WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | JULY 22, 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | JULY 22, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/wednesday-of-the-sixteenth-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-july-22-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JULY 22, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-july-22nd/

FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE OF THE APOSTLES

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 22, 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-22-2026/

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!

Today the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles. Today’s sacred liturgy draws us into the transformative power of divine love and Easter joy, while the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm express the soul’s profound thirst for the Beloved, the Gospel reveals the tender moment when the Risen Christ calls Mary by name, turning her deep sorrow into a glorious mission to proclaim the Resurrection. In Saint Mary Magdalene, we behold a heroic model of redemption and faithful witness, a woman delivered from darkness who stood steadfastly at the foot of the Cross, stayed weeping at the tomb, and became the first recorded witness of Christ’s victory over death. As we celebrate her feast today, let us remember that no past is beyond God’s redeeming mercy, and may we listen for the Lord calling our own names so that we, too, may live as a new creation and boldly share His risen life with the world.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings for the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene | July 22, 2026
First Reading: Song of Songs 3:1-4b or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

Gospel Reading ~ John 20:1-2, 11-18

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and then reported what he told her.”

“On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, we witness the tender and transformative encounter between Mary Magdalene and the Risen Lord. She goes to the tomb early, while it is still dark, a symbol not only of the hour, but of the sorrow and confusion clouding her heart. Her tears reflect profound love and profound loss. Having come to mourn a dead Savior, her grief initially blinds her to Christ’s living presence until He calls her by name: “Mary!” In that singular moment, everything changes; her personal, intimate recognition of Jesus turns her heartbreak into Easter joy and establishes her mission as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” sent to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!”

This encounter reminds us that while we seek the Lord, He is always seeking us first. Mary’s devotion kept her at the tomb even when hope seemed lost, showing us that when our tears or expectations cloud our vision, Jesus comes to meet us in unexpected ways, in the quiet of the garden, in the quiet moments of our lives, and through the gentle call of His voice. Even when sorrow, disappointment, or our own expectations prevent us from recognizing His presence, the Risen Lord continues to call us by name. Like the Good Shepherd, He knows us personally and gently draws us to Himself. When Jesus tells Mary not to cling to Him, He invites her and us to move beyond physical attachment into a deeper relationship of faith, one that sends us forth as witnesses of His Resurrection. Like Mary Magdalene, we are called not only to encounter Christ personally but also to share the joy and hope of the Gospel with others. The Gospel invites us to reflect: How often do we seek the Lord but fail to recognize Him because our eyes are clouded by sorrow, fear, or expectations? When He calls us by name in the quiet moments of our lives, are we listening? And having encountered Him, are we willing to become messengers of His hope and love to those around us?

In the first reading, from Song of Songs, we hear the passionate voice of one seeking her Beloved, rising in the night, searching through the streets, longing until she finds Him. It is a poetic echo of Mary’s own search her restless longing to find the Lord whom her soul loves. This reading beautifully expresses the soul’s yearning for communion with God. It reminds us that love drives the search, and only love opens the eyes to recognize the Beloved.

Today’s alternative first reading from 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 presents a powerful vision of the new life in Christ. St. Paul declares that ‘Christ died for all’, so that those who live might ‘live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life for them’. St. Paul reminds us that the love of Christ impels us, changes us, and redefines us. In Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away. This reading connects profoundly to Mary Magdalene’s story. Once a sinner, now a Saint, her life completely transformed by the One who called her by name. Her identity is not in her past, but in her relationship with Jesus.

The Responsorial Psalm echoes this profound spiritual desire, crying out: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” Mary Magdalene’s early morning search mirrors this holy thirst, demonstrating that true discipleship is born out of an earnest desire for God’s presence rather than mere routine. When our souls pine for Him like a parched land, God satisfies us as with a rich banquet and upholds us in the shadow of His wings.

Reflecting on the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to audit our own spiritual journey and relationship with Christ. Do you seek Jesus with the fervent love of Mary Magdalene, or have daily anxieties, academic pressures, and life’s distractions dulled your spiritual thirst? Are there areas in your life where you fail to recognize Christ because He appears differently than you expected? Remember that Jesus knows you intimately and calls you by name. Let go of past labels or failures, step confidently into your identity as a new creation in Christ, and ask yourself how you can boldly share the joy of the Risen Lord with those around you today.

Lord Jesus, You called Mary Magdalene by name and turned her sorrow into radiant joy. You revealed Yourself to her with tenderness and love, commissioning her to be the first witness of Your Resurrection. Teach us to recognize Your voice in the quiet moments of our lives, and grant us the grace to trust Your presence even when darkness surrounds us. Transform us into new creations, deliver us from past anxieties, and grant us the courage to boldly proclaim Your truth and love to the world. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | JULY 22ND:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 22nd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Mary Magdalene | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-july-22nd/

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE TO THE APOSTLES: Saint Mary Magdalene (1st century), from Magdala by the Sea of Galilee, was healed by Jesus and became one of His closest followers. Scripture tells us “seven demons had gone out” from her (Luke 8:2) a sign of Christ’s mercy and her transformation. She followed Jesus through His ministry, stood with Him at the Cross, and was the first to encounter the Risen Lord. He called her by name and sent her to announce the Good News to the Apostles.

Though once misunderstood in Church tradition, today she is honored as a unique and powerful witness of the Resurrection. In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her memorial to a Feast, affirming her role as a model of evangelization and love.

Mary Magdalene reminds us that no past is beyond redemption. Christ calls us each by name and sends us to share His risen life with the world.

PRAYER: O God, who chose Mary Magdalene to first proclaim the joy of the Resurrection, may we, like her, encounter the Risen Christ and boldly witness to His love. Through her intercession, may we one day behold His glory. Amen. 🙏🏽

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
As we draw deep inspiration today from the fiery devotion, persistent love, and apostolic witness of the “Apostle to the Apostles,” Saint Mary Magdalene, we also turn our hearts to the rest of the holy assembly sharing this July 22nd feast day. Today, we prayerfully honor and remember SAINT ALBERIC CRESCITELLI, SAINT DABIUS, SAINT JOSEPH OF PALESTINE, SAINT MENELEUS, SAINT MOVEAN, SAINT PANCHARIUS, SAINTS PHILIP EVANS & JOHN LLOYD, SAINT PLATO, SAINT THEOPHILUS, AND SAINT WANDRILLE. Spanning across centuries of Church history, from early ancient martyrs and heroic priests of Reformation Europe to pioneering monastic founders, Celtic hermits, and brave modern missionaries, their diverse lives all beautifully reflect the multifaceted grace of God. Remembering them reminds us that we belong to an incredibly vast family of faith, encouraging us to follow their example and walk our own path toward holiness with confidence today.

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Mary Magdalene, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION: RADIANT HOPE, REDEMPTIVE MERCY, AND BOLD WITNESS

Heavenly Father, You called Saint Mary Magdalene out of darkness into the brilliant light of Your Son’s Resurrection, entrusting her before all others to be the first messenger of Easter hope and joy. As we align our daily work, academic pursuits, and personal trials with Your grace today, grant us the humility to seek Your mercy and the courage to live as new creations in Christ. Through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Mary Magdalene (Patroness of women, converts to Christianity, contemplatives, penitents, those persecuted for their piety, and people seeking spiritual healing), we present our earnest petitions. We pray especially for all women, expectant mothers, those trusting You for the fruit of the womb, and women in labor, asking for Your divine protection and peace; we place into Your hands the sick and dying, particularly those battling cancers, terminal conditions, and chronic illnesses, begging for Your comforting, healing touch. Lord, comfort the poor, the needy, the lonely, and all who are weeping in the gardens of their trials, pouring out Your peace, love, and unity upon our families and our global community. Protect the Universal Church, sustain our Pope, Bishops, and Clergy, shield persecuted Christians who stand firm for the Gospel, and grant the grace of deep conversion to sinners everywhere. May the steadfast love and bold witness of the Apostle to the Apostles inspire us to walk faithfully with Jesus every day of our lives. 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 Mary Magdalene, 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/