WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: AUGUST 27, 2025
FEAST OF THE SEVEN JOYS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY; SAINT MONICA, WIDOW AND SAINT CEASARIUS OF ARLES, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of The feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady, Saint Monica, and Saint Caesarius of Arles| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-27th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 27, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-172/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time, we thank the good Lord for the gift of this day! Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a Franciscan devotion), along with the memorials of Saint Monica, Widow (Patroness of mothers, wives, difficult marriages, and wayward children) and Saint Caesarius of Arles, Bishop (a devoted shepherd and preacher). On this day, through their intercession, we lift our prayers for mothers and families, for troubled marriages, for the conversion of loved ones, and for those struggling with addictions and brokenness. We also remember the sick and dying, the poor and needy, and we pray for the Church, her shepherds, vocations, and all who labor in the vineyard of the Lord. May these holy witnesses inspire us to live with faith, perseverance, and authentic love. 🙏🏾
Today, St. Monica remains a patroness for mothers who pray for their children, for wives in difficult marriages, and for all who intercede tirelessly for the conversion of loved ones. St. Monica prayed for her son, St. Augustine for approximately 17 years before his conversion. Her prayers were characterized by unwavering faith, persistence, fasting, and tears, serving as a powerful example for parents praying for their children. Her diligent prayers and gentle example ultimately led to Augustine’s conversion and baptism, transforming him into one of the Church’s most brilliant theologians.
Saint Monica is most known for her perseverance in prayer. Her son, Saint Augustine of Hippo, lived a life of immorality, most notably that of lust and impurity, before converting to Catholicism. Throughout these years, she endured tremendous suffering. St. Augustine rejected her on multiple accounts, but she continued to love, pray, and nurture her son throughout his wayward time. She’s an exemplary woman who never gave up hope and her faith in God among all tribulations in her family life.
If there are mothers out there who suffer from children gone astray, you are encouraged to pray for St. Monica’s intercession. Take her as a role model. Also if there are wives out there who’s husbands are being disloyal or abusive, St Monica is your saint whom you could ask for prayer.
REFLECTION: “The circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law, and a despairing parent, yet she didn’t give way to any of these temptations”. St. Monica cried to our God for help, her tears and persistent intercessory prayer for her son St. Augustine, whom we celebrate tomorrow, August 28th, was delivered from his evil ways. Through the intercession of St. Monica, may God in His infinite grace and mercy hear our cry and grant our children His divine grace and favor and bless all marriages with love, peace, understanding, endurance and patience. Amen! 🙏🏽
PRAYER TO SAINT MONICA: Dear Saint Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine; your prayers were answered. Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for (Mention your intention here.) and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
NOVENA TO SAINT MONICA | Prayed August 18-26th or at anytime | The novena is especially prayed for wayward children* | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-monica/
Saints of the day | Feast Day- August 27th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-27th/)
During this month of August, we entrust our lives, our plans, our fears, and our dreams into God’s loving hands. We pray that this month will be filled with divine blessings, new opportunities, and the strength to overcome every challenge that may come our way. We pray and celebrate with those marking birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, weddings, and other joyful milestones this August. With special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for all those experiencing challenges in their marriages, may God grant them healing, strength, peace and love. May this be a month of peace for the anxious, healing for the sick, comfort for the brokenhearted, and provision for the needy. As we walk through the days ahead, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before us, the love of God surround us, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide every decision we make. May this month bring us closer to holiness, deeper in faith, and stronger in hope. In all things, may God’s name be praised. Amen🙏🏽
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died, that the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen🙏🏽
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
With special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, workers and all those who labour in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of the Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of August.🙏🏽
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of August | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-august/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-for-the-beginning-of-a-new-school-year/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time | August 27, 2025
Memorial of Saint Monica
Reading 1: 1 Thessalonians 2:9–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:7–8, 9–10, 11–12ab
Gospel: Matthew 23:27–32
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 23:27–32
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.”
“Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks some of His strongest words against the scribes and Pharisees, calling out the contradiction between outward appearance and inner reality. Jesus criticizes them for being more preoccupied with appearances, what is on the outside, than with what is within, what Scripture call the heart. They were meticulous about looking religious and righteous on the outside, yet their hearts remained unconverted filled with pride, greed, and hardness. Jesus uses the vivid image of “whitewashed tombs” beautiful and polished on the surface but inwardly filled with death. His challenge to them, and to us, is clear: true holiness cannot be reduced to external appearances; it must flow from a heart transformed by God’s grace. In our world today, in this era of social media, even more than in the time of Jesus, appearances, image, has become all important. People who have a certain image receive the most adulation, have the biggest following and, often, get the biggest salaries. We are easily taken in by appearances. We all know that appearances can be deceptive. They are those who look well on the outside but within leave a lot to be desired. There isn’t always a good fit between the person we present to others and the person we are in our heart of hearts. It is clear from the Gospel reading that Jesus is more interested in how people are in their heart than in how they appear. He wants His followers to attend to what is within first, their basic attitudes and values, and not to be worried about appearances. If what is within is right, then it will show itself in how we appear to others. According to the Gospels, Jesus had a very strong aversion to pretence. He looks for openness and honesty, a harmony between who we are in reality and how we appear to others, even if who we are in reality is not yet all that the Lord is calling us to be. The Lord recognizes that we are all on the way; we have not yet arrived; we are pilgrims. He just wants us to be honest pilgrims.
Jesus invites us to look at little deeper, which is how God looks. As one of the books of the Jewish Scriptures says, ‘we look at appearances, God looks at the heart’. The ‘heart’ in the Jewish Scriptures and in the New Testament is the seat of the emotions, the intellect and the will. What matters to God is the heart, how we feel, how we think, how and what we desire. We are to bring our feeling, our thoughts, our desires into line with how God feels, how God thinks, what God desires for us. Our hearts are to reflect, in some way, God’s heart, which means Jesus’ heart. As Jesus says elsewhere in Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart’. It is the Holy Spirit who comes to us from God and the risen Lord who can mould our hearts into images of the Lord’s heart. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we too can be tempted to “look holy” while hiding what is broken inside. We might appear devout by attending Mass, praying, or doing works of charity, but if our motives are self-serving or filled with pride, then our faith becomes superficial. Jesus is not condemning religious practices but urging us to focus on the heart on justice, mercy, humility, and love. Authentic discipleship requires inner conversion, allowing God to cleanse us from within so that our actions genuinely reflect His love. We pray today that the work of the Holy Spirit will be brought to completion in us.
The first reading gives us an inspiring contrast through the example of St. Paul and his companions. Unlike the Pharisees, Paul did not seek to impress others with appearances or benefit from his ministry. Instead, he labored night and day, proclaiming the Gospel with sincerity and humility, offering not only God’s word but his very life. He exhorted the Thessalonians to live “in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” This is what true spiritual leadership looks like: not hypocrisy, but sacrificial love rooted in God’s truth.
The Responsorial Psalm beautifully affirms God’s intimate knowledge of us: “You have searched me and you know me, Lord.” Unlike people who may be fooled by outward appearances, God sees straight into our hearts. His gaze is not meant to condemn but to guide, heal, and purify us. Even in our darkness, He is present, shining His light and leading us toward truth.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to a deep examination of conscience: Do I seek to appear holy rather than to be holy? Are there parts of my heart I hide behind “whitewash” instead of bringing them to God for healing? Do I live my faith with integrity, like St. Paul, or do I sometimes act out of self-interest? The call today is to allow Christ to cleanse us from within. Only when the “inside of the cup” is purified will our outward actions truly glorify God. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace to live authentically, to walk humbly with God, and to witness His mercy and truth through lives rooted in justice, mercy, and faith.
Lord Jesus, You know my heart more deeply than I know myself. Free me from the temptation to seek appearances and recognition, and help me to live my faith with integrity and love. Cleanse me from within, so that my words and actions may reflect Your mercy and truth. Like St. Paul, may I offer not only the Gospel but my very self in service to others. Search me, O Lord, and lead me in the way of everlasting life. Amen. 🙏🏾
FEAST OF THE SEVEN JOYS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY; SAINT MONICA, WIDOW AND SAINT CEASARIUS OF ARLES, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY – AUGUST 27TH: Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a Franciscan devotion), along with the memorials of Saint Monica, Widow (Patroness of mothers, wives, difficult marriages, and wayward children) and Saint Caesarius of Arles, Bishop (a devoted shepherd and preacher). On this day, through their intercession, we lift our prayers for mothers and families, for troubled marriages, for the conversion of loved ones, and for those struggling with addictions and brokenness. We also remember the sick and dying, the poor and needy, and we pray for the Church, her shepherds, vocations, and all who labor in the vineyard of the Lord. May these holy witnesses inspire us to live with faith, perseverance, and authentic love. 🙏🏾
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | August 27th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of The feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady, Saint Monica, and Saint Caesarius of Arles | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-27th/)
FEAST OF THE SEVEN JOYS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: The Feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady, also called the Franciscan Crown Rosary, originated in the early 15th century when a young Franciscan novice, saddened at no longer being able to lay flowers at a statue of Mary, was comforted by a vision of the Blessed Mother. She invited him to “crown” her not with perishable flowers but with prayers meditating on her joys. Thus was born this beautiful devotion, which quickly spread throughout the Franciscan Order and was approved for celebration by Pope St. Pius X in 1906.
The Seven Joys of Mary are:
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity of Our Lord
- The Adoration of the Magi
- The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- The Resurrection
- The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Praying this rosary helps us meditate on Mary’s joy in God’s saving plan, reminding us that Christian life is not only marked by suffering but also by hope and glory.
Prayer to Our Lady: O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Joy and Queen of Heaven, help us to embrace both the sorrows and joys of life with faith and trust in your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT MONICA, WIDOW (331–387): Today we especially honor Saint Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Her story is one of perseverance, patience, and powerful intercession. Born in Tagaste (modern Algeria), Monica endured many trials: a difficult marriage to a pagan husband, a harsh mother-in-law, and the spiritual rebellion of her son Augustine. Yet she never ceased to pray, fast, and weep for their conversions. Her faith bore fruit her husband Patricius was baptized before his death, and after long years of wandering, Augustine encountered Christ through the preaching of St. Ambrose in Milan. He would later become one of the greatest Fathers and Doctors of the Church. St. Monica’s tears and prayers fulfilled the prophecy once given to her: “It is impossible that the child of so many tears should perish.” She died in Ostia, Italy, in 387, shortly after witnessing Augustine’s baptism. Today, she remains a patroness for mothers who pray for their children, for wives in difficult marriages, and for all who intercede tirelessly for the conversion of loved ones.
Prayer to St. Monica: O Saint Monica, faithful mother and tireless intercessor, pray for all mothers who weep for their children, for families in distress, and for the conversion of sinners. May your example inspire us to persevere in hope, trusting in God’s mercy. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT CAESARIUS OF ARLES, BISHOP (470–542): Saint Caesarius of Arles was born in Gaul and became one of the most influential bishops of his time. A monk before his episcopacy, he lived with great austerity, dedicating his life to prayer and service. As Bishop of Arles, he was a zealous pastor, known for his simple yet powerful preaching which helped form the faith of countless Christians. He urged his clergy to preach frequently, convinced that the Word of God must reach both the willing and the reluctant. He fought against heresies such as Arianism and Semi-Pelagianism, presiding over the Council of Orange in 529, which clarified the Church’s teaching on grace. He also wrote a monastic rule for nuns that emphasized literacy and communal life remarkably progressive for his time. Caesarius died in 542 and is remembered as a shepherd who combined deep spirituality with pastoral zeal.
Prayer to St. Caesarius: Lord, You raised up Saint Caesarius as a faithful bishop and preacher of Your Word. Through his intercession, may we remain steadfast in faith and proclaim Your Gospel with courage and clarity. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, The feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady, Saint Monica, and Saint Caesarius of Arles ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST: For mutual coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to reflect on her pure love, deep sorrow, and unwavering obedience to God. Her heart, aflame with charity and pierced by suffering, mirrors the life of Christ and calls us to follow Him more closely through her example. This month, the Church encourages us to console her sorrowful heart and grow in holiness through prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of the Immaculate Heart, and the First Saturday Devotion. Through Mary’s heart, we are led ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be our refuge and the way that leads us to God.”
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us and draw us into deeper love and trust in your Son. Amen🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for the gift of this day. Inspired by Saint Paul’s reminder to live in a manner worthy of God, we pray that our lives may bear witness to Your truth and love. May we, like the Psalmist, never flee from Your presence but rest securely in the knowledge that You search our hearts and know us deeply. Through the intercession of Saint Monica, who persevered in prayer and tears for the conversion of her son, grant us patience, faith, and hope for the conversion of our loved ones. By the example of Saint Caesarius of Arles, give us courage to shepherd and guide others in holiness. And as we honor the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we learn to rejoice in both the trials and blessings of our lives, knowing that Your plan is always for our good. We lift up all families, especially mothers who pray for their children, that they may be strengthened by Mary’s joy and Monica’s perseverance.
LET US PRAY:
My passionate Lord, You hate sin but love the sinner. You perfectly desire to rid me of all sin and all attachment to sin. Please open my mind and heart to hear Your rebukes of Love so that I may respond to Your invitation to repent with all my heart. I love You dear Lord. Free me from sin so that I may love You more. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, source of all consolation and joy, look kindly upon our prayers this day. Help us to cultivate pure hearts, free from hypocrisy, that we may serve You with sincerity and faith. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Monica, and Saint Caesarius of Arles, renew our hope and deepen our trust in Your providence. Strengthen our families with unity, patience, and love, and guide us always in the path of truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, The feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady, Saint Monica, and Saint Caesarius of Arles ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and during this gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Wednesday and a fulfilling week 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html