Feria

On June 20, 2025, the Church observes a Feria in the Time after Pentecost according to the 1962 Roman Missal. This day does not commemorate a specific feast but instead highlights the ordinary yet profound grace found in the liturgical rhythm of the Church year. The Feria signifies a time of growth and deepening faith as families move through the post-Pentecost season, reflecting on the mystery of Christ's presence in their lives and the call to live out their baptismal promises in the everyday moments of life. Today, the Church also commemorates St. Silverius, a pope and martyr who faced persecution for his fidelity to the faith, reminding us of the strength and commitment required to uphold the truth of the Gospel amidst challenges.

The readings and prayers for today invite families to contemplate the themes of mercy and charity, central to Christian life. The Epistle from St. John emphasizes that "God is charity," encouraging families to embody this divine love in their relationships and communities. The Gospel from St. Luke exhorts us to practice mercy and forgiveness, fostering a spirit of reconciliation within our homes and beyond. As families gather for prayer and reflection, they can meditate on how they can live out these virtues, deepening their connection to God and to one another during this season of spiritual growth and renewal.

St. Anthony of Padua: A Beacon of Christian Virtue

St. Anthony of Padua, born in Lisbon in 1195, was a Franciscan friar renowned for his deep spirituality and powerful preaching. He lived during a time of great social and religious upheaval in Europe, yet his life shone brightly with faith, wisdom, and compassion, inspiring countless souls to draw closer to God.

The main virtues of St. Anthony include humility, charity, and a profound love for the Word of God. His ability to articulate the faith with clarity and passion encourages Christians today to seek a deeper understanding of their beliefs and to share that faith with others, embodying the call to be "salt and light" in the world.

Though today's Feria does not commemorate a specific saint, it invites us to reflect on the everyday virtues of holiness and the call to live out our faith in ordinary moments. St. Anthony’s life serves as a beautiful reminder that each day is an opportunity to grow in virtue and to serve God and our neighbors with love.

Catholic families can follow St. Anthony’s example by incorporating daily moments of prayer and scripture reading, just as he passionately shared the Word of God. They might also engage in acts of charity, such as helping those in need or volunteering in their community, fostering a spirit of generosity in their homes.

Prayer for Intercession: Dear St. Anthony, intercede for us that we may live with humility and love, sharing God’s Word and compassion with all those we encounter. Amen.

Today's readings invite us to reflect deeply on the themes of mercy and charity, which are essential to our Christian lives. In the Gospel from Luke (6:36-42), Jesus calls His disciples to embody the mercy of God, urging them not to judge or condemn but to forgive generously. This aligns beautifully with the teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly in CCC 1822, which states that "charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God." The call to love one another, as emphasized in St. John's Epistle (1 John 4:8-21), reinforces that only through this divine love can we truly know and reflect God's nature.

Furthermore, CCC 2842 reminds us that the mercy we show to others is a direct reflection of the mercy God has shown us. When Jesus teaches about removing the beam from our own eye before addressing the speck in our brother's eye, He encourages us to examine our own faults and extend forgiveness rather than judgment. This is not only an invitation to personal growth but also a pathway to fostering reconciliation within our families and communities. Practically, Catholic families can embody this teaching by creating a culture of forgiveness and understanding at home. This might involve setting aside time for open dialogue about conflicts, practicing patience, and actively seeking to resolve misunderstandings with love and compassion.

As we move through this Feria in the Time after Pentecost, let's remember that our actions should mirror the love that God has for us. By embracing the virtues of mercy and charity, we enable our homes to become places of healing and trust. Families can take small, concrete steps, such as volunteering together, sharing acts of kindness, or even discussing ways to forgive someone who has hurt them. In doing so, they not only grow closer to one another but also reflect the very essence of God's love in their everyday lives.