TUESDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 17, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT, SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI; AND SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP AND SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-17th/ )

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | June 17, 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-105/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday of the Eleventh week in ordinary time.

We thank God for the gift of life and, we lift up in prayer all who celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all those marking special milestones in June. May the Lord bless and favor them abundantly, guide their steps, and grant them joy, peace, and good health of body and mind. 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🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time | Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 8:1–9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:2, 5–6ab, 6c–7, 8–9a
Gospel: Matthew 5:43–48

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:43–48

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

In todays Gospel reading, Jesus calls on us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. We would be tempted to say, ‘Surely, it is not humanly possible to love your enemies and to intercede in prayer for those who persecute us’. Jesus rounds off that teaching by calling on us to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Again we would be tempted to ask, ‘how can we be as perfect as God? Surely it is unreasonable to expect that of us?’ We might be so taken aback by the challenging call that we could miss the fact that Jesus is saying something very important about God there. He is saying that God does not discriminate between friend and foe, that God loves those who dishonour him as much as those who honour him. The only human life which fully reflected such divine love was the life of Jesus. Yet, Jesus clearly believes that the lives of His disciples can and must reflect something of that same love of God which makes no distinctions between friend and foe. For that to happen, we need the help of the Holy Spirit, as the feast of Pentecost reminded us. We need to keep on praying, ‘Come, Holy Spirit…’

Reflecting further on the Gospel reading, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount with a radical teaching one that turns conventional wisdom on its head. The call to love one’s neighbor was already well-established in Jewish law, but the common understanding also allowed for hatred toward one’s enemies. Jesus offers a deeper, divine perspective: we are to love even those who oppose us. Why? Because this is the very nature of God. The Father allows His sun to shine and His rain to fall on both the good and the wicked. As His children, we are called to reflect that same boundless mercy and unconditional love. To “love your enemies” is not simply a poetic ideal; it is a command rooted in the heart of God. Jesus is inviting His followers into a new way of being where grace supersedes vengeance, and forgiveness replaces bitterness. Loving those who hurt us does not mean tolerating abuse or injustice, but it does call us to pray for their conversion and to free ourselves from hatred. In doing so, we imitate the perfection of our heavenly Father, whose love is impartial, restorative, and just.

In the First Reading, Saint Paul highlights the incredible generosity of the Macedonian churches, whose deep poverty did not hinder them from giving joyfully and beyond their means. Their secret? They first gave themselves to the Lord. From that surrender flowed a spirit of sacrificial giving. Paul challenges the Corinthians and us to examine the sincerity of our love through our actions, especially in service to others. He reminds us of Christ’s own self-giving: though rich, He became poor for our sake. This passage is a powerful reminder that generosity is not about material abundance, but spiritual abundance. Even in affliction, we can be generous with our time, attention, and love. When our lives are rooted in the grace of God, we find joy in giving, just as Christ gave Himself completely for us. Christian charity is not just about sharing wealth it is about sharing life, faith, and hope with others.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “Praise the Lord, my soul!” this joyful refrain echoes throughout the Psalm as a call to trust in God, who alone is faithful and just. The psalmist beautifully portrays God’s character: He feeds the hungry, frees captives, lifts the lowly, and protects the stranger. The Lord is not distant He is actively involved in restoring dignity, defending the oppressed, and providing for His people. In a world filled with broken promises and human limitations, this Psalm reminds us to place our hope in the Lord. He is not just the Creator of heaven and earth He is the Sustainer of our lives. Praising God is more than a verbal expression; it is a way of life that flows from trust, gratitude, and confidence in His goodness.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I truly loving only those who are easy to love, or am I accepting Jesus’ challenge to love those who may hurt or misunderstand me? How often do I pray for those who have wronged me? Is my love for others marked by sacrifice, generosity, and grace? Like the Macedonians, do I give of myself first to God, or do I hold back in fear or comfort? In what ways can I mirror God’s impartial love today in my home, community, and even toward strangers? Let us go forth today as true children of our heavenly Father loving not just those who are easy to love, but even those who challenge us. May our generosity reflect the heart of Christ, and may our prayers extend to all, especially our enemies. In doing so, we become living signs of God’s perfect love in a broken world. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, Your love knows no bounds and Your mercy extends to all people. Teach me to love as You love not selectively, but universally, including those who are difficult to love. Grant me the grace to forgive and the strength to serve others generously, even in my own moments of weakness. May I always trust in Your justice and walk humbly in Your ways, reflecting Your perfection in how I live and how I love. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT, SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI; AND SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP AND SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS ~ FEAST DAY: JUNE 17TH: Today, Holy Mother Church commemorates four faithful servants of God whose lives embodied humility, sacrifice, and holy courage: Saint Harvey, Abbot (Patron of the blind, bards, and musicians), Saint Albert Chmielowski, Priest (Patron of painters and the poor), Saint Avitus, Bishop (Protector against heresies and defender of the poor), and Saint Emily de Vialar, Religious (Patron of single women). Through their powerful intercession and the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we offer prayers today for the sick and suffering, especially those battling terminal illness or cancer; for the poor and homeless; for peace and unity in our families and communities; for the conversion of sinners; and for the sanctification of the clergy and religious. May their example inspire us to live with deeper faith, charity, and devotion to Christ and His Church. Amen. 🙏🏽

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | June 17th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-june-17th/ )

SAINT HARVEY, ABBOT: Born blind in sixth-century Brittany, Saint Harvey (also known as Hervé or Houarniaule) became one of the most beloved figures in Breton Christian folklore. Raised by holy mentors after his father’s death and his mother’s withdrawal into religious solitude, Harvey grew in wisdom and holiness despite his disability. He chose a life of humility and service first as a hermit and later as an abbot. Renowned for his gift of healing, miraculous compassion for animals, and musical gifts as a bard, he refused ordination, accepting only to be made an exorcist. According to legend, he once preached to a wolf that had eaten his ox, leading the wolf to repentance and service plowing Harvey’s fields. A spiritual father to many, he defended truth, condemned tyranny, and led his community with simplicity and holiness until his death in 556 A.D.

PRAYER: Saint Harvey, gentle minstrel of the Lord and healer of both souls and beasts, intercede for those who live with blindness whether physical or spiritual. May we imitate your trust in God’s providence, your humility, and your joyful surrender. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT ALBERT CHMIELOWSKI, PRIEST: Born Adam Chmielowski in 1845 in Poland, Saint Albert was a gifted artist, a patriotic freedom fighter, and a compassionate soul whose life was forever changed by suffering and divine calling. After losing a leg in an uprising against Russian occupation, he devoted himself to painting, gaining acclaim in European art circles. Yet the plight of the poor stirred his soul more deeply than artistic success. He gave up everything, became a Third Order Franciscan, and founded the Albertine Brothers and Sisters—servants of the destitute. Clothed in humility and love, he fed, sheltered, and cared for the homeless and dying, trusting in divine providence. His life had a profound impact on the young Karol Wojtyla (future Saint Pope John Paul II), who would later canonize him in 1989.

PRAYER: Saint Albert Chmielowski, who saw Christ in the suffering and chose poverty to lift others, pray for us. May we learn to serve selflessly, create beauty with love, and see the face of Jesus in every poor person we meet. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT AVITUS, BISHOP: Saint Avitus of Orleans (d. c. 530 A.D.) was a monk, abbot, and later bishop renowned for his deep charity, wisdom, and miracles. Born into poverty, he entered the monastery of Micy where he lived in great austerity, giving much of his food to the poor. After a time of solitude and prayer, he was called back to serve as abbot and later consecrated bishop. Avitus fiercely opposed the Arian heresy and defended the Church’s teachings with gentleness and conviction. His life was marked by miraculous healings including restoring speech to a mute herdsman and raising a dead monk to life. He confronted kings and urged mercy, and his intercession led to divine justice. After his death, King Childebert built a grand church over his tomb in gratitude.

PRAYER: Saint Avitus, faithful shepherd and defender of truth, pray for our bishops and all who shepherd souls. May we, like you, serve with courage, charity, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT EMILY DE VIALAR, RELIGIOUS: Born in post-revolutionary France in 1797, Saint Emily de Vialar grew up with deep faith amidst hostility toward the Church. Baptized in secret, she rejected the comfort of aristocracy to serve the sick, poor, and uneducated. Defying her father’s plans for marriage, she privately consecrated herself to God. After inheriting wealth, she used it to found the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition, whose mission was to serve the sick and teach the young. Emily and her sisters opened over 40 houses across Europe, Asia, and Africa within her lifetime. Despite persecution, slander, and internal trials, she remained steadfast, trusting wholly in God. Four years after her death in 1856, her body was found incorrupt a sign of divine favor and sanctity.

PRAYER: Saint Emily de Vialar, faithful daughter of the Church, courageous servant of the poor, pray for single women, religious, and all who long to serve God’s people. May your life remind us to be bold in charity and persevering in faith. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS:

Watch “Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Families | Live from the Vatican | June 1, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/holy-mass-and-regina-caeli/ | Live from St. Peter’s Square: Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, followed by the Regina Caeli prayer.

We continue to pray for all families, for the safety and well-being of all families, children, parents, grandparents, and the elderly. May the good Lord keep them all in good health of body and mind. Amen 🙏🏽

THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER

JESUS , Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

MARY , Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.

JOSEPH , Foster-father to Jesus, guardian, and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH , make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR FAMILIES

God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen 🙏🏽

A PRAYER FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV

Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him wisdom, courage, and humility as he leads the Church in truth and love. May the Holy Spirit guide his every word and action, and may he be a bridge of unity for all nations. Through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, strengthen him in his mission to proclaim Christ to the world. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter. Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him. Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven. Grant him wisdom to discern Your will, Courage to fulfill it, And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ. In this time of transition, Bring peace to troubled hearts, Joy to those who suffer, And hope to the despairing. May he be a faithful successor to Peter, A humble servant of Your Word, And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth. Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit, That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity. We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, And to the prayers of all the saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽

May the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV as he shepherds the faithful, and may his pontificate be a source of renewal and unity for the Church. Amen 🙏🏽

MEET THE NEW POPE: Pope Leo XIV | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-st-peters-square-white-smoke-habemus-papam/

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS: With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽

Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/

On this special feast day, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the sick and dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, especially for our Holy Father, POPE FRANCIS, all those who died today, and 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 and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13

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 and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽

Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/

Watch “HOLY MASS ON THE JUBILEE OF THE SICK AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS | Presided by H.E. Most Rev. Rino Fisichella | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 6, 2025” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/06/holy-mass-on-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-and-healthcare-workers/

Watch ” Pentecost Holy Mass and Regina Caeli | Presided over by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Association and New Communities | Live from the Vatican | June 8, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-from-the-vatican-pope-leo-xivs-pentecost-mass-and-regina-caeli/

Live from St. Peter’s Square, the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost presided over by Pope Leo XIV, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities. Following the Mass, the Holy Father led the Regina Caeli prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the whole Church as the Easter season concludes.

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/

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/

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE: That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JUNE | MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a powerful sign of Christ’s love and mercy. His Heart, pierced and crowned with thorns, burns with compassion for all humanity. This devotion calls us to return love for love to console His Heart and make reparation for sin and indifference. Rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Church invites us this month to deepen our trust in Jesus, especially through First Friday devotions, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and acts of consecration. His words echo in our hearts: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).

The Sacred Heart shows us what true love looks like patient, humble, and self-giving. In a world often cold and restless, we find peace and healing in His Heart.

“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.”

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, teach us to love as You love. Fill our hearts with compassion, mercy, and a deep desire to follow You. Amen. 🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this day, as we honor the lives and virtues of Saint Harvey, Saint Albert Chmielowski, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily de Vialar, we lift up in prayer all those who serve the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. May their example inspire us to love beyond boundaries, forgive generously, and serve humbly. We pray for the blind and visually impaired, for artists and musicians, for the homeless and abandoned, and for all who dedicate their lives to healing, teaching, and acts of mercy. We also remember those suffering from eye diseases, cancer, terminal illnesses, and those nearing death that they may find comfort in God’s presence. We ask for healing and peace in our families and communities, for the strength to love even our enemies, and for the grace to overcome hatred with charity. May persecuted Christians be consoled, sinners be converted, and the hearts of all clergy, especially priests, be renewed with the fire of divine love.

LET US PRAY

My Lord of abundant mercy, Your command to pray for those who persecute me was first lived by You to perfection. You prayed for those who crucified You as You hung upon the Cross. Give me the grace I need to not only forgive but to also pray for those who have and continue to try to inflict harm upon me. Give me a heart so filled with mercy that every sin committed against me is transformed into love and my own holiness of life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You call us to be perfect as You are perfect, not by our own strength, but by the grace that comes from Christ, who became poor so that we might become rich in Your mercy. As we reflect on the Gospel call to love our enemies and do good without counting the cost, we ask for hearts wide enough to embrace both friend and foe. Through the intercession of Saint Harvey, teach us to trust in Your strength in the face of weakness. Through Saint Albert Chmielowski, inspire us to serve the poor with compassion and creativity. Through Saint Avitus, grant us the courage to uphold the truth and protect the faith. Through Saint Emily de Vialar, ignite in us a fervor for charity and education. May their prayers help us become instruments of Your peace and vessels of Your transforming love. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Harvey, Saint Albert, Saint Avitus, and Saint Emily ~ 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 week 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 start to Ordinary Time, and a peaceful 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