WEDNESDAY OF THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | AUGUST 12, 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | AUGUST 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/wednesday-of-the-nineteenth-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-august-12-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | AUGUST 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-12th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT EUPLIUS, DEACON AND MARTYR

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

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION | AUGUST 6-14TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-the-assumption/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 12, 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-august-12-2026/

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, on this Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, the Gospel challenges us to live in the light of Christ through the grace of reconciliation. Jesus provides a clear, merciful path for handling conflict within the community: approach one another privately, with charity, and seek to “win over your brother.” He reminds us that when we gather in His name, He is truly present, granting us the authority to bind and loose in heaven and earth. In the First Reading, we are reminded of the importance of being marked by God, remaining faithful to Him even when the world around us falls into chaos. This fidelity is beautifully reflected in the lives of the saints we celebrate today: Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, a noblewoman, widow, and mother who founded the Order of the Visitation under the guidance of St. Francis de Sales; and Saint Euplius, a brave deacon martyred in 304 A.D. for refusing to surrender his Sacred Scriptures. Today, we continue Day 7 of the Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, may the Lord graciously accept our petitions, hear our prayers, and grant us the grace to be instruments of His peace.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings for Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 18:15-20

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 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.'”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Jesus provides us with a profound blueprint for Christian reconciliation and community life. He models a path of charity, discretion, and patience when handling conflict: approaching a brother or sister privately first, seeking to restore unity rather than cause public shame. Furthermore, Jesus reassures us of the extraordinary power of communal prayer, promising that whenever two or three gather in His name, He is present right in their midst. True Christian fellowship is not merely a social gathering, but a sacred assembly where Christ’s presence brings healing, harmony, and heavenly authority.

In the First Reading, the prophet Ezekiel witnesses a sobering vision of divine judgment upon Jerusalem, where those who grieve over the sins of the land are marked with a “Thau” on their foreheads for protection. This mark signifies belonging to God and remaining faithful even amidst surrounding unfaithfulness. The Responsorial Psalm balances this vivid sense of divine justice by praising the exalted majesty and glory of God, proclaiming, “From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised.” Though God is enthroned on high above the heavens, He looks down with care upon the earth, calling His servants to live holy lives that reflect His glory.

Together, these readings highlight our solemn duty to foster peace, repentance, and sacred unity within the family of God. We are called to be people who guard the holiness of our communities through merciful reconciliation, shared prayer, and fidelity to the Lord. When disagreements or offenses arise in your relationships, do you seek humble, private reconciliation in Christ, or do you allow division to grow? May we gather faithfully in the Lord’s name, trusting in His abiding presence and praying in unity with one heart.

Heavenly Father, You are high above all nations, yet You draw near to us with infinite mercy and love. Teach us how to deal gently and charitably with one another whenever conflict arises, that we may always seek healing and unity in Your Church. Mark our hearts with Your Holy Spirit so that we may stand faithful in times of trial. We thank You for the precious promise that wherever two or three gather in Your name, Christ is there with them. Bless our prayers, accept our petitions, and grant us the grace to walk in peace with all people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | AUGUST 12TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Jane (Jeanne ) Frances de Chantal and Saint Euplius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-12th/

SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL (1572–1641): Born into French nobility, Jane was a devoted wife and mother of four. Following the tragic death of her husband, she sought a deeper spiritual life and met Saint Francis de Sales, who became her lifelong mentor. At age 45, she founded the Congregation of the Visitation, an order dedicated to women who desired a life of Christian perfection characterized by humility, gentleness, and charity. Despite facing intense interior trials and the loss of loved ones, she remained steadfast, establishing 86 convents during her lifetime. She is the patron saint of widows, those separated from their children, and those facing “in-law” difficulties. “Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him.”

PRAYER: Lord, through the example of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, grant us the grace to be true to our vocation and never fail to bear witness to the light You give us. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT EUPLIUS, DEACON AND MARTYR (d. 304): A deacon in Catania, Sicily, Euplius was arrested during the Diocletian persecution for possessing and reading the Holy Scriptures. When brought before the governor, he boldly confessed, “I am a Christian and I read the Sacred Scriptures.” Despite brutal torture, he refused to renounce his faith or surrender his Gospel book, remaining faithful until his martyrdom by beheading. He serves as a powerful reminder of the value of God’s Word and the courage required to profess it in the face of adversity.

PRAYER: Courageous martyr Saint Euplius, pray for us to cherish the Holy Scriptures and remain fearless in our witness to Christ, no matter the cost. Amen. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint Jane Frances de Chantal and Saint Euplius, we also honor: SAINT MICHAEL MY, SAINT ANICETUS, SAINT ANTHONY PETER DICH, SAINT CASSIAN OF BENEVENTO, SAINT EUSEBIUS OF MILAN, SAINT HILARIA, BLESSED ISIDORE BAKANJA, SAINT JAMBERT, SAINT JAMES NAM, SAINT JUST, BLESSED KARL LEISNER, SAINTS MACARIUS & JULIAN, SAINT MEREWENNA, SAINT MURTAGH, AND SAINT PORCARIUS. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND THE CHURCH

Heavenly Father, You promised that where two or three are gathered in Your name, You are there in their midst. As we pray through Day 7 of the Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, we place our deepest needs, intentions, and hopes into Your hands.

Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, and Saint Euplius, we pray for the safety and well-being of all children, students, youths, teachers, and staff as they begin a new academic year. We entrust to You parents separated from their children, those mourning the loss of loved ones, and all widows. Lord, bring Your healing touch upon the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancer and terminal illnesses. Comfort the poor and needy, and grant peace, love, and true unity to our families and our world. Strengthen our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the Clergy, and all religious, grant a rich increase in vocations, and shield all persecuted Christians everywhere. May God accept our petitions and answer our prayers in His perfect time. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Jane (Jeanne ) Frances de Chantal, Saint Euplius, 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/

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

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