Feria

On July 16, 2025, the Church observes a Feria in the Time after Pentecost, which is a day set aside within the liturgical calendar for reflection and prayer without the commemoration of a specific saint, although it coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This feast celebrates the Carmelite Order, founded in the 12th century, and honors the special role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of prayer and reflection, guiding the faithful towards a deeper relationship with God. The historical significance of this day lies in the rich tradition of devotion to Mary, particularly through the Brown Scapular, which is a visible sign of Her maternal protection and an invitation to live a life of holiness.

The readings for this Feria emphasize themes of unity, compassion, and a call to a deeper righteousness, as seen in St. Peter's encouragement to live in harmony and the Gospel's challenge to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees. For families, these scriptures invite reflection on how to embody Christ's love in daily interactions and to seek peace within their homes and communities. As they contemplate the Collect prayer invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, families can ask for her guidance in living out their faith with compassion and humility, fostering an environment that mirrors the light and salvation that Jesus brings into their lives.

#### Brief Historical Background Our Lady of Mount Carmel has deep roots in the Church, with origins tracing back to the 12th century on Mount Carmel in Israel, where the Carmelite Order was founded by the hermits who lived there in honor of the Virgin Mary. This devotion was formally recognized by the Church, and the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on July 16, commemorating her role as the patroness of the Carmelite Order and a symbol of spiritual protection.

#### Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions Our Lady of Mount Carmel embodies virtues of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her spiritual contributions include the gift of the Brown Scapular, which signifies a commitment to live according to her example of faithfulness and love, providing a tangible reminder of her maternal care and intercession for all who wear it.

#### Why They Were Canonized and Their Significance to the Church While Our Lady herself has not been canonized in the traditional sense, she is venerated as a central figure in Catholic devotion, especially within the Carmelite tradition. Her significance to the Church lies in her role as a model of holiness and a source of encouragement for the faithful, reminding us of the importance of prayer and a deep relationship with God.

#### How Catholic Families Today Can Learn from Their Example Catholic families today can draw inspiration from Our Lady of Mount Carmel by embracing her example of prayerfulness and dedication to God. By fostering a spirit of compassion and service within the home, families can create an environment that mirrors Mary's loving care, encouraging each member to grow in faith and love for one another.

#### Closing Prayer Dear Our Lady of Mount Carmel, intercede for us and guide our families with your gentle love and protection. Help us to walk steadfastly in faith, reflecting your virtues in our daily lives. Amen.

Today's readings invite us to reflect deeply on the nature of true righteousness and the importance of fostering unity and compassion within our families and communities. In the Gospel from Matthew (5:20-24), Jesus challenges His disciples to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing that anger and contempt towards others can lead to serious spiritual consequences. This call to reconciliation is echoed in St. Peter's letter (1 Pet 3:8-15), where he encourages believers to be compassionate, humble, and to seek peace. Together, these passages remind us that our relationships with one another are integral to our relationship with God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights the importance of love and reconciliation. For instance, CCC 1825 states, "The fruits of the Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." This aligns perfectly with the call to be like-minded and compassionate in St. Peter's exhortation. Furthermore, CCC 2304 discusses the peace that comes from justice, underscoring the need for Christians to actively pursue peace and work against the divisions that can arise from anger or resentment. By recognizing that our actions towards others reflect our heart's disposition, families can see the importance of nurturing relationships marked by understanding and forgiveness.

Practically, families can take these teachings to heart by creating a daily habit of open communication and conflict resolution. For instance, setting aside time each evening to discuss any grievances or misunderstandings can cultivate an atmosphere of reconciliation. Additionally, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as we celebrate her feast today, can help families seek her guidance in living out these virtues. Together, we can learn to embody Christ's love, making our homes a sanctuary of peace and a reflection of the unity that He desires for all His followers.