13 July 2026
Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time / Saint Henry
Gospel: Matthew 10:34–11:1

Today is Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time. The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Saint Henry II. The Roman Martyrology tells us: Saint Henry II (972–1024) succeeded his father, Henry the Quarrelsome, Duke of Bavaria, in 995. In 1002, he was elected Holy Roman Emperor. He is remembered as a just ruler, a defender of the Church, a friend of the poor, and a model of virtue. After the death of his wife, Saint Cunegund, he considered withdrawing from the world to embrace the monastic life but was persuaded to persevere faithfully in his imperial vocation. Henry II died peacefully on 13 July 1024 and was buried in Bamberg Cathedral, a see which he himself had established. He is the patron of Benedictine Oblates.

Today’s passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew continues to present the instruction Jesus gave when sending out His Twelve Apostles to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom. I wish to take this opportunity to offer further reflections.

At times, we may harbor illusions about the faith, thinking that our belief exists solely to promote world peace and advocate kindness toward others. Such notions arise because we continue to view matters through the logic of this world. Those who belong to this world—those who know the teachings of Jesus yet refuse to live according to His holy will—avoid conflict with their fathers, mothers, or mothers-in-law. When their understanding of faith and religion clashes with others, they choose to yield.

What ought our understanding of faith and religion to be? It must align with the teaching of God’s Word: we are to tell our families that the God we believe in is utterly distinct from the god they imagine. The God we believe in is a God who loves: He loves not only those who honor Him, but also those who sin and turn away from Him. Even if all we declare and all we do for love of God stands in sharp contrast to their expectations—even if it provokes their displeasure—we must still act thus, to bear witness to Christ. For each of us is made in the image and likeness of God. If our conduct conforms to God’s teaching, then those who receive us will receive their reward. He does not intend for us to grow proud from this, but rather to become gentle, meek and humble of heart like Him, so as to give fitting witness to Him before the world.

O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honour. 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