MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHARBEL (SHARBEL) MAKHLOŪF, PRIEST AND HERMIT; SAINT CHRISTINA OF BOLSENA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT CHRISTINA THE ASTONISHING|

THURSDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 24, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHARBEL (SHARBEL) MAKHLOŪF, PRIEST AND HERMIT; SAINT CHRISTINA OF BOLSENA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT CHRISTINA THE ASTONISHING| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Saint Christina of Bolsena, and Saint Christina the Astonishing| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-24th/ )

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 24, 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-138/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today is Thursday 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🙏🏽

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

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 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 🙏🏽

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 24, 2025
Reading 1: Exodus 19:1–2, 9–11, 16–20b
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Gospel: Matthew 13:10–17

Gospel Reading Mathew13:10–17

“Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear”

“The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:
You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them.
“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of looking without seeing and of listening without hearing. We can all relate to what Jesus says there. We know from our own experience that we listen without hearing and look without seeing. Sometimes what is being said is not worth hearing and so we listen without paying attention, and what is visible is not really worth looking at with any attention. However, Jesus was speaking about those who look at Himself without seeing him and who listen to what He says without hearing Him. When it comes to Jesus there is a lot to be seen and a lot to be heard. Jesus is worth more than a cursory look and a half-engaged listen. The more carefully we look at Jesus the more we will see, and the more attentively we listen to him, the more we will hear. That is what Jesus means in the Gospel reading when He says, ‘for anyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough’. The more we attend to the Lord, the more we will receive and the more blessed we will be. As Jesus declares at the end of the reading, ‘Happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear’. Jesus is alive among us as risen Lord; he is there to be seen and to be heard by us all. We hear and see him in a special sense whenever we gather to celebrate the Eucharist. Yet, the Lord is to be seen and heard in many other ways as well. He is visible and audible to us in and through each other, especially in and through those who are most vulnerable. We pray for eyes to see and ears to hear His presence among us.

Reflecting on the first reading, at Mount Sinai, the people of Israel witness the awesome presence of God: thunder, lightning, smoke, and a trembling mountain. This powerful theophany is not meant to frighten, but to inspire reverence and readiness for encounter. God calls His people to sanctify themselves, to prepare their hearts for His presence. In our own journey, God continues to call us to holiness to be set apart, to “wash our garments” spiritually, and to be ready for His coming, not in smoke and thunder, but in grace and truth. Our preparation makes room for divine encounter.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the canticle from Daniel bursts forth in a symphony of praise. “Glory and praise forever!” is the song of those who recognize God’s majesty in creation, in heaven, and in every sacred space. In times of awe, like the people at Sinai, or in quiet moments of faith, our hearts should echo this praise glorifying God not only with words but with our lives.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel remind us of the deep privilege and responsibility that comes with faith. He tells the disciples that they are blessed not because they are clever or worthy on their own but because their hearts are open to receive the mysteries of the Kingdom. This is a profound invitation to cultivate spiritual attentiveness, to not merely hear but listen, not just see but perceive. Many around Jesus saw His miracles and heard His teaching but remained unchanged because their hearts were closed. Today, Jesus challenges us to guard against spiritual complacency and to embrace the grace given to us to allow His Word to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. Do I truly listen to God’s Word with openness, or do I let it pass by me? Have I taken for granted the great gift of hearing the Gospel? In what ways am I being called to prepare myself to encounter God more deeply perhaps through prayer, reconciliation, or spiritual renewal? Let us not harden our hearts or close our eyes to God’s Word. Instead, let us live with spiritual attentiveness, ready to hear, to see, and to respond with faith and obedience. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and as the good Lord is near may we be ready to meet Him with hearts made pure by His grace.🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You have granted us the grace to see, hear, and understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. Help us to never take this gift for granted. Open our hearts each day to Your truth, that we may be changed and renewed. As You called the Israelites to prepare to meet You, so now call us to deeper holiness. May we live in praise of Your name and walk always in reverence of Your presence. Amen. 🙏🏾

MEMORIAL OF SAINT CHARBEL (SHARBEL) MAKHLOŪF, PRIEST AND HERMIT; SAINT CHRISTINA OF BOLSENA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR AND SAINT CHRISTINA THE ASTONISHING ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 24TH: Today, the Church honors Saint Charbel Makhlouf (Patron of Lebanon and the sick), Saint Christina of Bolsena (Patroness of millers and the mentally ill), and Saint Christina the Astonishing (Patroness of those with mental illness and caregivers). These holy souls remind us that deep faith can flourish through suffering, silence, and love for God. Through their intercession and that of Our Blessed Mother, we pray for all battling mental illness, those in emotional pain, and the professionals who care for them. We also lift up the sick and dying, especially those with cancer, and pray for families, the Church, and all seeking healing and hope. 🙏🏽

Saint (s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | 24th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Saint Christina of Bolsena, and Saint Christina the Astonishing| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-24th/ )

SAINT CHARBEL MAKHLOUF (1828–1898): Born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf in the mountains of Lebanon, Saint Charbel entered monastic life at age 23 and later embraced the eremitical life for over two decades. Deeply devoted to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary, he lived in silence, poverty, and intense prayer. After his death on Christmas Eve in 1898, many miracles were reported at his tomb, earning him the title “Miracle Monk of Lebanon.” Canonized in 1977, he is the Patron Saint of Lebanon and a model of contemplative holiness.

PRAYER: O God, who called Saint Charbel to a life of solitude and prayer, grant us through his intercession the grace to imitate his deep love for You and for the Eucharist. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT CHRISTINA OF BOLSENA (3rd century): A noble virgin who destroyed her father’s pagan idols, Saint Christina endured beatings, fire, snakes, and torture with heroic endurance. An angel saved her from drowning, and she ultimately gave her life for Christ after surviving many trials. Her relics now rest in Palermo, Sicily.

PRAYER: O Virgin and Martyr Christina, strengthen us to defend our faith with courage. Intercede for the sick, the persecuted, and those in spiritual danger. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT CHRISTINA THE ASTONISHING (1150–1224): Declared dead at 21, she stunned her mourners by rising at her funeral, claiming to have visited heaven, hell, and purgatory. Choosing to return and suffer for souls in purgatory, she lived a life of extreme penance. Misunderstood by many, she became a patron for those with mental illness and a witness to God’s mysterious mercy.

PRAYER: Saint Christina the Astonishing, help us embrace suffering with redemptive purpose. Pray for all afflicted in mind and spirit. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Saint Christina of Bolsena, and Saint Christina the Astonishing ~ 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 reflect on God’s holy presence descending upon Mount Sinai and the gift of spiritual insight given to those who truly seek Him, we lift up our hearts in prayer. May we, like the saints we honor today Saint Charbel, Saint Christina of Bolsena, and Saint Christina the Astonishing grow in purity of heart, spiritual attentiveness, and unwavering trust in God. We pray for those suffering in silence, especially the mentally ill, the lonely, the misunderstood, and the dying. May God’s voice break through their darkness as it did on Sinai. We remember all caregivers, counselors, and healers, asking the Lord to bless their compassion and strength. We intercede for our families, the Church, and all those whose hearts have grown weary or closed. May they be healed, converted, and filled with the light of Christ.

LET US PRAY

My blessed Lord, Your divine presence in our world today is beyond imagination. You come to me in countless ways and desire to dwell within me, uniting Yourself to me so as to become one with me. I say “Yes” to this gift of Your grace, and I welcome You more fully into my heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, who revealed Your glory in thunder, cloud, and fire, and who still speaks today in the stillness of our hearts open our eyes to see You, our ears to hear You, and our hearts to welcome You. Through the intercession of Saints Charbel, Christina of Bolsena, and Christina the Astonishing, strengthen all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit. Give us the courage to embrace the mysteries of faith and the grace to persevere in holiness. Heal our world, purify Your Church, and draw all souls to the mountain of Your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Saint Christina of Bolsena, and Saint Christina the Astonishing ~ 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 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