MONDAY OF THE FOURTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 7, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PALLADIUS, BISHOP; SAINT PANTÆNUS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND APOSTLE TO THE INDIES; BLESSED PETER TO ROT, CATECHIST AND MARTYR; BLESSED ROGER DICKENSON, PRIEST, BLESSED RALPH MILNER AND BLESSED LAWRENCE HUMPHREY, MARTYRS AND BLESSED POPE BENEDICT XI | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Palladius, Saint Pantænus, Blessed Peter To Rot, Blessed Roger, Blessed Ralph, Blessed Lawrence, and Blessed Pope Benedict XI | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-7th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | July 7, 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-121/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today is Monday 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, Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings for Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time | July 7, 2025
Reading 1: Genesis 28:10–22a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91:1–2, 3–4, 14–15ab
Gospel: Matthew 9:18–26
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 9:18–26
“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you”
“My daughter has just died, but come and she will live”
“While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.”
In today’s Gospel, we witness two intertwined stories of faith and healing one from a desperate father and the other from a woman who had silently suffered for twelve years. The synagogue official comes to Jesus with a heartbreaking request: his daughter has just died, but he believes that Jesus’ touch can restore her to life. On the way to this miracle, another miracle unfolds as the hemorrhaging woman reaches out in quiet hope and is instantly healed. Jesus sees her, acknowledges her courage, and proclaims, “Your faith has saved you.” These two people approached Jesus in their need, while the synagogue official approached Jesus on behalf of his daughter, the woman with a haemorrhage approached Jesus on her own behalf. The way these people approached Jesus is quite different. The synagogue official approached Jesus in a very public way, bowing low in front of Him and speaking aloud his need and his request. The woman approached Jesus very privately, touching the fringe of His cloak, and speaking only to herself. None of us approaches the Lord in exactly the same way. Our way of relating to the Lord always has a quality that is unique to each of us, just as we each have a unique way of relating to other people. Both the synagogue official and the woman were people of faith but they each expressed their faith very differently. Our faith brings us together as a community of faith, but in doing so it does not suppress our individuality.
In the Gospel, both individuals, one prominent, one hidden reflect a faith that persists in suffering and dares to hope in the impossible. Jesus responded generously to the very different approaches of the synagogue official and of the woman. He made no distinction between them but was equally responsive to their need and their cry for help. The Lord’s response to us is always shaped by and respectful of the unique way that we approach him. Jesus responds not just with power, but with tenderness. He lifts the veil of despair and infuses it with new life. These miracles are not just about physical healing; they’re windows into the heart of God compassionate, approachable, and always ready to meet us in our need. We are reminded today that no situation is too far gone, no soul too lost, no pain too hidden for Jesus to redeem. He walks with us, listens to our silent cries, and speaks peace into our storms.
In today’s first reading, Jacob finds himself in a place of transition physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As he lies down to rest, using a stone for a pillow, God meets him in a dream that reveals a ladder stretching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending. More importantly, God stands beside Jacob and renews the covenant first made with Abraham. God assures Jacob of His presence, protection, and promise. Jacob’s response is one of awe and reverence: “Truly, the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it!” This moment becomes a turning point. The stone that served as a makeshift pillow becomes a sacred memorial. The place becomes Bethel “house of God.” Jacob makes a vow, promising to follow the Lord if He remains faithful on the journey. This reading reminds us that sometimes in the most uncertain, uncomfortable moments of our lives when we feel like we’re in the wilderness with nothing but a rock to rest on God breaks through with divine reassurance. His presence turns ordinary spaces into holy ground. Like Jacob, we are invited to recognize God’s nearness and let our fear turn into faith.
The Responsorial Psalm proclaims: “In you, my God, I place my trust.” Psalm 91 is a song of safety, protection, and trust in God’s abiding presence. It reminds us that the Lord is our refuge and our fortress, our shelter in every storm. For those who cling to Him and call on His name, God promises deliverance, peace, and an answer in distress. This psalm encourages us to take refuge beneath His wings there, even when danger surrounds us, we can rest assured. Whether we are burdened by fear, illness, grief, or confusion, Psalm 91 is a promise we can hold onto. Our God is not far removed from our troubles; He is close, compassionate, and powerful to save.
Reflecting on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to look at our own willingness to follow Jesus. Are there areas in my life where I’ve stopped believing that healing is possible physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Do I dare to reach out to Jesus, even quietly, trusting that He sees and knows my pain? Like Jacob, do I recognize moments of divine encounter even in places that seem desolate? Am I willing to mark those moments as holy and allow them to transform my journey? When I am overwhelmed, do I still choose to say: “In You, my God, I place my trust”? As we go through today, let us remember that God meets us in unexpected places, hears our silent cries, and turns mourning into dancing. Like fresh wineskins, may we be open to the new mercies He pours out each morning. Even when we feel lost in the wilderness of life, may we wake up like Jacob and proclaim: “Truly, the Lord is in this place.” Amen. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we continue to strive to serve Him. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the gentle Healer and the Giver of life. When we call on You in desperation or reach for You in silence, You never turn away. Grant us the faith of the hemorrhaging woman, the trust of the synagogue official, and the awe of Jacob who discovered Your presence in a lonely place. May we recognize the sacred even in suffering and believe that You are working in the background of every moment. Shelter us beneath Your wings, O Lord, and strengthen our hearts to keep trusting You in all things. Amen🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT PALLADIUS, BISHOP; SAINT PANTÆNUS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND APOSTLE TO THE INDIES; BLESSED PETER TO ROT, CATECHIST AND MARTYR; BLESSED ROGER DICKENSON, PRIEST, BLESSED RALPH MILNER AND BLESSED LAWRENCE HUMPHREY, MARTYRS AND BLESSED POPE BENEDICT XI ~ FEAST DAY: JULY 7TH: Today, we honor seven heroic witnesses of the faith: Saint Palladius (First Bishop and Apostle to the Scots), who laid the foundations of Christianity in Ireland and Scotland before Saint Patrick’s arrival; Saint Pantænus (Doctor of the Church and Apostle to the Indies), a brilliant scholar and early missionary who helped spread the Gospel to India and led the famed Catechetical School of Alexandria; Blessed Peter To Rot (Patron of married couples and catechists), a courageous layman from Papua New Guinea who died defending Christian marriage during Japanese occupation; Blessed Roger Dickenson, a priest-martyr; Blessed Ralph Milner and Blessed Lawrence Humphrey, lay martyrs during Elizabethan persecution in England; and Blessed Pope Benedict XI, a peacemaker who led the Church after a time of intense political turmoil. United through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and these holy men, we pray today for all married couples and catechists, for persecuted Christians, for those suffering under unjust governments, for the unity of the Church, for peace among nations, and for leaders to serve with humility, courage, and fidelity. May these saints inspire us to plant seeds of faith in difficult ground, defend truth with love, and stand firm in our witness to Christ. Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | July 7th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Palladius, Saint Pantænus, Blessed Peter To Rot, Blessed Roger, Blessed Ralph, Blessed Lawrence, and Blessed Pope Benedict XI | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-july-7th/)
SAINT PALLADIUS, BISHOP: Saint Palladius (d. c. 450) was the first bishop sent to evangelize the Irish people, preceding even Saint Patrick. A Roman deacon under Pope Celestine I, Palladius was instrumental in combating heresy in Britain and was later consecrated and sent as bishop to “the Scots believing in Christ.” Though his initial mission in Ireland was met with resistance, he established several churches and left behind companions who would continue the work. He eventually carried the Gospel northward to Scotland, where he became the first bishop and is honored as the Apostle of the Scots. Saint Palladius died at Fordun, near Aberdeen. His life reminds us that even early rejections do not nullify the fruitfulness of a mission planted in obedience to God.
PRAYER: O God, who called Saint Palladius to bring the light of the Gospel to the Scots and Irish, grant that we too may carry Your word with courage and humility. May his missionary zeal inspire us to plant seeds of faith wherever You send us, even in the face of rejection. Through his intercession, may we be steadfast in proclaiming Christ and nurturing Your Church in every land.
SAINT PANTÆNUS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND APOSTLE TO THE INDIES: Saint Pantænus (d. c. 216), born in Sicily, was a converted Hebrew philosopher who became a pillar of early Christian theology. As head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria, he formed generations of scholars, including Saint Clement of Alexandria. Known for his wisdom, humility, and zeal, he journeyed to India to spread the Gospel and found a Christian community already established—reportedly by Saint Bartholomew. There, Pantænus recovered a Hebrew copy of the Gospel of Matthew. After years of missionary work, he returned to Alexandria and continued teaching until his death. His life bridges intellectual brilliance and evangelical courage.
PRAYER: O Lord of wisdom and truth, You inspired Saint Pantænus to combine deep learning with missionary courage. Kindle in our hearts a hunger for Your Word and a passion to share it with the world. May we, like him, illuminate the minds of others with the light of Christ and remain humble servants of the truth.
BLESSED PETER TO ROT, CATECHIST AND MARTYR: Blessed Peter To Rot (1912–1945) was a catechist, husband, and father from Papua New Guinea. Deeply rooted in faith through his devout Catholic family, Peter became a lay leader during the Japanese occupation of World War II when foreign missionaries were imprisoned. He carried out the work of the Church, leading prayers, teaching, and ministering to the sick. When Japanese authorities attempted to reintroduce polygamy, Peter boldly defended the sanctity of Christian marriage. He was arrested, imprisoned, and eventually killed poisoned and suffocated in secret. His last words were filled with serenity and unwavering faith. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1995 as a martyr of marriage and conscience.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you gave Blessed Peter To Rot the strength to defend marriage, the courage to serve as a lay leader in times of trial, and the grace to lay down his life for the faith. Help us remain faithful in our families, firm in our witness, and joyful in our sacrifices. May his example strengthen all catechists, spouses, and those persecuted for righteousness.
BLESSED ROGER DICKENSON, PRIEST, AND BLESSED RALPH MILNER & BLESSED LAWRENCE HUMPHREY, MARTYRS: Blessed Roger Dickenson (priest), Blessed Ralph Milner (elderly convert and father), and Blessed Lawrence Humphrey (convert) were martyred in England under Queen Elizabeth I’s persecution of Catholics. Father Dickenson was a missionary priest; Milner and Humphrey were laymen who assisted him. Milner, arrested on the day of his First Communion, was offered freedom if he would merely attend Anglican services—he refused, choosing instead to die beside the priest he had helped. Humphrey, though executed for allegedly speaking against the Queen while delirious, is honored for his steadfast faith. All three were executed at Winchester on July 7, 1591. They stood for the freedom to worship and for loyalty to the truth, even unto death.
PRAYER: Almighty God, through the faithful witness of Blessed Roger, Ralph, and Lawrence, You showed that no prison can contain the truth and no threat can silence the Gospel. Strengthen us to live with integrity, loyalty, and courage, even when faith demands great sacrifice. May their martyrdom remind us that love for Christ is worth every cost.
BLESSED POPE BENEDICT XI: Blessed Pope Benedict XI (1240–1304), born Nicholas Boccasini, was a Dominican friar, scholar, and theologian. A close ally of Pope Boniface VIII, he stood by the pope during intense conflict with King Philip IV of France. After Boniface’s death, Benedict XI was elected pope and sought to restore peace without compromising the dignity of the Church. He excommunicated the pope’s attackers but extended diplomatic forgiveness to the French court. Though his papacy lasted less than a year, he brought stability in a turbulent time. He died suddenly, likely from poisoning, and was beatified in 1736. His writings include commentaries on Scripture and sermons that continue to inspire.
PRAYER: O Shepherd of peace, You raised Blessed Pope Benedict XI to guide Your Church in a time of division. Grant that, like him, we may act with justice, forgive with mercy, and serve with humility. In every conflict, may we be instruments of reconciliation, holding fast to the truth while extending Your grace.
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Palladius, Saint Pantænus, Blessed Peter To Rot, Blessed Roger, Blessed Ralph, Blessed Lawrence, and Blessed Pope Benedict XI~ 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: On this day, as we reflect on the faith of Jacob, the healing power of Jesus, and the courage of the saints and martyrs we honor, we lift up our hearts in prayer for all who are seeking God’s presence in their lives. We pray for those who, like Jacob, are on journeys filled with uncertainty that they may encounter God along the way and trust in His promises. We remember all who suffer from chronic illnesses or are awaiting healing especially women, children, and those who feel unseen or unheard. We pray for catechists and lay leaders like Blessed Peter To Rot, for missionaries and teachers of the faith like Saint Pantænus, and for bishops and pastors who shepherd the flock like Saint Palladius and Blessed Pope Benedict XI. We entrust to God all who are persecuted for righteousness, all who fight for the sanctity of marriage and family, and those who suffer for their Catholic faith in silence or captivity, as did Blessed Ralph, Roger, and Lawrence. We also remember the sick, the dying, the imprisoned, and those in broken homes, asking God to raise them up in hope. May our lives be marked by faith that touches Jesus, trust that builds altars to Him in our hearts, and courage that remains steadfast even when the world ridicules our belief.
LET US PRAY
My gentle Lord, You speak to me day and night, calling me to the healing I need. Help me to hear Your Voice and to respond to You in faith. May my faith and confidence in You grow strong and become the source of Your glorious action in my life. Jesus, I do trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You are our refuge and fortress, the God in whom we trust. Just as You stood beside Jacob in his sleep and brought healing through Jesus’ gentle touch, stand beside us today in every trial, silence, and suffering. Fill us with the living faith of the bleeding woman and the bold hope of the grieving father who sought Jesus without fear. Through the intercession of Saint Palladius, Saint Pantænus, Blessed Peter To Rot, Blessed Pope Benedict XI, and the holy martyrs we remember today, give us the strength to live the Gospel with integrity and joy. Raise up leaders in the Church who will teach truth, defend the dignity of marriage, and shepherd souls with humility and courage. May we never hesitate to reach for You, even in the darkest moments, and may we always recognize Your presence even in unexpected places. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Palladius, Saint Pantænus, Blessed Peter To Rot, Blessed Roger, Blessed Ralph, Blessed Lawrence, and Blessed Pope Benedict XI ~ 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 🙏🏽
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
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