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Matthew 5:44-45

The Perfection of Love

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel ends with Jesus saying, “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This is a high calling! And it is clear that part of the perfection to which you are called requires a generous and total love even for those you may consider your “enemies” and those who “persecute” you.

When faced with this high calling, one immediate reaction could be that of discouragement. When faced with such a challenging command, it is understandable that you may feel incapable of such a love, especially when the hurt caused by another is ongoing. But there is another reaction that is entirely possible and one for which we should aim. And that reaction is deep gratitude.

The gratitude we should allow ourselves to experience is on account of the fact that our Lord wants us to share in His life of perfection. And the fact that He commands us to live this life also tells us that it is entirely possible. What a gift! What an honor it is to be invited by our Lord to love with His very heart and to love to the extent that He loves all people. The fact that we are all called to this level of love should result in our hearts giving deep thanks to our Lord.

If discouragement, however, is your immediate reaction to this calling from Jesus, try to look at others from a new perspective. Try to suspend judgment toward them, especially against those who have and continue to hurt you the most. It’s not your place to judge; it’s your place only to love and to see others as the children of God who they are. If you dwell upon another’s hurtful actions, angry feelings will inevitably arise. But if you strive only to see them as children of God whom you are called to love without reserve, then even feelings of love will more easily arise within you, helping you to fulfill this glorious command.

Reflect, today, upon this high calling of love and work to foster gratitude within your heart. The Lord wants to give you an incredible gift by loving all people with His heart, including those who tempt you to anger. Love them, see them as God’s children and allow God to draw you into the heights of perfection to which you are called.

Source: https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2025/03/14/the-perfection-of-love-4/

Matthew 5:44-45 Read More »

Saint Matilda of Saxony

Daily Saints

Profile

Matilda was the daughter of Count Dietrich of Westphalia and Reinhild of Denmark; she was raised by her grandmother, abbess of the Eufurt. In 913, Matilda left the abbey, and married King Henry the Fowler of Saxony (Henry I), who had received an annulment from a previous marriage. She became the Queen of Germany. She was the mother of Otto, Holy Roman Emperor; Henry the Quarrelsome, Duke of Bavaria; Saint Bruno the Great, Archbishop of Cologne, Germany; Gerberga, wife of King Louis IV of France; Hedwig, mother of Hugh Capet. She founded several Benedictine abbeys. Well known throughout the realm for her generosity, she taught the ignorant, comforted the sick, and visited prisoners. She was betrayed by Otto after Henry’s death when he falsely accused her of financial mismanagement.

Born

c.895 at Engern, Westphalia, Germany

Died

14 March 968 at Quedlinburg, Germany of natural causes
buried in the monastery at Quedlinburg

Patronage

death of children
disappointing children
falsely accused people
large families
people ridiculed for their piety
queens
second marriages
widows

Representation

alms
bag of money
crown
orb
sceptre
purse, indicative of her generosity
queen with a whip
queen holding a church

Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-matilda-of-saxony/

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Matthew 5:26

Daily Reflections, Verse

Beyond Forgiveness

Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.

Reflection:

Was our Lord here giving legal advice regarding a criminal or civil case and how to avoid prosecution? Certainly not. He was presenting us with an image of Himself as the just Judge. And He was exhorting us to show mercy to anyone and everyone who could be seen as our “opponent.”

Forgiveness of another is essential. It can never be withheld. But forgiveness is actually not even enough. The ultimate goal must be reconciliation, which goes much further. In this Gospel above, Jesus exhorts us to “settle” with our opponents, therein implying reconciliation. The RSV version of the Bible says it this way, “Make friends quickly with your accuser…” Working to foster a “friendship” with one who has accused you, especially if it is a false accusation, goes far beyond simply forgiving them.

To reconcile with another and to reestablish a true friendship means that you not only forgive but also do all you can to ensure that you reestablish a relationship of love with that person. It means that you both put your grievance behind you and start anew. Of course, that takes both people to cooperate in love; but, for your part, it means that you work hard to establish this reconciliation.

Think about someone who has hurt you, and, as a result, your relationship with them has been damaged. Have you prayerfully forgiven that person before God? Have you prayed for that person and asked God to forgive them? If so, then you are now ready for the next step of reaching out to them in love to mend your relationship. This takes great humility, especially if the other person was the cause of the hurt and especially if they have not spoken words of sorrow to you, asking for your forgiveness. Don’t wait for them to do so. Look for ways to show that person that you love them and want to heal the hurt. Don’t hold their sin before them or hold on to a grudge. Seek only love and mercy.

Jesus concludes this exhortation with strong words. Essentially, if you fail to do all you can to reconcile and reestablish your relationship, you will be held accountable for it. Though this may seem unfair at first, it is clearly not, because this is the depth of mercy that our Lord offers us every day. We will never be adequately sorry for our sin, but God forgives and reconciles with us anyway. What a grace! But if we fail to offer this same mercy to others, we essentially limit God’s ability to offer this mercy to us, and we will be required to pay back “the last penny” of our own debt to God.

Reflect, today, upon the person who comes to mind with whom you need to fully reconcile and rekindle a relationship of love. Pray for this grace, commit yourself to it and look for opportunities to do so. Do it without reserve and you will never regret your decision.

Source: https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2025/03/13/beyond-forgiveness-4/

Matthew 5:26 Read More »

Saint Leander of Seville

Daily Saints

Profile

Leander was the son of Severianus and Theodora, known for their piety. He was the elder brother of Saint Isidore of Seville, Saint Fulgentius of Ecija, and Saint Florentina of Cartagena. He was a monk at Seville, Spain. He became the Bishop of Seville.

He converted Saint Hermengild and Prince Reccared, sons of the Arian Visigoth king Leovigild, who then exiled Leander to Constantinople from 579 to 582. There, he became close friends with the papal legate who later became Pope Saint Gregory the Great; he recommended that Gregory write his famous commentary (Moralia) on the Book of Job.

When Reccared ascended the throne, Leander was allowed to return to Seville. He worked against Arianism, and presided over the Third Council of Toledo in 589. He revised and unified the Spanish liturgy, and his boundless energy and steady faith led the Visigoths back to orthodox Christianity. Leander wrote an influential Rule for nuns. He introduced the Nicene Creed to Mass in the west. He was honored as a Doctor of the Faith by the Church in Spain.

Born

c.534 at Cartagena, Spain

Died

c.600 at Seville, Spain of natural causes

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Patronage

Seville, Spain

Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-leander-of-seville/

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Matthew 7:9–10

Daily Reflections, Verse

Praying for the Will of God

“Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish?”

Reflection:

Clearly this is a rhetorical question by Jesus. No parent would hand their son or daughter a stone or a snake if they asked for food. But that of course is the point. Jesus goes on to say, “…how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.”

When you pray with deep faith, will our Lord give you whatever you ask? Certainly not. Jesus did say, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” But this statement must be carefully read within the whole context of Jesus’ teaching here. The fact of the matter is that when we sincerely ask in faith for “good things,” meaning that which our good God wants to bestow upon us, He will not disappoint. Of course, this does not mean that if we beg Jesus for anything whatsoever that He will give it to us.

What are those “good things” that our Lord will most certainly give to us? First and foremost, it is the forgiveness of our sins. We can be absolutely certain that if we humble ourselves before our good God, especially within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will be granted the freely given and transforming gift of forgiveness.

In addition to the forgiveness of our sins, there are many other things we need in life, and there are many other things that our good God wants to bestow upon us. For example, God will always want to give to us the strength we need to overcome temptations in life. He will always want to provide for our most basic needs. He will always want to help us grow in every virtue. And He most certainly wants to bring us to Heaven. It is these things that we must especially pray for every day.

But what about other things, such as a new job, more money, a better house, acceptance into a certain school, a physical healing, etc.? Our prayers for these and other similar things in life should be prayed for but with a caveat. The “caveat” is that we pray that God’s will be done. Not ours. We must humbly acknowledge that we do not see the big picture in life and do not always know what will give God the greatest glory in all things. Therefore, it may be better that you not get that new job, or be accepted at this school, or even that this illness not end in healing. But we can be certain that God always will bestow upon us that which is best for us and that which enables us to give God the greatest glory in life. The crucifixion of our Lord is a perfect example. He prayed that that cup be taken from Him, “but not my will but Yours be done.” And, of course, the Father saw the great eternal value in the death of His Son on the Cross and answered that prayer of His accordingly.

Reflect, today, upon how you pray. Do you pray with detachment from the outcome, knowing that our Lord knows best? Do you humbly admit that only God knows what is truly good for you? Trust this to be the case and pray with complete confidence that God’s will be done in all things and you can be certain that He will answer that prayer.

Source: https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2025/03/12/praying-for-the-will-of-god-8/

Matthew 7:9–10 Read More »

Saint Luigi Orione

Daily Saints

Profile

Luigi joined the Franciscans at Voghera, Italy as a young man, but developed severe health problems and returned to his family. He studied under Saint John Bosco at Turin, Italy, was present at Saint John‘s death, and was cured of his illness during Saint John‘s funeral.

Luigi studied at the seminary in Tortona, Italy. While still a layman and student, he opened San Luigi House at San Bernardino in 1893, a home for the poor, homeless and abandoned. He was ordained on 13 April 1895.

He founded the Hermits of Divine Providence congregation, the Ladies of Divine Providence, and an orphanage in Rome, Italy in 1899. Under the patronage of Pope Saint Pius X, he founded the Little Missionaries of Charity. He constructed the Marian shrine at Tortona, a site that became a rallying point for people during times of political unrest. To administer the houses of his congregations, Luigi travelled the world, visiting houses in Wales, Brazil, the United States, and throughout Italy.

Born

23 June 1872 at Pontecurone, Allessandria, Italy

Died

12 March 1940 at San Remo, Imperia, Italy from heart disease
body found intact when exhumed in 1965
interred at the shrine of Our Lady of Safe Keeping, Tortona, Italy

Venerated

5 February 1978 by Pope Paul VI (decree of heroic virtues)

Beatified

26 October 1980 by Pope John Paul II

Canonized

16 May 2004 by Pope John Paul II

Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-luigi-orione/

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Luke 11:29

Daily Reflections, Verse

The One True Sign of the Cross

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

Reflection:

The crowd seemed to be a mixed bunch. First, there were those who wholeheartedly believed in Jesus. The Twelve, for example, left everything behind to follow Him. His mother and various other holy women believed in Him and were His faithful followers. But within the growing crowd, it appeared that there were many who questioned Jesus and wanted some form of proof of Who He was. Thus, they wanted a sign from Heaven.

A sign from Heaven would have been some externally manifest proof of Who Jesus was. Granted, Jesus had already performed numerous miracles. But it seems that this was not enough. They wanted more—and that desire is a clear indication of a stubbornness of heart and a lack of faith. So Jesus could not and would not give them the sign they wanted.

Instead, Jesus says that the only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah. Recall that the sign of Jonah was not very appealing. He was thrown over the side of a boat and swallowed by a whale, where he remained for three days before being spit up on the shores of Nineveh.

Jesus’ sign would be similar. He would suffer at the hands of the religious leaders and civil authorities, be killed and be placed in a tomb. And then, three days later, He would rise. But His Resurrection was not one in which He came forth with rays of light for all to see; rather, His post-Resurrection appearances were to those who already manifested faith and already believed.

The lesson for us is that God will not convince us of the matters of faith through powerful and Hollywood-like public manifestations of God’s greatness. Instead, the “sign” we are offered is an invitation to die with Christ so that we can personally begin to experience the new life of the Resurrection. This gift of faith is interior, not publicly exterior. Our death to sin is something we personally and interiorly do, and the new life we receive can only be seen by others by the witness of our lives that are changed.

Reflect, today, upon the true sign God has given you. If you are one who seems to be waiting for some manifest sign from our Lord, wait no longer. Look at the crucifix, see Jesus’ suffering and death, and choose to follow Him in a death to all sin and selfishness. Die with Him, enter the tomb with Him and allow Him to bring you forth interiorly renewed this Lent, so that you can be transformed by this one and only sign from Heaven.

Source: https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2025/03/11/the-one-true-sign-of-the-cross-4/

Luke 11:29 Read More »

Saint Constantine II

Daily Saints

Profile

Born a Scottish prince, the son of King Kenneth II of Strathclyde, Constantine led a life of vice until his conversion, possibly after hearing the evangelizing preaching of Saint Columba and Saint Kentigern.

Constantine was married and the father of at least one son. He became briefly the king of Stathclyde. Widowed, he abdicated his position, founded a monastery at Govan on the river Clyde, became a monk there, and evangelized the region. He became a priest and an abbot of a monastery in Govan, Scotland. He was a martyr.

Older martyrologies have entries for Constantines of Strathclyde, of Cornwall, and of Rahan, Ireland; they run the details of their lives together, and they could have been one, two or three people.

Died

bled to death in 874 in a cave near Crail after his right arm was cut off by Danish pirates
considered a martyr in Scotland for defending his Christian land against pagan invaders

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-constantine-ii/

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Matthew 6:7-8

Daily Reflections, Verse

Praying the Our Father

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them.

Reflection:

Recall that Jesus used to go off by Himself at times and spend the whole night in prayer. Thus, it’s clear that Jesus is in favor of long and sincere times of prayer, since He gave us His own example as a lesson. But there is clearly a difference between that which our Lord did all night and that which He criticized the pagans for doing when they “babble” with many words. After this criticism of the prayer of the pagans, Jesus gives us the “Our Father” prayer as a model for our personal prayer.

The Our Father prayer begins by addressing God in a deeply personal way. That is, God is not just an all-powerful cosmic being. He is personal, familial—He is our Father. Jesus continues the prayer by instructing us to honor our Father by proclaiming His holiness, His hallowedness. God and God alone is the Holy One from which all holiness of life derives. As we acknowledge the holiness of the Father, we must also acknowledge Him as King and seek His Kingship for our lives and for the world. This is accomplished only when His perfect will is done “on earth as it is in Heaven.” This perfect prayer concludes by acknowledging that God is the source of all of our daily needs, including the forgiveness of our sins and protection from all evil.

Upon the completion of this prayer of perfection, Jesus provides a context in which this and every prayer must be prayed. He says, “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Prayer will only be effective if we allow it to change us and make us more like the Father in Heaven. Therefore, if we want our prayer of forgiveness to be effective, then we must live what we pray for. We must also forgive others so that God will forgive us.

Reflect, today, upon this perfect prayer, the Our Father. One temptation is that we can become so familiar with this prayer that we gloss over its true meaning. If that happens, then we will find that we are praying it more like the pagans who simply babble the words. But if we humbly and sincerely understand and mean every word, then we can be certain that our prayer will become more like that of our Lord’s. Saint Ignatius of Loyola recommends pondering every word of that prayer very slowly, one word at a time. Try to pray this way, today, and allow the Our Father to move from babbling to authentic communication with the Father in Heaven.

Source: https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2025/03/10/praying-the-our-father-4/

Matthew 6:7-8 Read More »

Saint Marie-Eugénie de Jésus

Daily Saints

Profile

Eugenie was raised in an educated and intellectual family with no faith, but who apparently went through some of the motions since she received her first Communion on Christmas 1829 at age twelve. She had a conversion experience, came to the faith, and felt a call to religious life by hearing the Lenten sermons of the Dominican Henri Lacordaire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. She made a short novitiate with the Sisters of the Visitation at Cote Saint-Andre, but did not take vows.

During a pilgrimage to the shrine of Sainte-Anne d’Auray in 1825, Eugenie felt called to found a teaching institute that would work in the world, but kept monastic observances. In 1839, she founded the group later named the Congregation of the Assumption (Religious of the Assumption, Sisters of the Assumption) to perform this mission. The Assumptionists received papal approval in 1888, and continue their good work in 34 countries around the world today.

Born

26 August 1817 at Metz, Moselle, France as Eugenie Milleret de Brou (de Bron)

Died

10 March 1898 at Auteuil, Hauts-de-Seine, France of natural causes

Venerated

21 June 1961

Beatified

9 February 1975 by Pope Paul VI

Canonized

3 June 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI

Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-marie-eugenie-de-jesus/

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Author name: Sani

Matthew 5:44-45

The Perfection of Love

Saint Matilda of Saxony

Matthew 5:26

Beyond Forgiveness

Saint Leander of Seville

Matthew 7:9–10

Praying for the Will of God

Saint Luigi Orione

Luke 11:29

The One True Sign of the Cross

Saint Constantine II

Matthew 6:7-8

Praying the Our Father

Saint Marie-Eugénie de Jésus

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