SATURDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 14, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELISHA, THE PROPHET; SAINT METHODIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE AND SAINT JOSEPH THE HYMNOGRAPHER, PRIEST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Elisha, Saint Methodiuse, and Saint Joseph | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-14/ )
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 14, 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-102/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Saturday 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 🙏🏽
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, Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | June 14, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1–2, 3–4, 9–10, 11–12
Gospel: Matthew 5:33–37
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:33–37
“I say to you, do not swear at all”
“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One”
“Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus opposes the kind of oath taking that seeks to control God for one’s own purposes, swearing by heaven, God’s throne, or by earth, God’s footstool, or by Jerusalem, the city of God. The temptation to control God for one’s own purpose has been deeply rooted in the human spirit. Ancient magic was an attempt to control the spirit world for one’s own purpose, and, indeed, the same could be said of certain forms of contemporary magic. However, in the Lord’s Prayer, the only prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray, Jesus calls on us to begin by surrendering ourselves to God’s purpose, ‘your name be held holy, your kingdom come, your will be done’. Jesus’ whole life teaches us that God’s purpose for our lives is ultimately life-giving. In trust we can invite God to have God’s way in our lives because that way is one that will lead to authentic life. It is not a case of manipulating God to serve our purposes but of giving ourselves over to serve God’s purpose for our lives and for his creation, after the example of Jesus, who in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed, ‘Father… not my will but yours be done’, and after the example of Mary whose response to God’s messenger was, ‘Let it be to me according to your word’.
Reflecting further on today’s Gospel reading, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount with another radical teaching this time on integrity and truthfulness. In a society where oaths were used to lend weight to one’s words, Jesus challenges His disciples to be people of such honesty that oaths are unnecessary. He calls us to a radical simplicity: to mean what we say and to say only what we mean. In a world full of half-truths, exaggerations, and double-speak, Christ’s invitation is to cultivate an interior life so aligned with truth that our words carry weight simply because they are trustworthy. It is a call to examine our speech not just what we say, but why we say it. Do we exaggerate to impress? Do we soften truth to avoid confrontation? Do we make promises lightly, or manipulate with our words? The Christian vocation is to reflect the character of God, who is Truth itself. Our speech should echo His faithfulness steady, unwavering, pure. Jesus warns that anything more any attempt to mask or manipulate with words opens the door to evil. This Gospel challenges us to be transparent in word and consistent in action, to be people who do not hide behind clever phrases or veiled meanings, but who speak with clarity and integrity.
In the First Reading, Saint Paul reminds us that “the love of Christ impels us.” It is not fear or obligation, but divine love that transforms our lives and sends us out as ambassadors for Christ. The heart of Paul’s message is reconciliation. Because Christ died and rose for all, we are no longer to live for ourselves but for Him. We are new creations the old has passed away. And in this new life, we are entrusted with a mission: to reconcile others to God through our witness. Paul’s words are a deep invitation to conversion not just personal but relational. We are not only reconciled to God but for others. God is making His appeal through us. Every encounter, every relationship, every word we speak becomes an opportunity for reconciliation and healing. This reading speaks especially to those struggling with shame or regret: “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them.” In Jesus, we are not condemned, but redeemed. We are not defined by our past, but by His grace.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord is kind and merciful.” This refrain captures the very heart of the Psalm and the heart of God. Psalm 103 overflows with gratitude and awe: God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and renews. He does not treat us as our sins deserve, but with compassion as vast as the heavens. The psalmist reminds us that God’s mercy is not measured by human standards. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. This is a psalm for the weary, the broken, and the penitent. It invites us to remember God’s faithfulness and to rest in the security of His love. It also calls us to be mirrors of that mercy to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to live with hearts lifted in praise for all He has done.
As we reflect on the words of Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I a person of my word? Do my “yes” and “no” carry weight without needing to be backed by oaths or excuses? In what ways am I still clinging to “the old self,” rather than embracing the new creation I am in Christ? Have I allowed God’s mercy to remove the weight of guilt from my heart? And have I, in turn, become an ambassador of reconciliation in my relationships? Does my life my words, my actions, my values reflect that I’ve been made new by grace? Let us live today as ambassadors of Christ speaking with honesty, loving with sincerity, and extending reconciliation wherever we go. May our words reflect God’s truth, and our lives bear witness to His mercy. In a world clouded by falsehood and division, let us shine as faithful witnesses of the One who made us new. 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, teach me to speak with truth and integrity, to honor my word and reflect Your faithfulness in all I do. Heal any duplicity in my heart and remove the masks I wear to hide insecurity or fear. Help me live as a new creation, guided by Your Spirit and impelled by Your love. May I be a messenger of reconciliation, a vessel of mercy, and a witness of Your truth in a world longing for authenticity. Let my speech echo Your goodness, and my life proclaim Your grace. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELISHA, THE PROPHET; SAINT METHODIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE AND SAINT JOSEPH THE HYMNOGRAPHER, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 14TH: Today, Holy Mother Church honors three holy men of deep faith and spiritual legacy: Saint Elisha, the Prophet (Patron of prophetic ministry and healing), Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople (Defender of Sacred images and unity), and Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, Priest (Patron of liturgical poets and hymn writers). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal protection of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray today for all who are suffering from terminal illnesses, especially cancer patients; for the poor and the abandoned; for persecuted Christians; for priests and religious; and for unity and peace in our Church, homes, and world. May these saints inspire us to live boldly in truth, creativity, and fidelity to God’s call. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 14th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Elisha, Saint Methodiuse, and Saint Joseph | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-14/ )
SAINT ELISHA, THE PROPHET: Saint Elisha (c. 790 BC), whose name means “God is salvation,” was the God-appointed successor to the prophet Elijah. Called while plowing his father’s fields, Elisha left everything behind to follow Elijah, a powerful sign of total surrender to God’s will (1 Kings 19:19–21). He asked for and received a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit and went on to perform numerous miracles, making him one of the most wonder-working prophets in Israel’s history (2 Kings 2:9–14). His miracles included parting the Jordan River, purifying poisoned food, raising the dead, healing lepers, and multiplying food foreshadowing the miracles of Christ. Even in death, Elisha’s body brought healing: a dead man revived upon touching his bones (2 Kings 13:21). His prophetic life reminds us that God empowers His servants beyond human limitations when they live in total trust and obedience.
PRAYER: O Lord, who anointed Elisha with the spirit of Elijah and filled him with divine power to work signs and wonders, grant us the courage to answer Your call with boldness. May we live as prophets of truth, healing, and hope in a world that longs for Your saving grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT METHODIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE: Saint Methodius (d. 847 A.D.) was a champion of orthodoxy and unity during the storm of the iconoclastic controversy. Born in Syracuse to a noble family, he first pursued secular ambitions but left everything to live as a monk on the island of Chios. He became an advisor to Patriarch Nicephorus and stood firm in defense of sacred images when iconoclasm spread under Emperor Leo the Armenian. For his bold stance, he was imprisoned and exiled for years, suffering great hardships. After the emperor’s death, Empress Theodora restored the veneration of icons and appointed Methodius as Patriarch. He immediately convened a synod in 843 that ended the iconoclastic persecution and established the “Feast of Orthodoxy,” still celebrated annually on the First Sunday of Lent in Eastern Churches. Despite the scars of persecution, Saint Methodius worked tirelessly for reconciliation and remains a symbol of fidelity to truth and peace amidst division.
PRAYER: O God of truth and unity, who raised up Saint Methodius as a fearless shepherd in times of trial, grant us the grace to uphold the truths of our faith with humility and wisdom. May his courage strengthen our witness and renew the Church in unity and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT JOSEPH THE HYMNOGRAPHER, PRIEST: Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (816–886 A.D.) is known as one of the most prolific liturgical poets in Church history, lovingly called “the sweet-voiced nightingale of the Church.” Born in Sicily, he fled with his family due to Muslim invasions and embraced monastic life in Thessalonica. Renowned for his holiness and humility, he was later ordained a priest and joined Saint Gregory of Decapolis in Constantinople to oppose the iconoclast heresy. Sent as a delegate to Rome, Joseph was captured and imprisoned for six years. In a vision, Saint Nicholas encouraged him to sing again in God’s name. Upon release, Joseph composed over 1,000 hymns and canons for the Church, many still sung today. He endured further exiles for defending orthodoxy but remained unwavering. His life teaches us the power of praise in suffering, and the lasting beauty that springs from faith, poetry, and divine inspiration.
PRAYER: Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, you adorned the Church with songs born from suffering and prayer. Inspire us to glorify God in all circumstances, and may our lives be hymns of praise to the Lord. Help us remain steadfast in faith, even in trials, trusting that God can transform every sorrow into song. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Elisha, Saint Methodiuse, and Saint Joseph ~ 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: Today, we pray for all who serve the Church in prophetic, pastoral, and artistic roles that, like Saint Elisha, Saint Methodius, and Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, they may be faithful witnesses of God’s truth and love. We lift up those who work for unity in the Body of Christ and all who face persecution or hardship for their faith. May those burdened by sickness, grief, or spiritual doubt find comfort in the reconciling love of Christ, who makes all things new. We ask for the grace to live with honesty and integrity, in word and deed, in accordance with the Gospel. May the poor, the forgotten, the exiled, and those longing for healing be embraced by God’s mercy. Through the intercession of the saints we honor today, may our lives reflect the goodness of the Lord and the hope He offers to all.
LET US PRAY
Lord, You are the source of all truth, and You are Truth Itself. Please help me to become a daily instrument of that Truth in all that I say and do. I choose You and Your holy will always, and I choose to be Your instrument for all to see. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O God of mercy and justice, You have reconciled the world to Yourself through Christ and called us to be ambassadors of Your peace. Teach us, like the prophet Elisha, to walk in bold faith; like Saint Methodius, to stand firm in truth and unity; and like Saint Joseph the Hymnographer, to proclaim Your glory in word and song. Heal what is broken in our hearts and our world, and fill us with the grace to live and speak with integrity, compassion, and unwavering trust in You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Elisha, Saint Methodiuse, and Saint Joseph ~ 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 weekend 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 and relaxing weekend🙏🏽
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