FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST; MEMORIAL OF SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST; SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,  BISHOP AND MARTYR; SAINT GAL, BISHOP OF CLERMONT AND BLESSED ANTONIO ROSMINI, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 1ST 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | JULY 1, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/wednesday-of-the-thirteenth-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-july-1-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JULY 1, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/feast-and-saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-1st/

FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST; MEMORIAL OF SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST; SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT,  BISHOP AND MARTYR; SAINT GAL, BISHOP OF CLERMONT AND BLESSED ANTONIO ROSMINI, PRIEST

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 1, 2026 | “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-july-1-2026/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer-2/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family and welcome to the new month of July!

The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures, alleluia. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”(Ephesians 1:7) Happy New Month! Welcome to today’s reflection as we step into July by celebrating the beautiful Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, the Church draws our eyes to the life-giving fountain of mercy poured out on Calvary, a Sacred Blood that doesn’t stain, but washes our souls perfectly clean. Alongside this great feast, we honor a powerful cloud of witnesses: Saint Junipero Serra, the untiring “Apostle of California”; Saint Oliver Plunkett, England’s last heroic Tyburn martyr; Saint Gal, the exceptionally meek Bishop of Clermont; and Blessed Antonio Rosmini, a brilliant philosopher of profound ecclesial obedience.

We pray for all who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new beginnings, and special moments this month. May God’s blessings overflow in their lives. May this month bring peace to troubled hearts, direction to the lost, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. In all things, may His will be done and His name be glorified. Amen. 🙏🏽

As we offer our prayers today, let us surrender this new month to the cleansing power of the Cross and ponder a simple question for our Wednesday: Are we willing to let the Precious Blood of Jesus heal the quiet storms in our hearts today, and do we have the courage of the saints to “always go forward and never turn back” in our walk of faith this month?

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 1, 2026
Reading I: Amos 5:14–15, 21–24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:7, 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 16bc–17
Gospel: Matthew 8:28–34

GOSPEL READING ~ MATTHEW 8:28–34

“What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In the Gospel, Christ asserts His supreme, cosmic authority over the kingdom of darkness, presenting The Liberation of the Oppressed and the Cost of Divine Disruption. Upon entering Gentile territory, Jesus is immediately confronted by two fierce, isolated demoniacs rushing out from the tombs. While the local population surrendered to fear and abandoned the road entirely, the demonic spirits instantly recognize their Judge, trembling before the “Son of God” and agonizing over their inevitable, premature eviction. With a single, authoritative command “Go then!” Jesus expels the legions, permitting them to enter a massive herd of swine that promptly plunges down a steep cliff to their destruction. This dramatic exorcism exposes a tragic shift in human values: instead of rejoicing over the absolute restoration and healing of their tormented brothers, the townspeople are deeply unsettled by the swift economic loss of their livestock. Paralyzed by the raw weight of divine power and protective of their worldly comfort, the community collectively begs the Author of Life to leave their borders, choosing the familiar safety of their spiritual stagnation over the transformative presence of Christ.

The First Reading delivers a scathing divine indictment against superficial religion and moral compromise, presenting The Deception of Hollow Worship and the Uncompromising Standard of Justice. Through the prophet Amos, the Lord forcefully rejects Israel’s elaborate religious assemblies, solemn feasts, and noisy hymns, declaring them entirely repulsive when disconnected from ethical living. God firmly states that outward liturgical precision cannot purchase divine favor or mask internal corruption. Demanding an absolute realignment of the heart, the text exposes the spiritual bankruptcy of reciting holy statutes while actively hating discipline and ignoring the vulnerable. God sets forth an unyielding standard, calling for empty external rituals to be completely swept away so that authentic justice can surge through society like a mighty wall of water, and true goodness can flow continuously like an unfailing, life-giving stream.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 50) serves as a stark, dramatic courtroom drama for this Wednesday, proclaiming: “To the upright I will show the saving power of God.” God Himself takes the stand to testify against His covenant people, explicitly clarifying that He has no material need for their burnt offerings, bullocks, or goats, as the entire cosmos and everything that stirs within it already belongs to Him. The psalm shatters the illusion that God can be pacified by mere transactions, fiercely rebuking those who boldly profess His covenant with their lips while casting His words behind their backs. It forcefully reminds the believer that true worship is rooted in internal obedience, a spirit of deep thanksgiving, and an upright life.

As we step into this beautiful new month of July, navigating our daily schedules, academic pursuits, and personal responsibilities, let us honestly examine the authenticity of our walk with God. Reflect today: Are you offering the Lord mere outward rituals, reciting prayers and attending services out of habit, while allowing your heart to remain compromised by small compromises or resentment? When Jesus enters your life to bring healing, does His divine disruption comfort you, or do you find yourself holding tightly to your own “swine”, your comfort zones, material attachments, or bad habits, begging Him to step away? How can you allow true justice and goodness to flow through your speech and actions today, proving that your soul is genuinely anchored in His truth?

Let us pray: Sovereign Lord God, Master of the Cosmos and Deliverer of our Souls, we welcome You into this new month and surrender our lives entirely to Your care. Forgive us for the moments we have offered You hollow worship, praising You with our lips while keeping our hearts far from Your discipline. Heal us of our spiritual blindness; cure us of the tragic ways we value material comforts or secular approval over the liberating power of Your presence. We thank You for Your unyielding authority which shatters every chain of darkness and rescues us from the tombs of sin and isolation. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us today; renew our minds, and grant us a fierce desire to love what is good and hate what is evil. Let Your authentic justice surge through our daily tasks and relationships like an unfailing stream, so that our lives may become a living sacrifice pleasing in Your sight. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JULY 1ST:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 1st https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Saint Junipero Serra, Saint Oliver Plunkett, Saint Gal, and Blessed Antonio Rosmini | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/feast-and-saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-1st/

FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: The Blood of Jesus is the price of our salvation. Flowing from His Sacred Heart on Calvary, it is the fountain of mercy and the wellspring of new life. The Church celebrates this feast as a reminder of the sacrificial love poured out for the world. The Blood of Christ cleanses, heals, redeems, and sanctifies it is the life of the Church. As the Letter to the Hebrews says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Saints like John Chrysostom, Ambrose, and Thomas Aquinas spoke of the Precious Blood as the treasure of heaven, gold of infinite value, and the key to paradise.

This blood does not stain it washes clean. It renews the soul and purifies the heart. From the Cross, even to the altar today, Christ’s Blood flows in the sacraments, especially in the Holy Eucharist. Saints like Catherine of Siena and Gaspar del Bufalo championed this devotion, reminding us that Christ’s Blood is our refuge in sorrow and strength in weakness. It is our ransom, our hope, and our peace.

Modern Calendar: In the revised post-Vatican II liturgical calendar, the devotion is combined with the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), but July 1st remains the traditional date.

PRAYER: Precious Blood of our Savior, poured out in love on the Cross, wash us clean and make us holy. May we live under Your protection and drink deeply from Your mercy. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST: Saint Junipero Serra (1713–1784), known as the Apostle of California, was a Spanish Franciscan priest whose tireless missionary zeal brought the Gospel to the western frontiers of the New World. After years of scholarly life, he gave up comfort to bring Christ to Native peoples. He founded nine of the twenty-one missions in what is now California, where many cities still bear the Christian names he helped establish. He preached, baptized, built schools, and taught agriculture, serving with humility and love.

Despite physical suffering and the hardships of frontier life, Serra never gave up. His motto was, “Always go forward, never turn back.” Beatified by Pope John Paul II and canonized by Pope Francis in 2015, he remains a powerful intercessor for all called to ministry and evangelization.

PRAYER: Almighty God, through the faithful ministry of Saint Junipero Serra, You spread the light of Christ. May we be inspired to bring Your Word to others with joy and perseverance. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT, BISHOP AND MARTYR: Saint Oliver Plunkett (1625–1681) was the last Catholic martyr executed in England. As Archbishop of Armagh, he served during a time of intense persecution. He courageously rebuilt the Irish Church, educated clergy, and defended the faith amid political turmoil and betrayal. Falsely accused during the anti-Catholic hysteria of the “Popish Plot,” he was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. Even in prison, he forgave his enemies and comforted others. Canonized in 1975, he stands as a shining witness to truth, reconciliation, and unwavering devotion to the Church.

PRAYER: O Lord, through the courageous witness of Saint Oliver Plunkett, strengthen us to hold fast to the faith, even in trials. May his example teach us to forgive, persevere, and love as Christ loved. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT GAL, BISHOP OF CLERMONT: Saint Gal (489–553), a nobleman turned monk and later Bishop of Clermont, renounced wealth and prestige to follow Christ. His life was marked by humility, prayer, and meekness. Even when assaulted, he responded with peace. He was a voice of unity and participated in key Church councils. His death was marked by deep holiness, and many miracles were reported at his tomb.

PRAYER: Gracious God, by the example of Saint Gal, teach us to walk in humility and love. May we be patient in adversity and rich in mercy toward others. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED ANTONIO ROSMINI, PRIEST: Blessed Antonio Rosmini (1797–1855), an Italian priest and brilliant philosopher, founded the Rosminians and helped articulate Catholic teaching on reason, grace, and society. Though his writings were controversial in his time, he remained obedient to the Church and was later vindicated. He championed social justice, spiritual renewal, and the unity of faith and intellect. His deep devotion to the Precious Blood of Christ fueled his writings and mission.

PRAYER: God of Wisdom, You gifted Blessed Antonio Rosmini with deep insight and unwavering fidelity. May his intercession guide all those who teach, lead, and seek Your truth in a world hungry for meaning. Amen. 🙏🏽

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
As we draw profound devotion today from the FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, the pioneering missionary zeal of Saint Junipero Serra, the heroic, unwavering fortitude of Saint Oliver Plunkett, the gentle monastic holiness of Saint Gal, and the brilliant intellectual charity of Blessed Antonio Rosmini, we also turn our hearts to the entire holy assembly sharing this July 1st feast day. Today, we prayerfully honor and remember SAINT ARNULF, SAINT CARILEFUS, SAINTS CASTUS & SECUNDINUS, SAINT CEWYDD, SAINT DOMITIAN, SAINT EPARCHIUS, SAINT FELIX OF COMO, SAINT GALL, BLESSED NAZJU FALZON, SAINT JUTHWARE, SAINT MARTIN OF VIENNE, SAINT SERVAN, SAINT THEODORIC, AND SAINT VEEP. Spanning across centuries of Church history, from courageous early martyrs and dedicated local patrons to holy hermits, pioneering abbots, and zealous modern catechists, their diverse lives all beautifully reflect the multifaceted grace of God. Remembering them reminds us that we are part of an incredibly vast, unbroken family of faith, encouraging us to follow their example and walk our own path toward holiness with confidence today.

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Junipero Serra, Saint Oliver Plunkett, Saint Gal, Blessed Antonio Rosmini, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION: GRACE THROUGH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD AND THE WITNESS OF THE SAINTS

Heavenly Father, as we joyfully step into this new month of July, we place our lives, our families, our daily work, and our academic studies entirely under the protective covering of the Most Precious Blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. On this beautiful feast, we lay our personal petitions before Your altar, asking that the cleansing, healing, and redeeming power of the Sacred Blood wash over us and grant us a fresh outpouring of grace, hope, and peace for the days ahead. We pray with deep gratitude for our apostolic faith, lifting up our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, and the entire global clergy, asking that You grant them the courage, wisdom, and pastoral hearts to shepherd Your flock in uncompromised truth. Through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and the heroic saints we honor today, we ask for the specific graces to run our earthly race with holy joy. Grant us the insatiable missionary zeal of Saint Junipero Serra to “always go forward and never turn back” when faced with life’s hardships, and the supernatural courage of Saint Oliver Plunkett to hold fast to our Catholic faith while extending radical forgiveness to those who oppose us. Teach us also to mimic the deep humility and patient meekness of Saint Gal in the face of adversity, and grant us the unwavering fidelity and intellectual clarity of Blessed Antonio Rosmini to seek Your truth with an obedient heart. May the life-giving fountain of the Precious Blood guard our steps through this new month, and may the example of Your saints inspire us to live every day for Your greater glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF JULY: For respect for human life. Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY | MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS: July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ a profound devotion that honors the redeeming power of Christ’s Blood shed for our salvation. Flowing from His Sacred Heart, this Blood is the price of our redemption, the source of grace in the sacraments, and the seal of the New Covenant. It reminds us that salvation was not won lightly, but through the ultimate sacrifice of love. This month, the Church invites us to meditate on the infinite value of Christ’s Blood poured out during His Passion from Gethsemane to Calvary and in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We are called to offer acts of reparation for the sins of the world and to intercede for the conversion of souls. Devotions such as the Litany of the Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and daily consecration to the Precious Blood help deepen our union with Christ crucified.

As Saint John Chrysostom once said, “The Precious Blood is the salvation of souls; it purifies, sanctifies, and strengthens.” In our trials, let us take refuge beneath the cross, trusting in the Blood that speaks of mercy, victory, and eternal life.

“Precious Blood of Jesus, save us and the whole world.”

O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, fountain of salvation, we adore You. Wash us clean of sin, protect us from evil, and draw us into deeper love and union with You. Amen. 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=6

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

Thanking God for His love and the gift of this glorious day, we offer Him a prayer of gratitude for the graces of the past months and entrust this month of July to His loving providence. We pray for God’s grace and mercy as we anchor ourselves in the steady, life-giving rhythm of Ordinary Time. May the profound mysteries of the Cross, the cleansing power of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, and the enduring fire of the Holy Spirit continue to help us seek You in every moment of our lives. May the peace, hope, and divine communion that flow from the Heart of our Redeemer shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in the light of Christ and the daily guidance of the Advocate. As we journey onward through the rest of this month, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. Let us draw closer to God and be renewed through the joy of the Gospel, the gifts of the Spirit, and generosity to the poor. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times. Wishing us all a spiritually enriching, most blessed, and grace-filled journey ahead. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Junipero Serra, Saint Oliver Plunkett, Saint Gal, and Blessed Antonio Rosmini, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Apostolic Journey to Africa | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-updates-pope-leo-xivs-historic-apostolic-journey-to-africa/

Prayer of the Holy Rosary with Pope Leo XIV for the Closing of the Marian Month of May | May 30, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-of-the-holy-rosary-with-pope-leo-xiv-for-the-closing-of-the-marian-month-of-may-may-30-2026/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/