Crown Wealth

  A Divided Heart or a Humble Faith? Readings: First Reading  - 1 Kings 11:4–13 Responsorial Psalm -- Psalm 106:3–4. 35–37. 40 Alleluia  - James 1:21 Gospel Reading   - Mark 7:24–30 Today’s readings place before us a powerful contrast: a king with a divided heart and a foreign woman with unwavering faith. Through their stories, we are invited to examine our own hearts. When the Heart Drifts In 1 Kings 11 , we see the tragic turning point of Solomon’s life. The man who once asked God for wisdom slowly allows his heart to be led astray. Influenced by foreign alliances and attachments, he begins to worship other gods. Scripture says plainly: “His heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God.” This is sobering. Solomon did not reject God overnight. His fall began gradually—with compromises, divided loyalties, and subtle shifts in devotion. Psalm 106 echoes this warning. The people “mingled with the nations and learned to do as they did.” They adopted prac...

  Our Lady of Lourdes — A Call to Trust, Conversion, and Healing The story of Our Lady of Lourdes is a gentle yet powerful reminder that God chooses the humble to reveal His glory. Through a poor, simple young girl, the Blessed Virgin Mary delivered a message that continues to echo across generations: a call to prayer, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy. A Humble Beginning In 1858 , in the small town of Lourdes, France , the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous , a poor and sickly 14-year-old girl. Bernadette was uneducated and overlooked by society, yet she was chosen by heaven. Mary did not appear in splendor, but with gentleness and simplicity, teaching us that God’s grace often comes quietly. Reflection: God looks not at status or strength, but at the humility of the heart. “I Am the Immaculate Conception” During one of the apparitions, Mary revealed her identity as the Immaculate Conception , affirming a truth the Church had recently proclaimed. Bernade...

  True Wisdom Shines From Within Readings: First Reading - 1 Kings 10:1–10 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 37:5–6. 30–31. 39–40 Alleluia -  John 17:17 Gospel Reading  - Mark 7:14–23 Today’s readings draw our attention to the source of true wisdom and holiness. They gently remind us that what truly defines a person is not outward appearance or ritual observance, but the state of the heart shaped by God’s truth. Wisdom That Attracts the World In 1 Kings 10 , the Queen of Sheba travels a great distance to encounter Solomon. She comes with questions, seeking understanding, and she leaves astonished. Solomon’s wisdom, prosperity, and order are undeniable—but the queen recognizes something deeper. She praises the Lord who gave Solomon such wisdom. True wisdom always points beyond itself to God. When a life is rooted in God’s truth, it becomes a quiet testimony that draws others closer, just as Solomon’s life drew the Queen of Sheba. Trusting God’s Way Psalm 37 encourages ...

  Saint Scholastica — Love Stronger Than Rules The life of Saint Scholastica , virgin, gently reminds us that at the heart of Christian life is not rigid observance, but love—love for God and love that flows freely from a heart rooted in prayer. Though she lived a hidden life, her holiness continues to speak powerfully to the Church today. A Life Rooted in God Saint Scholastica was born around 480 AD in Italy and is known as the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia , the father of Western monasticism. From an early age, Scholastica dedicated her life entirely to God, embracing a vocation of prayer, silence, and deep communion with Him. While her brother shaped monastic life through structure and discipline, Scholastica revealed its soul: loving surrender to God. Reflection: True holiness flows from a heart fully given to God. The Power of Prayer and Love One of the most beloved stories of Saint Scholastica tells of her final meeting with Saint Benedict. As they spoke of ...

  Hearts That Truly Dwell With God: Beyond Words and Rituals Readings: First Reading - 1 Kings 8:22–23. 27–30 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 84:3–5. 10–11 Alleluia - Psalm 119:36a, 29b Gospel Reading - Mark 7:1–13 Today’s readings invite us to look honestly at our relationship with God—not just at what we say or do outwardly, but at where our hearts truly rest. A God Who Cannot Be Contained In 1 Kings 8 , Solomon stands before the altar and prays a profound prayer of humility. Though he has just completed the magnificent Temple, he acknowledges a deep truth: “Will God really dwell on earth? The heavens cannot contain You, much less this house I have built.” Solomon understands that buildings, rituals, and sacrifices—even sacred ones—are never enough on their own. What God desires most is a listening heart. Solomon asks that God hear the prayers offered toward this place, not because the Temple limits God, but because it becomes a meeting point between heaven and earth. Where ...

  The God Who Dwells Among His People Readings: First Reading - 1 Kings 8:1–7. 9–13 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 132:6–7. 8–10 Alleluia - Matthew 4:23 Gospel Reading -  Mark 6:53–56 Today’s readings reveal a beautiful and consoling truth: God desires to dwell with His people . From the glory filling the Temple to Jesus healing the sick by His mere presence, Scripture shows us a God who is not distant, but deeply near. The Glory That Filled the Temple In 1 Kings 8 , Solomon gathers the elders and brings the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. As the priests place the Ark in the sanctuary, a cloud fills the house of the Lord—so powerful that they cannot continue their ministry. This cloud is a sign of God’s glory, His living presence among His people. Solomon declares with awe that the Lord has chosen to dwell in thick darkness—not to hide from His people, but to make known that He is truly there. The Ark contained the tablets of the Law, reminding Israel that God’s pre...

 Saint Josephine Bakhita — From Chains to Freedom in Christ The life of Saint Josephine Bakhita is a profound testimony to the healing power of God’s love. Her journey from slavery to sainthood reveals a faith that transforms suffering into forgiveness and pain into peace. Through her gentle spirit and unwavering trust in God, Bakhita shows us that true freedom is found not in circumstances, but in belonging to God. A Childhood Marked by Suffering Saint Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Darfur, Sudan. As a young girl, she was kidnapped by slave traders and sold multiple times. She endured years of cruelty, abuse, and humiliation—so traumatic that she even forgot her birth name. The name Bakhita, meaning “the fortunate one,” was given to her by her captors. Yet in the midst of suffering, God was quietly preparing her heart. Reflection: God’s grace can reach us even in the darkest places. Discovering the God Who Loves Bakhita was eventually brought to Italy, where she encount...

 Saint Jerome Emiliani — Father of Orphans and Apostle of Charity The life of Saint Jerome Emiliani is a moving story of conversion, compassion, and courageous love for the forgotten. His journey from a life centered on ambition to one poured out for the poor reminds us that God can transform even our deepest wounds into sources of healing for others. From Soldier to Servant Saint Jerome Emiliani was born in Venice in 1486 into a noble family. As a young man, he pursued a military career, seeking honor and success. However, during a battle, Jerome was captured and imprisoned. In the darkness of his cell, he turned to God in prayer, surrendering his life and future to Him. Upon his release, Jerome experienced a profound conversion. He recognized that true freedom and fulfillment are found not in power or status, but in serving God and others. Reflection: God often meets us in our lowest moments to lead us toward our true purpose. A Heart for the Forgotten After becoming a priest, Sa...

 Let Your Light Shine: Faith That Is Lived, Not Hidden Readings: First Reading -  Isaiah 58:7–10 Responsorial Psalm-  Psalm 112:4–8 Second Reading -   1 Corinthians 2:1–5 Alleluia -   John 8:12 Gospel Reading -  Matthew 5:13–16 Today’s readings call us beyond words and appearances into a faith that is visible, humble, and life-giving. They remind us that the light of Christ shines most brightly when it is lived through love, service, and trust in God. True Worship Becomes Compassion In Isaiah 58, God speaks clearly about what pleases Him: sharing bread with the hungry, welcoming the homeless, clothing the naked, and caring for one’s own. Faith that remains only in ritual or speech is incomplete. God desires mercy lived out in concrete action. When we choose compassion, God promises that “your light shall break forth like the dawn.” Light is born where love is practiced. Light for the Upright Psalm 112 describes the person who fears the Lord and li...