Feria

On July 17, 2025, the Church observes a Feria within the Time after Pentecost, a period dedicated to living out the implications of the Pentecost experience in our daily lives. Although no specific feast is celebrated today, the commemoration of St. Alexis, a revered figure in the early Church known for his profound humility and dedication to God, serves as a reminder of the virtues of selflessness and service. This day fits into the Church's yearly cycle as a call to reflect on our own lives and actions in light of the Holy Spirit's gifts, drawing us closer to the teachings of Christ and the communal aspects of our faith.

The readings for today's Mass invite families to delve into themes of unity, compassion, and holiness. St. Peter's exhortation in his epistle encourages Christians to embody kindness and humility, reflecting Christ's love in their relationships with one another. The Gospel reading from Matthew challenges us to strive for a righteousness that surpasses mere external adherence to the law, urging us to cultivate a deeper inner transformation that aligns with God's will. Families are encouraged to meditate on how these virtues can manifest in their daily interactions, fostering a spirit of forgiveness and charity, and inspiring them to be instruments of peace within their homes and communities, much like St. Alexis exemplified in his life.

Brief Historical Background and Life Story St. Alexius, also known as Alexius of Rome, was born around the 4th century to a wealthy and noble family in Rome. Despite his privileged upbringing, he felt a deep calling to live a life of poverty and devotion to God. After a brief marriage, he left home, dedicating himself to a life of wandering and prayer, eventually returning to Rome in secret to care for the poor and marginalized, embodying the virtues of humility and selflessness.

Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions St. Alexius is celebrated for his profound humility and unwavering commitment to serving God above all earthly concerns. His life exemplifies the beauty of self-denial and the importance of caring for those in need, showing us that true greatness lies in loving service. Through his example, he encourages the faithful to seek holiness in the ordinary moments of life and to embrace the call to love and serve others.

Why They Were Canonized and Their Significance to the Church St. Alexius was canonized for his exemplary life of virtue and his dedication to Christ, which inspired many early Christians. His story has been a source of hope and encouragement for those facing struggles in their spiritual lives, reminding the faithful of the power of humility and the importance of living out one’s faith in everyday actions. His significance in the Church lies in his ability to bridge the gap between wealth and poverty, showing that true riches are found in spiritual wealth.

How Catholic Families Today Can Learn from Their Example Catholic families today can learn from St. Alexius by embracing a spirit of humility and service within their own homes and communities. His life teaches us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God, nurturing a spirit of generosity, and reaching out to those in need, showing our children the value of compassion and charity. By sharing stories of St. Alexius, families can inspire one another to live out their faith authentically and joyfully.

Closing Prayer for Their Intercession Dear St. Alexius, we ask for your intercession as we strive to live lives of humility and service. Help our families to embrace the call to love and serve others, following your example of faithfulness to God. Amen.

Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on the deeper meaning of justice, compassion, and unity in our relationships, particularly as families. In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness goes beyond merely following the law; it involves a heartfelt transformation that aligns our actions with God's love. He warns that harboring anger or contempt for others can lead us away from God's kingdom (Matt 5:20-24). This theme resonates with the call to holiness found in the Catechism, where we learn that “the dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God” (CCC 1700). Recognizing this dignity in one another encourages us to practice kindness and humility, as St. Peter reminds us in his epistle (1 Pet 3:8-15).

The teachings of the Catechism further guide us by encouraging a way of life that reflects the love of Christ. For instance, CCC 1827 states that “the fruits of the Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These virtues are essential for fostering unity within our families and communities, especially during challenging times. The call to reconciliation emphasized in the Gospel is echoed in CCC 1443, which teaches us about the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoring relationships. This brings us to a practical application: families can create a culture of openness and compassion by setting aside time each day for honest conversations about feelings, encouraging each member to express their thoughts and seek forgiveness when needed. By modeling these virtues at home, families can become instruments of peace and reflect the love of Christ in their daily lives, just as St. Alexis did through his humble service and devotion to God.