SATURDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 12, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN GUALBERT, ABBOT; SAINT VERONICA; SAINTS LOUIS AND ZELIE MARTIN AND SAINTS NABOR AND FELIX, MARTYRS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Gualbert, Saint Veronica, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, and Saints Nabor and Felix | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-12th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 12, 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-126/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time! We give thanks to God for the gift of life and the grace to see a new 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🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS: We join our prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for the victims of natural disasters which have brought destruction and disaster to so many countless lives. We particularly pray for the victims of the recent flooding in Central Texas, may God restore what was lost and console all those who are grieving, injured, or have lost loved ones. Eternal rest grant unto those who lost their lives and let perpetual light shine upon them. 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, Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 12, 2025
Reading 1: Genesis 49:29–32; 50:15–26a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:1–2, 3–4, 6–7
Gospel: Matthew 10:24–33
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 10:24–33
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
“Jesus said to His Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks to His Apostles as He continues preparing them for mission, warning them that opposition and persecution are part of discipleship. Just as the Master was called Beelzebul, so too will His followers be slandered. Yet amid this sobering truth, Jesus offers profound reassurance: “Do not be afraid.” He reminds them and us that no suffering, no insult, no danger can separate us from God’s care. Even sparrows, sold for almost nothing, are known and watched by the Father. If God cares so deeply for the smallest of creatures, how much more does He care for us, His beloved children? Jesus instructs His disciples to proclaim the truth boldly, with courage and clarity. What is spoken in secret is meant to be shared from the rooftops. He calls them to fearless witness not to be silenced by fear of those who can harm the body, but to remain aware of the One who holds both body and soul. This Gospel is a call to holy boldness. In our world today, we too face the temptation to be silent or to compromise our faith for the sake of comfort or acceptance. But Christ calls us to witness publicly, joyfully, and without shame because He promises to acknowledge us before the Father if we acknowledge Him before others.
In today’s first reading, Joseph’s story comes full circle. With the passing of Jacob, the patriarchal line begins to close but not without tension. Joseph’s brothers fear revenge, still weighed down by the guilt of having sold him into slavery. They fabricate a plea for mercy from their deceased father, hoping to protect themselves from what they believe is Joseph’s rightful anger. But Joseph’s response reveals a heart transformed by grace: “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good.” Joseph doesn’t deny the pain he endured, but he sees it through the lens of divine providence. He forgives freely and reassures his brothers, extending mercy and compassion. He echoes a truth we all need to learn: God’s redemptive plan can work through betrayal, suffering, and injustice. Joseph became the means of salvation not just for his family, but for many, because he trusted God’s greater purpose.
The psalm today invites us into praise and remembrance: “Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!” It reminds us to recall God’s mighty works throughout history His faithfulness, His strength, and His just judgments. We are descendants of His covenant, and like Joseph, called to trust that God is at work even in our trials. This Psalm encourages us to rejoice, not because life is easy, but because God is with us and His promises endure. In every hardship, we can look to the Lord and seek to serve Him constantly.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to ponder on the Scriptures. Am I proclaiming my faith boldly and without fear, even when it’s unpopular or uncomfortable? Do I truly believe that God sees and values me in every detail even down to the number of hairs on my head? Have I allowed past hurts to define me, or have I, like Joseph, opened my heart to see how God might be working through them for good? What areas of my life require the courage to forgive and release others from guilt? Am I allowing fear to silence my witness, or do I trust Jesus enough to speak His name with love and confidence? Let us go forth today remembering our worth in the eyes of God. He who watches over the sparrow watches over us. May we live with courage, proclaim truth with clarity, and forgive with grace. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and in our struggles and in our victories, let our lives be a testimony that God is near, that His Kingdom is here, and that His love endures forever. 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are seen, known, and loved beyond measure. Help us to live without fear, trusting in Your care and providence. Give us boldness to proclaim the truth of Your Kingdom, even when it costs us comfort or reputation. Teach us to forgive like Joseph, to rejoice like the lowly, and to bear witness to Christ with humility and courage. May our lives proclaim Your love in both word and action, now and always. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN GUALBERT, ABBOT; SAINT VERONICA; SAINTS LOUIS AND ZELIE MARTIN AND SAINTS NABOR AND FELIX, MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 12TH: Today, we honor a diverse communion of saints whose lives reflected mercy, forgiveness, familial love, and courageous martyrdom: Saint John Gualbert, Abbot (Patron of foresters and park rangers); Saint Veronica (Patroness of photographers and laundry workers); Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, a holy married couple and parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Patrons of married couples and parents); and Saints Nabor and Felix, Martyrs (early soldier-martyrs of the Church). Through their intercession and the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift our prayers today for married couples and families experiencing hardships, for those battling terminal illnesses, for Christian unity and forgiveness among enemies, and for all who defend the faith amid persecution. May these holy witnesses strengthen us to love boldly, suffer faithfully, and live for God wholeheartedly. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 12th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Gualbert, Saint Veronica, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, and Saints Nabor and Felix | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-12th/)
SAINT JOHN GUALBERT, ABBOT: Born into a noble Florentine family in the 10th century, Saint John Gualbert was once caught up in the pursuit of honor and vengeance. His life changed forever on a Good Friday when, face-to-face with his brother’s killer, he chose forgiveness over revenge. Inspired by Christ’s mercy on the Cross, he spared the man’s life and went to pray in the Church of San Miniato al Monte. There, he experienced a miraculous vision of Christ bowing His head in affirmation of John’s mercy. This encounter led John to renounce his wealth and become a Benedictine monk.
Eventually, seeking a stricter life of prayer, he founded the Vallombrosan Order, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and the eradication of corruption, especially simony, in the Church. He refused all honors, even minor holy orders, and lived a life of deep charity and asceticism. His reforming spirit influenced not only monastic life but also the wider Church. He died in 1073 and was canonized in 1193. His example is a profound testament to how divine mercy transforms even the most broken intentions into sanctity.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You taught us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Through the example of Saint John Gualbert, teach us the strength of mercy and the grace of humility. May we, too, choose forgiveness over vengeance and strive for purity and peace in our lives. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT VERONICA: Saint Veronica, a woman of compassion and boldness, is remembered for her act of mercy on the road to Calvary. As Jesus carried His cross to His crucifixion, she stepped forward from the crowd and offered her veil to wipe the blood and sweat from His face. In response, the image of Christ’s face was miraculously imprinted on the cloth—now known as the Veil of Veronica. Though her story is not found in the canonical Gospels, her act of love is commemorated in the Sixth Station of the Cross and remains a timeless symbol of consolation and courage.
Tradition holds that Veronica later traveled to Rome and continued her life in service and prayer. Her veil has been preserved as a treasured relic in St. Peter’s Basilica and is displayed annually on Passion Sunday. Through her tender gesture, she reminds us that even the smallest acts of mercy can leave eternal impressions on the heart of Christ.
PRAYER: Saint Veronica, you saw the suffering Christ and did not hesitate to draw near. Teach us to see His face in the suffering around us and to respond with compassion. May our lives be veils that carry the imprint of His love. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINTS LOUIS AND ZÉLIE MARTIN: Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, canonized in 2015, are a model of Christian marriage and family life. Both had once discerned religious life, but when God called them to marriage, they responded with equal devotion. Together they raised nine children, five of whom survived childhood, and all five entered religious life—including their youngest daughter, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower.
Zélie was a skilled lace-maker and successful businesswoman; Louis a watchmaker and devoted father. Their home was marked by prayer, sacrificial love, and a deep awareness of God’s presence. Though they endured the loss of children, financial strain, illness (Zélie died of breast cancer), and emotional trials, they trusted in God’s will and encouraged holiness in their family. Their beatification and canonization during the Synod on the Family emphasized their relevance for modern families seeking to grow in faith despite hardship.
PRAYER: Saints Louis and Zélie, faithful spouses and loving parents, guide all married couples and families toward unity, faith, and peace. Help us to raise children rooted in God’s love, and to entrust our sorrows and joys to His providence. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINTS NABOR AND FELIX, MARTYRS: Saints Nabor and Felix were Roman soldiers from Mauretania who embraced Christianity during the early 4th century under Emperor Maximian. Refusing to renounce their faith, they were arrested, tried, and eventually executed by beheading in Laus Pompeia (present-day Lodi Vecchio, Italy) around the year 303 or 304 during the Diocletian persecution. Though little is known about their lives, their martyrdom testifies to unwavering courage and fidelity to Christ. Their relics were enshrined in Milan and later transferred to Cologne, where they remain venerated. As soldier-martyrs, their sacrifice reminds us that true strength lies in faith, not force.
PRAYER: O holy martyrs Nabor and Felix, your fearless witness to Christ inspires us to stand firm in faith when we are tested. Intercede for all those who suffer persecution today, and help us remain steadfast in love and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Gualbert, Saint Veronica, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, and Saints Nabor and Felix ~ 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 the profound mercy Joseph showed his brothers, and the words of Christ calling us not to fear but to trust in God’s providence, we lift our prayers through the intercession of Saint John Gualbert, Saint Veronica, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, and Saints Nabor and Felix. We pray for all who struggle to forgive past wrongs or who are burdened by family wounds—that God may transform pain into healing and purpose. We pray for married couples and parents navigating illness, loss, or financial hardship, especially those on the verge of discouragement. May they find strength in the holy example of Saints Louis and Zélie. We remember those who minister to the poor and outcast, like Saint John Gualbert and Saint Veronica, that their works of mercy may bear fruit in lives touched by compassion. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the courage to proclaim Christ in word and deed even when misunderstood or rejected, and for all who silently carry crosses of fear, illness, or uncertainty. May God remind each of us of our worth, even down to the hairs on our heads, and send His peace to every heart in need. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY
Heavenly Father, in the quiet of our hearts and in the trials of our lives, remind us that we are never forgotten. Give us the grace to forgive as Joseph forgave, to trust like the sparrow under Your care, and to bear witness to Your love with courage. Through the example of Saint John Gualbert, teach us humility and mercy. Through Saint Veronica, stir compassion in our hearts. Through Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, sanctify the joys and trials of family life. And through Saints Nabor and Felix, grant us boldness in faith. May we walk with You today, fearless and faithful, trusting that You are always near. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Gualbert, Saint Veronica, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, and Saints Nabor and Felix~ 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, grace-filled and safe Saturday and fruitful weekend 🙏🏽
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
Leave a Reply