JUNE 2026 REFLECTION BY MUOGBO MICHAEL,SSP

Sunday A Week II

Jun 1 Mon: Justin, mt M (Ninth Week in Ordinary Time)

2 Pt 1: 2-7/ Ps 91: 1-2. 14-15b. 15c-16/ Mk 12: 1-12
Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to think what base
usage God’s faithful ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed the
privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit answerable. The Scriptures, and faithful
preachers, and the coming of Christ in the flesh, call on us to render due praise to God in our
lives. Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or despise the preachers of
Christ, they would have themselves to blame when the time for reckoning comes.

Jun 2 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ Marcellinus and Peter, mts

2 Pt 3: 12-15a. 17-18/ Ps 90: 2. 3-4. 10. 14 and 16/ Mk 12: 13-17

The enemies of Christ would be thought desirous to know their duty, when really they hoped that
which so ever side he took of the question, they might find occasion to accuse him. Nothing is
more likely to ensnare the followers of Christ, than bringing them to meddle with disputes about
worldly politics. Jesus avoided the snare, by referring to the submission they had already made
as a nation; and all that heard him, marvelled at the great wisdom of his answer. Many will praise
the words of a sermon, who will not be commanded by the doctrines of it.

Jun 3 Wed: Charles Lwanga& co., mts M

2 Tm 1: 1-3. 6-12/ Ps 123: 1b-2ab. 2cdef/ Mk 12: 18-27
A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain from where all revealed religion now flows,
and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the
objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of
the future state in a true light. It is no wonder if we confuse ourselves with foolish errors, when
we form our ideas of the world of spirits by the affairs of this world of sense. Those that deny the
resurrection greatly err, and ought to be told so. Let us seek to pass through this dying world,
with a joyful hope of eternal happiness, and of a glorious resurrection.

Jun 4 Thu: Ordinary Weekday

2 Tm 2: 8-15/ Ps 25: 4-5ab. 8-9. 10 and 14/ Mk 12: 28-34

Those who sincerely desire to be taught their duty, Christ will guide in judgment, and teach his
way. He tells the scribe that the great commandment, which indeed includes all, is, that of loving
God with all our hearts. Wherever this is the ruling principle in the soul, there is a disposition to
every other duty. Loving God with all our heart, will engage us to everything by which he will be
pleased. The sacrifices only represented the atonements for men’s transgressions of the moral
law; they were of no power except as they expressed repentance and faith in the promised
Saviour, and as they led to moral obedience. Because we have not loved God and man, we are
condemned sinners; we need repentance, and we need mercy.

Jun 5 Fri: Boniface, bp, mt M

2 Tm 3: 10-17/ Ps 119: 157. 160. 161. 165. 166. 168/ Mk 12: 35-37
When we attend to what the Scriptures declare, as to the person and offices of Christ, we shall be
led to confess him as our Lord and God; to obey him as our exalted Redeemer. If the common
people hear these things gladly, while the learned and distinguished oppose, the former are
happy, and the latter to be pitied. And as sin, disguised with a show of piety, is double iniquity,
so its doom will be doubly heavy.

Jun 6 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM/ Norbert, bp, rf

2 Tm 4: 1-8/ Ps 71: 8-9. 14-15ab. 16-17. 22/ Mk 12: 38-44

Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives,
men give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and whether
we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. Jesus commends the widow for her
offering, therefore we are sure that she did well and wisely. The feeble efforts of the poor to
honour their Saviour, will be commended in that day, when the splendid actions of unbelievers
will be exposed to contempt.

Jun 7 SUN: THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST S

Dt 8: 2-3. 14b-16a/ Ps 147: 12-13. 14-15. 19-20 (12)/ 1 Cor 10: 16-17/ Jn 6: 51-58

The flesh and blood of the Son of man, denote the Redeemer in the nature of man; Christ and
him crucified, and the redemption wrought out by him, with all the precious benefits of
redemption; pardon of sin, acceptance with God, the way to the throne of grace, the promises of
the covenant, and eternal life. These are called the flesh and blood of Christ, because they are
purchased by the breaking of his body, and the shedding of his blood. Also, because they are
meat and drink to our souls. Eating this flesh and drinking this blood mean believing in Christ.
We partake of Christ and his benefits by faith.

Jun 8 Mon: Ordinary Weekday (Tenth Week in Ordinary Time)

1 Kgs 17: 1-6/ Ps 121: 1bc-2. 3-4. 5-6. 7-8/ Mt 5: 1-12.

None will find happiness in this world or the next, who do not seek it from Christ by the rule of
his word. He taught them what was the evil they should abhor, and what the good they should
seek and abound in. Our Saviour here gives eight characters of blessed people, which represent
to us the principal graces of a Christian. 1. The poor in spirit are happy. These bring their minds
to their condition, when it is a low condition. They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They
see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of such;
the kingdom of glory is for them. 2. Those that mourn are happy. That godly sorrow which
works true repentance, watchfulness, a humble mind, and continual dependence for acceptance
on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, with constant seeking the Holy Spirit, to cleanse away the
remaining evil, seems here to be intended.

Jun 9 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ Ephrem of Syria, d, dr

1 Kgs 17: 7-16/ Ps 4: 2-3. 4-5. 7b-8/ Mt 5: 13-16

You are the salt of the earth. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap,
ready to putrefy; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with
knowledge and grace. If they are not such as they should be, they are as salt that has lost its
savour. If a man can take up the profession of Christ, and yet remain graceless, no other doctrine,
no other means, can make him profitable. Our light must shine, by doing such good works as
men may see. What is between God and our souls, must be kept to ourselves; but that which is of
itself open to the sight of men, we must study to make suitable to our profession, and
praiseworthy. We must aim at the glory of God.

Jun 10 Wed: Ordinary Weekday

1 Kgs 18: 20-39/ Ps 16: 1b-2ab. 4. 5ab and 8. 11/ Mt 5: 17-19

Let none suppose that Christ allows his people to trifle with any commands of God’s holy law.
No sinner partakes of Christ’s justifying righteousness, till he repents of his evil deeds. The
mercy revealed in the gospel leads the believer to still deeper self-abhorrence. The law is the
Christian’s rule of duty, and he delights therein. If a man, pretending to be Christ’s disciple,
encourages himself in any allowed disobedience to the holy law of God, or teaches others to do
the same, whatever his station or reputation among men may be, he can be no true disciple.
Christ’s righteousness, imputed to us by faith alone, is needed by every one that enters the
kingdom of grace or of glory; but the new creation of the heart to holiness, produces a thorough
change in a man’s temper and conduct.

Jun 11 Thu: Barnabas, ap M

Acts 11: 21b-26; 13: 1-3/ Ps 98: 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 5-6/ Mt 5: 20-26

The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth
commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning
of this commandment; according to which we must be judged hereafter, and therefore ought to
be ruled now. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any
person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. “You fool,” is a spiteful
word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and
slowly. Christ told them that how light so ever they made of these sins, they would certainly be
called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all
our brethren.
Jun 12 Fri: SACRED HEART OF JESUS S
Dt 7: 6-11/ Ps 103: 1-2. 3-4. 6-7. 8. 10 (see 17)/ 1 Jn 4: 7-16/ Mt 11: 25-30.

When we come to God as a Father, we must remember that he is Lord of heaven and earth,
which obliges us to come to him with reverence as to the sovereign Lord of all; yet with
confidence, as one able to defend us from evil, and to supply us with all good. Our blessed Lord
added a remarkable declaration, that the Father had delivered into his hands all power, authority,
and judgment. We are indebted to Christ for all the revelation we have of God the Father’s will
and love, ever since Adam sinned. Our Saviour has invited all that labour and are heavy-laden, to
come unto him. In some senses all men are so. Such is the Redeemer’s mercy; and why should
the labouring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? Let us come to him daily,
for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows.
But forced obedience, far from being easy and light, is a heavy burden. In vain do we draw near
to Jesus with our lips, while the heart is far from him.

Jun 13 Sat: Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary M

1 Kgs 19: 19-21/ Ps 16: 1b-2a and 5. 7-8. 9-10/ Lk 2: 41-51

They found him in some part of the temple, where the doctors of the law kept their schools; he
was sitting there, hearkening to their instructions, proposing questions, and answering inquiries,
with such wisdom, that those who heard were delighted with him. Young persons should seek
the knowledge of Divine truth, attend the ministry of the gospel, and ask such questions of their
elders and teachers as may tend to increase their knowledge. Those who seek Christ in sorrow,
shall find him with the greater joy.

Jun 14 SUN: ELEVENTH SUNDAY INORDINARY TIME

Ex 19: 2-6a/ Ps 100: 1-2. 3. 5 (3c)/ Rom 5: 6-11/ Mt 9: 36 10: 8

Jesus visited not only the great and wealthy cities, but the poor, obscure villages; and there he
preached, there he healed. The souls of the meanest in the world are as precious to Christ, and
should be so to us, as the souls of those who make the greatest figure. There were priests,
Levites, and scribes, all over the land; but they were idol shepherds, (Zec 11:17); therefore Christ
had compassion on the people as sheep scattered, as men perishing for lack of knowledge. To
this day vast multitudes are as sheep not having a shepherd, and we should have compassion and
do all we can to help them. The multitudes desirous of spiritual instruction formed a plenteous
harvest, needing many active labourers; but few deserved that character. Christ is the Lord of the
harvest. Let us pray that many may be raised up and sent forth, who will labour in bringing souls
to Christ

Jun 15 Mon: Ordinary Weekday

1 Kgs 21: 1-16/ Ps 5: 2-3ab. 4b-6a. 6b-7/ Mt 5: 38-42
The plain instruction is, Suffer any injury that can be borne, for the sake of peace, committing
your concerns to the Lord’s keeping. And the sum of all is, that Christians must avoid disputing
and striving. If any say, Flesh and blood cannot pass by such an affront, let them remember, that
flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and those who act upon right principles
will have most peace and comfort.

Jun 16 Tue: Ordinary Weekday

1 Kgs 21: 17-29/ Ps 51: 3-4. 5-6ab. 11 and 16/ Mt 5: 43-48

The Jewish teachers by “neighbour” understood only those who were of their own country,
nation, and religion, whom they were pleased to look upon as their friends. The Lord Jesus
teaches that we must do all the real kindness we can to all, especially to their souls. We must
pray for them. While many will render good for good, we must render good for evil; and this will
speak a nobler principle than most men act by. Others salute their brethren, and embrace those of
their own party, and way, and opinion, but we must not so confine our respect. It is the duty of
Christians to desire, and aim at, and press towards perfection in grace and holiness. And therein
we must study to conform ourselves to the example of our heavenly Father.

Jun 17 Wed: Ordinary Weekday

2 Kgs 2: 1. 6-14/ Ps 31: 20. 21. 24/ Mt 6: 1-6. 16-18

Our Lord next warned against hypocrisy and outward show in religious duties. What we do, must
be done from an inward principle, that we may be approved of God, not that we may be praised
of men. In these verses we are cautioned against hypocrisy in giving alms. Take heed of it. It is a
subtle sin; and vain-glory creeps into what we do, before we are aware. But the duty is not the
less necessary and excellent for being abused by hypocrites to serve their pride. The doom Christ
passes, at first may seem a promise, but it is their reward; not the reward God promises to those
who do good, but the reward hypocrites promise themselves, and a poor reward it is; they did it
to be seen of men, and they are seen of men. When we take least notice of our good deeds
ourselves, God takes most notice of them.
Jun 18 Thu: Ordinary Weekday
Sir 48: 1-14/ Ps 97: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 7/ Mt 6: 7-15

It is taken for granted that all who are disciples of Christ pray. You may as soon find a living
man that does not breathe, as a living Christian that does not pray. If prayerless, then graceless.
The Scribes and Pharisees were guilty of two great faults in prayer, vain-glory and vain
repetitions. Christ saw it needful to show his disciples what must commonly be the matter and
method of their prayer. Not that we are tied up to the use of this only, or of this always; yet,
without doubt, it is very good to use it. It has much in a little; and it is used acceptably no further
than it is used with understanding, and without being needlessly repeated. The petitions are six;
the first three relate more expressly to God and his honour, the last three to our own concerns,
both temporal and spiritual. This prayer teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and that all other things shall be added. After the things of God’s glory, kingdom,
and will, we pray for the needful supports and comforts of this present life.

Jun 19 Fri: Ordinary Weekday/ Romuald, ab

2 Kgs 11: 1-4. 9-18. 20/ Ps 132: 11. 12. 13-14. 17-18/ Mt 6: 19-23

Worldly-mindedness is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy, for by no sin can Satan have
a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a profession of religion. Christ counsels to
make our best things the joys and glories of the other world, those things not seen which are
eternal, and to place our happiness in them. There are treasures in heaven. It is our wisdom to
give all diligence to make our title to eternal life sure through Jesus Christ, and to look on all
things here below, as not worthy to be compared with it, and to be content with nothing short of
it. It is happiness above and beyond the changes and chances of time, an inheritance
incorruptible.

Jun 20 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM

2 Chr 24: 17-25/ Ps 89: 4-5. 29-30. 31-32. 33-34/ Mt 6: 24-34

There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than
disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often ensnares the poor
as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things
which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your
life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our
times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it
to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. God has given us life, and has given us the body.
And what can he not do for us? Nothing!

Jun 21 SUN: TWELFTH SUNDAY INORDINARY TIME

Jer 20: 10-13/ Ps 69: 8-10. 14. 17. 33-35 (14c)/ Rom 5: 12-15/ Mt 10: 26-33

So long as we see ourselves in the way of God, and of duty, it is weakness and folly, when we
meet with difficulties and discouragements, to wish we had never set out in it. The prophet found
the grace of God mighty in him to keep him to his business, notwithstanding the temptation he
was in to throw it up. Whatever injuries are done to us, we must leave them to that God to whom
vengeance belongs, and who has said, I will repay. So full was he of the comfort of God’s
presence, the Divine protection he was under, and the Divine promise he had to depend upon,
that he stirred up himself and others to give God the glory. Let the people of God open their
cause before Him, and he will enable them to see deliverance.

Jun 22 Mon: Ordinary Weekday/ Paulinus of Nola, bp/ John Fisher, bp, mt, and Thomas More,
mm, mt
2 Kgs 17: 5-8. 13-15a. 18/ Ps 60: 3. 4-5. 12-13/ Mt 7: 1-5
We must judge ourselves, and judge of our own acts, but not make our word a law to everybody.
We must not judge rashly, nor pass judgment upon our brother without any ground. We must not
make the worst of people. Here is a just reproof to those who quarrel with their brethren for
small faults, while they allow themselves in greater ones. Some sins are as motes, while others
are as beams; some as a gnat, others as a camel. Not that there is any sin little; if it be a mote, or
splinter, it is in the eye; if a gnat, it is in the throat; both are painful and dangerous, and we
cannot be easy or well till they are got out. That which charity teaches us to call but a splinter in
our brother’s eye, true repentance and godly sorrow will teach us to call a beam in our own. Here
is a good rule for reprovers; first reform thyself.

Jun 23 Tue: Ordinary Weekday

2 Kgs 19: 9b-11. 14-21. 31-35a. 36/ Ps 48: 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 10-11/ Mt 7: 6. 12-14

Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do; not
only toward God, but toward men; not only toward those of our party and persuasion, but toward
men in general, all with whom we have to do. We must do that to our neighbour which we
ourselves acknowledge to be fit and reasonable. We must, in our dealings with men, suppose
ourselves in the same case and circumstances with those we have to do with, and act accordingly.
There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the way to hell; in
the one or other of these all are walking: there is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now.

Jun 24 Wed: NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST S

Is 49: 1-6/ Ps 139: 1b-3. 13-14ab. 14c-15/ Acts 13: 22-26/ Lk 1: 57-66. 80

In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all
the relations of the family. He shall be called John, or “Gracious,” because he shall bring in the
gospel of Christ, wherein God’s grace shines most bright. Zacharia recovered his speech.
Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believes, therefore he speaks. When
God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than
not use it in praising God. It is said, the hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways
of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the
dealings of God, and wait the event.

Jun 25 Thu: Ordinary Weekday

2 Kgs 24: 8-17/ Ps 79: 1b-2. 3-5. 8. 9/ Mt 7: 21-29

Christ here shows that it will not be enough to own him for our Master, only in word and tongue.
It is necessary to our happiness that we believe in Christ, that we repent of sin, that we live a
holy life, that we love one another. This is his will, even our sanctification. Let us take heed of
resting in outward privileges and doings, lest we deceive ourselves, and perish eternally. Let
everyone that names the name of Christ, depart from all sin. There are others, whose religion
rests in bare hearing, and it goes no further; their heads are filled with empty notions. These two
sorts of hearers are represented as two builders. This parable teaches us to hear and do the
sayings of the Lord Jesus: some may seem hard to flesh and blood, but they must be done. Christ
is laid for a foundation, and everything besides Christ is sand.

Jun 26 Fri: Ordinary Weekday

2 Kgs 25: 1-12/ Ps 137: 1-2. 3. 4-5. 6/ Mt 8: 1-4

In these verses we have an account of Christ’s cleansing a leper, who came and worshipped him,
as one clothed with Divine power. This cleansing directs us, not only to apply to Christ, who has
power over bodily diseases, for the cure of them, but it also teaches us in what manner to apply
to him. When we cannot be sure of God’s will, we may be sure of his wisdom and mercy. No
guilt is so great, but there is that in Christ’s blood which atones for it; no corruption so strong,
but there is that in his grace which can subdue it. To be made clean we must commend ourselves
to his pity; we cannot demand it as a debt, but we must humbly request it as a favour.

Jun 27 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM/ Cyril of Alexandria, bp, dr

Lam 2: 2. 10-14. 18-19/ Ps 74: 1b-2. 3-5. 6-7. 20-21/ Mt 8: 5-17

This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly
man. No man’s calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his
servant’s case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are
spiritually sick. Many are the diseases and calamities to which we are liable in the body; and
there is more, in those words of the gospel, that Jesus Christ bore our sicknesses and carried our
sorrows, to support and comfort us under them, than in all the writings of the philosophers. Let
us not grudge labour, trouble, or expense in doing good to others.

Jun 28 SUN: THIRTEENTH SUNDAY INORDINARY TIME

2 Kgs 4: 8-11. 14-16a/ Ps 89: 2-3. 16-17. 18-19 (2a)/ Rom 6: 3-4. 8-11/ Mt 10: 37-42

Religion is worth every thing; all who believe the truth of it, will come up to the price, and make
everything else yield to it. Christ will lead us through sufferings, to glory with him. Those are
best prepared for the life to come, that sit most loose to this present life. Though the kindness
done to Christ’s disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no
more, it shall be accepted. Christ does not say that they deserve a reward; for we cannot merit
anything from the hand of God; but they shall receive a reward from the free gift of God. Let us
boldly confess Christ, and show love to him in all things.

Jun 29 Mon: PETER AND PAUL, APS S

Day: Acts 12: 1-11/ Ps 34: 2-3. 4-5. 6-7. 8-9/ 2 Tm 4: 6-8. 17-18/ Mt 16: 13-19
Peter, for himself and his brethren, said that they were assured of our Lord’s being the promised
Messiah, the Son of the living God. This showed that they believed Jesus to be more than man.
Our Lord declared Peter to be blessed, as the teaching of God made him differ from his
unbelieving countrymen. Christ added that he had named him Peter, in allusion to his stability or
firmness in professing the truth. None can forgive sins but God only. And this binding and
loosing, in the common language of the Jews, signified to forbid and to allow, or to teach what is
lawful or unlawful.

Jun 30 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

Am 3: 1-8; 4: 11-12/ Ps 5: 4b-6a. 6b-7. 8/ Mt 8: 23-27
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect
that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to
be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect
storms. His human nature, like to ours in everything but sin, was wearied, and he slept at this
time to try the faith of his disciples. They, in their fear, came to their Master. Many that have true
faith, are weak in it. May we strive to turn to the Lord when we cannot manage the situation.