Legion of Mary ,Hemet, CA , Praesidium : Our Lady of Light

10/07/2025

Our Lady of the Rosary pray for us. Amen

08/21/2025

August 22, 2025
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082225.cfm
THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (MEMORIAL)

Wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. (Ruth 1:16)

What a sad situation! Naomi and her family had fled to the land of Moab to escape a famine in Israel, but now her husband and both of her sons have died. Her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, had both been married for about ten years, but neither had conceived children before their husbands died. So all three women were left alone, with no social standing, no financial security, and no one to protect them. Not wanting to be a burden, Naomi told them both to return to their families: “May the Lord guide each of you to find a husband and a home in which you will be at rest,” (Ruth 1:9).

After much weeping and protesting, Orpah kissed Naomi and left. But Ruth refused. She could not bear the thought of Naomi making the journey to Israel alone and defenseless. Ruth knew that she was putting her own life at risk—Israelites despised Moabites like her. But she was determined: “Wherever you go, I will go,” she insisted (Ruth 1:16).

We have all been in situations when we’ve had to choose a path that is compassionate and yet costly. Think about what is involved in welcoming an adult child back home after they have lost their job or are going through a messy divorce. Or think about all that is involved in lovingly supporting an elderly parent through their twilight years. Choosing to do the good in cases like these isn’t always easy, and it rarely involves just one choice. Often it means reaffirming our decision over and over again or accepting the way our decision sends ripples through every aspect of our lives.

It can be hard to see situations like these as invitations from the Lord. But sometimes that’s exactly what they are. They give us the chance to imitate Jesus’ love and loyalty. They help us say no to selfishness. And they offer opportunities for healing and reconciliation. In many cases, they open the door for God to work wonders in our hearts.

So don’t reject these invitations out of hand. You never know how saying yes might change your history!

Prayer
“Lord, give me the strength and wisdom to choose the path of costly compassion when it arises before me.”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

08/21/2025

August 21, 2025
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082125.cfm
SAINT PIUS X, POPE (MEMORIAL)

The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast. (Matthew 22:2)

Jesus came to earth to usher in a new kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, and he wanted his followers to know what it was like. In today’s Gospel, he presents a parable to the chief priests and elders about this kingdom. And that parable can help us better understand the kingdom God is calling us to enter.

Jesus speaks of a king who sends out servants with invitations to his son’s wedding feast (Matthew 22:3). Many are invited, but only a few decide to come. So he invites a second and then a third set of guests. What does this say about God’s kingdom? That our Father is continually sending out invitations to come and join him. Many will say they are too busy to bother; others may even injure his messengers (22:5-6). But God is relentless: though he is rejected, he will not stop inviting people to this great feast!

But there’s a twist: one man at the wedding feast is not wearing the proper garment. God’s kingdom is filled with people who have made sure that they are properly “dressed.” They have received his forgiveness for their sins and are now clothed in the garment of grace made “white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). They are “worthy to come” into his kingdom (Matthew 22:8).

Jesus ends his parable with a warning: “Many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). God wants everyone to live in his kingdom. Yet the choice is up to us. We entered God’s kingdom at our Baptism, but every day, we need to receive the love, mercy, and grace that will keep our wedding garment clean. If we do, we can be assured that we can experience the joy of living as a citizen of God’s kingdom—even now!

This is what the kingdom of heaven is like. So today, say yes once again to God’s invitation. If you feel unworthy, ask for his forgiveness and let him make you worthy. And worship your great King, who sent his only Son to earth so that you could rejoice and celebrate, both now and for all eternity, at the “wedding day of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7)!

Prayer
“Father, I accept your invitation. Clothe me in your grace today!”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

07/06/2025

July 06, 2025
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070625.cfm
14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Whatever town you enter and they welcome you . . (Luke 10:8)

Imagine that you’re one of the disciples. You enter a small town, stand in the marketplace, and proclaim, “The kingdom of God is at hand for you” (Luke 10:9). How do you think the villagers would react? Would they be excited and want to hear more? Would they ignore you? Or would they laugh and run you out of town?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the seventy-two disciples he has chosen for a preaching mission. He wants to give them realistic expectations: the people they would visit might welcome their message—but they also might reject it. He tells them that they are to proclaim the good news, but the outcome of their preaching is out of their hands. And what an outcome it was! Even demons submitted to them (Luke 10:17)!

In the same way, we don’t know how people will react when we try to share our faith. So we tend to overthink things: Will they be open to listening to my message? Or will they politely dismiss me and say that they are not interested? But whatever the case, our decision to tell people about God’s kingdom shouldn’t be based on how we think they’ll respond. Our responsibility is simply to extend an invitation.

Even when it seems that someone has rejected our message, we can’t see into the future. Years later, someone may turn to Christ because they recalled something we said to them about our love for the Lord. Something similar may have happened to the townspeople who initially rejected the disciples’ message. Perhaps later, when they heard the news that Jesus had risen from the dead, they remembered the disciples’ visit and came to believe in him.

So lay aside any discouragement you might feel if you don’t see your efforts bearing fruit. Whatever happens, rejoice that you have done what God has called you to do and that your name, too, is written in heaven (Luke 10:20)!

Prayer
“Jesus, help me to do my part and entrust the rest to you!”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

11/07/2024

November 07, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110724.cfm

I have found my lost sheep. (Luke 15:6)

Because the parable of the lost sheep in today’s Gospel is so familiar, it’s easy to assume we know everyone’s role. The “lost sheep” must be those “tax collectors and sinners” sitting right in front of Jesus. After all, he once said, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners” (Luke 5:31-32).

So if they represent the lost sheep, then the ninety-nine sheep, the “righteous” ones, must be the Pharisees and scribes, right? They loved God. They followed Jewish law. They enjoyed the respect of the community. Jesus didn’t need to focus on them; he needed to go out and find the really lost souls. This may be how the Pharisees and scribes understood the parable, too.

But this interpretation has some problems. For one, it divides people into two groups: the good and the bad. But in reality, we are all lost sheep because we are all sinners. We are all like that one sheep, easily tempted to wander from the care of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. And just as the shepherd in the parable risked everything for that one lost sheep, so Jesus laid down his whole life so he could rescue each of us from sin and death.

We also don’t want to assume from this parable that Jesus is more concerned about some sinners than others. According to St. Luke, Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes (15:3). He wanted them to see that they were the lost sheep just as much as any tax collector was. He wanted them to recognize their own sins so that they could change. He wanted them to let him “find” them and carry them to his Father, just as he was doing for everyone else.

Jesus came to help every lost sinner—including you. It doesn’t matter how big or small or frequent or infrequent your sins are. Jesus cares about every part of your life, both the parts that you fear are beyond his reach and the parts that wander from him at times. Will you let him find you?

Prayer
“Jesus, thank you for seeking me out, especially when I get myself lost in sin!”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

11/06/2024

November 06, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110624.cfm

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

Wait a minute! If our salvation is a gift from God, then why does St. Paul write that we should “work [it] out” in “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12)? Do we have to earn it after all? And should we do it because we are afraid of God?

Let’s begin with the first question. The answer is a resounding no! Salvation is possible only because Christ died and rose for us, and it’s promised to those who believe and are baptized in him. St. Paul made that perfectly clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, . . . it is not from works, so no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

But the apostle also made it clear that our hope of eternal life requires us to be serious about our faith. We have to fight temptation, make time for prayer and worship, and sacrifice our comforts and desires out of love for someone else. Each day presents new challenges—as well as joys and blessings—as we fight the good fight of faith (see 1 Timothy 6:12).

Fortunately, God doesn’t expect us to live out our Christian journey only through our own efforts. As Paul reminds us, “God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work” (Philippians 2:13). He works in us! The Spirit is the One who gives us the desire to pray to him each morning or to receive the Eucharist at Mass. He is the One who nudges us to reach out to an ailing friend or to stand strong in the face of temptation. And when we fall, he is the One who convicts our hearts and leads us back to him.

And that leads to the second question: should we be afraid of a God who has been so good to us? That answer is also no! Actually, “with fear and trembling” was a common Hebrew expression that meant that we should have a healthy respect and reverence for God. Paul never wanted us to take our salvation for granted. It’s a gift that was purchased for us at great cost.

In prayer today, stand in awe of such a great God. Kneel in reverence before the mighty Lord of the universe. Then thank him that as you “work out your salvation,” you can count on him to work in you!

Prayer
“Lord, what an awesome God you are!”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

11/05/2024

November 05, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110524.cfm

Have among yourselves the same attitude. (Philippians 2:5)

How can we possibly imagine what it was like for the eternal, all-holy Son of God, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity, to have “emptied himself,” as St. Paul says in today’s first reading (Philippians 2:7)? And how can we take on “the same attitude” (2:5)?

Analogies may fall short, but it’s still worth trying. Imagine, for instance, that someone has gifted you with a lifetime VIP pass to a famous concert hall. Upon arriving there, you are escorted to a beautiful reception area with the best champagne and the finest hors d’oeuvres. Then, just before the show, you are taken to the finest seat in the house! Now imagine freely giving up that lifetime pass and becoming a bathroom attendant at the venue instead. You are constantly at work. You have to treat even the most annoying guests with deference and respect. You don’t even get to enjoy the concert!

This gives us some sense of what Jesus gave up when he became a man. He freely let go of his heavenly “privileges” and took on the humblest of roles: “a slave” (Philippians 2:7). He who sat at the Father’s right hand now walked among sinners like us. He who was worshipped and adored by angels endured suspicion, malice, and hardness of heart from his enemies and selfishness and misunderstanding from his friends. He who dwelt in eternal glory was nailed to a cross like a convicted criminal. All for you!

Doesn’t this fill your heart with gratitude and love for the Lord? Doesn’t it make you want to bow down before him in worship?

But don’t stop there. Take on this “same attitude”! Ask the Lord what that looks like for you. Ponder what it means for you to empty yourself and humble yourself in imitation of the Lord. Just know that Jesus honors every act of service you perform. He rejoices every time you lower yourself to lift someone up. And he promises to fill you with his life and love every time you empty yourself for his sake. Believe that he will lift you up just as he is lifted up!

Prayer
“Jesus, thank you for emptying yourself for me! Teach me how to empty myself for the people in my life.”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

11/01/2024

November 01, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110124.cfm
ALL SAINTS (SOLEMNITY)

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. (Psalm Response)

We begin this month by celebrating all the saints who live in the presence of God and behold the Lord in his glory. And as we remember them, our desire for heaven increases. As St. Bernard once wrote, “Calling the saints to mind inspires . . . a longing to enjoy their company, . . . to join in the citizenship of heaven.” So we proclaim with the psalmist, “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face” (Psalm Response).

“Father in heaven, all the saints bow down and adore you. They see you face-to-face and rejoice in your saving love. They trusted in your mercy, and now they are experiencing what we still hope for. Gracious Father, you have given us everything, even your own beloved Son! We put our faith in your promise of eternal life. We lift our hearts to heaven and cry out with your saints, Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!

“Jesus, our Savior! You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Day and night, the saints worship you! They rejoice because you have clothed them in white robes washed clean by your own precious blood (Revelation 7:14). We struggle and fall, but like the saints, we put our hope in you. We long to behold your glory. Even now, we join them in crying out to you, Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!

“Holy Spirit, Sanctifier and Helper, you made your saints holy by the fire of your love. By your grace, they were faithful to your call and laid down their lives for your people. Come Spirit, pour your gifts upon us so that, like the saints, we might walk in your ways. Purify our hearts and form us more and more into the image of Jesus. Make us holy, that we might join with your saints and with one voice proclaim,

Prayer
“Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face!”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

11/01/2024

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2024/10/31/honoring-all-saints-3/

Friday, November 1, 2024 - Solemnity of All Saints - Catholic Daily Reflections from My Catholic Life!

10/30/2024

October 30, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103024.cfm

I do not know where you are from. (Luke 13:25)

What an odd thing to say! In the parable from today’s Gospel, Jesus says that the “master of the house” will refuse entry to those knocking at his door by telling them, “I do not know where you are from” (Luke 13:25). Not I don’t recognize you or I don’t trust you. But I don’t know where you’re from.

It seems the master didn’t really know these folks very well. But they must have thought that they knew him well enough. As they say, they ate and drank in his company, and he taught in their streets (Luke 13:26). But it turns out that they had only a superficial relationship with him. And because of that, he decided not to open the door to them.

Jesus told this parable in response to the question “Will only a few people be saved?” (Luke 13:23). He wanted to make the point that we shouldn’t take salvation—entry into the master’s house—for granted.

Now, we know that God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). But if we want to come to that knowledge of the truth, we can’t keep Jesus at the periphery of our lives. We need a life-giving relationship with him that goes deeper than simply hearing his teachings or attending Mass. He wants us to know him, and he wants to know us.
The good news is that Jesus is calling you into just that kind of relationship. Through his death and resurrection, he has opened the way for you to know him—and to know him deeply.

And your part? Spend time with him. Invite him in, not just to the parts of your life that anyone could know from the outside, but into every corner. Take the risk of telling him all the things you might be afraid to say. Dare to bring your hurts and your failings into his light. Tell him you’re willing to listen to whatever he has to say to you. In other words, give him permission to see where you are from. And invite him to be Lord over it all.

Jesus is longing for a deeper relationship with you. So talk to him—about everything! Just imagine the look of delight on his face when he opens the door to the Father’s house and sees you!

Prayer
“Jesus, I don’t want to have a superficial relationship with you. I give you access to every part of my life.”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

10/27/2024

October 27, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102724.cfm

Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you. (Mark 10:49)

Bartimaeus was desperate. He wanted Jesus to heal him, so he cried out repeatedly, “Son of David, have pity on me,” (Mark 10:47, 48). The people nearby were clearly annoyed at his persistence. But when Jesus responded to Bartimaeus’ cries, they changed their tune. Now they were his advocates, telling him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you” (10:49).

Today, let these onlookers give you the courage—and the encouragement—you need to come to Jesus with your own needs.

Maybe, like Bartimaeus, you’ve cried out for Jesus to heal you, but it seems he hasn’t answered your prayer. So you’ve resigned yourself to your circumstances. You don’t want to keep asking, just to be disappointed once again. Take courage! Jesus is calling you. Keep coming to him in faith. Believe in his love and his desire to heal. As you wait for him to answer your prayer, know that he will give you comfort and consolation to sustain you.

Maybe you’re ashamed of your sins and are afraid to confess them. Or perhaps you are still carrying the guilt of past sins that you’ve already confessed. Take courage! Jesus is calling you. He wants you to come to him and receive his mercy—not just once, but every day if necessary.

Perhaps you feel too weak or ill-equipped to be a disciple of Jesus. Or you’re afraid that family and friends will judge you if you talk about your faith too openly. Take courage! Jesus is calling you. He wants you to ask him for whatever you need—whether that’s strength, boldness, or a particular set of gifts and talents—so that you can follow him.

Today at Mass, imagine Jesus asking you the same question he asked Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). Don’t be afraid to tell him! Know that he is pleased when you come to him with your every need!

Prayer
“Jesus, give me the courage to trust in you!”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

10/26/2024

October 26, 2024
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102624.cfm
COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. (Luke 13:8-9)

Productivity is highly prized in our society. How quickly and efficiently a person meets certain goals is a measure of how valuable they are. In a similar way, we want tangible results for any effort we put forth. If we don’t get those results, we move on to something else.

Thank God that Jesus does not take this approach with us! He wants us to bear good fruit, but he doesn’t cut us down when our efforts seem unproductive. Instead, he draws closer to us. Like the patient gardener in today’s Gospel, he seeks to cultivate us, not uproot us. He tenderly cares for us, fertilizes our lives with his life-giving Spirit, and prunes away any “branches,” or areas, that may be diseased by our sins.

This sounds awfully attractive, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t love to have Jesus as their own personal cultivator? So how do we receive his tender, loving care? By drawing close to him even as he draws close to us. We do that by opening our hearts to him each day in prayer so that we can experience his love. We do it by pondering his word in Scripture and welcoming the grace of his sacraments as fertilizer that will help us grow in holiness. And we do it by examining our hearts each day and repenting of any sins we detect so that, in his mercy, he can prune us.

Jesus knows that this can take time, but he is patient. He’s willing to work with us day after day because he is confident that we will flourish under his care.

Today, sit quietly before Jesus, the patient Gardener, and give him permission to do the work that will help you bear fruit. Ask him for a Scripture passage that will feed you throughout the day. Let him show you a wound that needs his healing touch or a sinful habit that needs to be trimmed away. Spending this time with Jesus may be one of the most productive things you do all day!

Prayer
“Jesus, cultivate my heart so that I can bear good fruit in due season.”

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.