June 22, 2026
Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time / Saint Paulinus of Nola / Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, Martyrs
Gospel: Matthew 7:1–5

Today is Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. The Church celebrates today the Optional Memorial of Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop, and Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, Martyrs.

The Roman Martyrology tells us:
Saint Paulinus of Nola (c. 335–431) was born in Bordeaux, France, into a patrician Roman family. Before his baptism, he held several public offices and married. After receiving the Sacrament of Baptism and the death of his only child, he withdrew to Spain with his wife, Therasia, where they lived a life of prayer, study, and penance. Later moving to Nola in Campania, he was ordained Bishop in 409. During the Gothic invasions, he displayed remarkable courage, and his poetry and letters remain treasured to this day.

Saint John Fisher (1469–1535) was born in Beverley, Yorkshire. He studied at the University of Cambridge, later serving as its Chancellor. In 1504, he was appointed Bishop of Rochester and became a model shepherd; Saint Charles Borromeo kept his portrait alongside that of Saint Ambrose in his personal quarters. For refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy acknowledging the king as supreme head of the Church in England, he was imprisoned. Pope Paul III created him Cardinal shortly thereafter. He was beheaded at Tower Hill, London, on June 22, 1535.

Saint Thomas More (1477–1535) was born in London, England. A highly esteemed lawyer and humanist scholar, he served as Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII. Deeply devoted to his family, he persevered in a life of prayer despite countless public duties. When the King sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Saint Thomas resigned from office. He was beheaded at Tower Hill on July 6, 1535. In 2000, Saint John Paul II named him Patron of Statesmen and Politicians.

Today’s Gospel from Saint Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, Jesus calls us to constant self-examination rather than rash judgment. Let us reflect briefly.

In daily life, we habitually measure people, things, and events against our own standards. Too often, we apply these worldly measures to our brothers and sisters, convinced that others are wrong and we alone are right. Such arrogance stems not from strength, but from an inability to accept our own weakness and limitations. At times, we pray and feel our petitions go unanswered; then we may accuse God of imperfection for withholding what we demand.

Jesus teaches us today to accept ourselves—our imperfect, fragile selves. Only by embracing our own need for mercy can we extend compassion to those who seem to us most deficient. Only by acknowledging our failings and imploring God’s pardon do we experience the depth of His merciful love. And having received that love, we become capable of bringing it to others—healing divisions, overcoming hatred, and restoring charity among all.

Grant, O Lord, that we may always revere and love your holy name, for you never deprive of your guidance those you set firm on the foundation of your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica