THURSDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 12, 2025
MEMORIAL OF POPE SAINT LEO III; SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST AND SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (OR SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-12th/ )
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 12, 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-100/
Greetings beloved family. Happy Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time!
We thank God for the gift of life and, we lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
Today, Holy Mother Church commemorates three holy men of faith and virtue: Pope Saint Leo III (Patron of strong Church-State relations), Saint Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona, Priest (Patron of Franciscan vocations and the poor), and Saint John of Sahagun (Saint Fagondez), Priest (Patron of Salamanca, Spain; preachers; against temptations and impurity).
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 June🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | Thursday, June 12, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 3:15 – 4:1, 3–6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11–12, 13–14
Gospel: Matthew 5:20–26
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:20–26
“Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment”
“Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus declares that if any of His Jewish contemporaries were bringing their offering to the altar in the Jewish temple and they remember that someone has something against them they should first be reconciled with their brother or sister and only then present their offering. The Lord will always send us out to work to be reconciled with those who have something against us. We may not succeed in our efforts, but the Lord calls on us to be prepared always to make the first move. ‘Go and be reconciled’ Jesus declares. We are not just to wait for others to take the initiative; we have to make the move, even if in doing so we fail. The Lord took the initiative to reconcile us to Himself, through His life, death and resurrection; He calls on us to be as ready as He was to take the same initiative when a relationship needs reconciling.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to a deeper form of righteousness one that goes beyond the external adherence to the law and penetrates the heart. It’s not enough to simply avoid committing murder; the anger, resentment, or hatred that builds within us is already a violation of God’s law. Jesus raises the bar not to burden us, but to free us from the subtle chains that divide us from one another. He reveals that righteousness is not just about external compliance, but about interior conversion and genuine love. True worship cannot be separated from how we treat others. Reconciliation takes precedence even over sacred rituals. God desires hearts that are whole and relationships that are healed. If we truly seek communion with God, we must first seek peace with our brothers and sisters. The Lord invites us to examine our hearts: Are we harboring anger, resentment, or bitterness? Are we quick to reconcile and forgive, or do we hold grudges? The path to holiness, according to Christ, passes through the gateway of mercy and reconciliation.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul describes the veil that lies over hearts until they turn to the Lord. This veil represents spiritual blindness and hardness of heart an inability to see God’s glory in Christ. But when the heart opens to the Lord, that veil is lifted, and we begin to reflect His glory. Paul reminds us that we are being transformed into His likeness “from glory to glory” through the work of the Spirit. This transformation is not self-willed; it is grace, flowing from the mercy God has shown us. That is why we do not lose heart even when others are blind to the Gospel. We are not preaching ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord. God, who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has now lit up our hearts with the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ. This passage challenges us to reflect on whether we are radiating Christ’s light. Are we transparent to His grace? Are we carrying the light of His truth to a world covered in shadows?
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.” This beautiful psalm presents a vision of a restored and harmonious world where mercy and truth meet, justice and peace kiss, and salvation walks hand in hand with righteousness. It reminds us that God’s glory is not an abstract idea it is a lived reality among a people who turn to Him with reverent hearts. When we allow His justice and peace to guide our lives, His glory dwells in our midst. The psalm urges us to live lives that reflect these divine attributes: mercy, truth, justice, and peace. In doing so, we make space for God to dwell among us. Our land, our homes, our hearts all are blessed when they are shaped by these virtues.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Do I seek reconciliation with those I have wronged, or do I allow anger to fester in silence? In my pursuit of righteousness, do I merely follow rules or strive for transformation of the heart? Is my witness centered on Christ or on my own image? When others look at my life, do they see the light of Jesus shining through me? Have I allowed the Holy Spirit to remove the veil from my heart so I can clearly behold the glory of God? Am I promoting peace, justice, and truth in my relationships and community? May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You see beyond appearances and call me to true righteousness one born of love, mercy, and reconciliation. Remove the veil from my heart and fill me with Your Spirit. Let my life reflect Your glory and shine with the light of Your truth. Give me the grace to forgive, to seek peace, and to encourage others toward holiness. May I not be discouraged in the face of rejection or blindness, but stay faithful in proclaiming You, the Light of the World. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF POPE SAINT LEO III; SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST AND SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (OR SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 12TH: Today, Holy Mother Church commemorates three holy men of faith and virtue: Pope Saint Leo III (Patron of strong Church-State relations), Saint Guy (Vignotelli) of Cortona, Priest (Patron of Franciscan vocations and the poor), and Saint John of Sahagun (Saint Fagondez), Priest (Patron of Salamanca, Spain; preachers; against temptations and impurity). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray today for the unity of the Church and the world, for the poor and marginalized, for priests and religious, for the conversion of sinners, and for persecuted Christians. May these faithful saints inspire us to grow in virtue, charity, and courage in proclaiming the Gospel. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 12th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-12th/ )
POPE SAINT LEO III: Pope Saint Leo III (d. 816 A.D.) was elected the 96th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on the very day his predecessor was buried. In a time marked by deep tension between ecclesiastical and imperial powers, he courageously aligned with Charlemagne, recognizing him as the protector of the Holy See. This provoked jealousy and violent opposition from Roman nobility. In a brutal attack, Leo was seized, his eyes gouged out, and his tongue cut off—yet he miraculously recovered and escaped to Charlemagne for protection. In a powerful moment in Church history, he crowned Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor during Christmas Mass in 800 A.D., an act that would shape Christian Europe for centuries. Pope Leo was a wise administrator, defender of Church unity, and restorer of churches throughout Rome. His reign laid the groundwork for closer cooperation between the Church and European powers in defense of Christian identity.
PRAYER: O courageous Pope Saint Leo III, you endured violence, injustice, and exile for the sake of Christ and His Church. Strengthen our faith in moments of trial, and guide our Church leaders to uphold truth, unity, and holiness in the face of political division. May your witness remind us that God restores what is broken and brings light out of darkness. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT GUY (VIGNOTELLI) OF CORTONA, PRIEST: Saint Guy was a humble and generous man from Cortona, Italy, who lived during the 13th century. Although little is known of his early life, his charity and hospitality stood out—especially when he welcomed Saint Francis of Assisi and a companion during their visit in 1211. Inspired by their holiness, he immediately gave up all his possessions and joined the Franciscan Order. A man of prayer, learning, and zeal, Guy lived simply in a small cell and served as a priest known for powerful preaching and miraculous signs. One of his most famous miracles was raising a young girl from the dead after drowning. He died around the year 1245, after receiving a vision of Saint Francis welcoming him into eternal life.
PRAYER: Saint Guy of Cortona, your heart was moved by the call to live in radical simplicity for Christ. Teach us to let go of our attachments and serve with open hands. May we, like you, seek joy in poverty, find Christ in the poor, and trust in divine providence above all. Inspire us to live humbly, love generously, and preach the Gospel with our lives. Amen.🙏🏽
SAINT JOHN OF SAHAGUN (SAINT FAGONDEZ), PRIEST: Saint John of Sahagun (1419–1479), born Juan González de Castrillo in Sahagún, Spain, was a zealous Augustinian priest, social reformer, and gifted preacher who courageously confronted the sins of his time. From his youth, he exhibited signs of sanctity and a deep love for the Eucharist. After a powerful spiritual conversion, he renounced all personal wealth and entered the Order of Saint Augustine. His preaching attracted crowds and challenged the corrupt practices of the rich and powerful. Despite threats, insults, and even attempts on his life, he remained firm in proclaiming the truth.
His courageous stand against impurity may have led to his death: a woman, angry that her lover converted after hearing John’s sermons, allegedly poisoned him. He died after months of suffering, widely venerated as a martyr for purity and truth. Canonized in 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII, Saint John is remembered for his compassion, fierce love of the Eucharist, and fearless defense of Christian virtue.
Reflection: True peace is not found in the absence of conflict but in a heart that dies to self and lives completely for Christ.
PRAYER: Saint John of Sahagun, fearless herald of truth and defender of the poor, pray for us in our struggle against injustice, temptation, and fear. May your example encourage us to speak the truth in love, to walk in holiness with courage, and to uphold the dignity of every human life. Obtain for us purity of heart and the strength to persevere in virtue. Amen.🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS:
Watch “Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Families | Live from the Vatican | June 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/holy-mass-and-regina-caeli/ | Live from St. Peter’s Square: Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer.
We continue to pray for all families, for the safety and well-being of all families, children, parents, grandparents, and the elderly. May the good Lord keep them all in good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽
THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER
JESUS , Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY , Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH , Foster-father to Jesus, guardian, and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH , make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR FAMILIES
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen 🙏🏽
A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV
Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
We thank God for the successful celebration of the Inauguration Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽
MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/
PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and all the faithful departed may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13
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 and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽
Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/
Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/
Watch ” Pentecost Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Association and New Communities | Live from the Vatican | June 8, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-pope-leo-xivs-pentecost-mass-and-regina-caeli/
Live from St. Peter’s Square, the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost presided over by Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities. Following the Mass, the Holy Father led the Regina Caeli prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the whole Church as the Easter season concludes.
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/
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/
PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽
Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE: That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JUNE | MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful sign of Christ’s love and mercy. His Heart, pierced and crowned with thorns, burns with compassion for all humanity. This devotion calls us to return love for love to console His Heart and make reparation for sin and indifference. Rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Church invites us this month to deepen our trust in Jesus, especially through First Friday devotions, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and acts of consecration. His words echo in our hearts: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).
The Sacred Heart shows us what true love looks like patient, humble, and self-giving. In a world often cold and restless, we find peace and healing in His Heart.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.”
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, teach us to love as You love. Fill our hearts with compassion, mercy, and a deep desire to follow You. Amen. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray today for the Church, that all shepherds may serve with humility, courage, and clarity, following the example of Pope Saint Leo III who defended the truth with steadfast faith. May those in religious life be inspired by Saint Guy of Cortona to live in simplicity, charity, and devotion, and may all who preach the Gospel imitate the zeal and holiness of Saint John of Sahagun. We lift up those struggling with anger, bitterness, or division, asking that Christ, who commands us to be reconciled with one another, would grant us healing and peace. We remember the poor, the abandoned, and all who suffer injustice, that the light of Christ may shine through the darkness of their trials. And for each of us, may the Spirit continue to unveil the glory of God in our hearts and make us faithful reflections of His mercy in the world.
LET US PRAY
My merciful Lord, You call us to perfect freedom from all that burdens us. Anger burdens us. Help me to see the burden that my anger imposes upon me and help me to seek true freedom through the act of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please forgive me, dear Lord, as I forgive all who have hurt me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O God of mercy and justice, You have revealed the light of Your glory in the face of Christ and called us to live as ministers of reconciliation. Grant us the grace to turn from all anger, hatred, and pride, and to walk humbly with our brothers and sisters. Through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo III, Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun, purify our hearts, strengthen our resolve to follow Christ, and make us faithful instruments of peace in a divided world. May our lives reflect Your justice, our words proclaim Your truth, and our hearts remain always open to Your transforming love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Pope Saint Leo III; Saint Guy of Cortona, and Saint John of Sahagun ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and as we now enter the 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 week 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 start to Ordinary Time, and a peaceful week ahead. 🙏🏽
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 Missons 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