MEMORIAL OF SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN AND MAXIMUS, MARTYRS; SAINT BENEZET; SAINT LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM, VIRGIN AND BLESSED PETER GONZÁLEZ, PRIEST: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 14TH 2026

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER | YEAR A | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/tuesday-of-the-second-week-of-easter-year-a/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | APRIL 14, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-14th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN AND MAXIMUS, MARTYRS; SAINT BENEZET; SAINT LIDWINA OF SCHIEDAM, VIRGIN AND BLESSED PETER GONZÁLEZ, PRIEST

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | April 14, 2026 | “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-april-14-2026/

LIVE UPDATES: Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Apostolic Journey to Africa | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/live-updates-pope-leo-xivs-historic-apostolic-journey-to-africa/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family.

Alleluia! The Son of Man must be lifted up! Today is Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter. As our conversation with Nicodemus continues, Jesus moves from the mystery of the new birth to the mystery of the Cross. He reveals that the same Spirit which blows like the wind is the power that flows from the Son of Man being lifted up, the source of eternal life for everyone who believes. Today, we see the radical reality of this heavenly life in the First Reading, where the community of believers is of one heart and mind, holding all things in common under the great power of the Apostles’ witness. We are joined today by a great cloud of witnesses: Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, who bore witness in the Roman catacombs; Saint Benezet, the humble shepherd and bridge-builder; Saint Lidwina of Schiedam, who found victory in the midst of chronic pain; and Blessed Peter González, the protector of sailors and captives. Like these saints, let us acknowledge that the Lord is King, robed in majesty, and that His throne stands firm from of old. Amen. 🙏🏽

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Second Week of Easter | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter | April 14, 2026
Reading I: Acts 4:32–37
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd–2, 5
Gospel: John 3:7b–15

Gospel Reading ~ John 3:7b–15

“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In the Gospel, Nicodemus asks the question we often carry in our own hearts: “How can this happen?” Jesus responds by pointing to His own identity and mission. He explains that to understand heavenly things, we must look to the One who came down from heaven. Jesus uses the image of the bronze serpent from the book of Numbers to illustrate His purpose: just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent lifted up by Moses, we are saved by looking with faith at the Son of Man lifted up on the Cross. This is the heart of the new birth, it is a life that begins at the foot of the Cross and is fueled by the belief that Jesus is the Son of God who brings eternal life.

The mystery of the Spirit is now linked to the mystery of sacrifice. To be born of the Spirit is to have our eyes fixed on Christ. Jesus rebukes the teachers of Israel who rely only on earthly understanding, inviting us instead to accept the testimony of what He has seen in heaven. This reflection reminds us that the wind of the Spirit always blows us toward the Cross. We cannot have the new birth without the lifting up. By believing in Him, we move from the confusion of Nicodemus to the clarity of eternal life, realizing that the Spirit is the breath of the Crucified and Risen Lord.

The First Reading provides a stunning example of what happens when a community is truly born from above. The believers are of one heart and mind. Their unity is so complete that it overflows into their physical lives—they hold everything in common. This wasn’t a legal requirement, but a spiritual fruit. When the Apostles bore witness to the Resurrection with great power, the people responded with great generosity. The figure of Barnabas emerges here as a son of encouragement, selling his property to provide for the needy. This is the heavenly thing happening on earth: a community where love is so real that there was no needy person among them.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 93) declares the sovereignty of God over this new community: “The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.” It reminds us that while the world may be in flux, the Lord has made the world firm, not to be moved. His throne is everlasting, and His decrees are worthy of trust indeed. This Psalm is our anchor; it tells us that the holiness that befits God’s house is the same holiness found in a community of believers who trust in His steady guidance.

As we continue through this Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter, let us reflect on our own How? Are you struggling to see how God can work in your current circumstances? Reflect today: Are you willing to look up at the Son of Man and trust His testimony? This is the day to follow the example of Barnabas, to be a son or daughter of encouragement to those around you, allowing the unity of the Spirit to break the bonds of your own selfishness.

Let us pray: Almighty and ever-living God, grant that we, who celebrate the mysteries of the Lord’s Resurrection, may merit to receive the joy of our redemption. Help us to accept the testimony of Your Son and to live as those born from above. Fill us with the spirit of Barnabas, that we may be people of encouragement and radical generosity. May our hearts and minds be one in You, and may we always find our eternal life by looking to Christ, who was lifted up for our sake. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | APRIL 14TH:

Link to Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections| April 14th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, Saint Benezet, Saint Lydwine, and Blessed Peter González | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-april-14th/

SAINTS TIBURTIUS, VALERIAN, AND MAXIMUS, MARTYRS: These three Roman martyrs (d. 3rd Century) understood that the Son of Man must be lifted up in our own witness. Valerian, the husband of St. Cecilia, and his brother Tiburtius, were born of the Spirit and refused to worship earthly idols. Their unwavering courage so moved their guard, Maximus, that he too accepted the testimony of Christ and joined them in the glory of martyrdom. Together, they remind us that the Lord’s throne stands firm, and that those who take refuge in Him are never truly moved, even by the threat of death.

PRAYER: Almighty God, for whom holy Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus uplifted their testimony, grant that we may imitate the example of their godly courage. Help us to testify to what we have seen and heard of Your Truth, so that our lives may draw others into the light of Your Kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT BENEZET, THE BRIDGE BUILDER: Saint Benezet (1163–1184), a simple shepherd boy, followed the wind of the Spirit when he was called to build a massive bridge over the Rhone at Avignon. Though uneducated, he was born from above with a divine mission to connect people and facilitate the journey of pilgrims. He became a son of encouragement by laying the cornerstone of a work that seemed humanly impossible. He reminds us that when we seek what is above, God gives us the strength to build bridges of charity where others see only barriers.

PRAYER: Lord, You choose the humble to accomplish Your great works. Through the intercession of Saint Benezet, help us to be builders of bridges—not walls—in our homes and communities. Grant us the grace to reconcile what is divided and to straighten the paths that lead to You. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT LYDWINE OF SCHIEDAM, VIRGIN: Saint Lydwine (1380–1433) lived a life of profound suffering after a skating accident left her permanently paralyzed at age fifteen. Like the bronze serpent in the desert, she was lifted up on a bed of chronic pain for thirty-eight years, yet she never lost her exultation and sincerity of heart. She became a mystic who saw the heavenly things Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus. Her life teaches us that holiness befits God’s house even in the midst of physical decay, and that through faith, our pain can be transformed into a source of eternal life for others.

PRAYER: Lord, we devoutly recall the sufferings of Saint Lydwine. Give success to our joyful prayers and grant us constancy in our Faith. Through her intercession, comfort those living with chronic pain and multiple sclerosis, and help us to trust that Your throne stands firm even in our moments of greatest weakness. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED PETER GONZÁLEZ, PRIEST: Blessed Peter (1190–1246), known to sailors as “Saint Elmo,” experienced a new birth when a humbling fall from a horse stripped away his worldly vanity. A Dominican preacher of great power, he devoted his life to those at sea and protected captives with radical mercy. Like Barnabas, he was a son of encouragement to the poor and a voice of peace during times of war. He reminds us that once we are born of the Spirit, we no longer seek the glory of the court but the salvation of souls.

PRAYER: O God, You called Blessed Peter González to be a protector of the marginalized and a guide to those on the stormy seas of life. Through his intercession, keep us safe during these challenging times and help us to be robed in the majesty of Your grace. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, Saint Benezet, Saint Lydwine, and Blessed Peter González — pray for us. 🙏🏽

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR HEALING, UNITY, AND SAFE VOYAGES

As we celebrate the King who is robed in majesty, let us bring our needs to the feet of the Apostles. Lord, we pray for the sick, those with chronic pain, and those suffering from multiple sclerosis; through the intercession of Saint Lydwine (Patron of those with chronic pain, the chronically ill, and ice skaters), grant them miraculous strength and the grace to find joy even in their suffering. We pray for bridge-builders, construction workers, and those who work for reconciliation; through the prayers of Saint Benezet (Patron of Avignon, bachelors, and bridge-builders), help them to tear down the walls of division and promote the unity of Your children. Finally, we pray for sailors, travelers, and persecuted Christians; through the merits of Blessed Peter González (Patron of sailors) and Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus (Martyrs of Rome), keep them safe from all danger and lead them to the harbor of Your peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/a-prayer-for-peace/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For Priests Crisis. Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us always. Amen 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=4

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
We pray for the repose of the gentle souls of our loved ones and souls of all the faithful departed. 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 🙏🏽

Thanking God for His love and the gift of this glorious day, we offer Him a prayer of gratitude for the graces of the past month and entrust the remainder of April to His loving providence. We pray for God’s grace and mercy as we continue this season of Easter joy. May the Resurrection of Your Son help us to seek You in every moment of our lives. May the peace, hope, and steady guidance that flow from the empty tomb shape our steps, inform our decisions, and strengthen our resolve to live each day in the light of the Risen Christ. As we journey onward into this month, may God bless our families and loved ones, and may His light continue to shine brightly in every home. Let us draw closer to God and be renewed through the joy of the Gospel and generosity to the poor. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times. Wishing us all a spiritually enriching, most blessed, and grace-filled Easter Season. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, Saint Benezet, Saint Lydwine, and Blessed Peter González ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings,and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

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