SUNDAY OF THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: AUGUST 10, 2025

FEAST OF SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Lawrence| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-10th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 10, 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-155/

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION: The 2025 Novena for the Assumption of Mary into Heaven is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 6 and end on August 14th. The novena is a prayer that commemorates the death of Mary and her assumption into Heaven, which is celebrated on August 15. Novena link below: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-the-assumption/

NOVENA TO SAINT PHILOMENA | AUGUST 2ND-10TH  | The 2025 Novena to Saint Philomena is scheduled to begin Saturday, August 2nd and end on August 10th. This novena honors Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, a powerful intercessor and Wonder-Worker, asking her help for purity, courage, and trust in God. Feast of St. Philomena is celebrated on August 11th. She’s the Patron Saint of Children, youth, babies, infants, priests, lost causes, sterility, virgins, Children of Mary, The Universal Living Rosary Association and places.

Novena to Saint Philomena link: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-philomena/

We thank God for the successful completion of our Novena to Saint Philomena. As we prepare to celebrate her Feast tomorrow, August 11th, may St. Philomena continue to intercede for us all. Amen 🙏🏽

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

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today is Sunday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time! We thank the Lord for the gift of this day! During this month of August, we entrust our lives, our plans, our fears, and our dreams into God’s loving hands. We pray that this month will be filled with divine blessings, new opportunities, and the strength to overcome every challenge that may come our way.

We pray and celebrate with those marking birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, weddings, and other joyful milestones this August. May this be a month of peace for the anxious, healing for the sick, comfort for the brokenhearted, and provision for the needy. As we walk through the days ahead, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before us, the love of God surround us, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide every decision we make. May this month bring us closer to holiness, deeper in faith, and stronger in hope. In all things, may God’s name be paised. Amen🙏🏽

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here, may their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen🙏🏽

We pray for the sick and dying. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died and we continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls and the souls of 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 through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints” ~ Psalm 116:15

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 & the Holy Spirit forever & ever. Amen🙏🏽

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our divided and conflicted world today. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of our children and children all over the world. We pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest. May God protect us all and keep united in peace, love and faith. 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 August.🙏🏽

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of August | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-august/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Sunday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time | YEAR C | USCCB |  https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | August 10, 2025
Reading 1: Wisdom 18:6–9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1, 12, 18–19, 20–22
Reading 2: Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19
Gospel: Luke 12:32–48 Or Luke 12:35-40

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 12:32–48

“You also must be prepared”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reassures His disciples with the tender words, “Do not be afraid, little flock,” reminding us that the Kingdom is a gift from a loving Father, not something we must earn by anxiety or fear. Yet immediately after this comfort comes a call to readiness. Jesus invites us to live with “loins girded” and “lamps lit” an image of active vigilance. The Christian life is not passive waiting; it is a daily watchfulness shaped by generosity, detachment from worldly possessions, and a heart fixed on heaven. Our “treasure” what we value most will always reveal the true direction of our heart. If our treasure lies in fleeting things, our hearts will be restless and unsteady. But if our treasure is Christ, our hearts will be secure, peaceful, and ready to meet Him.

Our Gospel today is a reminder to us that we need to be alert at all times to the coming of the Lord. In the imagery of the parable we are called to be servants who are always dressed for action with our lamps lit, who are always found awake, ready to open the door as soon as the Lord comes and knocks. The Lord comes and knocks every day of our lives, not just at the end of our lives or the end of time. He comes to us in those we meet, in the circumstances of our daily lives. In a very real sense, every hour is an hour of the Lord’s coming and knocking. In a verse from the book of Revelation the risen Lord declares, ‘Listen, I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you and you with me’. The Lord comes and knocks on the door of our lives. Jesus uses the image of the master returning at an unexpected hour to teach that discipleship is not about predicting His arrival but about living each day as though it could be today. This readiness is not fear-driven but love-driven. Vigilance flows from a relationship in which we long to welcome Him joyfully whenever He comes. Strikingly, Jesus says that when He finds His servants watching, He will serve them. This reversal of roles the Master serving the servants is a breathtaking picture of God’s humility and love, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. Yet the Lord also warns: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much.” God’s gifts faith, grace, resources, opportunities are not for hoarding but for service. To be found faithful is to live each day with open hands, open hearts, and eyes fixed on the Kingdom.

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom recalls the night of the first Passover a night of watchfulness and hope. God’s people waited for His salvation, trusting in His promises and remaining steadfast even in uncertainty. Like them, we are called to live as pilgrims, ready for the final Passover when Christ comes to lead us home.

The Responsorial Psalm sings: “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.” True blessedness is not in earthly gain but in belonging to God. The Psalm reminds us that His gaze rests on those who fear Him and hope in His love a gaze that never wavers.

In the second reading, Abraham and Sarah stand as models of faith. They obeyed without knowing where God was leading, trusting His promises even when fulfillment seemed impossible. Faith kept them walking toward a “better homeland,” the heavenly city God had prepared for them. Their trust challenges us to live not for temporary security but for eternal life.

As we reflect on the word of the Sacred Scriptures today, we might ask ourselves: Do I live each day mindful of God’s past faithfulness, like the Israelites who remembered His mighty works? Does my heart, like the psalmist’s, choose to trust and praise God even in times of uncertainty? Am I walking in faith like Abraham, ready to obey God’s call even without knowing all the details? In light of Jesus’ teaching, am I a vigilant and faithful steward, using my time, gifts, and resources for His Kingdom? Above all, where is my true treasure in earthly security or in the promise of the Father who delights to give me the Kingdom? Today’s readings converge on one invitation: live ready. Readiness means cultivating a faith like Abraham’s, a hope like Israel’s on Passover night, and a love that actively serves until the Master returns. It means holding loosely to what we have, fixing our hearts where moth and rust cannot touch, and letting the light of our lives shine so that when Christ comes, He will find us prepared, joyful, and unafraid. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we remain faithful and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are our treasure and our reward. Teach us to live each day with watchful hearts and generous hands. Free us from the grip of possessions and the distraction of worldly cares. Make us faithful stewards of all You have entrusted to us, ready to welcome You at any moment. When You come, may You find our lamps burning brightly, our hearts set on You, and our lives poured out in love. Amen. 🙏🏾

FEAST OF SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR  ~ FEAST DAY – AUGUST 10TH:  Today, the Church honors Saint Lawrence (Patron of Deacons, Seminarians, Schoolchildren, Students, the Poor, Cooks, Firefighters, Librarians, Wine Makers, and Rome), one of the most beloved martyrs of the early Church. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Lawrence, we pray for all deacons and seminarians, for schoolchildren and students beginning a new academic year, for their safety, wisdom, and growth in virtue, and for the teachers and staff who guide them. We lift up our Holy Father, clergy, and all vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We pray for persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners, the sick and dying especially those suffering from cancer and terminal illness for the poor and needy, and for peace, love, and unity in our families and throughout the world. 🙏🏾

Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | August 10th |  https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of  Saint Lawrence| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-10th/)

SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON, AND MARTYR: Born in Spain around 225 A.D., Lawrence came to Rome where Pope St. Sixtus II appointed him Archdeacon, responsible for the Church’s treasures and almsgiving. In 258, during Emperor Valerian’s persecution, Pope Sixtus and six other deacons were martyred. Lawrence, the last of the seven, was ordered to surrender the Church’s wealth. Given three days, he distributed all to the poor and then presented the city’s sick, crippled, and needy to the prefect, declaring, “These are the treasures of the Church.” For this bold witness, he was condemned to be burned alive on a gridiron. Even in agony, he kept his faith and humor, saying, “Turn me over, I am done on this side.” His courage converted many, and his death on August 10, 258, became a source of inspiration for Christians in Rome and beyond.

PRAYER: O God, giver of that ardor of love for You by which Saint Lawrence was outstandingly faithful in service and glorious in martyrdom, grant that we may love what he loved and practice what he taught. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Lawrence ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

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/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST: For mutual coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to reflect on her pure love, deep sorrow, and unwavering obedience to God. Her heart, aflame with charity and pierced by suffering, mirrors the life of Christ and calls us to follow Him more closely through her example. This month, the Church encourages us to console her sorrowful heart and grow in holiness through prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of the Immaculate Heart, and the First Saturday Devotion. Through Mary’s heart, we are led ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be our refuge and the way that leads us to God.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us and draw us into deeper love and trust in your Son. Amen🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Trusting in the God who is faithful to His promises, we lift our hearts in prayer. We pray for the Church throughout the world, that she may remain vigilant and faithful like the servants awaiting their Master’s return, and generous in love like Saint Lawrence, who gave all for Christ. We pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for all bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and religious, that they may serve with humility and joy. We remember schoolchildren and students beginning a new academic year, for their safety, wisdom, and growth in virtue, and for all teachers and staff who guide them. We pray for persecuted Christians, the conversion of sinners, the poor and needy, and for peace, love, and unity in our families and our world. We commend to God the sick and dying, especially those suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses, that they may be strengthened in hope. May we, like Abraham, walk in faith; like the Israelites, trust in God’s deliverance; and like Saint Lawrence, see the true treasures of the Church in the faces of the poor.

LET US PRAY

My ever-speaking Lord, You have so much to say and so much to reveal. Please enlighten my mind and strengthen my resolve to always listen to you and respond with all my heart. Your will is perfect and will lead me to a life of the deepest joy and fulfillment. May I believe this with all my heart and act accordingly. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You are our refuge and our reward. Strengthen us to live in constant readiness for Your coming, serving You faithfully in all things. Through the intercession of Saint Lawrence, fill our hearts with generous love for the poor and steadfast courage in trials. May we store up our treasure in heaven, where Christ lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Lawrence ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

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 new month 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 Sunday and a fulfilling 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 Missions Now Awards | https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

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