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/

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

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! ✝️😊

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.