MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: AUGUST 25, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT LOUIS IX OF FRANCE, KING AND SAINT JOSEPH OF CALASANZ, PRIEST AND SAINT GENESIUS OF ROME, MARTYR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Louis IX, Saint Joseph of Calasanz, and Saint Genesius of Rome | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-25th/)

NOVENA TO SAINT MONICA: The 2025 Novena to Saint Monica is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 18 and end on August 26 in preparation for the Feast of Saint Monica on August 27th. The novena is especially prayed for wayward children.

NOVENA TO SAINT MONICA | AUGUST 18-26TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-monica/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | August 25, 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-170/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time, we thank the good Lord for the gift of this day! During this month of August, we entrust our lives, our plans, our fears, and our dreams into God’s loving hands. We pray that this month will be filled with divine blessings, new opportunities, and the strength to overcome every challenge that may come our way.

We pray and celebrate with those marking birthdays, anniversaries, new jobs, weddings, and other joyful milestones this August. With special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we pray for all those experiencing challenges in their marriages, may God grant them healing, strength, peace and love. May this be a month of peace for the anxious, healing for the sick, comfort for the brokenhearted, and provision for the needy. As we walk through the days ahead, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before us, the love of God surround us, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide every decision we make. May this month bring us closer to holiness, deeper in faith, and stronger in hope. In all things, may God’s name be paised. Amen🙏🏽

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

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We especially pray for our loved ones who have recently died, that the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

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🙏🏽

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 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

With special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, we continue to humbly pray for the well-being and safety of all parents, grandparents and the elderly. We 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 August.🙏🏽

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of August | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-august/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-for-the-beginning-of-a-new-school-year/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time | August 25, 2025
Reading 1: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5, 8b–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1b–2, 3–4, 5–6a and 9b
Gospel: Matthew 23:13–22

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 23:13–22

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter; Alas for you, blind guides!”

“Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who shut up the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces, neither going in yourselves nor allowing others to go in who want to. ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when you have him you make him twice as fit for hell as you are. ‘Alas for you, blind guides! You who say, “If a man swears by the Temple, it has no force; but if a man swears by the gold of the Temple, he is bound.” Fools and blind! For which is of greater worth, the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred? Or else, “If a man swears by the altar it has no force; but if a man swears by the offering that is on the altar, he is bound.” You blind men! For which is of greater worth, the offering or the altar that makes the offering sacred? Therefore, when a man swears by the altar he is swearing by that and by everything on it. And when a man swears by the Temple he is swearing by that and by the One who dwells in it. And when a man swears by heaven he is swearing by the throne of God and by the One who is seated there.’

In today’s Gospel reading Jesus condemns the Pharisees because they shut up the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. In other words, they hinder people from entering the kingdom of heaven, presumably by trying to keep people from following Jesus who came to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus denounces the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, whose external religiosity masked an inner corruption. They burdened others with rules, sought recognition for themselves, and distorted the truth of God’s law. Instead of guiding people toward God, they blocked the way with their pride and self-interest. Christ exposes their blindness: they valued gold more than the temple, and gifts more than the altar failing to see that holiness comes from God’s presence, not from material things. The Gospels suggest that Jesus was critical of those who were an obstacle to people coming to believe in Him. He was critical of His own disciples for trying to prevent children drawing near to Him, in spite of the wishes of the children’s parents for Jesus to bless their children. Rather than shutting up the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces, Jesus wants us to open up the kingdom of heaven to each other. We are to bring each other to the Lord, to reveal the Lord to each other, and, in so doing, to support one another on our journey towards the kingdom of heaven. There are many people in the Gospels who brought others to Jesus and who can be an inspiration to us. We only have to think of John the Baptist, whose life mission was to lead people to Jesus, to open up the kingdom of heaven to others. We need the support of each other’s faith, each other’s witness, as we journey on our pilgrim way through life.

According to the Gospel, Jesus was very aware that we can impact each other’s faith for good or for ill. We can help others on their journey towards the Lord or we can put a stumbling stone in their way. We are called to support one another in our efforts to respond to the Lord’s call. We can do this in various ways, by praying for each other, by witnessing to our faith when the opportunity presents itself, and just by being generous in our own response to the Lord. Whenever we try to do what the Lord may be asking of us we make it easier for everyone else to do what the Lord may be asking of them. The journey of faith is a shared one and we are interdependent as we travel it. Yes, we can hold each other back, as Jesus accused the Pharisees of doing in today’s Gospel reading, but we can also help each other along. The Lord wants to work through each one of us to bring one another to a deeper faith. Jesus words are not just a warning to religious leaders of the past but a call to all of us today to live authentically, allowing our faith to transform our hearts rather than becoming a façade for our egos. In our Gospel, we are reminded that faith must be lived with sincerity and humility. Jesus shows us that the true measure of holiness is not appearances, but a heart aligned with God’s truth. Hypocrisy destroys faith and prevents others from encountering Christ. But when we live with integrity, humility, and love, we draw others closer to the Kingdom of God.

In the first reading, St. Paul praises the Thessalonians for their “work of faith, labor of love, and endurance in hope.” Their witness was so powerful that their reputation spread beyond their city. They had turned away from idols to serve the living God, and their lives became a testimony to the Gospel’s power. This passage encourages us to consider: does our faith inspire others? Do people see in us a witness of love, hope, and faith that points them to Christ? Like the Thessalonians, we are called not only to believe in the Gospel but to live it with conviction and consistency.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord takes delight in His people.” This psalm is a joyful reminder that God rejoices in us when we walk faithfully with Him. He does not delight in outward show or empty rituals, but in hearts that love Him and live in humility. When we praise Him with song, with our actions, and with our daily witness, we join in the joy of being His beloved people.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we might ask ourselves: Am I living my faith with sincerity, or do I sometimes put on appearances for the sake of others’ approval? In what ways do I allow pride, recognition, or material things to distract me from what truly matters in God’s eyes? Like the Thessalonians, is my life a testimony that inspires others to turn to Christ? Do I bring joy to God by living authentically, or am I still clinging to the idols of ego, pride, or worldly recognition? Let us choose authenticity over appearances, humility over pride, and love over self-interest. May our lives, like the Thessalonians, bear witness to the living God, so that through us others may be drawn to Christ and to the joy of His Kingdom. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we remain faithful and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth.🙏🏾

Lord Jesus, You call me to live with integrity and humility, not seeking recognition but faithfully walking in Your ways. Deliver me from hypocrisy and pride, and help me to be a true witness of Your Gospel. May my life be marked by faith, love, and hope, so that others may see You living in me. Teach me to value what is holy above all else and to lead others closer to Your Kingdom by the way I live. Amen🙏🏾

MEMORIAL OF SAINT LOUIS IX OF FRANCE, KING AND SAINT JOSEPH OF CALASANZ, PRIEST AND SAINT GENESIUS OF ROME, MARTYR ~ FEAST DAY – AUGUST 25TH: Today, the Church honors three remarkable witnesses of faith: Saint Louis IX of France (Patron of the French monarchy, builders, barbers, and fathers of large families), a king who ruled with justice, humility, and deep devotion to God; Saint Joseph of Calasanz (Patron of Catholic schools, students, and poor children), a priest who dedicated his life to the education and formation of poor children, founding the Piarist Fathers; and Saint Genesius of Rome (Patron of actors, comedians, dancers, and musicians), a martyr who, in the midst of mocking Christianity on stage, encountered Christ and gave his life for the faith. Though they lived in different centuries and vocations royal, priestly, and lay each reminds us that holiness is possible in every state of life when one surrenders to God’s will. Through their intercession, we pray today for the souls of the faithful departed and for those who mourn. We lift up students, teachers, and all young people, asking for wisdom, protection, and hope as they grow in faith and knowledge. We pray for the poor, the sick, and those carrying heavy burdens, especially those battling cancer and terminal illness. We remember families and marriages, asking for unity and love. We pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for persecuted Christians, for peace in our troubled world, our pope, our bishops, and all the clergy. May the witness of Saints Louis, Joseph, and Genesius inspire us to live with courage, humility, and joyful faith. 🙏🏾

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | August 25th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Louis IX, Saint Joseph of Calasanz, and Saint Genesius of Rome| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-august-25th/)

SAINT LOUIS IX OF FRANCE, KING (1215–1270): Born in Poissy, France, Louis IX became king at just 12 years old after the death of his father. His mother, Blanche of Castile, instilled in him a deep love for God and the Church. As king, Louis married Margaret of Provence, with whom he had eleven children, and ruled France with justice, peace, and devotion. Known for his humility and charity, he personally cared for the sick and poor, even nursing lepers with his own hands.He sought to govern as a true servant of Christ, bringing reconciliation between rulers, defending the oppressed, and supporting the Franciscan and Dominican orders. A man of prayer and penance, he also led two crusades. During the second, in 1270, he succumbed to illness near Tunis, dying on a bed of ashes as an act of humility. Canonized in 1297, Saint Louis is honored as a model of just leadership, holiness in public life, and service to the poor. He is patron of the Secular Franciscans, builders, parents, and the city of Saint Louis, Missouri.

PRAYER: O God, You transferred Saint Louis from the cares of an earthly throne to the glory of Your heavenly Kingdom. Grant that by his example we may faithfully carry out our duties on earth while seeking Your eternal Kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏾-

SAINT JOSEPH OF CALASANZ, PRIEST (1556–1648): Born in Aragon, Spain, Joseph of Calasanz felt called to care for children from an early age. After ordination in 1583, he devoted himself to teaching, especially the poor and neglected. In Rome, he opened a free school in the Trastevere district and soon gathered companions to join him in this mission. From this humble beginning arose the Order of the Piarists, dedicated to the education of youth, especially the poor.Joseph’s vision was revolutionary: he believed every child, rich or poor, deserved an education that united learning with Christian formation. Despite opposition and trials, he persevered with patience, humility, and deep trust in God. He died in Rome on August 25, 1648, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of schools and communities that continue his mission today. Canonized in 1767, Saint Joseph is patron of schools, schoolchildren, and students.

PRAYER: Lord, You filled Saint Joseph of Calasanz with love and patience for the formation of youth. Through his intercession, help us value education rooted in truth and charity, and guide us in leading the young toward You. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT GENESIUS OF ROME, MARTYR (d. 303 AD): Saint Genesius was a celebrated actor during the time of Emperor Diocletian. Known for mocking Christians in his plays, he once staged a parody of baptism. But during the performance, as water was poured over his head, Genesius experienced a vision of Christ and was instantly converted. Overcome with faith, he proclaimed his belief in Jesus before the emperor and the crowd.At first, the audience thought this was part of the play, but when they realized it was real, Genesius was arrested and tortured. Refusing to renounce Christ, he was finally executed by beheading. His powerful conversion and courageous witness made him a beloved martyr of the early Church. He is patron of actors, comedians, dancers, musicians, and those suffering torture.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You turned the heart of Saint Genesius from mockery to faith, and gave him courage to die for Christ. Through his intercession, may we be bold in living and proclaiming our faith with joy. Amen. 🙏🏾

-Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Louis IX, Saint Joseph of Calasanz, and Saint Genesius of Rome ~ 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 AUGUST: For mutual coexistence. Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to reflect on her pure love, deep sorrow, and unwavering obedience to God. Her heart, aflame with charity and pierced by suffering, mirrors the life of Christ and calls us to follow Him more closely through her example. This month, the Church encourages us to console her sorrowful heart and grow in holiness through prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of the Immaculate Heart, and the First Saturday Devotion. Through Mary’s heart, we are led ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“O Immaculate Heart of Mary, be our refuge and the way that leads us to God.”

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us and draw us into deeper love and trust in your Son. Amen🙏🏽

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

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts filled with gratitude for the gift of faith and the witness of Your Saints. Through the intercession of Saints Louis IX, Joseph Calasanz, and Genesius, we lift up all who carry heavy burdens, that they may find strength in Christ and comfort in Your mercy. We pray for rulers and leaders, that like Saint Louis, they may govern with justice, humility, and care for the poor. We remember students, teachers, and families, asking for guidance and perseverance through the example of Saint Joseph Calasanz. We entrust to You artists, performers, and all who struggle to find meaning in their lives, that like Saint Genesius, they may encounter the transforming love of Christ. Lord, bless those suffering from illness, especially cancer and terminal sickness, with healing and hope. We pray for the souls of the faithful departed and for all who mourn, that they may experience Your peace. Strengthen vocations to the priesthood and religious life, protect persecuted Christians, and grant peace to our world. We also pray for the intentions we hold silently in our hearts, trusting in Your providence and mercy.

LET US PRAY:

My saving Lord, You desired deeply that the religious leaders of the time be powerful instruments of Your saving Gospel by presenting all truth in pure love. Please free me from every error so that Your holy Word will be alive in me and will be sent forth to others through the manifestation of the many virtues You wish to bestow. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God, You raised up saints from every walk of life kings, priests, and lay faithful teaching us that holiness is found in surrendering to Your will. In today’s Word, You remind us through Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians that our faith must be living, active, and fruitful, and through the Gospel, that true purity flows from the heart. Grant us the grace to live with humility, justice, and courage, following the example of Saints Louis, Joseph, and Genesius. May Your Word take deep root in our hearts, cleansing us from all that is false and guiding our thoughts, words, and actions this day. Hear our prayers and bless our intentions, that we may grow in love for You and bear witness to Your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Louis IX, Saint Joseph of Calasanz, and Saint Genesius of Rome ~ 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 during this 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 Monday and a fulfilling 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 Missions 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