A Prophet Without Honor

Jesus,, You found no honor among Your neighbors because they saw Your humanity all too vividly. Lord, help us to encourage and honor our neighbors who are trying to move beyond their own humanity and fallen nature. Help our neighbors show the same to us as we struggle to overcome our shortcomings and failures. Let us feel compassion and joy rather than jealousy and resentment when others prosper and we remain in a struggle. Holy Spirit, enlighten us. Amen. Matthew 13: 54-58

Responsorial Psalm
"Sing with joy to God our help."

Today's Intention
People in conflict because of their faith.

Today's Saint
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Pray For Us!

Glory Be To The Father. Amen.

Do You Understand?

Jesus, awaken our dull minds to the full truth that Your parables reveal about Your Heavenly Kingdom. Your words are so simple and clear, yet we struggle with Your message because we continue to try to understand and imagine Your Kingdom, which is beyond our ability to comprehend. Help us to hear and accept Your words as children. Let us rest in the hope that You want us to be with You for all time. Help us overcome our doubts and fears so that when You ask us, "Do you understand?" we can say, "No, but I believe and have trust in You." Lord, have mercy on us and cast Your net on us and save us. Amen. Matthew 13: 47-53

Responsorial Psalm
"How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!"

Today's Intention
Those working in Catholic radio and television.

Today's Saint
Saint Peter Chrysologus, Pray For Us!

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. Amen

Martha, Martha You Are Anxious

Jesus, You know how we bustle about trying to keep too many balls in the air. Settle us down with Your calming words, like You did Martha when she was upset with Mary. Help us to focus and pay attention to You, especially when we attend Mass. Lord, we are distracted by so many things in life that pull us away from You. Help us put our trust in You and allow You to walk ahead of us to lead the way. All we have to do is follow. Stay close to us so that we can see You as we are led from darkness. Amen. Luke 10: 38-42

Responsorial Psalm
"Holy is the Lord our God."

Today's Intention
All those who find themselves too busy with little satisfaction.

Today's Saint
Saint Martha, Pray For Us!

Jesus, we trust in You! Amen.

Jesus Sows Good Seeds

Jesus, we beg You to plant in us a love of You that will allow us to withstand the hot winds and cold winters of our lives. We hope for the day that Your Angels pick us and deliver us to Your heavenly kingdom. Lord, the lesson that You teach about the sower of good seed gives us hope for ourselves and frees us from resenting those who try to harm us and lead us into sin. You are the final judge who will deliver justice on harvest day. Harvest us along with the good crops we beg You. Amen. Matthew 13: 36-43

Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord is kind and merciful."

Today's Intention
People who are being led astray spiritually.

Today's Saint
Saint Samson, Pray For Us!

Precious Blood of Jesus, make us holy! Amen.

Mustard Seed

Jesus,You spoke in parables so that the hidden truths could be revealed to simple people. We are simple people yet today who continue to need Your parables and lessons explained in a way that our clouded and obstinate minds can understand. Make our minds fertile dear Lord so that when the tiny mustard seeds of knowledge that You sow are planted, they grow into the Kingdom of God within us. We are incapable of knowing what this mysterious Kingdom will be like, but our only desire is to have it grow within us and around us and through us. Holy Spirit, help us! Amen. Matthew 13: 31-35

Responsorial Psalm
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good."

Today's Intention
Teachers, that they may teach the truth with courage and conviction.

Today's Saint
Saint Celestine, Pray For Us!

Glory be to Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost! Amen.

More Than We Can Eat

Jesus You have more than enough of everything to make us happy. We sometimes feel that Your words and lessons are not sufficient to meet the challenges we face in our lives. Lord, give us the faith to steadfastly draw from Your basket of endless mercy and knowledge as the Apostles fed the crowd with only five loaves and two fishes. Our world is in desperate need of You Lord. Feed us all and supply us with our daily bread. Amen. John 6: 1-15

Responsorial Psalm
"The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs."

Today's Intention
Those starving for physical and spiritual foods.

Today's Saint
Saints Joachim and Anne,Pray For Us!

Hail Mary full of grace, please pray for us to Your Son. Amen

Seeking To Serve

Jesus, You walked among men as a man to teach us to serve others. You spoke time and time again about how service to others gives glory to the Father and that to seek glory for ourselves will lead to our enslavement. Lord, all we ask is that You stay close to us so that we may live our lives doing the things that will give pleasure and glory to God. The rewards that come from that will be gratefully accepted, regardless of where we might sit in the heavenly kingdom. Father in heaven, look down on our humble efforts and show us mercy. Amen. Matthew 20: 20-28

Responsorial Psalm
"Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing."

Today's Intention
People all over the world who are living lives of slavery to others.

Today's Saint
Saint Christopher and Saint James the Greater, Pray For Us!

Seeds Sown In Rich Soil

Jesus, plant Your seeds of wisdom and truth deeply into our hearts, minds and souls so that regardless of what ill winds, storms or creatures of evil try to wipe out the sprouts, they will survive. Holy Spirit cultivate us with Your gifts so that we are enriched and fertile in the nutrients that will increase our faith's strength and durability. Jesus, thank You for the wonderful parables that make Your Word clear to us. Amen. Matthew 13: 18-23

Responsorial Psalm
"Lord, You have the Words of everlasting life."

Today's Intention
Farmers, especially in poverty stricken areas.

Today's Saint
Saints John Boste, George Swallowell and John Ingram Pray For Us!

Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray For Us! Amen.

They Look But Do Not See

Jesus, often we look but do not see, just like those people that needed parables to help them understand Your message of salvation. Lord, let us be among the people to whom the Father grants knowledge so that we can learn all there is to know about gaining eternal life. We work so hard to understand and at times, the harder we struggle, the less we understand and our faith is shaken. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the wisdom and prudence to abandon our efforts and surrender ourselves to the Lord. Help us be able to see. Amen. Matthew 13: 10-17

Responsorial Psalm
"Glory and praise forever."

Today's Intention
Those with hearing and sight impairments.

Today's Saint
Saint Bridget of Sweden,Pray For Us!

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Amen.

"Woman, Why Are You Crying?"

Jesus, Mary Magdalene wept when she discovered that Your body had been removed from the tomb. She feared that someone took You away and that she would not be able to be with You any longer at that place. Lord, we cry when You seem distant from us and our prayers seem to be unanswered. We worry that You have left us or doubts enter our mind that You were never there after all. Calm our fears O Lord. Strengthen our trust in Your everlasting presence in our lives, especially at times that You seem to have gone away. Holy Spirit give us Your Gifts. Amen. John 20: 1-2, 11-18

Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord gave them bread from heaven."

Today's Intention
Those who are struggling to find Jesus.

Today's Saint
Saint Mary Magdalene, Pray For Us!

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee!

Amen.

Who Is My Mother and My Brother?

Jesus, we try so hard to do the will of the Father, There are days that we do well and there are days that don't go so well. Never let us forget that You love us and are always desiring us to be counted as part of Your family. Lord, You know everything there is to know about us. You know our desire to please You and You know our inability to do Your will without Your help. Let humility build in us so that we can grab onto Your outstretched hand that is waiting to guide us. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm
"Let us sing to the Lord; He has covered Himself in glory."

Today's Intention
People estranged from their families.

Today's Saint
Saint Henry II , Pray For Us!

Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray For Us.

Amen.

We Wish To See A Sign

Jesus, enlighten us to see all of the signs that You have left us to not only remind us of Your power and majesty, but to help us reach eternal salvation.When You walked the earth, many demanded a sign to prove that You were indeed the Son of God. You refused them yet for those people who had faith without asking for signs, You worked miracles. Lord, help us to lay our weary heads on You for rest like children who gently fall asleep in their parent's loving arms. Holy Spirit give us Your gifts. Amen. Matthew 12: 38-42

Responsorial Psalm
"Let us sing to the Lord; He has covered Himself in glory."

Today's Intention
Those whose faith is being tested.

Today's Saint
Saint Arsenius Pray For Us!

Mary Queen of Heaven, Pray For Us!

Amen.

His Heart Was Moved With Pity

Jesus, we are indeed like sheep without a shepherd. We are creatures, who because of our fallen nature, need to be led and shown the way. Be there for us to provide us with the never ending love that a shepherd shows his sheep. Keep our flock together Lord and bring into our fold all those hopelessly lost sheep looking for a shepherd to keep them safe. Holy Spirit, clear the clouds in our mind and let us understand that although we have great intelligence and skill, we are eternally lost unless we accept Jesus as our loving Shepherd. Make us humble and thankful for His mercy and care. Amen. Mark 6: 30-34

Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

Today's Intention
All fallen and falling away Catholics.

Saint Arsenius, Pray For Us.

Mary Queen of Heaven, Pray For Us!
Amen.

Until He Brings Justice to Victory

Jesus, help us to follow Your example of quiet persistence and dedication to Your mission of salvation. Strengthen us to grow in faith as increasingly more threatening attacks on Your Word erupt on earth. Without fanfare and protest, You persistently made Yourself available to those who welcomed Your teachings. Reward us as You rewarded them with physical and spiritual healing for accepting You into our hearts. Lord, You are still going from town to town today, making Yourself available to all You meet so that they can be saved. Jesus, let our eyes see You when You come to us and at the same time work through us so that we can represent You to those we meet daily. Make us instruments of Your plan. Amen. Matthew 12: 14-21

Responsorial Psalm
"His mercy endures forever."

Today's Intention
Missionaries throughout the world.

Saint Frederick, Pray For Us!

"For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." Amen.

I Desire Mercy

Jesus, touch us and allow us to fully realize that when we live our lives with mercy and compassion, we glorify and pay homage to You. Heighten our understanding of what true love and true spirituality is all about. Holy Spirit, inspire us with Your gifts so that we can live our lives free of the meaningless trappings of hollow action and self-glorification. Help us to act fearlessly in the pursuit of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, and keep us assured that when we act that way, we are showing love to the Father, the Son and to You.Amen. Matthew 12: 1-8

Responsorial Psalm
" I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord."

Today's Intention
Those seeking to find a deeper conversion to Jesus Christ.

The Blessed Martyrs of Compiegne, Pray For Us!

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Your mercy.

Amen.

You Will Find Rest

Jesus, You have made us an offer that is hard to refuse. Give us the humility and serenity to place our trust in You and our burdens on Your shoulders. How amazing You are to be so merciful and loving. Lord, help us to take the chance to surrender to Your loving care and guidance. Strengthen us and guide us to live out our lives doing the very best that we can to serve You as we serve others. Help us to work hard without expectation of success and self-glorification, knowing that our job is to do our best and allow You to use our efforts and fruits, whether successful or not, in a way that serves Your plan. Amen. Matthew 11: 28-30

Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord remembers his covenant forever."

Today's Intention
Those desperately struggling with life's problems, whatever they may be.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pray For Us!

Mary Mother of Jesus, ask Your Son to shine His light into our souls and hearts and make them humble yet strong. Amen.

The Childlike

Jesus, grant us humility so that we can put aside our arrogant desire to know everything unimportant so that we can have the time to pay attention to what You have to teach us. Allow us to be like children gathered around You, accepting what You tell us with amazement and wonder. Let us be among the ones to whom the Father is revealed. Lord, we are restless in our quest for earthly success. Change our hearts and motivations to devote our daily works and toil to Your glory. Count us in Your glorious circle of children who You love and cherish. Amen. Matthew 11: 25-27

Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord is kind and merciful."

Today's Intention
Scientist so that they may see and accept God in nature.

Saint Bonaventure, Pray For Us!

Amen.

Woe To You

Jesus, thank You for all of the gifts that You have left us in the Holy Catholic Church. The sacraments and especially the Eucharist are always here for us to help us to gain eternal life. Help us to take advantage of those wonderful gifts. There are so many places in the world that do not have the abundance that we have in our local churches. Yet, the people in those areas of poverty and religious strife have a faith that puts us to shame. Lord, provide for those who have little and help us that have much to appreciate and share what we have. Amen. Matthew 11: 20-24

Responsorial Psalm
"Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live."

Today's Intention
People who are suffering religious persecution

Saint Camelius de Lellis, Pray For Us!

Lord, make us an instrument of Your peace!

Losing One's Life

Jesus, You warn us that following You will cause conflict among our family members. Help us to remain loving and engaged with our family and friends as we move closer to You. Holy Spirit, inspire us in how to live our lives in a manner that seeks to glorify the Father first and our earthly desires second. Jesus, we need You to remain close to us as we follow Your word. We are weak and prone to failure. Show us Your love and mercy. Show our family and friends Your love and mercy. Amen. Matthew 10: 34 - 11:1

Responsorial Psalm
"Our help is in the name of the Lord."

Today's Intention
Families Suffering From Discord and Conflict

Saint Henry, Pray For Us!

Amen.

He Sent Them Out Two By Two

Jesus, You are still sending out Your disciples two by two today. Some are in the holy priesthood and some live ordinary lives. The world is large and filled with many evils that must be cast out. Strengthen Your priests to conquer the temptations of the world so that they can be effective in their vocations. Strengthen us so that we can be brave warriors as part of the Church's militant. Lord, help us all remain energetic, regardless of how our efforts are received by others. Holy Spirit, inspire us. Amen. Mark 6: 7-13

Responsorial Psalm
"Lord, let us see Your kindness, and grant us Your salvation."

Today's Intention
Priests and Religious

Saint John Jones, Pray For Us!

Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Speak In The Light

Jesus, help us to fearlessly live a life that is pleasing to You. Help us to be a model of Your word that will be an inspiration to those we love. Lord, it is so painful to watch our loved ones be detached from You. Strengthen in us the faith that You love all people, regardless of who they are or what they do. In You everything is possible. Nudge our loved ones and friends toward You O Lord and let us be an instrument that helps with the task. Holy Spirit, grant us a healthy dose of Your gifts so that we can more fully live out our earthly vocation to its fullest. Amen. Matthew 10: 24-33

Responsorial Psalm
"Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!"

Today's Intention
People Discerning a Vocation

Saint Benedict, Pray For Us!

Amen

Sheep In The Midst Of Wolves

Jesus, protect us as we follow You through an ever more perilous world. We know You will never leave Your flock, but at times it is so hard to see You and we become fearful. Staying with the flock is difficult because so many different dangers lurk on all sides of us and try to harm us. Sometimes they succeed and then we cry out to You for help and forgiveness. Lord, help us withstand all that we encounter as we follow You. Holy Spirit be our look out and warn us of the dangers around us and arm us with Your gifts to fend them off. Amen. Matthew 10: 16-23

Responsorial Psalm
"The salvation of the just comes from the Lord."

Intention For Today
People suffering religious and political persecution

Saint Ottonia, Pray For Us!

"In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen."

Without Cost You Have Received

Jesus, help us to be the welcoming houses that You speak of to Your Apostles. Let us see the many opportunities that You place in front of us that are Your messages for us. Although the messages may cause discomfort and pain, they are gifts from You to deepen our conversion. Holy Spirit, help us discern and benefit from what we encounter in our daily lives so that when our day of judgement arrives, we are welcomed into the Father's house. Give us the courage to listen and live according to God's Word. Lord, give us Your blessing everyday of our lives. Amen. Matthew 10:7-15

Responsorial Psalm
"Remember the marvels the Lord has done."

Intention For Today
Missionaries Throughout The World.

Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Saint Peter Sanji Jorda & Companions, Pray For Us!

Jesus Summons Us

Jesus, summons us like you did Your twelve Apostles and send us out to do Your work. Lord, give us clear directions on what to do and have the Holy Spirit accompany us to keep us true to Your directions. Amen. Matthew 10: 1-7

Responsorial Psalm
"Lord, let Your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You."

Intention For Today
Seminarians

St Kilian, St.Aquila and St.Priscilla, Pray For Us!

Like Sheep Without A Shepherd

Jesus, we are Your sheep and You are our shepherd. Let us pay attention to Your loving voice alone. Lead us to eternal food and water, even though the journey is long and rough. Holy Spirit, protect us from the many shepherds who call our names to graze on land that is sure to dry up of food and water in quick order. With Jesus, lead us to the land of the Father. Amen. Matthew 9: 32-38

Responsorial Psalm
"In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord."

Intention For Today
Fatherless Children

Saint Odo, Pray For Us!

"Your Faith Has Saved You"

Jesus, have mercy on us as You did for the woman who struggled to touch Your cloak. Give us the strength and courage to fight our way through all of the things that block our dedication to You. Help us to remember that when we touch others in charity and love, we touch You. Heal us from our physical and spiritual ills so that we can serve You with more vigor. Holy Spirit, lead us to an ever deepening understanding and love of the Father in heaven. Amen Matthew 9: 18-26

Responsorial Psalm
"In You, my God, I place my trust."

Intention For Today
All those struggling with physical illness.

St. Maria Goretti, Pray For Us!

In Our Own Homes

Jesus, You were least accepted by those who knew You best. We also find our continual conversion to You most difficult in our own homes. Help us move forward regardless of the resistence of others. Holy Spirit, guide us in reacting to others in a manner that will invite them, rather than alienate them. Lord, You can do all things. Touch the lives of those who are closest to us so that they may know Your love. Amen. Mark 6: 1-6

Responsorial Psalm
"Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy."

Intention For Today
For family members struggling with life in any way.

Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Pray For Us!

Wedding Guests

Jesus, please be with us always so like the guests at a wedding, we can be joyous and festive. Faith in You brings joy and strife. You console us and give us hope. Yet, our love of You and following what You require causes us to be different from others at times. Help others want to follow You by our example, and strengthen us to fend off ridicule and isolation from those same people. Holy Spirit, refresh us with the new wine of the Father's Kingdom. Holy Trinity surround us with Your wisdom, faith and protection. Amen. Matthew 9: 14-17

Responsorial Psalm
"Praise the Lord for the Lord is good."

Intention For Today
All those seeking to find Christ.

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Pray For Us!

Put Your Finger Here

Jesus, we are just like Thomas. We need You to show up and be seen every once in a while in our lives so that our faith is maintained. You know us better than we know ourselves. Despite our doubts, You keep coming back to help us. Lord, open our eyes to Your presence in our everyday lives. Let us see Your wounded hands in the hands of the poor and suffering. Build our faith by sending the Holy Spirit to inspire our understanding and appreciation of the Mass and the Eucharist. Help us as You helped Thomas. Lord show us Your hands. Amen. John 20: 24-29

Responsorial Psalm"Go out to all the world and tell the Good News."

St. Thomas, pray for us.

We Wait For Your Mercy

Jesus, we are like the paralytic laying on the stretcher waiting for Your healing and mercy. We are surrounded by all types of forces doing all that they can do to stop You from touching us. All we can do is lay here and know that our faith will allow You, at the time that the Father chooses, to heal us and send us on our way. Holy Spirit, imbed in us Your gifts so that we will be able to throw away our stretchers and walk. Jesus, You can do all things! Amen. Matthew 9: 1-8

They Begged Him To Leave

Jesus, it is a mystery to us why the residents of the village begged You to leave when they learned of You casting out devils. Help us to welcome You with open minds and hearts whenever You come into our midst. Make us aware that all that happens around us is by the Father's design, regardless of whether the events make us happy, sad or fearful. Holy Spirit inspire us to deepen our faith in Christ, regardless of our daily circumstances and fears. Lord, You work in mysterious ways and so we walk around oblivious to all that You do for us. Jesus, open our eyes. Amen. Matthew 8: 28-34