July 11, 2026
Saint Benedict, Abbot (Memorial)
Gospel: Mt 10:16–23

Today is Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time. The Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot.

The Roman Martyrology tells us that Saint Benedict (c. 480 – c. 547) was born in Norcia, Italy. Turning his back on the worldliness he encountered in Rome, he withdrew to live as a hermit in a cave near Subiaco. As his fame spread, disciples came to follow him; he organized them into twelve small monasteries. Later, he moved to Monte Cassino and founded the famous abbey there. Drawing on the wisdom of the Eastern Christian monastic tradition, earlier Western rules (especially the Rule of Saint Benedict), and his own experience, he composed his Rule. In view of his profound influence on the formation of Christian civilization, Pope Paul VI proclaimed him Patron of Europe.

Considering that this feast is celebrated as a Feast in certain regions and dioceses, we offer two versions of the reflection this year. For dioceses celebrating it as a Memorial, the Gospel continues yesterday’s instruction from Jesus. Let us reflect.

In our daily lives, we constantly interact with others. Among these people are some who are well-educated. For instance, during our studies, teachers who impart various skills and knowledge become guiding lights on our life’s journey, enabling us to survive in this changing world. Or again, when gathered in our families, relatives bound to us by blood often care for us, showing concern in ways they deem appropriate. Likewise, when we enter the workforce, we frequently interact with colleagues and superiors, who often impose their own or the collective’s will upon us, requiring us to accomplish tasks they consider correct.

When dealing with these people, we often protect ourselves by uttering flattery and insincere words, compromising the principles of honesty and integrity taught by God through His Church, in order to fit in and live better in this world. We place great value on the wealth offered by the rulers and agents of this world to their followers, while despising the grace God bestows upon all things in Christ—grace granted through Baptism to those who belong to Him. When sacred ministers, chosen and sent by Christ to care for us, approach us, we instinctively avoid them, unwilling to reveal fully what lies in our hearts, seeking instead to hide the unrighteous deeds we have committed.

As Christ teaches: “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known” (cf. Mt 10:26). Everything we try to hide in this present life will surely be brought to light when we conclude our earthly journey and face the just judgment of God. Then, the righteous Lord will render a just verdict upon us.

O God, who made the Abbot Saint Benedict an outstanding master in the school of divine service, grant, we pray, that, putting nothing before love of you, we may hasten with a loving heart in the way of your commands. 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