Crown Wealth

  Saint Ansgar — Bishop and Apostle of the North The life of Saint Ansgar , Bishop, shines as a powerful testimony of missionary zeal, perseverance, and quiet faithfulness. Known as the Apostle of the North , Saint Ansgar teaches us that success in God’s mission is not measured by visible results, but by steadfast obedience to His call. Called Early, Formed in Faith Saint Ansgar was born in the early 9th century in what is now France. As a young boy, he was entrusted to a monastery, where prayer, discipline, and learning shaped his soul. From an early age, Ansgar developed a deep love for Christ and a burning desire to bring the Gospel to those who had not yet heard it. His monastic life laid the foundation for his future mission—showing us that true evangelization flows from a life rooted in prayer. Reflection: Before we can bring Christ to others, we must first belong fully to Him. Mission to the Ends of the Known World Saint Ansgar felt a strong call to evangelize the pag...

  Saint Blaise — Bishop, Martyr, and Witness of Healing Faith The life of Saint Blaise , Bishop and Martyr, offers the Church a compelling witness of courage, compassion, and unwavering trust in God. Remembered especially for his intercession for healing, Saint Blaise reminds us that faith lived with integrity becomes a source of hope and restoration for others—even in times of persecution. A Shepherd with a Healer’s Heart Saint Blaise lived in the early fourth century and served as Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia. Before becoming a bishop, tradition holds that he was a physician. His medical skill, combined with deep Christian charity, made him a healer of both body and soul. As bishop, Blaise guided his flock with gentleness, teaching the faith and caring especially for the poor and the suffering. Reflection: When compassion flows from faith, it becomes a channel of God’s healing grace. Faith in Hiding, Hope in Trial During a time of fierce persecution against Christians, Sa...

  When God Hears Our Cry: From Deep Loss to Restoring Hope. Readings: First Reading -  2 Samuel 18:9–10, 14, 24–25, 30; 19:3 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 86:1–6 Alleluia - Matthew 8:17 Gospel  Reading - Mark 5:21–43 The Word of God today brings us face to face with some of the deepest human experiences: loss, sorrow, desperate prayer, and the healing touch of God. These readings remind us that God is never indifferent to our pain. He hears our cries and enters our suffering with mercy and power. A Father’s Grief In 2 Samuel , we encounter one of the most painful moments in King David’s life—the death of his son Absalom. Though Absalom rebelled against him, David’s heart is broken. The king’s grief is so overwhelming that it silences the joy of victory. The people return quietly, ashamed, as though mourning rather than celebrating. This scene reveals the depth of a father’s love. Even in betrayal, David mourns. His sorrow reflects the anguish that accompanies broken...

  When the Lord Is Our Shield: Trusting God in Times of Rejection and Restoration Readings: First Reading - 2 Samuel 15:13–14, 30; 16:5–13 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 3:2–7 Alleluia - Luke 7:16 Gospel Reading - Mark 5:1–20 Today’s readings draw us into moments of deep humiliation, fear, and unexpected grace. They remind us that God is present not only in victory, but also in exile, misunderstanding, and suffering—and that His power restores what seems lost. Walking Away in Trust In 2 Samuel , King David is forced to flee Jerusalem because of the rebellion of his own son, Absalom. Barefoot and weeping, David ascends the Mount of Olives—a place of sorrow and surrender. Along the way, he is cursed and mocked by Shimei. Yet David refuses to retaliate. Instead, he entrusts his dignity and future to God, saying that perhaps the Lord will look upon his suffering and repay him with good. This is a striking act of faith. David chooses humility over revenge, trusting that God sees th...

  A Light Revealed: Meeting the Lord in the Temple Feast: The Presentation of the Lord Readings: First Reading - Malachi 3:1–4 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 24:7–10 Second Reading - Hebrews 2:14–18 Alleluia - Luke 2: 12 Gospel Reading - Luke 2: 22–40 Forty days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord —a feast of light, encounter, and fulfillment. On this day, Mary and Joseph bring the Child Jesus to the Temple, not knowing that this simple act of obedience would become a moment of revelation for the world. The Lord Suddenly Comes to His Temple The prophet Malachi announces a powerful promise: “The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” This coming is not only comforting—it is purifying. God enters to refine, to cleanse, and to prepare His people for true worship. In the Gospel, this prophecy is fulfilled quietly. There is no fanfare. The Messiah arrives not as a conquering king, but as a child carried in the arms of His mother. Go...

  Blessed Are the Humble: God’s Kingdom Belongs to the Lowly Readings: First Reading - Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12–13 Responsorial Psalm  - Psalm 146:7–10 Second Reading -  1 Corinthians 1:26–31 Alleluia   -   Matthew 5: 12 Gospel Reading - Matthew 5:1–12 The Word of God today turns our attention to a truth that challenges the values of the world: God delights in the humble, the poor in spirit, and those who rely not on their own strength but on His mercy. A People Who Seek the Lord The prophet Zephaniah calls out to those who are often overlooked: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth.” God promises that from among the weak and lowly, He will raise up a people who trust in His name. They will not be marked by arrogance or deceit, but by faithfulness and peace. This promise is not about social status, but about the posture of the heart. God chooses those who know they need Him. The remnant He gathers is small, but deeply rooted in trust. The Go...