Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
“The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, instituted in the 14th century by the Carmelite order commemorates the anniversary of the day in 1251 when the Blessed Mother gave the brown scapular to Saint Simon Stock. ‘Even now, centuries removed from that original experience and even in places where there are no Carmelites, this holy scapular is still seen as a sign of Mary’s protection and a sign that continues to call people and make them feel that they are the beloved children of the Virgin Mary’ (Saint Paul VI). Our Lady invites us to imitate her in a contemplative union with Jesus. ‘Mary was the first, in a way which can never be equaled, to believe and experience that Jesus, the incarnate Word, is the summit, the peak of man’s encounter with God’ (Pope Benedict XVI). ‘Ask the Most Holy Virgin to be your guide; to be your star, the lantern that shines for you amid the darkness of your life. Let’s have enough character to be true children of Mary. We will witness to this if we’re obedient, even as our Lord Jesus Christ obeyed because that was his Father’s will. Our thinking should be what is suitable for a child of Mary. Let us never allow ourselves to be defeated but to have recourse to the Most Holy Virgin when we see we’re in danger of giving in’ (Saint Teresa of the Andes).” SOURCE: Magnificat, July 2022
Gospel
his mother and his brothers appeared outside,
wishing to speak with him.
Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside,
asking to speak with you.”
But he said in reply to the one who told him,
“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father
is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Micah 6:1-4, 6-8; Matthew 12:38-42
Tuesday Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Matthew 12:46-50
Wednesday Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10; Matthew 13:1-9
Thursday Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13; Matthew 13:10-17
Friday Song of Songs 3:1-4b; John 20:1-2, 11-18
Saint Mary Magdalene (Feast) – With some other women, Mary traveled with Jesus and the apostles during his ministry. Her great love for Jesus was expressed when she faithfully stood near the cross after the other disciples fled. She became the first witness to the resurrection. She became the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’ when she announced this mystery to them.
Saturday Jeremiah 7:1-11; Matthew 13:24-30
SOURCE: Living With Christ, July 2022