MONDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 16, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN FRANCIS REGIS, PRIEST AND SAINT BENNO OF MEISSEN, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Francis Regis, and Saint Benno of Meissen | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-16th/ )
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 16, 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-104/
Greetings beloved family. Happy Monday of the Eleventh 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, Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | Monday, June 16, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 6:1–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd–4
Gospel: Matthew 5:38–42
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:38–42
“Offer no resistance to one who is evil”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls on His disciples not to repay evil with evil, but to respond to evil with goodness. He introduces a radically different way of responding to conflict and injustice a way that breaks the cycle of retaliation. The law of “an eye for an eye” was originally meant to limit revenge, but Jesus takes it further: instead of resisting evil with more evil, we are called to respond with love, generosity, and selflessness. Turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and giving without expecting return may seem foolish to the world, but they are marks of a heart transformed by divine mercy. This teaching isn’t a call to passivity in the face of injustice; rather, it is a powerful, active form of love that refuses to be conquered by evil. When we refuse to retaliate and instead extend kindness, we reveal the heart of Christ to the world. Such behavior is only possible through the grace of God working in us. Jesus invites us to live a new standard one that reflects the unconditional love He showed on the Cross.
In the first reading, Saint Paul offers a powerful testimony to the trials and triumphs of the Christian mission. His life was marked by hardships afflictions, imprisonments, beatings, and dishonor. Yet through all these, he and his companions remained true ministers of God. Their strength came not from human resilience but from the grace of the Holy Spirit and their deep union with Christ. Paul reminds us that even in sorrow, we can rejoice; in poverty, we can enrich others; and in having nothing, we can possess everything if we are rooted in God. This passage urges us not to receive the grace of God in vain. Now is the acceptable time the day of salvation. The Christian life is not one of comfort but of purpose, endurance, and deep joy in suffering for the sake of the Gospel. In our own trials big or small we are called to reflect this same steadfastness and to let the world see that our joy and peace come not from our circumstances, but from our Savior.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord has made known His salvation.” This joyful psalm proclaims God’s victory, justice, and faithfulness. It reminds us that God’s saving work is not hidden but visible to all who seek Him. His mighty deeds, especially in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, reveal His love for the world. We are called to sing a new song not just with our lips, but with our lives. When we recognize what God has done for us, we cannot remain silent. Praise becomes our natural response, and joy overflows into every part of our life. As we face challenges, we do so with the confidence that the Lord has already won the ultimate victory, and His salvation reaches to the ends of the earth.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I clinging to revenge, or am I allowing Christ to soften my response to hurt and injustice? Do I go the extra mile in loving others, or do I serve only when it is convenient? In my suffering or difficulties, do I see an opportunity to glorify God? Am I aware that now this very moment is the acceptable time for responding to God’s grace? Does my life sing a “new song” of praise, even in hardship? Am I carrying the message of God’s justice and kindness into my relationships and daily actions? May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to overcoming evil with good and serve Him in spirit and in truth. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You taught us to respond to evil not with retaliation but with grace, mercy, and love. Transform my heart to mirror Yours gentle, patient, and generous beyond measure. Help me go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, and give without counting the cost. Strengthen me through Your Spirit to endure trials with joy and to serve faithfully, whether in honor or hardship. May my life be a song of praise to Your salvation, and may others come to know You through the witness of my love and peace. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN FRANCIS REGIS, PRIEST AND SAINT BENNO OF MEISSEN, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 16TH: Today, Holy Mother Church honors two holy servants of Christ: Saint John Francis Regis, Priest (Patron of embroiderers, social workers, and lace makers), and Saint Benno of Meissen, Bishop (Patron of fishermen; Principal Patron of Munich, Germany). Through their powerful intercession and the loving care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we lift up prayers today for all fathers, fathers-to-be, and father figures; for the sick, especially those battling terminal illness; for the poor and marginalized; for priests and religious; and for persecuted Christians around the world. We ask God to bring peace to our families, healing to the suffering, and unity within the Church. May these faithful witnesses inspire us to serve with humility and courage in our daily lives. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 16th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Francis Regis, and Saint Benno of Meissen | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-16th/ )
SAINT JOHN FRANCIS REGIS, PRIEST (1597–1640): Saint John Francis Regis was a French Jesuit priest whose short but remarkable life left an enduring legacy of missionary zeal, charity, and conversion. Known as the “Father of the Poor,” Regis dedicated himself tirelessly to preaching, hearing confessions, teaching catechism, and caring for the marginalized. Born into a noble family in Fontcouverte, France, he entered the Society of Jesus at age 18 and was ordained in 1631.
In the wake of a plague, Regis risked his health to serve the afflicted, and soon received his mission to evangelize rural southern France, where Protestantism and religious indifference had taken root. He preached in over 50 districts, ministering especially to the poor, prisoners, and women trapped in prostitution. He famously established a lace-making industry to provide dignified work and housing for repentant women.
Despite criticism from some clergy and opposition from others threatened by his moral boldness, Regis remained resolute, supported by intense prayer and personal asceticism. Even while battling lung disease, he continued to preach and hear confessions until he collapsed in the confessional and died in 1640 at the age of 43. He was canonized in 1737 and remains a model for social workers, evangelists, and all who serve Christ through the works of mercy.
PRAYER: O God, who called Saint John Francis Regis to serve the poor and preach the Gospel with fiery zeal, grant that we, inspired by his example, may love with boldness, serve with humility, and never tire in bringing others to You. May his prayers aid us in moments of weakness and stir our hearts to love the forgotten and the broken. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT BENNO OF MEISSEN, BISHOP (c. 1010–1106): Saint Benno of Meissen was a courageous German bishop who faithfully served the Church during the turbulent Investiture Controversy, a conflict between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor over the authority to appoint bishops. A man of prayer, education, and integrity, Benno stood firmly with the papacy and refused to let the state compromise the Church’s mission.
Born in Hildesheim to a noble family, Benno was educated under Saint Bernward and later appointed Bishop of Meissen in Saxony. He upheld the rights of the Church, restored sacred music, gave generously to the poor, and led with both humility and conviction. When Emperor Henry IV attempted to usurp ecclesiastical authority, Benno resisted, even enduring imprisonment. He was eventually reinstated and spent his later years as a missionary to unreached Germanic peoples.
A well-known legend tells how, during a dispute with Emperor Henry, Benno threw the key to Meissen Cathedral into the Elbe River to prevent its desecration. After prayer, the key was miraculously recovered from the mouth of a fish. This story has endured as a symbol of divine protection over the sacred. Canonized in 1523, his legacy was challenged by Protestant reformers, including Martin Luther, but his steadfast witness continues to inspire fidelity to the Church in times of conflict. His relics were later moved to Munich, where he is honored as the city’s Principal Patron.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Benno the courage to defend the truth of the Church against political oppression. Grant that, through his prayers, we may stand firm in faith, uphold the teachings of the Church, and never waver in our love for Christ. Strengthen our bishops and clergy with the same spirit of holy perseverance. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Francis Regis, and Saint Benno of Meissen ~ 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: On this memorial of Saint John Francis Regis and Saint Benno of Meissen, we lift our hearts in prayer for all fathers, fathers-to-be, and father figures, asking the Lord to bless and strengthen them in their vocation of love, guidance, and sacrifice. We pray for priests and missionaries who, like these holy saints, labor tirelessly to spread the Gospel and serve the poor and forgotten. May they be renewed in zeal and compassion. We also remember the poor, the sick, and the dying—especially those suffering from cancer, terminal illness, and abandonment that they may find comfort, healing, and peace. We pray for justice and forgiveness in a world filled with retaliation and division, that we may grow in the courage to “offer the other cheek” as Christ teaches. May persecuted Christians be protected, sinners converted, and families restored in unity and peace. We ask the Lord to raise up more saints in our time men and women unafraid to preach truth, endure suffering for righteousness, and love without counting the cost.
LET US PRAY
My generous Lord, You offer Your mercy in superabundance. You not only forgive when we repent, You also restore us to far greater heights of holiness than we could ever deserve. Give me the grace I need, dear Lord, to offer this same level of mercy and love to those who have sinned against me. I forgive all who have hurt me. Please help me to also love them with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You call us to live not by the world’s standards of vengeance, but by the radical generosity of the Gospel. As we remember Saints John Francis Regis and Benno of Meissen, grant us their spirit of courage and compassion. Teach us to serve with joy, to speak the truth with love, and to endure hardship with unwavering faith. In the face of injustice, may we choose mercy; in moments of weakness, may we lean on Your grace. Strengthen our hands to do good, our hearts to forgive, and our voices to proclaim Your glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Francis Regis, and Saint Benno of Meissen ~ 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