THURSDAY OF THE THIRTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | NOVEMBER 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/thursday-of-the-thirty-second-week-in-ordinary-time-november-12-2026/
SAINTS OF THE DAY | NOVEMBER 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-12th/
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSAPHAT, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND SAINT MARTIN I, POPE AND MARTYR
HISTORY OF THE SAINTS SERIES ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL | https://www.youtube.com/@dailyreflectionswithphilomena
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History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | November 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-november-12-2026/
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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr, alongside Pope Saint Martin I, Martyr. Saint Josaphat gave his life for the unity of the Church and communion with Rome, while Pope Saint Martin I endured exile and starvation rather than compromise the truth of Christ’s nature. Their heroic witness illuminates today’s Gospel, where Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is already among us, yet warns that the Son of Man and those who follow Him must first suffer greatly and face rejection before entering glory. In the First Reading, Saint Paul models this reconciling power of God’s Kingdom by urging Philemon to welcome Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Following the courage of Saints Josaphat and Martin I, let us strive to build unity and truth within the Church today.
BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:
Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr | Thursday, November 12, 2026
Reading 1: Philemon 7-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10
Gospel: Luke 17:20-25
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 17:20-25
“For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
“Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, ‘The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, “Look, here it is,” or, “There it is.” For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.’ Then he said to his disciples, ‘The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, “Look, there he is,” or “Look, here he is.” Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.'”
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS
Today’s readings reveal the true nature of God’s Kingdom, a Kingdom built not on external spectacle or worldly status, but on inward conversion, reconciling love, and Christ’s redemptive Cross. In the Gospel, when the Pharisees ask when the Kingdom of God will arrive, Jesus corrects their expectation of a visible, political spectacle: “For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” The Kingdom is already present in the person of Jesus and wherever His grace reigns in human hearts. Yet Jesus warns His disciples not to chase after false signs or sensational predictions, reminding them that before His glorious return, which will be as unmistakable as lightning across the sky, He must first suffer greatly and be rejected.
This hidden yet transformative power of God’s Kingdom is vividly lived out in the First Reading. Writing from prison, Saint Paul appeals to Philemon not with heavy-handed authority, but with tender Christian love on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become Paul’s spiritual son. Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus back “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother.” Where the Gospel transforms human relationships through mercy and voluntary love, the Kingdom of God breaks down barriers of division and sets captives free, fulfilling the praise of Psalm 146: “The LORD secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free.”
Today, let us reflect on where we are looking for God’s presence. Are we distracted by outward signs and worldly anxieties, or are we cultivating the Kingdom of God within our hearts through reconciling love and faithful endurance? How can you make the Kingdom of God visible today by offering voluntary mercy, reconciliation, or brotherly love to someone in your life?
Heavenly Father, we thank You for establishing Your Kingdom in our midst through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have looked for outward spectacles rather than seeking Your reign within our hearts, or failed to treat others as beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Grant us the grace of true reconciliation, that we may welcome one another with voluntary love, stand firm during trials and rejection, and remain faithful until the day our Savior comes in glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINTS OF THE DAY | 12TH:
Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Josaphat, and Saint Martin I | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-november-12th/
SAINT JOSAPHAT, BISHOP AND MARTYR: Born in 1580 in Volhynia (modern-day Ukraine), Saint Josaphat Kuncewycz entered the Basilian monastery of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and later became Archbishop of Polotsk. Renowned for his deep asceticism, devotion to the Eastern liturgy, and immense charity toward the poor, he worked tirelessly to promote unity between Eastern Christians and the Holy See while preserving Byzantine traditions. His efforts sparked fierce opposition, and in 1623, he was brutally martyred by an angry mob in Vitebsk—offering himself meekly for the flock. His death ultimately led to the conversion of his killers and became a powerful seed for Christian unity.
PRAYER: God, stir up in Your Church the Spirit that strengthened Saint Josaphat to lay down his life for his sheep. May we be strengthened by the same Spirit so that, through his intercession, we may be ready to lay down our lives for our brethren. Amen. 🙏🏽
POPE SAINT MARTIN I, MARTYR: Elected Pope in 649 A.D., Saint Martin I fearlessly defended the Catholic doctrine that Christ possesses both a divine and a human will against the Monothelite heresy favored by Emperor Constans II. Because he refused to compromise the truth, the Emperor had him arrested in Rome, dragged to Constantinople, publicly humiliated, imprisoned in chains, and exiled to Crimea, where he died from starvation and brutal mistreatment in 655 A.D. He is the last pope to be venerated as a martyr.
PRAYPRAYERER: Pope Saint Martin I, through your intercession before the Father in Heaven, fortify all teachers and leaders of the Church to remain steadfast in the truth, to advocate for the truth, and to suffer for the truth, no matter the personal cost. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Josaphat, and Saint Martin I — Pray for us. 🙏🏾
HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint Josaphat (Saint Josaphat of Polotsk) and Saint Martin I, we also honor: SAINT ANASTASIUS XIX, SAINT ASTERICUS, SAINTS BENEDICT AND COMPANIONS, SAINT CADWALLADER, SAINT CUMMIAN FADA, SAINT EMILIAN CUCULLATUS, SAINT EVODIUS, BLESSED GREGORY LAKOTA, SAINT LIVINUS, SAINT MACHAR, SAINT MARGARITO FLORES GARCĂŤA, SAINT NAMPHASIUS, SAINT NILUS THE ELDER, SAINT PATERNUS, SAINT PATIENS, SAINT RENATUS, SAINT RUFUS OF AVIGNON, SAINT XYSTUS, AND SAINT YMAR. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.
PRAYER INTENTION: FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY, UKRAINE AND POLAND, DEFENDERS OF CHURCH DOCTRINE, AND RECONCILING LOVE
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the courageous martyrdom of Saint Josaphat and Pope Saint Martin I, who shed their blood for the unity and truth of Your Church. Through the intercession of Saint Josaphat, patron saint of Ukraine and Poland, bring lasting peace, healing, and protection to those nations, and hasten the full reunion of all Christians in the one fold of Christ. Through Pope Saint Martin I, fortify our Holy Father, bishops, theologians, and all who suffer persecution for defending the orthodox faith. Lord, make Your Kingdom visible in our hearts today; break down all walls of division, teach us to welcome one another as beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, and give us strength to remain faithful through every trial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Josaphat, and Saint Martin I, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER: For the proper use of wealth. Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER | MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS: November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, a month of prayerful remembrance for all the faithful departed who await the joy of Heaven. The Church calls us to intercede for them through our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses, trusting in God’s mercy to purify their souls and welcome them into eternal light. These souls, known as the Church Suffering, are united with the Church Triumphant in Heaven and the Church Militant on earth, one communion of love bound together in Christ.
This devotion is beautifully expressed in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) on November 2, which follows the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1. As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church invites us to reflect on eternity, on the hope of resurrection and the promise of Heaven. Each prayer offered for the departed becomes an act of mercy that brings comfort to their souls and strengthens our own journey toward holiness.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.” 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena đź’–
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/
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/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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