Love my enemies? Pray for those who persecute me? Be perfect? That’s crazy talk. 

Every time I hear the passage from today’s Gospel, a thought that goes through my brain for a split second that says, “This is crazy talk.” Not because it is Jesus asking this of us, but because it all seems so impossible. “Lord, you know humanity. You know my sinful self. I can’t possibly live up to this.” And yet, Jesus still asks us. 

What if we could be perfect? What if we could love as God loves? If He’s asking, it must be possible. 

As Christians living after the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, we have an advantage that His followers during His life on earth did not. We know the entire story from the beginning. We know how the story ends. The only way that what Christ asks of us makes any sense is in light of His dying and rising. 

The Cross is the answer to impossible things. Jesus showed us what to do, to carry our crosses and embrace them fully. In the mystery of suffering, we rise above human thinking to the mind of God. 

Today, let’s ask for the grace to see and understand not as we see, but as God sees. Let us ask for the gift to think as God thinks, and the courage to carry our crosses well so that they might transform our lives. 

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St. John Francis Regis

Feast date: Jun 16

On June 16 the Catholic Church celebrates the memory of Saint John Francis Regis, a 17th-century French Jesuit known for his zealous missionary efforts and his care for the poor and marginalized.

In a 1997 letter to the Bishop of Viviers, Pope St. John Paul II commemorated the fourth centenary of St. John Francis Regis’ birth, honoring him as a “lofty figure of holiness” and an example for the Church in the modern world.

“In less than 10 years of ministry, this saintly Frenchman succeeded, with God’s help, in leading back to Christ an immense crowd of men, women and children of all ages and walks of life,” the Pope recalled. He urged the faithful to imitate the saint and “put themselves in God’s hands with total trust.”

Born in 1597, John Francis Regis was the son of a wealthy merchant father and a mother descended from nobility. As a boy he was sensitive, devout, and eager to please his parents and teachers. Educated by Jesuits from the age of 14, he entered the Society of Jesus in December of 1616.

As he followed the traditional Jesuit path of teaching and extensive studies, John also became known as a skilled catechist. He was eager to enter the priesthood, and offered his first Mass in 1631. John spent much of the rest of that year caring for victims of a plague outbreak in the city of Toulouse.

In 1632, John received his assignment as a missionary to the French Protestants – known as Huguenots – as well as the country’s lapsed Catholics and others in need of evangelization. The rest of his life would be devoted to this mission, with remarkable success.

John’s missionary work spanned both a large geographical distance and a broad social spectrum. In over 50 districts of France, he preached the Gospel to children, the poor, prisoners, and others forgotten or neglected by society. His best-known work involved helping women escape prostitution.

John’s labors reaped a harvest of conversions. However, his boldness – perceived as arrogance in some cases – led to a conflict with certain other priests, a period of tension with the local bishop, and even threats of violence from those whose vices he condemned.

Against these obstacles, the priest persevered, sustained by fervent prayer and severe asceticism. His missionary work involved difficult winter journeys, and a witness at his beatification testified to John’s habit of preaching outdoors all day, then hearing confessions throughout the night.

St. John Francis Regis died at age 43, in late December of 1640. Though suffering from a lung ailment, he insisted on preaching a parish mission and hearing confessions. A penitent found him unconscious in the confessional, though he revived long enough to receive the last rites before dying.

Hailed as a confessor of the faith and a model for Jesuit missionaries, St. John Francis Regis was beatified in 1716 and canonized in 1737. Although June 16 was established as his feast day, there are differing local and particular customs, including the Jesuits’ celebration of his feast on July 2.

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St. Lutgardis

Feast date: Jun 16

St. Lutgardis is the patron saint of the blind and physically disabled. Born in the 12th century, she came to her vocation in part due to her father’s bad business sense. Her father lost her dowry in a failed business venture and sent her to a Benedictine convent at the age of 12.

A few years later, she received a vision of Christ showing her his wounds, and at age 20 she became a Benedictine nun. Her visions continued and she is said to have levitated and dripped blood from her head when meditating on the Passion.

Seeking a stricter life, she joined the Cistercians and displayed the gifts of healing, prophecy, spiritual wisdom and teaching on the Gospels.

She accepted the blindness that afflicted her for the last 11 years of her life as a gift that helped reduce the distractions of the outside world. In her last vision, Christ told her when she was to die, the day after the Feast of the Holy Trinity, June 16, 1246. She was 64.

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In the days of the exodus, when Moses was trying to lead and govern the young nation of Israel, the Lord instituted the Law of Moses for them to live by. This included the Ten Commandments, rules for religious worship, and laws for everyday living. At the heart of the societal rules was ‘an eye for an eye,’ meaning that if someone wronged you, you had the right to inflict the same damage on them. For example, if someone killed your sheep, you were entitled to one of their sheep, but not to burn down their house. In this way, the Lord began the formation of the conscience of Israel, training them to recognize that regardless of emotional response, people deserved fair treatment during a disagreement.

Jesus came to fulfill and perfect the law. He is not abolishing the Mosaic Law in this passage but rather elevating it. Now, instead of seeking equal pain on the perpetrator, Christians are called to forgiveness. We are invited to relinquish our claim on material recompense in exchange for a spiritual reward.

This type of living simply wasn’t possible during the time of Moses because Jesus hadn’t come to the world yet. Jesus calls us to behavior that is counterintuitive and contrary to our instincts. The only way we could possibly attain peace while letting enemies strike us, steal our tunics, and force us into labor is through the grace of God.

Jesus recognizes the things that grab a hold of our hearts and keep us tethered to this world. Things like anger, greed, and pride. If someone hurts us, our reaction is anger and we seek to inflict pain on the other person. If someone attempts to wrongly take our possessions, we cling even tighter to our worldly goods. If someone tries to force us to work, we dig our heels in and refuse charity in the name of independence.

Jesus commands us to instead release the anger, the possessions, and the pride. By turning the other cheek, we aren’t condoning abuse but abandoning any claim to retaliation. In this broken world, we don’t have to look far to find a sinner who has hurt us. Jesus asks us to forgive immediately, without any restitution. By handing over not only our tunic but also our cloak, we practice detachment from earthly goods. All of the things we have will one day be gone, but the spiritual gifts and graces Jesus would like to give us in return shall remain with us for all time. By willingly going beyond what is required of you, your labor is transformed from servitude to charity. Instead of slaving for your boss all day, your work becomes the means of your sanctification.

When we live this way, we are set free. This is the gift Jesus wants so desperately to give us: freedom. The rest of the world won’t understand it, but the peace we receive from being set free of our anger, greed, and pride is of far greater value than any worldly reward.

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St. Germaine Cousin

Feast date: Jun 15

June 15 is the feast day of St. Germaine Cousin, a simple and pious young girl who lived in Pibrac, France in the late 1500s. Germaine was born in 1579 to poor parents. Her father was a farmer, and her mother died when she was still an infant. She was born with a deformed right arm and hand, as well as the disease of scrofula, a tubercular condition.

Her father remarried soon after the death of her mother, but his new wife was filled with disgust by Germaine’s condition. She tormented and neglected Germaine, and taught her siblings to do so as well.

Starving and sick, Germaine was eventually kicked out of the house and forced to sleep under the stairway in the barn, on a pile of leaves and twigs, because of her stepmother’s dislike of her and disgust of her condition. She tended to the family’s flock of sheep everyday.

Despite her hardships, she lived each day full of thanksgiving and joy, and spent much of her time praying the Rosary and teaching the village children about the love of God. She was barely fed and had an emaciated figure, yet despite this she shared the little bread that she had with the poor of the village.

From her simple faith grew a deep holiness and profound trust in God. She went to Mass everyday, leaving her sheep in the care of her guardian angel, who never failed her. Germaine’s deep piety was looked upon with ridicule by the villagers, but not by the children, who were drawn to her holiness.

God protected Germaine and showered his favor upon her. It was reported that on days when the river was high, the waters would part so that she could pass through them on her way to Mass. One day in winter, when she was being chased by her stepmother who accused her of stealing bread, she opened her apron and fresh summer flowers fell out. She offered the flowers to her stepmother as a sign of forgiveness.

Eventually, the adults of the village began to realize the special holiness of this poor, crippled shepherdess. Germaine’s parents eventually offered her a place back in their house, but she chose to remain in her humble place outside.

Just as the villagers were realizing the beauty of her life, God called her to Himself. Her father found her body on her bed of leaves one morning in her 22nd year of life.

Forty-three years later, when a relative of hers was being buried, Germaine’s casket was opened and her body was found incorrupt. People in the surrounding area began praying for her intercession and obtaining miraculous cures for illnesses.

St. Germaine was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867 and inscribed into the canon of virgins.

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I was used to driving on dusty country backroads. In fact, I loved them because they signaled to me that an adventure had commenced. I pulled up to a modest home and was greeted by a huge sheep dog. A grey habited sister met me at the door and my discernment with SOLT began. 

The weekend was full of prayer, service, and great conversation. I was at peace in the rhythm of religious life and could see myself in that community, but God didn’t call me there for vocational reasons. Rather, He called me there for a different sort of adventure, something quite mysterious. 

One afternoon, while in prayer, He led my mind’s eye into a round room with latticed windows. The interior was a well-lit and cozy canvas yurt (similar to a teepee or a wigwam). As I was scanning the space, I was encircled by Mary’s mantle to dwell there with her, and I wasn’t alone. In the center of the room was God, the Holy Trinity, “floating” much like an orb (sphere), as best as my human prayer imagination could perceive. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit united in one space dwelt deep in Mary’s core and I was standing before Him soaking Him in. I felt peace, awe, and wonder. 

More than ten years later I am still unpacking this great mystery of God, the Most Holy Trinity, which we celebrate today. It is one of the most fundamental dogmas of Christianity and one that we have no access to without His gift of revelation. I don’t understand it. I cannot comprehend it, but in regards to God’s revelation to me that day, I am overwhelmed by the fact that He chose to gather us unto Himself under Mary’s mantle. He destined His self revelation to be tied up with her. 

I still don’t know why God gave me that image, but I am grateful and want to make every use of the gift. Most of all, I simply want to dwell there with Him. I want to be in that sacred space and let my soul rest in Him under Mary’s watch. My prayer for you is that today’s solemnity would inspire you to meditate on the Most Holy Trinity’s unity with Mary. I hope that you ask her to gather you under her mantle so that you may also dwell there with Him.

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St. Methodius of Constantinople

Feast date: Jun 14

St. Methodius worked for unity and reconciliation in the Eastern Church and served as the Patriarch of Constantinople the last five years of his life.

Born in Syracuse, he first felt the call to enter religious life while in Constantinople, where he had gone to seek a position at court. He left for the island of Chinos, where he built a monastery and started a monastic community.

However, his time at the monastery was short-lived since he was summoned by the Patriarch of Constantinople to help govern the diocese and create unity after a debate broke out on the use of icons in worship. While in Rome seeking the Pope’s help, he was exiled for seven years. He returned as patriarch in 842 and continued to work for unity.

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As we take time to reflect today we look at a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.” As I read this passage it made me look at both human nature and the current stage of motherhood I am in.

First I want to talk about us as humans. It is common in our society to find out what the new trends or fads are and set goals to obtain them, whether it be weight loss, or another personal or spiritual goal.  Every year we set a New Year’s Resolution, and unfortunately we often do not end up sticking with that goal long term. What if instead of setting these goals, we just started saying yes more to things that would better our lives. For instance, instead of saying “I’m going to work hard to better my spiritual life this year,” say yes when a friend asks you to join their prayer group. 

This passage also hits home as a mother. I feel like I am always setting goals to slow down and spend more quality time with each of my girls, or to make every moment special. I get so lost in the planning that I miss the moment. Instead I could just stop and say yes when my daughter asks to play a board game or read a book. 

God knows what we need. If we take the time to be more like our Mother Mary and say yes to the moments God presents us with instead of trying to plan our own destiny, we can form a deeper relationship with God and discover His plan for us. 

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St. Anthony of Padua

Feast date: Jun 13

On June 13, Catholics honor the memory of the Franciscan priest St. Anthony of Padua. Although he is popularly invoked today by those who have trouble finding lost objects, he was known in his own day as the “Hammer of Heretics” due to the powerful witness of his life and preaching.

The saint known to the Church as Anthony of Padua was not born in the Italian city of Padua, nor was he originally named Anthony. He was born as Ferdinand in Lisbon, Portugal during 1195, the son of an army officer named Martin and a virtuous woman named Mary. They had Ferdinand educated by a group of priests, and the young man made his own decision to enter religious life at age 15.

Ferdinand initially lived in a monastery of the Augustinian order outside of Lisbon. But he disliked the distraction of constant visits from his friends, and moved to a more remote house of the same order. There, he concentrated on reading the Bible and the Church Fathers, while living a life of asceticism and heartfelt devotion to God.

Eight years later, in 1220, Ferdinand learned the news about five Franciscan friars who had recently died for their faith in Morocco. When their bodies were brought to Portugal for veneration, Ferdinand developed a passionate desire to imitate their commitment to the Gospel. When a group of Franciscans visited his monastery, Ferdinand told them he wanted to adopt their poor and humble way of life.

Some of the Augustinian monks criticized and mocked Ferdinand’s interest in the Franciscans, which had been established only recently, in 1209. But prayer confirmed his desire to follow the example of St. Francis, who was still living at the time.

He eventually obtained permission to leave the Augustinians and join a small Franciscan monastery in 1221. At that time he took the name Anthony, after the fourth-century desert monk St. Anthony of Egypt.

Anthony wanted to imitate the Franciscan martyrs who had died trying to convert the Muslims of Morocco. He traveled on a ship to Africa for this purpose, but became seriously ill and could not carry out his intention. The ship that was supposed to take him to Spain for treatment was blown off course, and ended up in Italy.

Through this series of mishaps, Anthony ended up near Assisi, where St. Francis was holding a major meeting for the members of his order. Despite his poor health, Anthony resolved to stay in Italy in order to be closer to St. Francis himself. He deliberately concealed his deep knowledge of theology and Scripture, and offered to serve in the kitchen among the brothers.

At the time, no one realized that the future “Hammer of Heretics” was anything other than a kitchen assistant and obedient Franciscan priest. Around 1224, however, Anthony was forced to deliver an improvised speech before an assembly of Dominicans and Franciscans, none of whom had prepared any remarks.

His eloquence stunned the crowd, and St. Francis himself soon learned what kind of man the dishwashing priest really was. In 1224 he gave Anthony permission to teach theology in the Franciscan order –  “provided, however, that as the Rule prescribes, the spirit of prayer and devotion may not be extinguished.”

Anthony taught theology in several French and Italian cities, while strictly following his Franciscan vows and preaching regularly to the people. Later, he dedicated himself entirely to the work of preaching as a missionary in France, Italy and Spain, teaching an authentic love for God to many people – whether peasants or princes – who had fallen away from Catholic faith and morality.

Known for his bold preaching and austere lifestyle, Anthony also had a reputation as a worker of miracles, which often came about in the course of his disputes with heretics.

His biographers mention a horse, which refused to eat for three days, and accepted food only after it had placed itself in adoration before the Eucharist that Anthony brought in his hands. Another miracle involved a poisoned meal, which Anthony ate without any harm after making the sign of the Cross over it. And a final often recounted miracle of St. Anthony’s involved a group of fish, who rose out of the sea to hear his preaching when heretical residents of a city refused to listen.

After Lent in 1231, Anthony’s health was in decline. Following the example of his patron – the earlier St. Anthony, who had lived as a hermit – he retreated to a remote location, taking two companions to help him. When his worsening health forced him to be carried back to the Franciscan monastery in Padua, crowds of people converged on the group in hopes of paying their homage to the holy priest.

The commotion surrounding his transport forced his attendants to stop short of their destination. After receiving the last rites, Anthony prayed the Church’s seven traditional penitential psalms, sung a hymn to the Virgin Mary, and died on June 13 at the age of 36.

St. Anthony’s well-established holiness, combined with the many miracles he had worked during his lifetime, moved Pope Gregory IX – who knew the saint personally – to canonize him one year after his death.

“St. Anthony, residing now in heaven, is honored on earth by many miracles daily seen at his tomb, of which we are certified by authentic writings,” proclaimed the 13th-century Pope.

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St. Leo III, Pope

Feast date: Jun 12

(December 26, 795 – June 12, 816)

Leo came from a modest family in southern Italy. He was elected to the office of St. Peter unanimously by the clergy of Rome following the death of Pope Hadrian. The papacy had dramatically changed over the 8th century, and many Pope’s had separated themselves from the protection the Byzantine emperors and their governors in Ravenna. Pope Stephen II had, in 754, sought the support of the Frankish king Pepin to defeat the invading Lombards. The pope would receive from Pepin the lands formally conquered by the Lombards, therefore creating the Papal States. The Lombards remained, and Leo soon found that he had other enemies within Rome, many of the aristocratic families of the city including relatives of the late Pope Hadrian who accused the pope of perjury and adultery.

On April 25, 799, Leo was attacked while riding in a procession by a gang who sought to cut out his eyes and tongue. While Leo survived the attack, he was arrested by his enemies, deposed as pope and imprisoned in a monastery. Leo managed to escape north to the Franks, who refused to accept the deposition. Leo was escorted back to Rome where the Franks began an investigation both of the charges against the pope and the attack upon his person. The emperor Charlemagne arrived in Rome in November 800 to review the charges in solemn council. The emperor stated that no one on earth could judge the Apostolic See, but he accepted the pope’s statement of innocence after Leo took an oath purging himself of all charges on December 23rd.

At Christmas mass at St. Peters some two days later, Leo crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, giving Charlemagne equal status with the Byzantine emperors in Constantinople. This relationship provided protection for the Holy See and allowed Leo to administer the Papal States, bestowed several decades earlier by Pepin. However Charlemagne extracted a high price for his support, often interfering in the work of the church and expecting Leo’s tacit approval in all things. Leo began a building program in Rome, restoring and embellishing churches. A great apse was added to Santa Susanna and a magnificent Byzantine mosaic was installed in the apse, depicting both Leo and Charlemagne. Leo died on June 12, 816 and was buried in the old Constantinian basilica of St. Peter. Leo is listed as a saint based on the miracle of his restored eyes and tongue, following the attack on his person in 799, his feast day is June 12.

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