Rachel’s Corner
· Bucket List: Military Hop
· Baltimore Washington International Airport Passenger Terminal
· Today is the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiegne during the French Revolution
· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
· Spirit Hour: Benedict Arnold Cocktail
· Foodie: Crab cakes
· Let Freedom Ring Day 11
o One of the most effective weapons of the devil, today, is lust.
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
· According to Mary Agreda[2] in her visions it was on a Thursday at six o'clock in the evening and at the approach of night that the Angel Gabriel approached and announced her as Mother of God and she gave her fiat.
My Mother was born in Natick, MA and my aunts lived in a brown stone house in Charlestown.
- Boston's 15 Most Iconic Drinks
- New England clam chowder
- Boston baked beans
- Cod fish cakes
- Lobster mac and cheese
- Boston cream pie
Places to Visit in July[3]
Boston, Massachusetts
I personally think Boston is an extra special travel spot in July as it hosts the fabulous Summer Pops Concerts and breathtaking Fourth of July fireworks over the River Charles.
These are connected to Harborfest, a week-long celebration of the city’s unique maritime history that kicks off on Independence Day.
When here, I recommend chilling out on one of the fantastic city beaches, grabbing a picnic and a bottle of wine, enjoying Shakespeare on the common, or watching an outdoor movie under the stars.
Boston has beautiful parks, fantastic architecture (both old and new) and a splendid esplanade, perfect for romantic summer strolls and plenty of picnics.
I also love the excellent food and craft beer scene, the al fresco dining options, harbor cruises, and the incredible whale-watching opportunities (May to October).
Visitor’s Center Address: 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111
Average temperature in Boston in July – 82 degrees
My highlights…
o Hopping on a boat tour, sailing around Boston, and viewing the spectacular city differently.
o Sunbathing along the Boston Beach at the main waterfront.
o Watching the Red Sox at Fenway Park!
JULY 17 Thursday
Matthew, Chapter 17, verse 5-8
While he was still speaking,
behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a
voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen
to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much AFRAID. But Jesus came
and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their
eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
The
apostles during the transfiguration heard the voice of the Father; saw the
light of the Holy Spirit and were touched by the Son of God, Christ the Messiah.
They fully experienced the triune God which empowered them for the trial ahead.
Copilot
This passage from the
Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5–8) is rich with theological insight, especially
regarding fear. From a Catholic perspective, it teaches us not only about the
nature of fear but also about how divine revelation and intimacy with Christ
transform it.
🌩️ 1. Fear in the Face
of Divine Majesty
·
The disciples fall
prostrate in fear when they hear the voice of God the Father from the cloud.
This is a classic biblical reaction to theophany—when God reveals Himself
directly.
·
Their fear is not
irrational; it’s awe-filled reverence (what the Church calls filial fear),
a recognition of their smallness before the infinite holiness of God.
·
This moment echoes
the fear of Moses before the burning bush or Isaiah’s trembling in the temple:
fear that arises when sinful humanity encounters divine glory.
✝️ 2. Jesus as Mediator
of Fear
·
Jesus touches them
and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” This is the heart of the Gospel: God’s
glory does not annihilate us—it draws near in love through Christ.
·
The touch of Jesus is
sacramental in tone—like the healing touch in the sacraments. It reassures,
restores, and reorients.
·
Catholic tradition
sees this as a moment of Christ’s mediation: He bridges the gap between divine
majesty and human frailty.
👁️ 3. Seeing Jesus
Alone
·
After the cloud
lifts, “they saw no one else but Jesus alone.” This is not just a narrative
detail—it’s a spiritual directive.
·
In moments of fear,
confusion, or awe, the Church teaches us to fix our gaze on Christ alone. He is
the “beloved Son” to whom we must listen.
·
As St. John Paul II
often repeated: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.”
🕊️ 4. Fear as a Prelude
to Mission
·
This event occurs
just before Jesus begins His journey to Jerusalem and the Cross. The
Transfiguration is a preparation for suffering.
·
The disciples are
given a glimpse of Christ’s glory to strengthen them for the scandal of the
Cross.
·
Likewise, our
fears—when brought into the light of Christ—can become occasions of grace,
preparing us for deeper trust and mission.
✨ Spiritual Takeaway
This passage teaches
us that:
·
Fear is natural in
the face of divine mystery, but it is not the final word.
·
Jesus meets us in our
fear, not to scold but to lift us up.
·
Fixing our eyes on
Christ dispels fear and anchors us in love.
·
Fear can be
transfigured into courage when we listen to the Beloved Son.
As today is my 21st Wedding
Anniversary any lessons for married couples?
Copilot
From a Catholic
perspective, the Transfiguration scene—culminating in Jesus’ words “Rise,
and do not be afraid”—offers profound lessons for married persons. It
speaks not only to individual fear but to the shared journey of spouses
striving toward holiness together.
Here are some key
takeaways:
💍 1. Fear in the Face
of the Sacred
·
Just as the disciples
were overwhelmed by the divine presence, married couples may feel overwhelmed
by the sacredness of their vocation.
·
Marriage is not
merely a contract—it’s a sacrament, a visible sign of God’s love. That can be
daunting.
·
The fear may come in
moments of vulnerability, conflict, or when facing life’s uncertainties
together. But Christ says: “Do not be afraid.”
✝️ 2. Christ at the
Center of the Marriage
·
After the cloud
lifts, the disciples “saw no one else but Jesus alone.” This is a powerful
image for marriage.
·
In the midst of
confusion, fear, or even joy, spouses are called to fix their eyes on
Christ—not on each other’s flaws or the world’s distractions.
·
A Christ-centered
marriage is one where both partners listen to the Beloved Son and allow His
grace to shape their love.
🤝 3. Touch and
Reassurance in Times of Fear
·
Jesus touches the
disciples before telling them not to be afraid. This gentle gesture speaks
volumes.
·
In marriage, physical
and emotional tenderness—a reassuring hand, a kind word, a shared prayer—can
dispel fear and restore unity.
·
The sacramental grace
of marriage empowers spouses to be channels of Christ’s peace to one another.
🏔️ 4. Mountaintop
Moments Prepare for the Valleys
·
The Transfiguration
occurs just before Jesus’ Passion. It’s a glimpse of glory meant to strengthen
the disciples for suffering.
·
Likewise, joyful
moments in marriage—weddings, births, shared adventures—are not escapes from
reality but foretastes of God’s glory.
·
These moments prepare
couples to face trials together with courage and hope.
🌱 5. Growth Through
Surrender
·
As one reflection
puts it, “Jesus challenges us to rise and not be afraid—to let go of fear and
trust in His love”.
·
In marriage, this
means surrendering pride, fear of vulnerability, and self-protection, and
embracing the daily call to love sacrificially.
·
It’s a journey of
mutual sanctification—helping each other rise, again and again.
✨ Spiritual Practice
for Couples
Consider praying
together with this passage. One spouse can read the voice of the Father, the
other the voice of Jesus. Then reflect:
·
What fears are we
carrying in our marriage?
·
Where do we need to
hear Christ say, “Do not be afraid”?
·
How can we help each
other rise?
Novena
of St. Ann[1]
Although Saint Anne is not mentioned in the
Bible, she is the holy mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. When we pray
the St. Anne Novena, we are asking help from our Blessed Mother’s mother! Saint
Anne’s feast day is on July 26th, so the St. Anne Novena is traditionally
started on July 17th — but you can pray it anytime. Devotion to St. Anne began
early in the history of the Catholic Church. As she was favored by God to
become the mother of the holy Virgin Mary, she is often invoked as the Patron
of mothers as well as for relationships, among other things.
Daily Prayer to Saint Ann
O
glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and
with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my
troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present
intention which I recommend to you in your special care.
Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it
before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue
to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me
the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the
saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.
Our
Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .
O
Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death. Good St.
Ann, intercede for me.
Dear St. Ann, though I am but a prodigal child,
I appeal to you and place myself under your great motherly care. Please listen
to my prayers and grant my requests. See my contrite heart and show me your
unfailing goodness.
Deign to be my advocate and recommend me to
God’s infinite mercy. Obtain for me forgiveness of my sins and the strength to
begin a new life that will last forever.
Blessed St. Ann, I also beg of you the grace to
love, to serve, and to honor your daughter, the most holy Virgin Mary. Please
recommend me to her and pray to her for me. She refuses none of your requests
but welcomes with loving kindness all those for whom you intercede.
Good Jesus be merciful to the faithful servants of Your grandmother St. Ann.
Bible in a Year-Day 29
Fr. Mike delves deeper into Moses' call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt,
and reminds us that God desires to make us free so we that can worship him.
Today's readings are Exodus 4-5, Leviticus 4, and Psalm 46.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Individuals
with Mental Illness
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
[1]Blessed Sacrament
Fathers, ST. ANN’S SHRINE, Cleveland, Ohio
[2] Venerable Mary of Agreda. The
Mystical City of God: Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with
Illustrations (p. 770). Veritatis Splendor Publications. Kindle Edition
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