Francis Bellamy (1855 - 1931), a Baptist minister, wrote the original Pledge of Allegiance in August 1892. In 1954, after a campaign by the Knights of Columbus, Congress added the words, 'under God,' to the Pledge. The Pledge is now both a patriotic oath and a public prayer. 

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. President John F. Kennedy, Inaugural address January 20, 1961

MARK 6:1-6a
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Ezekiel 2:2-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
KEY VERSE: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house" (v 4).
READING: When Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, his neighbors were astonished by his teachings. They wondered where he acquired his wisdom and amazing power. They asked many questions. Who did Jesus think he was? Wasn't he a mere carpenter (Greek, tekton, a "craftsman")? Didn't his mother and family live in their community? Jesus was distressed that his neighbors were offended by him. Moses had promised the people that there would be a great prophet who would arise among their own kinsmen, and that they would listen to him (Dt 18:15). But Jesus declared, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house" (v 4). Like the prophets of old, Jesus was not accepted by those to whom he was sent. Because they lacked faith, Jesus was unable to perform many miracles among his own kin.
REFLECTING: Do I recognize the gifts of the people in my community?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be open to your voice in my neighbors and family.

MATTHEW 9:18-26
(Genesis 28:10-22a; Psalm 91)
KEY VERSE: "Courage daughter! Your faith has saved you" (v 22).
READING: Matthew narrated a series of healings in which he told the story of the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage along with the episode of the raising to life of a young girl. In the first story, a bereaved synagogue official ("Jairus" in Mk 5:22, Lk 8:41) pleaded with Jesus to bring his dead daughter back to life. On the way to the official's house, Jesus was met by a woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for "twelve years," as many years as Jairus' daughter lived. The woman believed that she would be healed if she could touch the tassels on the corners of Jesus' outer garment (the fringe, in Hebrew, tzi-tzit, a reminder of God's Law to the Jews, Nm 15:37-41). Jesus was not repulsed by the touch of this woman who should not have been among the crowd as she was considered "unclean" according to the Law (Lev 15:19). The woman's courage and faith in Jesus restored her to full health. Arriving at the official's house, Jesus took the dead child's hand, which would also make him unclean (Nm 19:11), and the little girl arose, a sign of new life that Jesus would offer in the resurrection. The older woman was at the point of death after twelve years of suffering and received a new life in Jesus' healing. The twelve year old girl was now capable of generating life.
REFLECTING: In what ways do I need to reach out to Jesus today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, heal me of all that defiles me.

Optional Memorial of Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr
Maria Goretti was a beautiful, pious farm girl. In 1902 at age twelve, Maria was attacked by a 19-year-old farm-hand Alessandro Serenelli. He tried to rape the girl who fought back, yelled that it was a sin and that he would go to Hell. He tried to choke her into submission, then stabbed her fourteen times. She survived in hospital for two days, forgave her attacker, asked God's forgiveness of him, and died holding a crucifix and medal of Our Lady. While in prison for his crime, Allessandro had a vision of Maria, dressed in white, gathering lilies. This vision led to Alessandro's conversion, and he later testified at her cause for beatification. She was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. The ceremony was attended by 250,000 including her mother, the only time a parent witnessed her child's canonization.
 

Memorial of Benedict, abbot
Benedict was the twin brother of St. Scholastica. While studying in Rome, he was dismayed by the lack of discipline of his fellow students. He fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit in a cave for three years. It was reported that he was fed by a raven. Benedict's virtues caused a group of monks to prevail upon him to become their spiritual leader. He founded the monastery at Monte Cassino where he wrote the Rule of his order. His regime soon became too much for the lukewarm monks so they plotted to poison him. Benedict returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. It is said that Benedict had the ability to read consciences, was able to prophesy and forestall attacks of the devil. He destroyed pagan statues and altars, and drove demons from groves that were sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule is: "Pray and work." Though Benedict was not the founder of Christian monasticism, since he lived two and a half to three centuries after its beginnings in Egypt, Palestine and Asia Minor, he had great influence on monastic life.

MARK 6:7-13
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:3-14)
KEY VERSE: "He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits" (v 7).
READING: Having been rejected by his neighbors, Jesus continued to teach in the area around Nazareth. He summoned his apostles (Greek "one who is sent"), and sent them out "two by two" (v 7). They did not go on their own volition, but under the power and authority of Jesus. Strengthened by one another, they must imitate Jesus by trusting in God's providence. If they were shown hospitality when they brought the good news, they should remain in that place. But if doors and ears were closed to their message, they must shake off the dust from their feet when they left that place. (The Rabbinic law said that the dust of a Gentile country was defiled, and that when people entered the Holy Land from another country they must shake off every particle of dust of the unclean land.) Empowered by the Lord, the new missionaries went forth to announce God's reign, expel demons and heal the sick by anointing them with oil (early evidence of the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick, James 5:14).
REFLECTING: Does my life-style bear witness to the Gospel?
PRAYING: Holy Apostles, help me to hear and act on Jesus' words in the Gospel.

MATTHEW 10:34 ̶ 11:1
(Exodus 1:8-14, 22; Psalm 124)
KEY VERSE: "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me" (v 39).
READING: Jesus was aware that his message would not be accepted by everyone, and he exhorted the twelve apostles to have courage under persecution. He warned them that members of their own families might be their adversaries. Those who wished to follow in Jesus' footsteps, must be willing to put the gospel before all else ̶ even their own lives. They must be prepared to be treated like the prophets of old who suffered for proclaiming God's word. The apostles were Christian "prophets" who would speak God's saving message of the new covenant. Whoever received these followers of Jesus were receiving Jesus himself, and God who sent him, and they would be rewarded for their kindness to God's messengers.
REFLECTING: Pray for missionaries whose lives may be endangered by preaching the gospel.
PRAYING: Holy Apostles, give me courage to share your gospel as you did.

Optional Memorial of Henry
Henry became Duke of Bavaria in 995 upon his father's death, thereby ending his thoughts of becoming a priest. Henry ascended to the throne of Germany in 1002, and was crowned King of Pavia on 15 May 1004. Henry's brother rebelled against him, and Henry was forced to defeat him on the battlefield. Henry  later forgave him, and the two reconciled. Henry was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor in 1014 by Pope Benedict VIII. His was the last of the Saxon dynasty of emperors. Henry founded schools, quelled rebellions, protected the frontiers, worked to establish a stable peace in Europe, and helped to reform the Church while respecting its independence. He fostered missions, and established Bamberg as a center for missions to Slavic countries. Henry started the construction of the cathedral at Basel, Switzerland, which took nearly 400 years to complete. Both Henry and his wife St. Cunegunda were prayerful people, and generous to the poor. Some sources claim the two lived chastely, but there is no proof of this. By his Christian virtues, Henry proved that a good king is a true gift of heaven.
 

MATTHEW 11:20-24
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Psalm 69)
KEY VERSE: "Then he began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented" (v 20).
READING: The miracles that Jesus worked in Chorazin and Bethsaida were manifestations of God's power (Greek, dynamis). These "mighty deeds" were meant to turn the people away from their sins and point them toward salvation; nevertheless, many people refused to repent. Jesus grimly reminded the crowds that gathered to hear his message that the pagan cites of Tyre and Sidon were denounced by the prophets for their wickedness (Joel 4:4-7). Jesus then reproached Capernaum, the center of his own ministry. If such miracles had been worked in Sodom, the people would have repented and that corrupt city would still be standing (Gn 19:1-29). Jesus lamented that the people of Sodom would be judged less severely than his own people because he was in their midst, yet they had closed their eyes and ears to his message.
REFLECTING: What do I need to change in my life today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I refuse to see the miracles that you work in my life.

MATTHEW 11:25-27
(Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12; Psalm 103)
KEY VERSE: "All things have been handed over to me by my Father" (v 27).
READING: Jesus continually praised the poor and lowly (the anawim ) for their child-like trust in God (Mt 5:3-12). Jesus was not condemning intellectual ability but intellectual pride. True wisdom was not to be found by the clever and learned whose minds were closed to God. Jesus demonstrated this in his own relationship with his Father. With simple trust, Jesus received everything from the Father. Only the Father fully understood Jesus' mission, and only Jesus comprehended the Father's saving plan. Jesus broke into joyful praise of his Father for having revealed the mysteries of his kingdom to those who came to him with openness and simplicity. He invited all who were under the burden of the Law to come to him to find rest from all that oppressed them.
REFLECTING: Do I praise God for the gifts given to me?
PRAYING: Father, help me to be your faithful child.

MARK 6:30-34
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:13-18)
KEY VERSE: His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd" (v 34).
READING: When Jesus' disciples returned from their mission, they reported all they had said and done in his name. Like Jesus, the disciples were servants of the people. As the disciples ministered to the people, so many came to them that they did not have time to eat. As a wise shepherd of his flock, Jesus knew that the disciples must tend to their bodily as well as their spiritual needs. He invited them to come with him to a secluded place in order to rest. The crowds saw Jesus going away so they went around the lake on foot. When Jesus and his men arrived to what they thought was a "deserted place," the people were already there to meet them. Instead of being annoyed by his inconvenience, Jesus took pity on them for they were "like sheep without a shepherd." Ignoring his own need for rest, Jesus began to "teach them many things" (v. 34).
REFLECTING: Do I remember to take time for rest and relaxation as I serve God's people?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those to whom I minister in my community.

MATTHEW 12:38-42
(Exodus 14:5-18; Psalm: Exodus 15)
KEY VERSE: "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign" (v 39).
READING: The scribes and Pharisees demanded evidence to prove that Jesus' works came from God and not the evil one (v 24). Jesus said that it was the religious leaders who were "evil," since they preferred a religion of legalism to one that made moral demands of them. Jesus told them that the people of Jonah's day repented because of the prophet's preaching, not because of signs and wonders. The Queen of Sheba sought Solomon's wisdom, not his magic (1 Kgs 10:1-10). Jesus was greater than either Jonah or Solomon, yet the people refused to believe in him. The only sign he would give these faithless ones was the "Sign of Jonah," the three days Jonah spent in the belly of the whale (Jon 2), which was a sign of Jesus' impending death and resurrection.
REFLECTING: Do I need signs and wonders to have faith in Jesus?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to see you in the everyday circumstances of my life

Optional Memorial of Apollinaris, bishop and martyr
Apollinaris was one of the most illustrious bishops of the second century. Eusebius, St. Jerome, Theodoret, and others spoke of him in the highest terms, and they furnish us with the few facts that are known of him. He addressed an "Apology" (a defense) of the Christian religion to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was to protect his flock against persecution that Apollinaris, who was bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, addressed his apology to the Emperor to implore his protection and to remind him of the favor he had received from God through the prayers of the Christians. Renowned for his powers to heal in the name of Christ, Apollinaris and his flock were exiled from Ravenna by Vespasian. On his way out of the city Apollinaris was identified, arrested as being the leader, tortured and martyred, run through with a sword. The date of the death is not known, but it probably occurred before that of Marcus Aurelius, about the year 175. St. Apollinaris' relics are at Ravenna, Italy.

Easter Egg tradition
For centuries, it has been the custom of many Christians to share dyed and painted eggs, particularly on Easter Sunday. The eggs represent new life, and Christ bursting forth from the tomb. One tradition concerning Mary Magdalene says that following the death and resurrection of Jesus, she used her position to gain an invitation to a banquet given by Emperor Tiberius Caesar. When she met him, she held a plain egg in her hand and exclaimed "Christ is risen!" Caesar laughed, and said that Christ rising from the dead was as likely as the egg in her hand turning red while she held it. Before he finished speaking, the egg in her hand turned a bright red, and she continued proclaiming the Gospel to the entire imperial house.

MATTHEW 13:47-53
(Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38; Psalm 84)
KEY VERSE: "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old" (v 53).
READING: Jesus was speaking to fishermen, so he used illustrations from fishing to speak of God's reign. In Palestine there were two main ways of fishing. One was with the casting-net, which was thrown from the shore. The second way of fishing was with the drag-net, which was a large square net that was weighted so that it hung from the boat. The net was drawn into the shape of a cone and the fish were swept into it. The net was then pulled to land, and the worthwhile fish were separated from the useless. Jesus used this image to say that good and evil would flourish alongside one another until the end of the age. Jesus' disciples must be like wise scribes (the teachers of the traditions of Judaism) who were able to understand things both "new and old" (some scholars see verse 52 as Matthew's personal signature). As future leaders of the church, Jesus' disciples must be able to interpret the ancient truths in the light of the gospel. When Jesus was assured that they understood his message, he was ready to move on in his journey.
REFLECTING: Do I submit myself to the teachings of Jesus?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to discern your truth in everything I hear.

Optional Memorial of Peter Chrysologus, bishop and doctor of the Church
Peter Chrysologus was an adult convert who became a Deacon, Priest and Bishop of Ravenna, Italy in 433. He fought paganism and the Monophysite heresy, which asserted that in the Person of Jesus Christ there was only one (divine) nature rather than two natures, divine and human, as asserted at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. His principal weapon was the short sermon, and many of them have come down to us. In addition to his zeal in the exercise of his office, Peter was distinguished by a fierce loyalty to the Church, not only in its teaching, but in its authority as well. He looked upon learning not as a mere opportunity but as an obligation for all, both as a development of God-given faculties and as a solid support for the worship of God. Some time before his death, St. Peter returned to Imola, his birthplace, where he died around A.D. 450. Peter was a preacher with such proficient language skills that he merited the title Chrysologus, referring to his "Golden Word." One hundred and seventy six of his sermons have survived. The strength of his beautiful explanations of the Incarnation, the Creed, the place of Mary and John the Baptist in the great plan of salvation, etc., led to his being proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII. 

MATTHEW 13:54-58
(Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37; Psalm 81)
KEY VERSE: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house" (v 57).
READING: Chapters 13:54  ̶ 17:27 of Matthew's gospel is called "The Kingdom of God and the Church." God's kingdom was clearly visible in the person of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Man (Vatican II "Dogmatic Constitution on the Church," #5). When Jesus finished his teachings in the towns around the Lake of Galilee, he returned to Nazareth where he was raised. His neighbors were astonished by his teaching and mighty deeds, but they were also skeptical. Jesus was a "hometown boy," and they took offense at his presumption in telling them how to live their lives. Jesus was rejected like the prophets before him, and he was unable to perform many miracles there because of his neighbor's lack of faith in him.
REFLECTING: Do I see God at work among my friends and neighbors?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be open to hearing truth from those in my own community.

Memorial of Ignatius of Loyola, priest
Born in 1491 at Loyola, Spain, Ignatius was wounded in the leg by a cannonball at the siege of Pampeluna in 1521, an injury that left him partially crippled for life. During his recuperation the only books he had access to were The Golden Legend, a collection of lives of the saints, and The Life of Christ. These books, and the time spent in contemplation, changed him. Upon his recovery he took a vow of chastity, hung his sword before the altar of the Virgin of Montserrat, and donned a pilgrim's robes. He journeyed to Rome and the Holy Land where he worked to convert Muslims. His meditations, prayers, visions and insights led to forming the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on 15 August 1534. He traveled to Europe and the Holy Lands, then settled in Rome to direct the Jesuit order. His health suffered in later years, and he was nearly blind at death. The Jesuits today have over 500 universities and colleges, 30,000 members, and teach over 200,000 students each year. 

"Teach us to be generous, good Lord; teach us to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing we do Your will." - Prayer, Ignatius of Loyola 

MATTHEW 14:1-12
(Leviticus 25:1, 8-17; Psalm 67)
KEY VERSE: "This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him" (v 2).
READING: As Jesus' reputation spread, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard of the marvelous deeds that he had performed. Herod feared that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod had imprisoned the prophet because of his courageous stance against the ruler's illicit marriage (Lv 18:16, 20:21). Herod wanted to kill John but he was afraid that the death of the popular prophet would cause the people to revolt. At Herod's birthday party, he promised his step-daughter that he would grant her any request if she would dance for his guests. Prompted by her mother, the girl asked for John's head as her reward. Like the prophets before him, John was murdered for proclaiming the truth.
REFLECTING: What are the important issues that I need to stand up for now?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to speak out against the injustices that I see.

Memorial of Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the Church
Alphonsus Liguori was ordained at age 29. He was noted for his simple, clear style of preaching, and his understanding way in the confessional. He was often opposed by Church officials for a perceived laxity toward sinners. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Liguorians or Redemptorists). Alphonsus was appointed bishop in 1762, and worked to reform the clergy and revitalize the faithful in a diocese. In 1775 he resigned his office due to his health, and went into what he thought was a prayerful retirement. In 1777 the royal government threatened to disband his Redemptorists. Calling on his knowledge of  theology, and his skills as a lawyer, Alphonsus defended the Redemptorists so well that they obtained the king's approval. Alphonsus vowed early to never to waste a moment of his life, and lived that way for over 90 years. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871.

JOHN 6:24-35
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Exodus 16:2-4,12-15; Psalm 78; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24)
KEY VERSE: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst" (v 35).
READING: After the miraculous multiplication of the loaves the people go in search of Jesus. He tells them that they are looking for perishable food and are missing the true nourishment that God has given them. Like the living water "welling up to eternal life" (4:14), Jesus provides food that "endures for eternal life" (6:27). The people do not need to work for this food; they only need to believe in the one God sent to them. The people demanded a "sign" such as the manna that Moses gave them in the desert ( Ex.16:15). Jesus was himself the sign, the true expression of God's providential presence. Jesus is the bread of everlasting life who satisfies the spiritual hunger of the soul.
REFLECTING: How can I help others see your presence in the Eucharist?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to hunger and thirst for you always.