Crown Wealth

  The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order — A Friendship Rooted in Mary The story of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order is not the story of one dramatic hero, but of seven friends who allowed God to transform their lives together. Their witness reminds us that holiness is not only personal — it can also be communal.  From Success to Surrender In the 13th century, in the city of Florence, seven prosperous merchants felt an inner restlessness. Though respected and successful, their hearts longed for something deeper. Through prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, they discerned a call to leave behind wealth, status, and comfort. These men — later known as the Seven Holy Founders — withdrew from the world and settled on Monte Senario. There they embraced a life of prayer, penance, fraternity, and devotion to Our Lady. Their decision was radical: they chose simplicity over prestige, contemplation over commerce, and spiritual riches over material wealt...

  Faith That Endures Without a Sign Readings: First Reading - James 1:1–11 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119:67–76 Alleluia - John 14:6 Gospel  Reading  - Mark 8:11–13 Today’s readings speak to us about steadfast faith , especially when life feels uncertain, difficult, or unclear. They challenge us to grow beyond emotional faith and into mature trust. Joy in Trials? James begins with words that seem almost impossible: “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials.” How can suffering be joy? James is not glorifying pain. He is revealing purpose. Trials test our faith, and tested faith produces endurance. Endurance shapes maturity. And maturity anchors us in Christ. Faith that has never been tested remains shallow. But faith refined by difficulty becomes steady and deep. James also reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God — but ask in faith, without doubting. A doubting person, he says, is like a wave driven and tossed by the wind. Steadine...

  What are The Freedom to Choose Life? Readings: First Reading - Sirach 15:15–20 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119:1–2. 4–5. 17–18. 33–34 Second Reading  - 1 Corinthians 2:6–10 Alleluia - Matthew 11:25 Gospel Reading  - Matthew 5:17–37 Today’s readings center on one powerful truth: God has given us the freedom to choose — and with that freedom comes responsibility. You Are Set Before a Choice In Sirach 15 , we hear these striking words: “If you choose, you can keep the commandments… Before you are fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.” God does not force obedience. He gives us freedom. We are not puppets. We are moral beings capable of choosing good or evil, life or destruction. This is both a gift and a weighty responsibility. The world often defines freedom as “doing whatever I want.” But Scripture defines freedom as the ability to choose what leads to life. True freedom is not the absence of boundaries; it is the wisdom to choose ...

  Saints Cyril and Methodius — Apostles of Unity and Mission The lives of Saints Cyril and Methodius shine as a powerful witness to missionary courage, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to the Gospel. Known as the Apostles to the Slavs , these two brothers remind us that God’s Word is meant for every people, every language, and every culture. Brothers Called by God Saint Cyril (born Constantine) and his older brother Saint Methodius were born in the 9th century in Thessalonica (modern-day Greece). Raised in a Christian home and well-educated, they were gifted in languages, philosophy, and theology. When the ruler of Great Moravia requested missionaries who could teach the faith in the language of the people, the Church sent these two brothers. They answered the call with courage and generosity. Reflection: God equips those He calls and sends them where they are most needed. Bringing the Gospel in the People’s Language One of their most remarkable achievements ...

  The Courageous Love of Saint Valentine When we hear the name Saint Valentine , images of flowers, cards, and romantic dinners often come to mind. Yet behind the celebration stands a brave Christian martyr whose life speaks of a love far deeper than sentiment — a love rooted in Christ.  A Priest in a Time of Persecution Saint Valentine lived in the third century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius II. Christianity was not yet tolerated, and believers often faced imprisonment or death. According to tradition, Valentine was a priest (and possibly a bishop) who served the faithful in secret. When Emperor Claudius supposedly forbade young men from marrying — believing single men made better soldiers — Valentine defied the order and continued to celebrate Christian marriages in secret. His actions were not romantic rebellion; they were acts of faith. He believed in the sacredness of marriage and the dignity of love. Reflection: True love is courageous. It stands f...

  What Are We Feeding On? R eadings: First Reading - 1 Kings 12:26–32; 13:33–34 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 106:6–7. 19–22 Alleluia - Matthew 4:4 Gospel Reading - Mark 8:1–10 Today’s readings invite us to reflect on a deep spiritual question: What truly sustains us? When Fear Replaces Faith In 1 Kings 12 , King Jeroboam allows fear to guide his leadership. Afraid that the people might return to Jerusalem and shift their loyalty, he creates golden calves and establishes alternative places of worship. His decision was not rooted in obedience but in insecurity. He did not trust that God—who had given him authority—would sustain him. Instead of leading people toward faithful worship, he redirected them toward convenience and compromise. Chapter 13 reminds us that he did not turn away from this sin. Persistent disobedience hardened his heart and led to downfall. Fear, when not surrendered to God, can distort our decisions. Forgetting What God Has Done Psalm 106 echoes this ...

  Opening Our Hearts to God’s Voice Readings: First Reading -  1 Kings 11:29–32; 12:19 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 81:10–15 Alleluia - Acts 16:14 Gospel Reading - Mark 7:31–37 Today’s readings revolve around one central message: God is always speaking, but the blessing depends on whether our hearts are open to listen. The Consequence of Closed Hearts In 1 Kings , we witness the painful division of Israel. Because Solomon turned away from God, the kingdom began to break apart. The prophet Ahijah symbolically tears his garment into twelve pieces, showing how the kingdom would be divided. By the time we reach 1 Kings 12:19 , the division becomes reality. The once united kingdom of Israel is split. This division reminds us that when we drift from God, disunity follows—not just in nations, but also in families, relationships, and even within our own hearts. Psalm 81 reveals God’s deep sorrow over His people’s stubbornness: “My people did not listen to my voice… If only ...

  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 ...