MONDAY OF THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 14, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN AND SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO, PRIEST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and Saint Francis Solano | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-14th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 14, 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-128/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Monday of the Fifteenth 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🙏🏽
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, Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin | July 14, 2025
Reading 1: Exodus 1:8–14, 22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 124:1b–3, 4–6, 7–8
Gospel: Matthew 10:34—11:1
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 10:34—11:1
“I have come to bring not peace, but the sword; Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me”
“Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set
a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple– amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus delivers a challenging and deeply radical message. He tells His disciples not to expect peace, but division division even within the most sacred human relationships: between parent and child, family members, and within households. His words are not an encouragement of conflict, but a bold reminder that allegiance to Him comes before every earthly attachment. To follow Christ is to carry a cross, and to carry a cross is to accept the cost of discipleship. This cost may include misunderstanding, rejection, or even persecution but in losing our life for His sake, we find it in its fullness. Jesus emphasizes that authentic love for Him must surpass all other loves, even those most natural and dear to us. Faithful discipleship may set us apart, but it draws us ever deeper into the heart of Christ, where true life begins. The Lord further affirms that even the smallest act of kindness done in His name a cup of water given to one of His disciples will not go unrewarded. These seemingly insignificant moments of mercy, love, and generosity are eternally remembered by God. The Gospel ends with Jesus departing to teach and preach in the surrounding towns, showing us that after instruction comes mission. The disciple must hear, embrace, and then act. Christ calls not for a comfortable faith, but a courageous one.
The opening saying of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading might strike us as strange, ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth; it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword’. Jesus recognizes that his presence on earth will be divisive; some will welcome him and others will reject him and those who reject him will persecute those who welcome Him. He goes on to elaborate on how we can welcome Him. He says to those He sends out as His ambassadors, ‘anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me’. All of us who have been baptized are always being sent out by Jesus as his ambassadors. In welcoming each other, we are welcoming Jesus, and in welcoming Jesus we are welcoming God the Father. Jesus identifies himself very closely with each one of his followers, to such an extent that how we relate to each other determines how we relate to him. Even the smallest act of kindness to another disciple of Jesus, such as the giving of a cup of cold water, will not go unnoticed by the Lord. The Lord whom we are to prefer more than even our closest family members nonetheless comes to us in and through each other. The ground which we share with our fellow pilgrims is holy ground, sacred space, where the Lord is present.
In the first reading from Exodus, we witness the beginning of Israel’s deep suffering under Egyptian oppression. A new Pharaoh, ignorant of Joseph’s contributions, sees the growing Hebrew population as a threat. Fear gives birth to cruelty, and the Israelites are forced into bitter slavery. Yet, remarkably, the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. This passage is a testament to God’s quiet power at work in the shadows of suffering. The Israelites’ resilience points to a deeper truth: that in seasons of affliction, God is not absent He is preparing deliverance. Pharaoh’s final decree to kill all Hebrew boys is a foreshadowing of the coming Exodus and God’s triumph over evil through unlikely means.
Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the psalm echoes this theme of divine rescue and faithfulness: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” The psalmist recounts how the people of Israel were delivered from overwhelming danger—swallowed alive, swept away by torrents and how God broke the snares set against them. Just as a bird escapes the trapper’s snare, so too does God rescue His people. In our own lives, we may feel surrounded, pressed down, or at risk of being swallowed by fear, hardship, or injustice. But our God is a deliverer, and our hope rests in His holy name.
As we reflect today on these readings, we are prompted to ask: Am I willing to put Christ first, even when it leads to division or discomfort? What cross am I being called to carry today, and how can I embrace it with love? Do I believe that God sees even the smallest act of kindness I offer in His name? When I feel overwhelmed or trapped by trials, do I turn to the Lord as my helper and rescuer, or do I rely only on myself? How can I trust more deeply in His timing and providence, especially in seasons of oppression or hardship? Let us go forth today with renewed courage and unwavering love for Christ. May we place Him above all else, carry our cross without fear, and serve others in simple, hidden ways that are eternally remembered in heaven. Whether our lives are marked by peace or division, may our eyes remain fixed on Jesus the One who gives meaning to all suffering and transforms every cross into resurrection. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to strive to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You have called us not to a life of comfort, but to a life of courageous love and holy sacrifice. Help us to put You first in all things, even when it costs us deeply. Give us strength to carry our crosses, wisdom to follow Your voice, and humility to serve others with love. In times of fear or trial, remind us that our help is in Your name, and that You are always near. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN AND SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO, PRIEST ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 14TH: Today, the Church celebrates the lives of two radiant witnesses of holiness from vastly different worlds: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (Patroness of Native Americans, ecologists, environmentalists, people in exile, and those who have lost parents) and Saint Francis Solano (Patron of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Franciscan missions). Though they lived centuries and continents apart, both saints embodied a life of total surrender to God through prayer, penance, and love of neighbor. Through their intercession and under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we lift our prayers today for those grieving the loss of parents or loved ones, for those experiencing rejection or loneliness, for indigenous communities around the world, for those battling chronic illness, and for all missionaries, especially those serving in difficult and remote areas. May these saints help us grow in courage, holiness, and hope. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 14th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and Saint Francis Solano| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-14th/)
SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN: Born in 1656 near present-day Auriesville, New York, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and a Christian Algonquin mother. At age four, she survived a smallpox epidemic that claimed her family and left her face disfigured and her eyesight impaired. Raised by relatives hostile to Christianity, she was drawn to the faith through the witness of Jesuit missionaries and was baptized at age twenty, taking the name “Catherine” (Kateri in her Mohawk dialect). Her conversion brought persecution from her community, and she eventually fled over 200 miles on foot to a Christian Mohawk settlement near Montreal.
In her new home, Kateri devoted herself to prayer, penance, and charity. She took a private vow of virginity unheard of among her people and lived with great humility, often praying in the woods for long hours. Despite her fragile health, she fasted and offered suffering for the conversion of her people. Known for her mystical union with Christ and radiant holiness, Kateri died at age 24 on April 17, 1680. Witnesses reported that her facial scars vanished moments after death, revealing her beauty and peace. She was canonized in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI and is the patroness of Native Americans, ecology, and people persecuted for their faith.
PRAYER: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, brave virgin of the Mohawk people, pray for us to have hearts as pure, faith as strong, and love as courageous as yours. May we, like you, seek Jesus in silence, simplicity, and suffering, and find joy in belonging entirely to Him. Amen. 🙏🏽
SAINT FRANCIS SOLANO, PRIEST: Saint Francis Solano was born in 1549 in Andalusia, Spain, and entered the Franciscan Order at age twenty. After years of ministry in Spain, he was sent as a missionary to South America in 1589. Surviving a shipwreck, he chose to stay on board with the vulnerable passengers rather than escape with the elite—an act that revealed his deep compassion and trust in God. In Peru, he preached tirelessly in villages and remote lands, winning the hearts of thousands of indigenous people. He was known for his gift of tongues, working miracles, healing the sick, and converting souls through his love and holiness.
Though he served among simple and often rejected communities, Saint Francis also preached in the bustling streets of Lima, confronting sin with humility and truth. He lived a life of austerity, joy, and constant service, dying in 1610 with the words “God be praised” on his lips. Canonized in 1726, he is the patron saint of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru, as well as Franciscan missions.
PRAYER: Saint Francis Solano, missionary of peace and herald of the Gospel, teach us to love the forgotten, serve with humility, and proclaim Christ with joy. May your zeal for souls and compassion for the poor inspire us to bring the love of Jesus to every heart. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and Saint Francis Solano ~ 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: With hearts open to God’s mercy, we offer our prayers through the intercession of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and Saint Francis Solano. We pray for those facing rejection, isolation, or persecution because of their faith, that they may remain steadfast in the love of Christ. We remember indigenous peoples and all marginalized communities, asking God to bring healing, justice, and dignity to their lives. We lift up missionaries laboring in remote or hostile regions, that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their witness. We pray for the sick, especially those enduring chronic illness or terminal disease, that they may find comfort in Christ who walks with them in suffering. We also remember families mourning the loss of loved ones, especially children or parents, and ask the Lord to grant them peace, hope, and the assurance of eternal life. May all who suffer in body or spirit find refuge in the name of the Lord, who delivers us from every snare and restores us to life.
LET US PRAY
Loving Father, You raised up Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and Saint Francis Solano as bright lights in a darkened world models of purity, sacrifice, and unwavering love for You. Through their intercession, strengthen us in trials and help us to carry our crosses with courage. Teach us to proclaim Your truth boldly, to love You above all else, and to seek You even when the world rejects us. May we, like Your saints, walk the narrow path with trust, serve others with joy, and glorify You in all we do. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and Saint Francis Solano ~ 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 Monday and fruitful week ahead 🙏🏽
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