SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

2nd JULY 2025

Whom Shall I Send? Send me Lord: June 2021

WEDNESDAY, THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 21: 5, 8-20 Ps 34: 7-8, 10-13 Mt 8: 28-34

HE SEES, HE LISTENS

We are presented today with Hagar, a woman stripped of dignity, cast into the wilderness, yet cradled in the mercy of God. As an enslaved woman, she possessed no societal power, yet God demonstrated His boundless grace toward her and her son, Ishmael. Genesis recounts Sarai’s harsh treatment of pregnant Hagar, driving her to flee. Yet, in her despair, God’s angel sought her, assuring her of His protection. The name ‘Ishmael’ means “God hears.” Hagar, in turn, named the God she encountered El Roi, “the God who sees me,” affirming that even in her abandonment, she was never invisible to Him. When Hagar and Ishmael were exiled by Abraham and Sarai (first reading), they faced death in the desert. Parched and desperate, Hagar wept, but God, ever compassionate, opened her eyes to a well of life-saving water.

Hagar’s story mirrors the mission of Christ, who entered the world to see, hear, and uplift the broken. In today’s Gospel, Jesus restores a demon-possessed man to wholeness, reaffirming that no one is beyond divine love. Our world still has countless Hagars – refugees, the homeless, the economically oppressed – and many Ishmaels – children of fractured families or societal rejects. They cry out, longing to be seen and heard. The question for us is: How can we become Christ’s hands and heart in their lives? By advocating for justice, extending compassion, and refusing to overlook those the world discards, we participate in God’s redemptive work. Like Hagar, may we always remember: El Roi sees, Ishmael’s God hears, and through us, His love can reach the forsaken.

Let us examine our own lives: Do we turn away from modern-day Hagars, or do we, like God, stop and listen? Small acts of kindness, advocacy for the oppressed, and intentional inclusion can make us vessels of divine love. In a world that often silences the weak, may we be the ones who ensure their cries are heard and their worth affirmed, just as God did for Hagar.

Response: The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025

1st JULY 2025

Psalm 34:5 Illustrated: "Radiant" — Heartlight® Gallery

TUESDAY, THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 19: 15-29 Ps 26: 2-3, 9-12 Mt 8: 23-27

LOOK TO HIM

We are constantly engaged in numerous activities, leaving our minds scattered and distracted. Our energies are dispersed, hindering our ability to prioritize and excel. Hence, we are invited today to refocus ourselves on God, to look to Him as the only source of meaning and purpose, so that we may break free from the shackles of fear and anxiety.

The people of Sodom and Gomorrah rejected God and chose wickedness instead. Their sin brought destruction; yet in mercy, God saved righteous Lot and his family, commanding them: “Escape! Do not look back!” Lot’s wife, however, hesitated. She looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Distraction leads to stagnation; fixation on the weaknesses of others puts us in danger of falling into similar sins. Yet, when we fix our eyes on Christ, we walk in freedom, growth, and deliverance. God’s command remains: “Do not look back;” rather, “follow me.” Focusing on Him takes away all fear and anxiety, all hindrances to our growth.

In the Gospel passage, we find Jesus with His disciples in the boat when a storm struck. He was asleep. Instead of focusing on the presence of the Lord in their midst, the disciples allowed themselves to be distracted by the storm and be cast into the darkness of fear and distress. Jesus, after having calmed the storm, makes them realize what is truly essential – faith. Faith is nothing but focusing on the Lord, looking to Him for direction, trusting in Him for protection, hoping in Him for salvation. We need to ask ourselves today: what are those things in my life that draw my attention away from the Lord, causing me to be afraid, to be anxious, to despair? Which are those areas in my life that I have not yet surrendered to the Lord? How often during my day am I able to make Jesus the centre of what I am doing? Look to Him!

Response: O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.

June 29, 2025June 29, 2025

30th JUNE 2025

10 Pope Francis Quotes on Mercy for Divine Mercy Sunday

MONDAY, THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 18: 16-33 Ps 103: 1-4, 8-11 Mt 8: 18-22

BECOMING CHANNELS OF GOD’S MERCY

The first reading presents the circumstances leading to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord says to Abraham that the outcry of suffering from these cities has been great. As the three men set out to see if the situation is as grave as it sounds, the Lord remains with Abraham and engages in a discussion with him. ‘If God could find a remnant of righteous people among them, would God forgive the wicked people of Sodom and not destroy the city?’ The central principle is that the righteousness of a few can redeem the whole. God declares that He is ready to forgive the whole city, if even ten righteous people could be found. He tends towards mercy and forgiveness, in answer to the prayers of the righteous.

This belief in God’s willingness to hear and consider the pleas for mercy and deliverance helps in establishing the rich Jewish and Christian traditions of intercessory prayer. How often do I pray for my family, community, friends, and country? Just as Abraham interceded for Sodom, we are invited to seek God’s justice and mercy for those in need. In his book The Church of Mercy: A Vision for the Church, Pope Francis tells us: “Jesus shows us this merciful patience of God so that we can regain confidence, hope—always!”

The responsorial psalm sings praises to God, who does not treat us as our sins deserve but shows us boundless love and forgiveness. The psalmist invites us to cultivate a habit of praising God with a thankful heart and to acknowledge His merciful love in our lives. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship. He urges us to prioritize above everything else our commitment to follow Him. We are invited to follow God’s will with an undivided heart, and to make meaningful choices in our daily lives that make us channels of His mercy and compassion.

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious

June 28, 2025June 28, 2025

29th JUNE 2025

SUNDAY, SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

Acts 12: 1-11 Ps 34 2 Tm 4: 6-8, 17-18 Mt 16: 13-19

THE HOLINESS OF PETER AND PAUL

On this feast day of the apostles Peter and Paul, we have readings that point to how each one of these apostles responded to Jesus and to others around them. They also show how God uses ordinary men to bring the joy of the Gospel to many and change the course of the history of the human race.

In the Gospel, we see Peter and the other disciples being asked a very important question by the one whom they have been following as their Master: “Who do you say the Son of Man is?” Perhaps this was a question that the people were asking, and most probably the disciples had been discussing it as well. There was a reference in the Old Testament to “one like a Son of Man” who comes with the clouds and is presented before God, and all dominion and glory were given to him (Dan 7:13-14). Certainly, there was a lot of speculation, but very little clarity. Now, Jesus desires to help his disciples understand the truth of who He truly is. It is Peter who responds with a confession of faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus declares that this revelation that has come to the apostles through Peter, is from God the Father. Hence, it is clear, certain and true. Jesus then blesses Peter as the rock on whom He will build his church. This blessing is for all the apostles through Peter. Jesus chooses to build his church on the shoulders of the apostles who have left everything to follow Jesus.

In the second reading we hear Paul explaining the nature of his discipleship. He gives the analogy of a drink offering. In the Old Testament, it was a serving of wine that was poured out on the altar and consumed by fire. Paul says that he has already been poured out, that he has “fought the good fight to the end… run the race to the finish… kept the faith.” All this is a way of saying that he has given his all to Jesus. His offering, like the wine, is consumed by the fire of the love of God and it is a pleasing aroma to Christ. This comes with a promise of the prize that is stored up for him, the crown of righteousness. The apostles Peter and Paul are examples and witnesses of those who have left everything and followed Jesus, and were poured out as a drink offering to be consumed by the Divine fire. Their holiness is not their own, but is given to them as a blessing and a gift from God the Father. They receive their sainthood not because they were without fault but because they fought the good fight even when it was exhausting, finished the race without giving up and kept the faith even in difficult circumstances. They receive the crown of righteousness not because they had earned it but because they were faithful. We cannot earn the Father’s love. He loves us unconditionally already. What we can do is be faithful to him as a response to His faithfulness to us.

How can we imitate Peter and Paul and so receive the crown of righteousness?

Stay closely connected to Jesus and the church that is built on the shoulders of many apostles, saints and faithful people.
Remember to make a daily offering of yourself to God, so that you may have strength to fight the good fight against fear, sin and evil.
Encourage those around you to finish the race so that you may also be encouraged to keep running and not give up in moments of weakness and failure.

“The Church looks to these two giants of faith (Peter and Paul) and sees two Apostles who set free the power of the Gospel in our world, only because first they themselves had been set free by their encounter with Christ… Peter and Paul bequeath to us the image of a Church set free and capable of offering the world the freedom that the world by itself cannot give: freedom from sin and death, from resignation, and from the sense of injustice and the loss of hope that dehumanizes the lives of the women and men of our time.” (Pope Francis)

Response: Their sound goes forth through all the earth.

June 27, 2025June 27, 2025

28th JUNE 2025

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

SATURDAY, TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gn 18: 1-15 Lk 1: 46-50, 53-55 Lk 2: 41-51

WALKING IN MARY’S FOOTSTEPS

A father and his young daughter were shopping in a crowded mall. Holding her hand, he guided her through the busy walkways. But for a brief moment, she let go, distracted by something shiny. When she turned back, her father was gone. Panic set in as she searched frantically, until suddenly, she felt a strong, familiar hand on her shoulder. “I was right here,” her father reassured her. “I never left you.” We encounter in the gospel today a deeply human moment in the life of the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph lose sight of Jesus and search for Him in anguish. When they find Him in the temple, He asks, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” How often do we feel as if we’ve lost sight of Jesus? We assume He is with us, only to realize we have drifted. Like Mary and Joseph, we must seek Him earnestly, in prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist, and acts of service. Mary responds with trust, even when she doesn’t fully understand. This is a lesson for us. God’s plans may be unclear, but like Mary, we are called to trust, ponder, and move forward in faith. How can we follow Mary’s example?

Trust in God’s plan: Life brings unexpected challenges. Instead of frustration, we can pause, pray, and trust that God is at work even when we don’t understand.
Seek Jesus daily: Like Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus, we must prioritize prayer, Mass, and Scripture reading.
Serve with love: Mary’s life was one of selfless service. We too can offer small acts of kindness, help those in need, and be present to others.

Mary’s journey was not without struggle, but she remained faithful. By walking in her footsteps, we too can live a Christ centred life. In the words of St Teresa of Avila, “He alone is enough; seek Him, trust Him, serve Him.”

Response: The Lord has remembered his mercy.

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

27th JUNE 2025

Devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | Sacred Heart Catholic Church Richmond, Texas

FRIDAY, TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ez 34: 11-16 Ps 23: 1-6 Rom 5: 5-11 Lk 15: 3-7

THE FACE OF GOD IS LOVE

The question “Who is God?” has captivated humanity since time immemorial, stirring awe, wonder, and endless contemplation. In the Old Testament, God emerges as a multifaceted divine presence, described through vivid imagery and profound encounters. Early traditions portray Him as the supreme Creator, wielding unmatched power to bring life from nothingness. He is the God of armies, performing mighty deeds to liberate His people. This portrayal evolves into a loving, merciful, and faithful God who freely enters a covenant with humanity, created in His image. The temple cult emphasizes God as the divine Lawgiver, commanding obedience through sacred ordinances (the Jewish Law), while the prophets present Him as a compassionate shepherd or a devoted husband – just, yet forgiving, demanding moral integrity from His people. We must acknowledge however, that the Scriptures consistently affirm that God transcends human understanding, remaining a mystery beyond comprehension. We recall the words of the prophet Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is 55:8-9) We are granted only glimpses of His nature through experiences of His presence, not full comprehension. The truest path to knowing God is through humility – on our knees in prayer, loving Him and others. This approach draws us into a relationship with the divine, where faith and devotion outweigh intellectual mastery.

Jesus revolutionizes our understanding of God, revealing Him as unconditional, impartial love embodied in a Father’s heart. He exemplifies this love, laying down His life for humanity, even when we were His enemies (second reading). Through His incarnation, Christ becomes love itself, manifesting divine goodness in His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice. His cruel death on the cross and the institution of the Eucharist make God’s presence tangible. The Eucharist is love that gives itself entirely, nourishing us to become better and happier, while the cross embodies forgiveness without limit, excusing humanity’s hostility as ignorance. This love is a deliberate choice to overcome evil with good, extending care to both the righteous and the unrighteous. Jesus’ invitation – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) – beckons those weighed down by life’s heaviness or meaninglessness. In Him, we find renewal, empowered to love without reservation, mirroring His selfless devotion. This transformative love is the essence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol of divine compassion that burns for humanity’s salvation. To immerse ourselves in this heart is to emerge as agents of love, committed to healing a fractured world. By embracing Christ’s love, we become channels of His grace, fostering reconciliation, hope, and redemption in our communities and in the world.

On this day, we honour priests ordained to minister as living reflections of Christ’s Sacred Heart. Their pastoral calling – to make present the love of Jesus through the Eucharist, preaching, and service – is both a privilege and a challenge, especially in today’s complex and often hostile world. Priests stand as shepherds, guiding souls to the heart of Christ, administering sacraments that sustain faith, and embodying the sacrificial love of the cross. Their commitment demands courage, resilience, and unwavering fidelity to God’s call, even amidst personal struggles or societal pressures. As they face these challenges, they rely on the grace of the Sacred Heart to renew their zeal and strength. Let us intercede fervently for our priests today, praying that they bind themselves ever more closely to their sacred mission. May they draw from the inexhaustible love of Christ’s heart, finding inspiration to live out their sacred promises with joy and perseverance. As a community, we are called to support them through prayer, encouragement, and gratitude, recognizing their vital role in bringing God’s love to the world. Together, let us walk toward the Sacred Heart of Jesus, allowing its transformative power to shape us into people of boundless love. By living ‘eucharistically’; that is, by offering ourselves for others in imitation of Christ who offers us His Body and Blood in love, we participate in the salvation of the world, fulfilling our Christian vocation to be light and salt in a world yearning for God’s embrace.

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

June 25, 2025June 25, 2025

26th JUNE 2025

Benedict of Nursia Quote: “The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all.”

THURSDAY, TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 16: 1-12, 15-16 Ps 106: 1-5 Mt 7: 21-29

HUMILITY THAT LEADS TO OBEDIENCE

In the first reading, we encounter Sarai and Hagar whose lives are intertwined in a complex narrative of human frailty and divine intervention. Sarai, feeling the weight of her barrenness, takes matters into her own hands by giving her handmaid, Hagar, to Abram. This decision leads to conflict, as Hagar, upon conceiving, begins to despise Sarai. The angel of the Lord finds Hagar in the wilderness and instructs her to return and “humble yourself under her hand”. This command highlights that true humility often requires us to endure and submit, even in difficult situations. Hagar’s willingness to return and embrace her role reflects her trust in God’s plan, which ultimately leads to the fulfilment of the promise of a great nation through her (and Abraham’s) son, Ishmael.

The Gospel further emphasizes the importance of humility through Jesus’ teaching on authentic discipleship. He warns that not everyone who calls upon Him will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. Humility does not stop with recognizing one’s limitations but moves the person to an active obedience to God’s will. Building our lives on the “rock” of Christ’s teachings requires a humble heart, willing to listen and act according to His guidance.

Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, states, “Humility can only take root in the heart through humiliations”. Hagar’s experience is a fitting example. Psychologically, humility is linked to emotional intelligence and resilience. Humble individuals are more open to feedback and less defensive, fostering personal growth and healthier relationships. This is in harmony with the wisdom of building our lives on the solid foundation of Christ’s teachings, as the Gospel counsels. Let us strive to embody this virtue in our lives. Like Hagar, may we embrace our circumstances with grace, trusting in God’s plan. May we allow humility to progress into obedience, deepen our relationship with God and one another.

Response: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

June 22, 2025June 22, 2025

23rd JUNE 2025

How Do I Help My Brother with a Speck In His Eye When I Have a Log In My Own Eye? Judging Rightly – Navigating by Faith

MONDAY, TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gn 12: 1-9 Ps 33: 12-13, 18-20, 22 Mt 7: 1-5

CALLED, NOT TO JUDGE, BUT TO LOVE

Man can perceive only the external conduct of a person but God can see us through and through. Man can be erroneous in judgment but God is Justice itself. Man cannot know the intentions of the human heart but God probes to the depths of the heart that He made. Therefore, God alone is the just Judge. Charity is the ultimate calling of a Christian. ‘When we judge others, we have no time to love them’, says St. Teresa of Kolkata.

When we forget the truth of our creation and redemption, we easily commit the sin of judgment. When the creature considers itself worthy of the Creator’s role, it wears the garment of pride. Pride can be conquered only by humility. Remembering the humility of the Divine Infant in the manger and the charity of the Crucified Love, we would not desire to judge others. God demands mercy from us, not judgment. An introspection on the sin of judgment would help us understand that we too may be committing the same sins we condemn others with. Christ who never condemned the woman caught in adultery is a shining example for us. When questioned by the Scribes and the Pharisees, He keeps silence on the matter. Shrouding the shrine of our souls in holy silence would keep us from quickly passing judgment.

Divine grace alone makes man good. If grace is withdrawn from us, what is left is nothingness and an inclination to sin. Reverencing every human person who is created in the divine image is what God expects from His beloved people. Imitating the humanity of Christ in our earthly life will help us attain to His Divinity and share in His glory in the life to come. Our one goal is to stand before Christ with a blameless heart rich in mercy. Then will He utter to us His everlasting word: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

June 21, 2025June 21, 2025

22nd JUNE 2025

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

SUNDAY, SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Gn 14: 18-20 Ps 110 1 Cor 11: 23-26 Lk 9: 11-17

OH! WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT!

So much of life is ruled by a set of daily rituals and routines. We wake up in the morning, wash up, get ready, and then have breakfast. If we have kids, we get them ready for school and then either head off to work whether inside or outside. Essentially, we are accustomed to doing a number of things a certain way each day. While these rituals can help bring order to our lives, they also bring the risk of going through life without any sense of meaning or purpose. This same risk can infect our spiritual life as well, especially with regard to the way we approach the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Today, on the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, let us examine our attitude towards this great gift given to us.

At every Eucharist, we go through the same series of gestures and make the same responses; we know when to sit, to kneel and to stand. There are few surprises in the structure of the Mass; we all know what is coming next and are ready for it. And yet in the midst of all these routine acts something wonderful happens every time – Jesus comes to us bringing new blessings each time. As is our experience with those dearest to us, more so is it with the Lord – every encounter is refreshing, encouraging and delightful in its own unique way. In the Gospel, Jesus feeds a multitude of people with the five loaves and two fish. But prior to working the miracle He asks the disciples first to “give them something to eat.” Just as God looked after His people and satisfied their hunger, so Jesus wants His apostles to realize, as they begin their missionary activity, that it is not they who are feeding the people but God. They came to understand that God’s promise of salvation extends to the whole world, for God wishes to satisfy everyone’s hunger.

Today we are drawn into the mystery of the Eucharist, instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, as St. Paul reminds us in the second reading. On the night He was betrayed, Christ offered the Eucharistic sacrifice of His Body and Blood, as a perpetual gift to sustain us until His Second Coming. This sacred meal commemorates Jesus’ self-sacrificial love – His Body broken and Blood poured out to nourish humanity with His divine life. The disciples, in celebrating this mystery, remembered how Jesus surrendered Himself entirely, His heart pierced, His love boundless, to redeem us. To partake in the Eucharist is to share in this life given for us, to be enveloped by the love that flows from Christ’s sacred heart. To be Eucharistic, like Jesus, demands total abandonment to the Father’s will. It requires us to “break” ourselves – surrendering pride, hardness, and rebellion. Before God, we lay bare our resistance, submitting fully with a resolute “yes” to His call. This act of self-offering mirrors Christ’s humility and obedience, transforming us into vessels of His love. The Mass should not become a ritual for us; rather, each time we participate in it, we should be moved to answer the call to live sacrificially, reflecting Jesus’ self-giving in our relationships and actions.

As we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, we rejoice in the Lord’s real presence on the altar. We are invited to honour His command to “do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19), celebrating the sacrament as a testament to His death and resurrection. In the Eucharist, Christ embraces us, offering His divine life and whispering His boundless love, eager to transform our hearts and guide our paths. Let us approach the Eucharist with gratitude and reverence, confessing our need for the Bread of Life. Active participation – listening to God’s Word, reflecting on its meaning, and receiving Christ’s presence – makes the Eucharist a living reality in our lives. Empowered by this sacred encounter, we are sent forth to live holy, pleasing lives, radiating Christ’s love in the world. May we carry the Eucharistic spirit, becoming broken bread for others, sharing the divine life we receive.

Response: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.

June 20, 2025June 20, 2025

21st JUNE 2025

Surrender your worries to GOD

SATURDAY, ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

2 Cor 12: 1-10 Ps 34: 8-13 Mt 6: 24-34

SURRENDERING WORRY

“Do not worry about tomorrow,” Jesus assures us, yet worry often grips our hearts despite knowing that Christ holds our lives in His merciful hands. Today’s readings urge us to surrender every aspect of our existence to the Lord, who knows our struggles, our future, and the ultimate purpose of our journey. From the moment of our creation, God has seen the end from the beginning, weaving a divine plan for our lives. Worry, a reflection of human fragility, reveals our struggle to trust fully in His providence. Even Martha, in Luke 10:38-42, succumbed to worry, fretting over tasks while missing the “better part” that Mary chose – sitting attentively at Jesus’ feet.

Like Mary, we are called to pause, slow down, and listen to the Lord’s voice. This is not easy in a world that demands constant motion, but surrendering our anxieties allows us to hear God’s solutions. When we quiet our hearts, He speaks – perhaps through Scripture, circumstances, or the wisdom of others. Jesus, our Savior, cannot bear to see us consumed by worry. He invites us to trust patiently, assuring us that He provides what we need most, even if it differs from our desires. Whether it is food, clothing, shelter, or guidance, God is in control, faithfully sustaining us as He has since our time in our mother’s womb.

Our overthinking minds often amplify our fears, but faith calls us to release these burdens into Christ’s hands. He has carried us this far; will He not guide us through the days ahead? God’s providence may come through unexpected means, requiring us to discern His voice amidst life’s noise. Let us hold fast to faith, choosing to rest in His presence like Mary, confident that He knows everything. As we surrender our fragile, anxious hearts, we find peace in His promise to supply our deepest needs, leading us to a life of trust and divine assurance.

Response: Taste and see that the Lord is good.