WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 23, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, RELIGIOUS, AND SAINT LIBORIUS, BISHOP | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Liborius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-23rd/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 23, 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-137/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today is Wednesday 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, Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings | Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 23, 2025
First Reading: Exodus 16:1–5, 9–15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 78:18–19, 23–24, 25–26, 27–28
Gospel: Matthew 13:1–9

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 13:1–9

“A sower went out to sow; The seed produced grain a hundredfold”

“On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the crowd about the parable of the Sower and the Seed. He describes how the Word of God is scattered like seed, falling on different types of soil: the path, the rocky ground, among thorns, and finally on rich, fertile ground. Only the seed that falls on good soil takes root and bears abundant fruit, thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold. When Jesus saw the farmer going out to sow seeds, it reminded Him of the way God was at work in His ministry. Jesus noticed that the farmer scattered the seed with abandon, almost recklessly, not knowing what kind of soil it would fall on. Inevitably, a great deal of the seed that was scattered was lost; it never germinated. Yet, some of the seed fell on good soil and produced an extraordinary harvest. In what way would this scene have spoken to Jesus about His ministry? God was scattering the seed of His life-giving word through Jesus’ ministry. Through Jesus, God wanted to touch the lives of everyone, regardless of how they were perceived by others or even by themselves. God gave the most unlikely places the opportunity of receiving the life-giving seed of His word. There was nothing selective about Jesus’ company. Jesus once spoke of God as making His sun to rise on the evil and on the good. This was the God that Jesus revealed in His own ministry. As with the farmer in the parable, much of what Jesus scattered was lost; it met with little or no response. Indeed, His gracious word often met with hostility. Yet, Jesus knew that some people were receiving the seed of his word, and that would be enough to bring about the harvest of God’s kingdom. Jesus may have been speaking a word of encouragement to His disciples, saying to them, ‘Despite all the setbacks, the opposition and hostility, God is at work and that work will lead to something wonderful’. In other words, ‘the seed is good and powerful. Whatever the odds against us, we must keep sowing’. This parable invites us to examine the “soil” of our own hearts. Have we become hardened like the path, distracted like rocky ground, or choked by the thorns of anxiety, sin, or worldly attachments? Or are we cultivating a heart that is ready to receive God’s Word patient, humble, and open?

Reflecting on the first reading, in the desert of Sin, the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron, longing for the comfort of Egypt, even though it meant slavery. In their hunger, they forget God’s saving power and accuse Moses of leading them to die of famine. But God, in His mercy, responds not with anger but with provision: bread from heaven and quail in the evening. This scene reflects a common human temptation to long for what is familiar, even when it enslaves us, rather than trust God in the wilderness. God provides for His people’s needs daily, but He also tests their faith. Will they trust Him? Will we?

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.”
This psalm recalls the generosity of God who opened the heavens and rained down manna bread of angels for His people. Even when they doubted and complained, He responded with providence. It’s a reminder that God is both just and merciful, even when our faith wavers.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, it speak of God’s generous love and our readiness to receive it. The Israelites received literal bread from Heaven, while Jesus sows the spiritual seed of His Word. But in both cases, the message is clear God provides, and He invites our trust. The challenge is not whether God is speaking or providing, the real question is: Are we listening? Are we open? Let us ask ourselves: What kind of soil is my heart today? Where have I doubted God’s provision or plan in times of dryness? Do I seek the Lord only in comfort, or do I trust Him in the desert too? What needs to be cleared rocks, thorns, noise for God’s Word to take root? Are we too distracted or hardened to recognize the gifts He gives? Like the Israelites, we may grumble in the desert seasons of life. Like the rocky soil, we may hear God’s Word but lack depth. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as He continues to rain down manna, and Jesus continues to sow the seed. 🙏🏽

Lord God, You fed Your people in the desert and You feed us now through the Word of Your Son. Help us to trust You even in times of hunger, silence, and uncertainty. Prepare the soil of our hearts to receive Your Word with faith and perseverance. Remove whatever chokes or hardens us. May Your Word take deep root in us and bear fruit in our lives fruit of love, faith, and joyful obedience. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, RELIGIOUS, AND SAINT LIBORIUS, BISHOP ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 23RD: Today, the Church honors two holy witnesses whose lives radiated deep love for Christ and His people: Saint Bridget of Sweden (Patroness of Europe, Sweden, widows, and those who suffer from illness or loss) a mystic, mother, and foundress who courageously followed the voice of Christ and offered her life for the reform of the Church and Saint Liborius (Patron of peace among peoples and invoked against gallstones, fever, and colic) a 4th-century bishop renowned for his pastoral care, missionary zeal, and healing intercession.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Bridget, and Saint Liborius, we lift up in prayer today all widows, mothers, and those navigating the pain of loss or illness especially those suffering from cancer, gallstones, or terminal diseases. We pray for unity and healing in our families and communities, for peace in divided regions, and for strength and renewal in the Church and her clergy. May these saints remind us that holiness is found not only in mystical visions or great deeds, but in daily fidelity, courageous love, and enduring trust in God’s providence. 🙏🏽

Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | 23rd https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Liborius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-23rd/)

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, RELIGIOUS: Born in 1303 into a noble Swedish family, Saint Bridget was known from childhood for her deep devotion to Christ, especially His Passion. At the age of ten, she had a vivid vision of Jesus on the Cross, which pierced her heart and became the foundation of her lifelong prayer and mission. Married at sixteen to Prince Ulfo of Nericia, she raised eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden, while leading a life of holiness, charity, and hospitality. After her husband’s death, Bridget renounced her royal status, lived in austerity, and founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Bridgettines) under divine inspiration.

Called by God, she journeyed to Rome and later to the Holy Land, interceding tirelessly for the reform of the Church and the renewal of Christian life. She received numerous mystical revelations, particularly concerning the sufferings of Christ and the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These were compiled as the Revelations of Saint Bridget, still spiritually rich and widely read today. Saint Bridget died in Rome in 1373 and was canonized in 1391. In 1999, Pope John Paul II named her co-patroness of Europe, honoring her role in uniting faith and charity amid political and ecclesial turmoil.

“True wisdom consists in works, not in great talents, which the world admires. The wise in the world’s estimation are often those who set aside the will of God.” – Saint Bridget of Sweden

PRAYER: O God, You revealed heavenly secrets to Saint Bridget as she meditated on the Passion of Your Son. Grant that we, Your servants, may imitate her devotion and one day rejoice with her in eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT LIBORIUS, BISHOP: Saint Liborius was a 4th-century bishop of Le Mans, France, and a faithful friend of Saint Martin of Tours. For 49 years, he led his diocese with zeal, ordaining hundreds of clergy and spreading the Gospel across Gaul. Known for his tireless pastoral care and peaceful demeanor, he built churches, preached with clarity, and served the sick with compassion. Miraculous healings particularly of those suffering from gallstones and related ailments were attributed to his intercession, leading to his veneration as a healer.

After his death in 397 AD, devotion to Saint Liborius flourished, especially in Paderborn, Germany, where his relics were enshrined in the 9th century. The friendship between Le Mans and Paderborn remains a symbol of ecclesial unity and peace his patronage includes reconciliation among peoples and peace in divided regions. His feast is celebrated annually with the Libori Festival, a week-long celebration in Paderborn that draws pilgrims from around the world.

PRAYER: O God of peace and healing, You raised up Saint Liborius to shepherd Your flock with wisdom and charity. Grant that through his prayers, we may be healed in body and soul and work for unity and peace in our world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Liborius ~ 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: Heavenly Father, in the spirit of today’s Gospel, we pray that the seeds of Your Word may fall on fertile ground in our hearts and in the hearts of all who hear it. May the example of Saint Bridget of Sweden inspire us to seek You with unwavering devotion, even amid suffering, uncertainty, or loss. We also ask through the intercession of Saint Liborius, for healing especially for those suffering from physical ailments or inner afflictions and for unity among peoples and peace in divided communities. Lord, nourish us with the true bread from heaven, as You did the Israelites in the desert, and grant us the grace to be receptive to Your voice, trust in Your daily provision, and bear fruit in holiness through our lives.

LET US PRAY

My teaching Lord, You desire to speak to me and to reveal to me all that You are. Help me to hear Your Voice so that I will come to know You more. Make my heart truly fertile soil in which the seed of Your Word is sown, so that You can produce within me an abundance of good fruit. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

O God, who nourished Your people with manna in the wilderness and who sow Your Word generously in every age, grant that we may not harden our hearts but receive Your grace with open minds and willing spirits. Through the prayers of Saint Bridget, who followed Christ with mystical faith and tireless love, and Saint Liborius, who led with gentleness and healing, help us to walk in holiness, trust in Your providence, and bear fruit that endures for eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Bridget of Sweden, and Saint Liborius ~ 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 Wednesday 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 | 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