live each of them as he expects rather than as I please.


Saint Gregory Grassi and Companions, missionaries to China who were martyred as witnesses to your faith, pray for us.

July 7, 2015 - Tuesday

As they were going out, a demoniac who could not speak was brought to him,
and when the demon was driven out the mute person spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” (Matthew 9:32-33 NABRE)

These days, we are willing, and even quick, to assign the cause of unusual behaviors to psychological disorders. In a lot of cases, however, we don't realize the definitions of these disorders are only attempts to describe and classify the unusual behaviors. They are not true explanations of what causes the behaviors, and in many cases we cannot actually explain the causes, we can only describe the behaviors in ways that help medical professionals treat symptoms and manage the impact on lives.

And so, to hear about a man who is unable to speak because he is possessed by a demon, reads to us like little more than trivial horror fiction.

Regardless of the cause of this man's condition, we see that Jesus healed him instantly. We see that there were many witnesses to the healing. And we see that some in the crowd realized that what Jesus was capable of was unique, powerful, and real.


Today, I will be encouraged by the healing power of Jesus.


Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions, martyred in 1860 for refusing to renounce your faith, pray for us.

July 6, 2015 - Monday

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him.
When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.
And news of this spread throughout all that land. (Matthew 9:23-26 NABRE)

How often do I trust myself in difficult circumstances? When things go from bad to impossible, do I remember to shift my trust to Jesus? We should seek to be like the synagogue official who turned to Jesus when his daughter died. He asked for the impossible and Jesus, moved by his faith, met his need.

We should make a habit of turning to the Lord whenever we struggle, even in small things, building a habit that will serve us when we need the impossible. Let's ask God for more than we expect, let's ask in the name of Jesus, let's believe beforehand that if it is in harmony with God's will, our request will be answered. And like the official, let's ask God for his grace on behalf of others rather than ourselves.


Today, I will remember that I do not need to have all the answers because Jesus does.


Saint Anthony Zaccaria, who knew "If we say 'We are without sin,' we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8), pray for us.

July 5, 2015 - Sunday

Show us favor, LORD, show us favor,
for we have our fill of contempt.
Our souls are more than sated
with mockery from the insolent,
with contempt from the arrogant. (Psalm 123: 3-4 NABRE)

These straightforward words of the psalmist are so plain and honest, they are moving. They literally beg God for relief from the humiliation his people are suffering at the hands of the arrogant around them. We need to recognize God's favor in our own lives. We need to see his gentle healing for what it is. And we are wise to listen closely to the words of others around us so that we may know if they are speaking arrogantly, full of self-importance, or if they are speaking words of encouragement and unity. Mockery and contempt, Jesus tells us, are what his followers can expect. But our response to these should be to turn to him for strength, courage, and endurance.


Today, I will confidently ask the Lord for his favor in these days of uncertainty and challenge.


Saint Maria Goretti, whose faith reflected certainty that it is a privilege to be loved by God, and to love him—at any cost, pray for us.

July 4, 2015 - Saturday

My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27 NABRE)

I'm not a shepherd and I know nothing about sheep herding, But I do know some people well enough that I recognize their voice immediately. To recognize someone's voice, you need to have established a relationship with that person. You need to have spent time with them, enough time to gain familiarity with their unique way of speaking.

When we spend time with the Lord in prayer, we begin to recognize his "voice" as he "speaks" to us. While it's not popular to say such things--and in fact I've heard good people publicly teased about it, there are certainly many ways God speaks to us when we seek him first. When we turn to him in prayer, it is not a one-way recitation of memorized words. Real prayer is as authentic as two old friends sitting and laughing together after not seeing each other for a while. Real prayer begins when we open our hearts to the prompting of God's Spirit within us. Real prayer often involves more listening than we are comfortable with. Real prayer lives most fully when we create time for it each day.


Today, I will listen for the voice of my shepherd so that I will be able to follow him.


Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, peacemaker, pray for us.

July 3, 2015 - Friday

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:26-29 NABRE)

If you've ever attended the wake of a close friend or family member and held vigil by the body of the deceased, you can understand Thomas' incredulity to find that Jesus had risen from the dead and was standing there right in front of him! Like Thomas, we know this is impossible, and yet it happened! And because it happened with so many witnesses, we are able to believe even today though we have not seen Jesus ourselves.

Perhaps there is a gift, a grace, in not having seen the risen Jesus for ourselves. We are called to trust in the Lord in times of struggle and opposition. Perhaps we are prepared for this trust by learning to believe, by deciding each day to believe, and by living based on our belief not founded in seeing Jesus.

I imagine Thomas, after his few breaths of disbelief, becoming overwhelmed with joy as he saw his friend Jesus right there with him, talking and smiling. I imagine how Thomas began to realize what it meant that he actually defeated death. We know his words, "My Lord and my God!" Imagine how he felt. Allow yourself to feel that triumph and elation, that relief and excitement, that confidence and hope!

Lord Jesus, give me the sight to recognize your presence right in front of me. Let me notice the impossible fact that you defeated death, that you are alive, and that you have not left us alone to be forever lost. Lord, I ask, for anyone in need of your healing mercy, that you remove the scales from their eyes so they too will recognize your living presence right in front of them, take a leap of faith, and trust in you.


Today, I will trust in the Lord, confident he is present with me even in the most difficult moments of my day.


Saint Thomas the Apostle, patron of architects, construction workers, and cooks, pray for us.

July 2, 2015 - Thursday

Not to us, LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy and faithfulness.
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven
and does whatever he wills. (Psalm 115:1-3 NABRE)

Us versus them.

This mindset is a constant theme through all of human history. Yet, if God is love, I suggest that what unites us is of God and what divides us is not. How, then, do we recognize what is of God? How do we give glory to his name rather than our own? How are God's mercy and faithfulness brought into our world? Is it by argument and debate? Certainly not!

Rather, I submit that whatever is of God comes into our world by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They have been referred to as good habits, but they are also the keys to unity and understanding among people of good will. They are the beginning of our experience of God's glory while we are still in this life! What an unimaginable gift!

The Catechism has this to say: The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity."


Today, I will pray for a day that knows kindness, generosity, and gentleness among all people. Please join me in this.


Saint Oliver Plunkett, martyred in Ireland 334 years ago for defending his faith, pray for us.

July 1, 2015 - Wednesday

God heard the boy’s voice, and God’s angel called to Hagar from heaven: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not fear; God has heard the boy’s voice in this plight of his.
Get up, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand; for I will make of him a great nation.”
Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink. (Genesis 21:17-19 NABRE)

Hagar had been a slave of Abraham and Sarah's. She bore Abraham a son, Ishmael, before Sarah had Isaac. Because she was a slave, she and her son were sent away once Isaac was born because Sarah did not want him sharing an inheritance with Isaac. Roaming unprepared in the desert, the pair ran out of water and Hagar quickly became despondent when she realized her son was close to death.

In this truly desperate situation, God reached out to Hagar, showed her a well of water which was nearby, and promised her son would have a great inheritance of his own.

Even in situations we think are hopeless, God provides. Today, right now, there are families displaced from their homes due to war, economic unrest, and other tragic reasons. At this minute, there are families which are breaking apart because of infidelity, sickness, poverty, and other causes. God is there.

When we suffer life's most bitter losses, God is with us. Let us pray that whenever we are tried we remember his immediate presence and look to him to provide for us when we cannot provide for ourselves.


Today, I will pray for those who are cast out from safe places and for families that are separated.


Blessed Junipero Serra, seventeenth-century Franciscan friar, mission founder, and missionary to Native Americans, pray for us.