THURSDAY OF THE THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 3, 2025

FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR; SAINT LEO II, POPE AND SAINT HELIODORUS OF ALTINUM, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Thomas the Apostle, Saint Leo II, and Saint Heliodorus of Altinum | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-3rd/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 3, 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-117/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and welcome to the new month of July!
Today is Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time!
We give thanks to God for the gift of life and the grace to see a new month. As we step into the month of July, may the Precious Blood of Jesus cover and protect us, heal our wounds, and strengthen our faith. 🙏🏽
We pray for all who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new beginnings, and special moments this month. 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, we pray for all those who are marginalized in our society, the poor and the needy. We pray for justice, peace and love in our 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 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 June.🙏🏽
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, Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for the Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle | July 3, 2025
Reading 1: Ephesians 2:19–22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117:1bc, 2
Gospel: John 20:24–29
Gospel Reading ~ John 20:24–29
“Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
“Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
In today’s Gospel reading, we may find it easy to identify with Thomas. When the other disciples approached him with the good news of Easter, ‘We have seen the Lord’, their message did not resonate with him in any way. The darkness of Good Friday was still too real for him and prevented him from being moved by their Easter proclamation. His own reasoning did not allow him to believe that life had triumphed over death, that the crucified Jesus was now the risen Lord. Thomas stood in the light of Easter, yet that light did not dispel his darkness. If his fellow disciples were full of Easter faith, he was full of doubt. They claimed to have seen the risen Lord; Thomas declared that he would not believe until he not only saw the Lord but touched his wounds. Many believers can be troubled by their sense that the light of Easter does not seem to have penetrated their lives sufficiently. We can be distressed at the degree of doubt that we experience within ourselves, troubled that such doubts may even become more pronounced as we get older. Like Thomas, we can struggle to identify fully with those faith seems so much more assured than ours. The prayer of one of the more minor Gospel characters, ‘Lord, I believe, help my unbelief’, may find a ready place our heart. Today’s Gospel reading assures us that the Lord understands a doubting, questioning, faith. When the Lord appeared to Thomas, he did not rebuke him. His first words to him were, ‘Peace be with you’. He invited Thomas to touch His wounds as he had requested, and then called on him to ‘doubt no longer but believe’. Seeing the risen Lord was enough to dispel his doubt. Then, out of the mouth of the great sceptic came one of the most complete professions of faith in the four Gospels, ‘My Lord and my God’. We are being reminded that serious doubt and great faith can reside in one and the same person.
Today’s Gospel isn’t simply about doubt; it’s about the patience of Christ. Jesus doesn’t condemn Thomas for struggling He meets him where he is. The wounds of Jesus become the bridge between skepticism and belief. Thomas becomes a symbol of many of us who struggle to believe, to trust, or to surrender. Yet Jesus blesses not only Thomas, but all who would believe without seeing: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” This is the call of faith: not blind belief, but a trust grounded in the living presence of Christ, who continually reaches out to us in love.
In today’s first reading, Saint Paul reminds us that we are no longer outsiders, but part of God’s household. Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, we are being shaped into a sacred dwelling a place where God’s Spirit lives. On this feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, we recall that the Church is not simply an institution, but a living body, made up of believers who like Thomas come to recognize Jesus as Lord and God. Each of us is a stone in the great spiritual temple, unified by the truth of the Resurrection and held together by Christ Himself.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims: “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.” Though the psalm is the shortest in the Bible, its message is vast: God’s love is steadfast, and His fidelity endures forever. This brief but powerful praise reflects the mission entrusted to all believers. Just as the apostles were sent to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, so too are we called to be witnesses. And like Thomas, even if our faith begins with hesitation, it is meant to blossom into proclamation. Once we’ve encountered the Risen Lord, we are no longer silent we go out and tell the world that He lives.
Reflecting on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to look at our own willingness to follow Jesus. Have I ever doubted God’s presence or His promises? In what ways has Jesus gently met me in those places of doubt and called me to deeper trust? Like Thomas, am I willing to move from skepticism to surrender, from conditions to confession? What does it mean for me today to say, “My Lord and my God”? Do I live each day with the awareness that I am a member of God’s household, and that my life is part of His living temple? Even in our doubts, God is not distant. Like Thomas, we may carry questions, fears, or a longing for proof but Jesus meets us in that very place. He does not reject the sincere heart that seeks Him; rather, He invites us to touch His wounds, to draw near, and to believe. Faith is not the absence of questions, but the decision to trust even when we cannot see. As we honor Saint Thomas today, let us remember that his story is not one of shame, but of grace a testimony to how a struggling disciple became a bold proclaimer of the Gospel. May we, too, grow from hesitant followers to courageous witnesses, echoing with our lives the words Thomas once spoke: “My Lord and my God.” May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and as members of God’s household, may we built on the foundation of the apostles, and be faithful stones in the living temple of Christ, bringing His Good News to a world in need of healing and peace. 🙏🏽
Risen Lord, in Your mercy You came again for Thomas and offered him peace. Come to us in our doubts, in our wounds, and in our fears. Help us to see You, not only in the visible signs, but in the quiet stirrings of faith. Like Saint Thomas, may we fall before You with reverence and proclaim, “My Lord and my God!” Strengthen us to live as members of Your holy household, proclaiming Your steadfast love to the ends of the earth. Amen. 🙏🏽
FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR; SAINT LEO II, POPE AND SAINT HELIODORUS OF ALTINUM, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 3RD: Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle and Martyr (Patron of architects, builders, geometricians, construction workers, people in doubt, the blind, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, stone masons, theologians) a courageous disciple whose journey from doubt to unwavering faith has inspired Christians for centuries. We also commemorate Saint Leo II, Pope (Patron of music scholars, sacred musicians, and defenders of orthodoxy), a humble servant of the Church known for his clarity in doctrine and pastoral charity, and Saint Heliodorus of Altinum, Bishop (Patron of bishops, converts, and those defending the faith), a wise and prayerful companion of Saint Jerome who defended the faith in difficult times. United under the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the intercession of these holy men, we lift our prayers today for the sick and the dying especially those battling terminal illness and eye-related conditions. We pray for architects, builders, and all who construct the foundations of society both physically and spiritually. May there be justice for the oppressed, unity in our families, peace in our communities, and strength for the Church and her ministers. Through the witness of these saints, may we, too, rise from our weakness into firm, enduring faith. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 3rd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Thomas the Apostle, Saint Leo II, and Saint Heliodorus of Altinum | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-3rd/ )
SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR: Saint Thomas, also called Didymus (“the Twin”), was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection until he saw and touched the wounds of Christ, earning him the name “Doubting Thomas.” Yet this same Thomas made one of the strongest declarations of faith in the New Testament when he proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). His honesty in doubt became the path to a deeper belief, and his transformation speaks to all of us who struggle to believe.
Thomas’s courage and devotion are also evident earlier in the Gospels. When Jesus decided to go to Bethany, where danger awaited, Thomas declared, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16). At the Last Supper, his honest questioning opened the way for Jesus to reveal, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). After Pentecost, tradition holds that Thomas traveled east, bringing the Gospel to the Parthians, Persians, and finally to India. There, he established Christian communities that remain to this day. He is believed to have built churches with his own hands and converted many through miracles and preaching. He was ultimately martyred by spearing at Calamine in 72 A.D.
Saint Thomas is honored as the Apostle of India and is the patron saint of architects, builders, stone masons, people in doubt, the blind, and many nations across Asia. His feast reminds us that faith, even when born through questions, can lead to heroic witness.
PRAYER: O God, who strengthened Saint Thomas in his faith after he touched the wounds of Your Son, grant that we who have not seen may still believe and confess Jesus as Lord and God. May the intercession of Saint Thomas inspire in us a bold faith and unwavering hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT LEO II, POPE: Pope Saint Leo II (611–683) served as Bishop of Rome for only ten months, but his papacy was marked by clarity, compassion, and reform. Born in Sicily, he was a man of learning, well-versed in both Greek and Latin, and a gifted musician who refined the Gregorian chant and composed new hymns. His fluency in languages allowed him to translate key documents from the Sixth Ecumenical Council, making its teachings accessible to the Western Church. He is especially remembered for his decisive stance against the Monothelite heresy, affirming the full humanity and divinity of Christ and calling out doctrinal failure even in a previous pope. His integrity, humility, and love for the poor made him a model of apostolic leadership. Though his time as pope was brief, Saint Leo II’s impact continues to resonate.
PRAYER: Loving God, You called Pope Saint Leo II to serve Your Church with wisdom and truth. Through his intercession, guide our leaders in faith and charity, and strengthen us in sound doctrine and joyful worship. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT HELIODORUS OF ALTINUM, BISHOP: Saint Heliodorus (c. 332–390 A.D.) was born in Dalmatia and became a close friend and spiritual disciple of Saint Jerome. Though he once desired the life of a desert hermit, God had a different mission for him. After traveling to the Holy Land with Jerome, Heliodorus returned home out of love for his aging parents. Jerome encouraged him to detach from worldly ties and pursue full service to God. Heliodorus eventually became Bishop of Altinum, near Venice, where he was known for his piety, pastoral wisdom, and defense of the Church against Arianism. He participated in the Council of Aquileia in 381 and lived a life that blended monastic fervor with episcopal responsibility. Saint Jerome praised him as a bishop who lived his vocation with the same zeal as a monk. His life testifies to the beauty of obedient service and spiritual friendship.
PRAYER: God of all wisdom, You raised up Saint Heliodorus as a shepherd to defend Your Church and nourish Your flock. Grant us his spirit of devotion and courage, that we may stand firm in faith and serve You with undivided hearts. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Thomas the Apostle, Saint Leo II, and Saint Heliodorus of Altinum ~ 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: On this Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, we pray that our moments of doubt may become doorways to deeper faith, just as Thomas came to declare, “My Lord and my God.” May those struggling with disbelief, fear, or spiritual dryness be strengthened by Christ’s mercy and encounter Him anew in their hearts. Through the intercession of Saint Leo II and Saint Heliodorus, we pray for all who lead and defend the Church, especially in times of confusion, heresy, or suffering. We lift up all those facing terminal illness, especially those with diseases of the eyes and body, that the Lord may bring comfort and healing. We remember architects, builders, and all who shape the world with their hands and their vision. May families divided by doubt or misunderstanding find peace and reconciliation in the presence of Christ. May our Church, our clergy, and all the faithful be built ever more firmly upon the foundation of the apostles, with Christ as our cornerstone.
LET US PRAY
My most generous Lord, You pour forth Your blessings upon others, day and night. As I see those blessings, help me to overcome all temptations toward envy so that I may rejoice in Your grace given to all. You are my Lord and my God, and I thank You for every way that You bless my life and the lives of those around me. Fill me with a deeper gratitude, dear Lord, for every grace and blessing I see every day, especially those graces not given directly to me. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, You revealed Yourself to the doubting heart of Thomas with patience and love. In our own struggles and questions, draw near to us and speak peace to our souls. Build us into Your holy dwelling, a people united in faith and truth. May we, like Thomas, come to believe not only in what we see, but in the mystery of Your presence in every moment of our lives. Strengthen the sick, console the grieving, guide the shepherds of Your Church, and give us the grace to proclaim, in word and deed, “My Lord and my God.” Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Thomas the Apostle, Saint Leo II, and Saint Heliodorus of Altinum ~ 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 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, and grace-filled Thursday 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