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  The Holy Guardian Angels  Job 38:1,​12-21,​40:3-5 Psalm 138(139):1-3,7-10,13-14 Matthew 18:1-5,​10 Are you making it easy for your angel to guard and guide your life’s journey? While the doctrine and traditional belief in the Guardian Angel are not formal dogmas of the Faith, they are rooted in Biblical teachings. Each individual’s Guardian Angel reflects God’s enduring love and daily divine care. Today’s Gospel (Mt 16:10) clearly indicates that even children are under the guardianship of angels: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in Heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father Who is in Heaven.” Psalm 91:11 also reminds us: “For He has given His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” As we express gratitude to God today, we honor this special gift through our Guardian Angels. These angels are bestowed upon us by God from the very beginning of our existence. As the Guardian Angel Prayer states, they are commi...
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  Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor  Job 9:1-13,​14-16 Psalm 87(88):10-15 Luke 9:57-62 Psalm 118 describes the word of God as a lamp guiding our steps and a light illuminating our paths, emphasizing that His word provides direction, serves as a guide, and offers protection. It is the message of salvation, a message of peace, a proclamation of hope, and an announcement of God's reign in the lives of all humanity. Dei Verbum succinctly presents the Catholic Church’s understanding of Sacred Scripture. Primarily, Sacred Scripture is regarded as divine revelation; through it, God reveals Himself so that we may come to know Him. “The invisible God... out of the abundance of His love, speaks to humanity as friends... and dwells among them... inviting and calling them into fellowship with Him." Furthermore, Christ, the Word incarnate, united actions and words, showing that “the deeds wrought by God in salvation history both reveal and confirm the teachings and realities signified by His wo...
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  Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels  - Feast   Daniel 7:9-10,​13-14 · Psalm 137(138):1-5 John 1:47-51 Reflecting on the Angelic Hierarchy In Catholic doctrine, there are nine choirs of angels, arranged from the lowest to the highest rank: Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim. Within the Church, particular reverence is given to the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, all of whom are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Michael is often recognized for his role in the battle against evil, as described in the Book of Revelation, and his name translates to "Who is like God?" A prayer invoking Saint Michael for protection is commonly recited. Gabriel, identified as the messenger angel, announced to Mary that she would conceive the Son of God. His name means “God is My Strength," and he is associated with wisdom, revelation, prophecy, and visions. Raphael’s name signifies “Healing P...
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True greatness lies in serving others.

  Monday of week 26 in Ordinary Time  Job 1:6-22 · Psalm 16(17):1-3,6-7 Luke 9:46-50 As Jesus journeyed with his disciples toward Jerusalem, he told them his mission was to go there and lay down his life for humanity. In contrast, the disciples thought he would establish an earthly kingdom by overthrowing the Roman Empire, and they began arguing among themselves over who would hold positions of power and earthly greatness. Jesus, however, pointed out that true greatness is found in humility and service. To drive this point home, he took a child into his arms and said, ‘The greatest among you is the one who is the least.' The real measure of greatness, as St. Faustina teaches, is loving God and practicing humility. We are called to be selfless in caring for both the worthy and the unwanted. Yet, often, our own sins—pride, jealousy, selfish ambition—stand in the way. Pope Benedict XVI remarked that, "The world promises comfort, but you are not made for comfort. You are made...
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Herod’s pride led to his fall

Thursday of week 25 in Ordinary Time Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 · Psalm 89(90):3-6,12-14,17 Luke 9:7-9   Herod’s fears and failures  Today's Gospel reading offers a brief yet profound lesson. Herod's pride led him to imprison John the Baptist because the prophet openly condemned his marriage as incestuous, sinful, and unworthy of a king. Herod detained John to silence the disruptive prophet who was damaging his reputation within the community. This act exemplifies pride. Herod's pride also prompted him to make a boastful promise in front of his guests. Rather than appear weak or foolish, he ordered John’s execution. Soon, troubling rumors reached the court that John had risen from the dead and was performing miracles, which increased Herod's fear. Poor decisions often lead to unfavorable outcomes, whereas good decisions, such as listening to one’s parents, tend to result in positive consequences and happiness. Usually, making appropriate choices brings satisfaction, while igno...
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All who are called by Christ are preserved by Him

  Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time  1 Corinthians 15:12-20 · Psalm 16(17):1,6-8,15 Luke 8:1-3 There is a place for everyone in God’s kingdom. The followers of Jesus were diverse—beyond the twelve apostles and the other disciples (72), women also followed Him like (Blessed Virgin Mary at significant points in his public life) Joanna, Susanna, Salome, Martha and Mary of Bethany, Mary the mother of James and Joses and Mary Magdalene, who was delivered from seven demons and later became the first witness to Christ’s resurrection, also followed Him. To many in her time, this was scandalous. Luke wrote to an audience with certain social perceptions about women and children. Men often believed women shouldn’t hold high responsibilities, especially in society, but Christ sees everyone as equally important. Hearing His call is what truly matters, emphasizing that we should value all who listen to Christ Jesus. For these devoted women, their love for Jesus runs deeper than anythi...
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  Saint Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist  - Feast   Ephesians 4:1-7,​11-13 · Psalm 18(19):2-5 Matthew 9:9-13 For I came not to call the righteous but sinners-Matt.9:13. Today, the Church commemorates the feast of St. Matthew. Christ called him while he worked as a tax collector, and that encounter transformed his life. Matthew dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving God and faithfully obeyed His commandments. Ultimately, he authored the Gospel according to Matthew, offering a detailed account of his Master's life. Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, from start to finish, Jesus is presented as Immanuel, God-with-us, remaining with us until the end of time. Matthew acknowledges the ever-present guidance of Jesus, the Son of Man, who came through David's lineage to call the weary and lost back to the Father. It is noteworthy that, when Matthew hosted Christ at his home, there were many other tax collectors and sinners present, sharing a meal. This prompts the question: wh...
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