My best friends nephew is getting baptized. I crochet, I decided to make something up to celebrate.

Our wisdom, our prudence, should be employed for the benefit of all, not just our own selves and our selfish pursuits. This is why we must look for and promote the common, being especially concerned with those society deny basic rights, basic human dignity. It is through the pursuit of the good, we can overcome evil, instead of using evil’s ways, for if we use evil against evil, we embrace evil ourselves.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/07/wisdom-in-pursuing-the-well-being-of-all/

Reupload since I used the wrong term last time lmao, feel free to ask any questions!

July 23, 2026 Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Readings at a Glance • Jeremiah 1:1, 4–10 God calls Jeremiah from his youth, assuring him: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” God appoints him as prophet and promises to be with him, placing His words in Jeremiah’s mouth. • Psalm 71:1–6, 15, 17 A prayer of trust: “You are my hope, O Lord.” The psalmist proclaims God’s faithfulness from youth and commits to praising Him all his life. • Matthew 13:1–9 Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower. The seed is God’s Word, and the soil represents the human heart. Only the heart that receives, nurtures, and protects the Word bears abundant fruit.

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-july-23-2026/Message from the Readings Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth: God calls each of us personally, plants His Word within us, and invites us to bear lasting fruit. • Jeremiah is known, chosen, and sent by God. • The psalmist trusts God’s faithfulness from youth to old age. • Jesus teaches that God’s Word is alive—but its fruitfulness depends on the openness of our hearts. The message is clear: God’s call is personal. God’s Word is powerful. Our response determines the harvest.

Reflection for the Day Jeremiah’s call is one of the most intimate moments in Scripture. God speaks directly to him: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” “Before you were born, I dedicated you.” This is not just Jeremiah’s story—this is your story. God knows you. God formed you. God calls you. And God equips you for the mission He entrusts to you. Jeremiah feels inadequate: “I am too young.” “I cannot speak.” “I am not ready.” But God answers every fear with a promise: “Do not be afraid… I am with you.” The psalm continues this theme of lifelong relationship. From youth, God has been the psalmist’s refuge. From childhood, God has been his strength. And now, he commits to proclaiming God’s goodness all his days. Then Jesus offers the Parable of the Sower—a mirror for our hearts. The seed is always good. The Word is always powerful. The Sower is always generous. But the soil differs. Some hearts are distracted. Some are shallow. Some are choked by worries and worldly desires. But some hearts—open, humble, receptive—bear fruit “a hundredfold.” Today’s readings invite us to three movements: 1. Embrace your calling. God knows you personally and has a purpose for your life. 2. Trust God’s faithfulness. He has been with you from the beginning and will remain with you always. 3. Cultivate your heart. Make space for God’s Word—protect it, nurture it, and let it transform you. Let today be a day of openness, courage, and renewed commitment to God’s call.

Prayer for Today Lord God, You formed me, You know me, and You call me by name. Make my heart good soil for Your Word. Remove distractions, heal my fears, and strengthen my faith so that Your truth may bear abundant fruit in my life. Walk with me today as You walked with Jeremiah, and help me trust in Your faithful love from morning to evening, from youth to old age. Amen.

Hello everyone! 😊

I'd like to draw your attention to the Catholic Summer Festival (CSF) 2026.

From August 6th to 9th, 2026, young people from various places will gather in Marienfried to experience faith together, forge new friendships, and spend a special time in community.

The festival offers, among other things:

✝️ Prayer, praise, and worship services 🎶 Music and celebrations 🤝 Fellowship with other teenagers and young adults 🔥 Workshops, activities, and many special moments

Whether you've been on your faith journey for a long time or are simply curious and looking for an open community – everyone is warmly welcome. 😊

If you have any questions about the Catholic Summer Festival or need more information, please feel free to contact me directly. I'm happy to help!

You can find more information and register here:

👉 https://www.jugend2000.org/catholic-summer-festival-26/

Maybe we'll see you at CSF 2026! ✝️😊

July 22, 2026

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• Song of Songs 3:1–4b The bride searches for her beloved with longing and determination. When she finds him, she holds him close and refuses to let him go.

• Psalm 63:2–6, 8–9 A psalm of deep desire for God: “My soul thirsts for You.” God’s love is better than life, and His presence brings joy and strength.

• John 20:1–2, 11–18 Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb. In her grief, she encounters the risen Jesus, who calls her by name. She becomes the first witness of the Resurrection and the “apostle to the apostles.”

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-july-22-2026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a beautiful and intimate truth:

Those who seek the Lord with love will find Him—and He will call them by name.

• The bride’s longing mirrors the soul’s search for God.

• The psalm expresses a thirst only God can satisfy.

• Mary Magdalene’s encounter shows that Jesus reveals Himself personally, tenderly, and powerfully.

The message is clear: Love leads to encounter. Encounter leads to mission.

Reflection for the Day

Mary Magdalene stands as one of the most moving figures in the Gospel. She loved Jesus deeply—enough to stand at the foot of the Cross, enough to return to the tomb early in the morning, enough to weep when she thought He was gone.

Her love made her seek. Her seeking led her to stay. Her staying allowed her to encounter the risen Lord.

The moment is breathtaking:

She mistakes Him for the gardener. She is overwhelmed with grief. She cannot see clearly through her tears.

But everything changes when Jesus speaks one word:

“Mary.”

Her name. Her identity. Her story. Her heart.

In that moment, she recognizes Him—not through sight, but through love.

This is how God meets us: Not with thunder, but with tenderness. Not with spectacle, but with personal love. Not with distance, but with a voice that calls us by name.

The first reading from the Song of Songs captures this longing beautifully. The bride searches for her beloved in the night. She refuses to give up. And when she finds him, she clings to him with joy.

Mary Magdalene lived this poem. She searched. She found. She held on.

The psalm echoes the same desire: “My soul thirsts for You… Your love is better than life.”

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Seek Jesus with love.

Even in confusion, silence, or sorrow—keep searching.

1. Listen for His voice.

He calls you personally, tenderly, by name.

1. Share the encounter.

Like Mary, become a witness of hope and resurrection.

Let today be a day of love, encounter, and renewed mission.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, like Mary Magdalene, I seek You with a longing heart.

Call me by name, speak to my soul, and reveal Your living presence.

Fill me with the joy of Your Resurrection and send me forth to share Your hope with the world.

May my love for You grow deeper, my faith stronger, and my witness bolder.

Amen.

I am praying for you all!

I ask that you also pray for me.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O St. Anne, you are my spiritual grandmother. Please pray for me! 

I come to you today with my heartache and pain. It hurts right now to not have what I most desire. It hurts to feel as though God has forgotten me in my waiting. 

I ask that you pray for me today that God will heal the hurt that exists within me, and that He will use the suffering that I have been enduring, for His greater glory.

Please help me, St. Anne, to not waste my suffering, but to instead, lay it at the foot of the cross and carry it courageously throughout my days. 

Please pray that Jesus will relieve even an ounce of the pain I feel, and that He will accept my suffering, and use it as He wills. Please pray that He will teach me to love through this cross. 

Please pray for…

(Mention your intentions here).

But most of all, please pray that I may be open to God’s will the way that you were, and that I will be able to wait with patience, perseverance in faith and hope, and with absolute trust in the Lord’s plan for me. 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Good Evening(ish),

My name is Chris and I was born Catholic but have only recently truly accepted God into my heart. Sadly this faith was obtained through alcohol addiction.

God worked through my Mother, who prayed every night and found every opportunity to guide me to God. It worked. I eventually realized that I had a problem, and truly accepted God into my heart.

I have been going to church every Saturday or Sunday, and doing all the other fun stuff. Bible studying, praying, rosaries and especially enjoy doing the divine mercy. Sometimes I would go to a statue of Mother Mary and beg her to intercede for me. Honestly felt ashamed to directly ask God.

Eventually I was given the strength to quit. Cold turkey. Even though I know that chances are I would suffer a lot as a result. October 19th 2024 was when I began my journey to a life of sobriety. Craziest thing happened.....God took it away. The cravings, the voice in the back of my head to take another drink. All gone. That isn't to say I didn't suffer at all, but I had my family there to support me!

Not everyone is that lucky though. To realize they need to have faith and God will bring them salvation and not everyone has a family that will step up like mine.

With my new found faith and dedication to God, it eventually lead me to the realization that I want to dedicate my life to helping those who are suffering like I was. I have the support of my local priest and I am looking to start a ministry.

That is where you all can come in to help me. Especially those who may have also overcome addiction. What helped? I'm looking for different methods and materials I can use to integrate into my ministry. Or heck, if any of you have advice on how to start a ministry feel free to share! I know going through the Gospel of Matthew helped a lot, but any passage suggestions are also welcomed!

I appreciate everyone who took the time to read this and reply.

God bless!

Perhaps a stupid question but in my language (Dutch) we call him “Sint Franciscus van Asissië”, so I was wondering if this is the same Saint.

Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

Too many people, including Christians, view the value of someone based upon their material wealth, fame, or power; when they do so, the poor, the vulnerable, find their worth not only questioned, but denied. Christians should follow the way of Christ, the way which counters this fallen mode of engagement with the preferential option for the poor:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/07/the-danger-of-defining-human-value-by-material-wealth/

I had originally started this on the Catholic Dating page but they keep saying it isn't about dating even though I am doing this novena for requesting a spouse for others & myself! So ...

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O St. Anne, you are my spiritual grandmother. Please pray for me! 

I come to you today asking that you will pray that the love in my heart will grow continuously for our Lord.

It is too easy for me to be lured and tempted by the things of this world, and sometimes, even by the things my heart desires most. 

I ask that you help me to remember that this world is my ship and not my home, and please pray that I may keep my eyes focused on the Lord and on eternity in Heaven. 

Please pray for…

(Mention your intentions here).

But most of all, please pray that I may be open to God’s will the way that you were, and that I will be able to wait with patience, perseverance in faith and hope, and with absolute trust in the Lord’s plan for me. 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I am praying for you & ask that you pray for me.

It's just that I'm just happily living my life, enjoying doing things I like, and then the thoughts come. Sometimes, is this a sin, or is it not and just angsty me?

Like, Ow, I like those characters. I love shipping them and drawing them. Oh, wait, one of them is nonbinary. Should I keep drawing this ship? Is it sinful? Even though I've been drawing for a long time and I've never had a problem (and i never draw themm doing something suggestive) . and then doubting and doubting

Or like doubting if this is a sin and doubting over till my head hurts.

Could you pray for me, help me with the first thing, or just help me, please?

Sorry for taking your time

Edit: Thank you for your answers. I've been advised in the other subreddit of Catholicism, and I feel better now. Thank you for using your time for answering this

July 21, 2026

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• Micah 7:14–15, 18–20 God shepherds His people with tenderness, forgives their sins, and delights in mercy. He promises compassion and faithfulness, just as in the days of old. 

• Psalm 85:2–8 A plea for God’s mercy and restoration: “Lord, show us Your mercy and love.” God has forgiven His people before—He can do so again. 

• Matthew 12:46–50 Jesus expands the meaning of family: “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Belonging to God’s family is rooted in obedience, not bloodline. 

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-july-21-2026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a deeply comforting truth:

God’s mercy gathers us, restores us, and makes us part of His family.

• Micah reveals God as a Shepherd who forgives and delights in compassion.

• The psalm reminds us that God restores what is broken.

• Jesus teaches that doing the Father’s will draws us into His family.

The message is clear: We belong to God not by birth, but by obedience and trust.

Reflection for the Day

Micah’s prayer is tender and hopeful. He asks God to shepherd His people as He once did—guiding them, feeding them, and showing them wonders. But the most striking part is God’s character:

“Who is there like You, the God who removes guilt… who delights in clemency?”

God does not forgive reluctantly. He delights in mercy. He enjoys restoring His people. He casts sins into the depths of the sea—not to be retrieved, remembered, or used against us.

The psalm echoes this longing for restoration: “Lord, show us Your mercy and love.” It is a prayer of people who know they have failed, yet trust that God’s kindness is greater than their mistakes.

Then Jesus reveals something astonishing in the Gospel. When told His mother and brothers are outside, He stretches out His hand toward His disciples and says:

“Here are my mother and my brothers.” “Whoever does the will of my Father is family.”

Jesus is not rejecting His earthly family—He is expanding the definition of family to include you and me. Obedience becomes the doorway into belonging. Doing God’s will becomes the bond that unites us with Christ Himself.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Trust in God’s mercy.

He delights in forgiving you—approach Him with confidence.

1. Seek restoration.

Let God heal what is broken in your life and relationships.

1. Live as God’s family.

Choose His will daily, and you will find yourself closer to Christ than ever before.

Let today be a day of mercy, belonging, and renewed trust in God’s faithful love.

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, shepherd my heart with Your mercy and restore what is wounded within me.

Cast my sins into the depths of the sea and fill me with Your compassion.

Teach me to do Your will so that I may live as a true member of Your family.

Draw me close to Jesus today and help me walk in Your love with humility and trust.

Amen.

Looking for a book about Mass. the history of it, what each section is and why we do it, etc. Is there any such thing out there? Preferably something that’s more recent. I’m a little bit of a nerd and like to dive deep into things :)

Peace be with you ❤️

I went to confession two weeks ago and mentioned as a side note that I am fairly private about my faith in certain social settings. The priest seemed relaxed about it, but still hit me with Matthew 10:33: ​"But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." and it shook me a bit. This Sunday I considered going to confession, but ended up deciding not to, because I had a pretty negative experience. Luckily it's not my usual parish so I don't need to build a good relationship with the priest as such, but I'd want for him to be less harsh and impatient with his actual parishioners. For his sake and theirs. Should I keep my head down and mind my own business, or is it OK to tell him that I had a less than stellar experience? How would you take it?

P. S.

Ironically I took a friend with me, who'd never been to mass before yesterday, so I can't be that much of a Jesus-denialist.

All men ,either good or bad , focus on their physical needs on earth ,which means economy is crucial to support body,mind/soul and spirit. These needs are God's design ,so that all men will work to increase their talents and capabilities . Genesis 2:15 – "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" shows that work is part of God’s original design for humanity.

Work must also be done to glorify God ,not merely obtaining a lot of money and pride ,which may corrupt men's hearts. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Ecclesiastes7:7 Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" encourages seeing everyday tasks as opportunities to honor God.

Moral rules or religions teach laws that manage and control all men so that they won't hurt others by being respectful to God as the Father in control of many people on earth . However , due to the increasing population ,human's needs combined with system that upholds competition in obtaining money prowess and supremacy, the character of flesh of many is being nurtured to be stronger than in past,in order to protect their own kind. It causes the imbalances in all aspects either in relationships between men in family,society, nation or imbalances within individual body -mind -spirit. We can see from the lengthening of working hours that at times surpass humans daily capabilities. It is clear that family which becomes the root and source of love starts to disintegrate as all members are getting busier, running to reach/get more physical worldly needs. Yes, working hard is good to uplift our capabilities and supply our needs . In fact, being lazy/sloth is also a sin .

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Yet , we need to find balance in our lives that not only seeking achievements ,but also love for ourselves and surroundings .

Collosians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. John 6:27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set His seal.”

I would like to put into an imagination that I get from science : physical/flesh ..be symbolized (by ....heat ,red color.)

Mind/soul( in between ) (red +blue : purple )the portion of more flesh or spiritual depends on individual..

(Spirit ; cool , blue )

When i remember of science lesson in secondaries especially about convection, I feel like the particles are like humans moral character .Particles, which are heated(red) , they move faster ,becomes less dense, occupy more space , rise up . These actions seems to depict the character of flesh in the world. Pride, greed ,wrath, envy ,gluttony , sloth are characters which tend to be fast, excluding others , rising up to be popular, and tend to occupy space and time. Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

In comparison to people with spiritual character is like cool air enters and the particles move slower ,more dense , occupy less space. Spiritual people tend to be simple ,humble/down to earth , serving many, speak less -listens more to serve many as well as themselves ,and not taking so much resources or things surroundings only for their own ego' needs. They are like the particles which undergo cooling down and sink down ,more dense(love social gatherings/fellowship) ,occupy less space. "'''' Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12"''''"

In order to be industrious , at the same time don't have the flesh type of character that Paul described , many shall believe in God,respecting Him as the Father with strong authority over all our lives .

""'May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” – Psalm 25:21""'

He is the One who can reward and punish whenever injustice,unfairness, oppression happens . When the world is in imbalance , all will suffer sooner or later. Psalm 31:23 All you who are faithful, love the Lord! The Lord protects those who are loyal, but he pays the proud back to the fullest degree.

Therefore, each of us need to be active in finding the balance within ourselves by fulfilling our needs not only physical but also spiritual so that love ,peace ,joy can occur in our family and surroundings. In order to uplift our spiritual level , we need prayers .As during the prayer and reading bible ,our spirits consume the love energy that God gives us freely(when focusing well) ,just like the depiction of God Jesus presenting His body and blood as food and drink of our spirits.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Ephesians 4:23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],

My (non-Catholic) teen is interested in doing this and I’m enthusiastic! Any suggestions for best tour companies with which to make arrangements? We travel a fair amount but I’ve never done a pilgrimage.

For more information about the life and holy works of the Servant of God Therese Neumann:

-The Story of Therese Neumann, by Albert Paul Schimberg, Bruce Publishing Co., 1947.

-Therese Neumann-Mystic and Stigmatist" by Adalbert Albert Vogl, Tan Books, 1987

Hello,

I have read the Koran many years ago and cannot stop to think about the verses where it say that Jesus is not God nor the son of God.

Maybe I have not a strong faith in the catholic church but the Koran scared me.

Can you give me advices on this ?

ICE continues to indiscriminately kill innocent victims, and lie as to why they do so; how can any Christian who claims to support and love the truth, and with it, affirm human dignity, stand by and accept what ICE is doing, let alone promote it?   And how can the United States be “the land of the free” and have its democratic form of government remain in place when the government lies to justify the unjustifiable?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/07/when-lies-replace-truth-the-path-to-democratic-collapse/

Robert Bresson’s Diary of a Country Priest transforms silence, suffering, and ordinary life into a profound vision of grace. Here is why this overlooked masterpiece may be the greatest Catholic film ever made.

July 20, 2026

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• Micah 6:1–4, 6–8 God reminds Israel of His saving acts and calls them to authentic worship. True faith is not about extravagant offerings but about living justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

• Psalm 50:5–6, 8–9, 16–17, 21, 23 God rebukes empty ritual. He desires thanksgiving, obedience, and a heart aligned with His covenant.

• Matthew 12:38–42 The scribes and Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus. He responds that the only sign given will be the “sign of Jonah”—a call to repentance. Jesus warns that those who fail to respond to God’s message will be judged by those who did.

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-july-202026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a clear and challenging message:

God desires hearts of justice, mercy, humility, and repentance—not empty religious performance.

• Micah teaches that true worship is lived, not merely offered.

• The psalm reminds us that God sees beyond rituals into the heart.

• Jesus warns that demanding signs without conversion leads to spiritual blindness.

The message is simple and powerful: Faith is authentic when it transforms how we live, love, and respond to God.

Reflection for the Day

Micah’s words strike at the core of what it means to follow God. Israel asks:

“With what shall I come before the Lord?” Burnt offerings? Rivers of oil? Even their firstborn?

But God answers with breathtaking simplicity:

“Do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with your God.”

This is the heart of true worship. Not performance. Not extravagance. Not outward show.

But a life shaped by justice, mercy, and humility.

The psalm reinforces this truth. God does not need sacrifices—He desires thanksgiving, obedience, and integrity. He calls out those who recite His statutes but refuse to live them.

Then Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who demand a sign. They want proof, spectacle, certainty. But Jesus refuses to entertain spiritual stubbornness.

He points to Jonah—whose preaching led an entire pagan city to repentance. He points to the Queen of Sheba—who traveled far to seek wisdom.

Both responded to God. Both opened their hearts. Both changed.

But the Pharisees, who stand before the very Son of God, refuse to listen.

The warning is clear: Seeing signs means nothing if the heart remains closed.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Live justice.

Let your faith shape how you treat others—especially the vulnerable.

1. Love mercy.

Choose compassion over judgment, forgiveness over resentment.

1. Walk humbly.

Let God lead. Let His voice guide. Let His truth shape your choices.

Let today be a day of authentic worship—expressed not only in prayer, but in the way you live.

Prayer for Today

Lord God, teach me to worship You with a heart of justice, a spirit of mercy, and a life of humility.

Free me from empty rituals and help me live a faith that transforms my actions and reflects Your love.

Open my heart to Your voice, and give me the courage to respond with repentance, trust, and obedience.

Amen.