TUESDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 22, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE OF THE APOSTLES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Mary Magdalene| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-july-22nd/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 22, 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-136/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time! We give thanks to God for the gift of life and the grace to see this month. During this month of July, may the Precious Blood of Jesus cover and protect us, heal our wounds, and strengthen our faith. We pray for all those celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries, new beginnings, and special moments in this month of July. May God’s blessings overflow in their lives. May this month bring peace to troubled hearts, direction to the lost, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. In all things, may His will be done and His name be glorified. Amen🙏🏽
On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we humbly 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 🙏🏽
We continue to 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 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
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 🙏🏽
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 July.🙏🏽
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of July | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-july/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene | July 22, 2025
First Reading: Song of Songs 3:1–4b or 2 Corinthians 5:14–17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9
Gospel: John 20:1–2, 11–18
Gospel Reading ~ John 20:1–2, 11–18
“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and then reported what He told her.”
“On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.”
In today’s Gospel, we witness the tender and transformative encounter between Mary Magdalene and the Risen Lord. She goes to the tomb early, while it is still dark, a symbol not only of the time of day, but of the sorrow and confusion clouding her heart. Her tears reflect profound love and profound loss. She has come to mourn a dead Savior, but she will leave proclaiming a living Lord. Mary first does not recognize Jesus. Her grief blinds her until He speaks her name: “Mary.” In that moment, everything changes. The One she thought was lost is standing before her alive. Her recognition is personal, intimate, immediate. This encounter becomes the foundation of her mission: to go and tell the others, “I have seen the Lord!” Jesus instructs her not to cling to Him physically, for His mission is not yet complete. There is a shift here from physical closeness to a deeper spiritual intimacy through faith and mission. Mary Magdalene, once healed by Jesus, becomes the first witness to the Resurrection, she becomes the first person to preach the Easter Gospel. The apostle to the apostles. The portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the Gospel reading reminds us that the Lord whom we are seeking is always seeking us first. Even if our seeking Him seems to be leading nowhere, the Lord’s searching love will always find us, if we are in some way open to His coming. Having found us, having allowed ourselves to be found by Him, He will empower us, as He did Mary Magdalene, to become messengers of Easter hope and joy to all whom we meet.
Today’s Gospel reading on this great Feast of Mary Magdalene, portrays her as a woman whose devotion to Jesus brought her to the tomb early on that first Sunday morning. Her heartfelt devotion to Jesus also left her outside the tomb weeping tears of loss when she discovered that the body of Jesus was not there. She sought the Lord but could not find him. However, the Lord came seeking her and found her when he called her by her name, ‘Mary’. Like Mary Magdalene, we too seek the Lord, and, like her, we are also the object of the Lord’s search. Indeed, the Lord’s search for us is prior to our search for Him. Even if we struggle to make our way to the Lord, like Mary, the Lord always makes His way to us and calls us by our name. He is the Good Shepherd who, having laid down his life for us, now calls us by name. In calling us to Himself by name, the Lord also sends us out, as he sent out Mary Magdalene, to bring the good news of His Easter presence to those we meet. The Lord who calls us by name also asks us to be his messengers to others. Mary Magdalene, the apostle to the disciples, can be our inspiration as we take up this task. The Gospel invites us to ponder: How often do we seek the Lord but fail to recognize Him because our eyes are clouded with sorrow or expectation? Jesus often comes to us in ways we do not expect in the quiet, in the garden, in the tears and calls us by name. Are we listening?
In the first reading, from Song of Songs, we hear the passionate voice of one seeking her Beloved, rising in the night, searching through the streets, longing until she finds Him. It is a poetic echo of Mary’s own search her restless longing to find the Lord whom her soul loves. This reading beautifully expresses the soul’s yearning for communion with God. It reminds us that love drives the search, and only love opens the eyes to recognize the Beloved.
Today’s alternative first reading from 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 presents a powerful vision of the new life in Christ. St. Paul declares that ‘Christ died for all’, so that those who live might ‘live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised to life for them’. St. Paul reminds us that the love of Christ impels us, changes us, and redefines us. In Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away. This reading connects profoundly to Mary Magdalene’s story. Once a sinner, now a Saint, her life completely transformed by the One who called her by name. Her identity is not in her past, but in her relationship with Jesus.
The Responsorial Psalm today is a cry of the heart: “My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord my God.” It speaks of longing, searching, and delighting in God’s presence. Mary Magdalene’s early morning visit to the tomb mirrors this thirst. She sought Him not out of duty, but out of love. This Psalm reminds us that true discipleship begins with desire for God, for His Word, for His presence. When we long for Him, He will reveal Himself.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today’s, we are invited to reflect deeply: Do I seek Jesus with the same fervor and love as Mary Magdalene, especially in moments of sorrow or loss?When have I failed to recognize Jesus in my life because I was expecting Him to appear differently? What does it mean for me that Jesus knows me by name? How does that shape my identity and mission? Am I living as a “new creation” in Christ? Or am I still clinging to past identities, sins, or labels?Like Mary, do I share the Good News with others? Or do I keep the encounter to myself? Today’s feast invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of love, loss, and recognition in our journey with Christ. Mary Magdalene stands as a powerful witness of what it means to seek the Lord with all your heart. She teaches us that even in our darkest moments, Jesus is near, calling us by name. In a world that often forgets or distorts identities, the Risen Lord restores ours with truth and tenderness. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace, and like Mary, we are sent to proclaim, to witness, and to love boldly. Let us never grow weary of seeking the Lord, even in the garden of our tears. He is alive, and He calls us by name. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You called Mary Magdalene by name and turned her sorrow into joy. You revealed Yourself to her not in power or thunder, but with tenderness and love. Teach us to recognize You in the quiet moments of our lives. When we search for You in darkness, may we not grow weary. When we do not see You, may we still believe. Help us to live as a new creation, transformed by Your love and commissioned to proclaim Your Resurrection. May we, like Mary, have the courage to say, “I have seen the Lord,” and may our lives echo that truth to the world. Amen. 🙏🏽
FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE OF THE APOSTLES ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 22ND: Today we celebrate Saint Mary Magdalene (Patroness of women, converts, contemplatives, penitent sinners, pharmacists, hairdressers, and those struggling with temptation), a faithful disciple and the first to witness the Risen Lord. Once healed by Christ, she remained with Him at the Cross and became the first to proclaim His Resurrection earning her the title Apostle of the Apostles. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and Saint Mary Magdalene, we lift up all women especially those who lead, serve, and suffer silently and all who struggle with guilt, illness, or despair. May her witness inspire us to rise from the ashes of our past and boldly proclaim: “I have seen the Lord!” 🙏🏽
Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 22nd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Mary Magdalene | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-july-22nd/ )
SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE TO THE APOSTLES: Saint Mary Magdalene (1st century), from Magdala by the Sea of Galilee, was healed by Jesus and became one of His closest followers. Scripture tells us “seven demons had gone out” from her (Luke 8:2) a sign of Christ’s mercy and her transformation. She followed Jesus through His ministry, stood with Him at the Cross, and was the first to encounter the Risen Lord. He called her by name and sent her to announce the Good News to the Apostles.
Though once misunderstood in Church tradition, today she is honored as a unique and powerful witness of the Resurrection. In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her memorial to a Feast, affirming her role as a model of evangelization and love.
Mary Magdalene reminds us that no past is beyond redemption. Christ calls us each by name and sends us to share His risen life with the world.
PRAYER: O God, who chose Mary Magdalene to first proclaim the joy of the Resurrection, may we, like her, encounter the Risen Christ and boldly witness to His love. Through her intercession, may we one day behold His glory. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Mary Magdalene ~ 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 JULY: For formation in discernment. Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY | MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS: July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ a profound devotion that honors the redeeming power of Christ’s Blood shed for our salvation. Flowing from His Sacred Heart, this Blood is the price of our redemption, the source of grace in the sacraments, and the seal of the New Covenant. It reminds us that salvation was not won lightly, but through the ultimate sacrifice of love. This month, the Church invites us to meditate on the infinite value of Christ’s Blood poured out during His Passion from Gethsemane to Calvary and in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We are called to offer acts of reparation for the sins of the world and to intercede for the conversion of souls. Devotions such as the Litany of the Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and daily consecration to the Precious Blood help deepen our union with Christ crucified.
As Saint John Chrysostom once said, “The Precious Blood is the salvation of souls; it purifies, sanctifies, and strengthens.” In our trials, let us take refuge beneath the cross, trusting in the Blood that speaks of mercy, victory, and eternal life.
“Precious Blood of Jesus, save us and the whole world.”
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, fountain of salvation, we adore You. Wash us clean of sin, protect us from evil, and draw us into deeper love and union with You. Amen. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, Apostle of the Apostles, we lift up our hearts in prayer for all who seek healing and renewal in Christ. We pray for women everywhere, especially those who carry hidden wounds, those who serve the Church, and those who lead with courage and compassion. We remember those burdened by guilt, shame, or past sins may they encounter the merciful gaze of Christ, just as Mary Magdalene did. We pray for all who are spiritually lost, longing for the presence of God, and for those who mourn, that like Mary at the tomb, they may discover the Risen Lord in their sorrow. We lift up those who feel forgotten or unloved, that they may hear the Lord call them by name. For all evangelists, contemplatives, and converts may the witness of Saint Mary Magdalene inspire boldness and fidelity to Christ. We also pray for the sick, especially those battling terminal illnesses, and for all who care for the brokenhearted, the poor, and the outcast. May the joy of the Resurrection renew the Church and awaken the world to the nearness of God’s love.
LET US PRAY
My resurrected Lord, You appeared first to Mary of Magdala after Your Resurrection. You now invite her to share in Your glorious life in Heaven. Help me to learn from her by turning away from all sin and becoming deeply devoted to You. May my fidelity to You, dear Lord, be absolute and unwavering, so that I, too, will one day share in the glory of Your Resurrection. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, You chose Mary Magdalene to be the first messenger of Your Resurrection. In her love, we see the power of redemption; in her tears, we find the hope of transformation. Call us too by name, O Lord, and awaken in us a deep longing to dwell in Your presence. May we never stop seeking You, even in the silence of the tomb or the shadows of sorrow. Grant us the grace to proclaim, like Mary, “I have seen the Lord,” with lives rooted in love, healed by mercy, and radiant with joy. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Mary Magdalene ~ 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 Tuesday and fruitful week🙏🏽
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