Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

On Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Chronicles (20:1-9, 13-24) entitled "The wondrous story relating the help God offered to Jehoshaphat". Our treasure, which follows, is from the beginning of the treatise On the Mysteries by Saint Ambrose, bishop.

Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) was one of the greatest bishops and teachers in the history of the Catholic Church. As Bishop of Milan, he courageously defended the independence of the Church from political rulers, preached with exceptional wisdom, and cared deeply for the poor and those in need. A gifted theologian and biblical teacher, he helped explain the doctrines of the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the sacraments, and Christian moral living, especially through his clear interpretation of Sacred Scripture.

On the Mysteries is a brief work written by Saint Ambrose around AD 387 for newly baptized Christians after Easter. He wrote it to explain the deeper meaning of the sacraments they had just received. Ambrose teaches that Baptism gives new life, Confirmation strengthens believers with the Holy Spirit, and the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ. Rooted in Scripture, the work shows that God uses visible signs to communicate invisible grace and remains an important witness to the Catholic Church's earliest sacramental teaching.

Our "treasure" today entitled "To the Newly Baptized on the Eucharist," from On the Mysteries by Saint Ambrose, teaches that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, transformed by the power of Christ's words and the Holy Spirit. Saint Ambrose teaches the newly baptized that although the appearances of bread and wine remain, their reality is changed into Christ Himself. He explains that if God's word has the power to create the world and perform miracles, it also has the power to change bread and wine into the Lord's Body and Blood.

The main takeaway is that the Eucharist is the greatest gift Christ gives His Church, nourishing believers with His own divine life. Saint Ambrose encourages the faithful to approach the Eucharist with deep faith, reverence, and gratitude, trusting Christ's promise rather than relying only on what the senses perceive.

Through Holy Communion, we are united more closely with Christ and strengthened to live as His disciples.

The main teaching of our first reading from the second book of Chronicles is that God faithfully delivers those who place their complete trust in Him. When King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were threatened by a powerful enemy they could not defeat on their own, they turned to God in humble prayer, acknowledging their helplessness and seeking His guidance. Through the prophet, God assured them, "The battle is not yours but God's," and as they responded with faith and praise rather than fear, the Lord miraculously defeated their enemies without Judah having to fight. The passage teaches that in times of overwhelming trials, our first response should be confident prayer and trust in God's power, knowing that He is faithful to protect, guide, and save those who rely on Him.

Today, July 16, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel we are first invited to reflect on a passage from the letter of the apostle Paul to the Galatians (3:22 – – 4:7), entitled "Through faith we are the sons and heirs of God". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope.

The Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the spiritual mother, protector, and model of all who seek to follow Christ. Mount Carmel is significant because it is the biblical mountain where the prophet Elijah defended the worship of the one true God and where later Christian hermits formed the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (more commonly known as the Carmelites), dedicating themselves to prayer under Mary's patronage. The memorial reminds the Church that, like Mary, Christians are called to listen to God's word, trust Him completely, and live lives of prayer and holiness. It also highlights the Brown Scapular as a sacramental that symbolizes Mary's maternal protection and our commitment to imitate her virtues, always leading us to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Saint Leo the Great (c. 400–461) was Pope from 440 to 461 and is one of only three popes honored with the title "the Great." A gifted theologian and courageous leader, he defended the true faith during a time of doctrinal controversy and political instability. His greatest contribution was clearly teaching that Jesus Christ is one divine Person with two complete natures, fully God and fully man

The essential message of today's "treasure" entitled "Mary Conceived in Her Soul Before She Conceived in Her "Body," a sermon by Leo the Great, is that Mary first welcomed Christ by faith before she conceived Him physically. By freely accepting God's word at the Annunciation with her wholehearted "yes," Mary opened her heart completely to God's will. Her interior faith and obedience made her the perfect disciple even before she became the Mother of Jesus.

The main takeaway is that every Christian is called to imitate Mary's faith by first receiving Christ into the heart. Saint Leo teaches that true discipleship begins with listening to God's word, believing it, and putting it into practice. Just as Mary conceived Christ spiritually through faith before she bore Him in the flesh, we too "conceive" Christ within us when we trust Him, obey His will, and allow His grace to transform our lives. Mary's example reminds us that faith is the foundation of all authentic Christian living.

The teaching in our first reading from Galatians is that through faith in Jesus Christ and Baptism, we become adopted children of God and heirs to His promises. Saint Paul explains that Christ has freed us from the bondage of sin and the Law, making us members of God's family. Because we are His sons and daughters, God sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts, enabling us to call Him "Abba, Father." The passage reminds us that our identity is no longer that of slaves but of beloved children and heirs of God's kingdom, called to live in the freedom, dignity, and love that come from our relationship with Him.

Today, July 15, as our church celebrates the Memorial of Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor, our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Sirach (39:1-10) entitled "The wisdom of the man who is learned in the Scriptures" Our treasure, which follows, is from the Journey of the Mind to God by Saint Bonaventure.

Saint Bonaventure (1221–1274) was a Franciscan friar, theologian, bishop, cardinal, and one of the Church's greatest Doctors of the Church. As Minister General of the Franciscan Order, he preserved its unity and deepened its spiritual life by remaining faithful to the vision of Saint Francis of Assisi. His greatest contribution was showing that theology and learning should always lead to a deeper love of God and union with Christ.

He is best known for his spiritual masterpiece, The Journey of the Mind to God, in which he teaches that the Christian life is a continual ascent toward God through prayer, contemplation, and love. His enduring message is that true wisdom is found not merely in knowledge, but in a heart transformed by God's grace.

The essential message of our "treasure" entitled "Mystical Wisdom Is Revealed by the Holy Spirit," by Saint Bonaventure, is that the deepest knowledge of God is not gained through human intelligence alone but through the grace and illumination of the Holy Spirit. While study and reason are valuable, they must be accompanied by prayer, humility, and a heart open to God's action. Mystical wisdom is a gift that draws the soul into a loving union with God beyond what words or human reasoning can fully express.

The main takeaway is that true wisdom comes from a life of prayer and holiness. Saint Bonaventure teaches that those who sincerely seek God, live according to His will, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform them will come to know Him in a profound and personal way. The journey to God is completed not by knowledge alone, but by love, as the Holy Spirit leads the soul into intimate communion with the Lord.

Our first reading from the book of Sirach teaches that true wisdom comes from prayerfully studying God's Word and faithfully living it. The wise person does more than acquire knowledge; he seeks God through prayer, meditates on the Scriptures, and allows God's truth to shape his thoughts, words, and actions. As a result, he grows in holiness, speaks with understanding, and becomes a source of guidance and blessing to others. The passage reminds us that genuine wisdom is a gift from God, received by those who humbly seek Him and put His teachings into practice.

Today, July 14, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, we are invited to read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians (7: 25-40), entitled "Christian chastity". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon On the Dress of Virgins by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680), known as the "Lily of the Mohawks," was the first Native American to be canonized a saint. Born to a Mohawk father and an Algonquin Christian mother, she survived smallpox as a child, which left her scarred and partially blind. After embracing the Catholic faith as a young woman, she endured ridicule and persecution from members of her village because of her commitment to Christ.

Saint Cyprian of Carthage was a bishop, theologian, and martyr of the early Church who lived in North Africa during the third century. After converting to Christianity as an adult, he became Bishop of Carthage and courageously led the faithful through periods of persecution. He is best known for his teaching on the unity of the Church, emphasizing that Christians must remain united with their bishops and with the one Church founded by Christ.

The Dress of Virgins, written in 249 by Saint Cyprian, is addressed to women ("flowers in the Church's garden") who have dedicated their lives to God's service. In this treatise on virginity Cyprian warns these women against seeking finery and the pitfalls of worldliness.

The primary teaching in our "treasure" today entitled "The More Numerous Her Virgins, the Greater Joy of Mother Church," from The Dress of Virgins by Saint Cyprian, is that consecrated virginity is a beautiful gift to both Christ and His Church. Cyprian praises those who freely dedicate their lives to the Lord in lifelong chastity, describing them as a sign of the holiness and fruitfulness of the Church. He teaches that this vocation is not simply the absence of marriage but a positive call to love Christ with an undivided heart through purity, humility, prayer, and faithful living. While honoring marriage as a holy vocation, he presents consecrated virginity as a special witness to the life of heaven, where God will be all in all. The central message is that lives completely dedicated to Christ bring joy to the Church and point all Christians toward their ultimate destiny of perfect union with God.

Our first reading teaches that every Christian is called to live chastely according to his or her vocation, whether married or unmarried. Saint Paul explains that both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God. He praises the unmarried state because it allows a person to devote himself or herself more completely to the Lord's work, while affirming that marriage is honorable and the proper path for those called to it. Paul's concern is not to impose burdens but to help believers live with undivided hearts, recognizing that this world is passing away and that their priority should always be pleasing God. The central message is that every state of life should be lived in faithful, self-giving love, with Christ at the center and eternal life as the goal.

On Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to reflect on a scripture passage from the first book of Kings (18:16b-40) entitled "Elijah prevails over the prophets of Baal". Our treasure, which follows, is from the beginning of the treatise On the Mysteries by Saint Ambrose, bishop.

Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) was one of the greatest bishops and teachers in the history of the Catholic Church. As Bishop of Milan, he courageously defended the independence of the Church from political rulers, preached with exceptional wisdom, and cared deeply for the poor and those in need. A gifted theologian and biblical teacher, he helped explain the doctrines of the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the sacraments, and Christian moral living, especially through his clear interpretation of Sacred Scripture.

On the Mysteries is a brief work written by Saint Ambrose around AD 387 for newly baptized Christians after Easter. He wrote it to explain the deeper meaning of the sacraments they had just received. Ambrose teaches that Baptism gives new life, Confirmation strengthens believers with the Holy Spirit, and the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ. Rooted in Scripture, the work shows that God uses visible signs to communicate invisible grace and remains an important witness to the Catholic Church's earliest sacramental teaching.

The primary teaching of today's treasure, from the treatise On the Mysteries, entitled "We Are Born Again of Water and the Holy Spirit" by Saint Ambrose, is that Baptism truly brings about a new birth through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ambrose explains that Baptism is not merely a symbol but a sacrament through which God forgives sins, unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection, and makes us adopted sons and daughters of God. Drawing on Scripture, especially Jesus' words to Nicodemus, he teaches that through water and the Holy Spirit we receive a new life of grace and become members of Christ's Body, the Church. The central message is that Baptism transforms us from our old life of sin into a new life in Christ and calls us to live faithfully as children of God.

The main message from the first book of Kings is that the Lord alone is the true and living God, worthy of Israel's complete trust and worship. On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a test, and God answers Elijah's prayer by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving His power while Baal remains silent. Elijah then calls the people to stop wavering between God and idols and to return wholeheartedly to the Lord. The central message is that faith requires an undivided heart: God alone deserves our worship, and He faithfully reveals His power and presence to those who trust and obey Him.

On the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a scripture passage from the first book of Kings (16:29---17:16) entitled" The beginning of the prophet Elijah's mission in the reign of Ahab, king of Israel". Our treasure, which follows, is from the beginning of the treatise On the Mysteries by Saint Ambrose, bishop.

Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) was one of the greatest bishops and teachers in the history of the Catholic Church. As Bishop of Milan, he courageously defended the independence of the Church from political rulers, preached with exceptional wisdom, and cared deeply for the poor and those in need. A gifted theologian and biblical teacher, he helped explain the doctrines of the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the sacraments, and Christian moral living, especially through his clear interpretation of Sacred Scripture.

On the Mysteries is a brief work written by Saint Ambrose around AD 387 for newly baptized Christians after Easter. He wrote it to explain the deeper meaning of the sacraments they had just received. Ambrose teaches that Baptism gives new life, Confirmation strengthens believers with the Holy Spirit, and the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ. Rooted in Scripture, the work shows that God uses visible signs to communicate invisible grace and remains an important witness to the Catholic Church's earliest sacramental teaching.

The primary teaching of today's treasure from the opening of On the Mysteries, entitled "Catechesis on the Rites of Baptism," is that Baptism is not merely a symbolic ceremony but a true sacrament through which God forgives sins, gives new life, and makes us His adopted children. Saint Ambrose explains that the outward actions of the rite—such as the water, anointing, and profession of faith—communicate the invisible grace of the Holy Spirit. He teaches that through Baptism we die to sin, rise with Christ to a new life, and become members of His Church. The central message is that Baptism transforms us into new creations in Christ and calls us to live faithfully as God's holy people.

The main point from our first reading is that God remains faithful to His people by raising up courageous prophets to call them back to true worship. At a time when Ahab and his wife Jezebel had led Israel into idolatry, especially the worship of Baal, Elijah boldly proclaimed God's judgment through a drought and trusted completely in the Lord's care for him. This passage teaches that God alone is the source of life and blessing, that faithfulness may require standing courageously against a corrupt culture, and that those who trust in God can rely on His providence even in the midst of hardship.

Today, July 11, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Benedict, abbot, our Church first invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Philippians (3:7---4:1, 4-9) entitled "Rejoice in the Lord always". Our treasure, which follows, is from the Rule of Benedict, abbot.

Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. AD 480–547) was the founder of Western monasticism and is honored as one of the greatest saints in the history of the Catholic Church. Leaving behind a comfortable life in Rome, he sought God through prayer, solitude, and a life of holiness before founding several monasteries, the most famous being Monte Cassino. His greatest contribution was writing the Rule of St. Benedict, a practical guide for monastic life centered on prayer, work, obedience, humility, community, and moderation. His Rule became the foundation of monastic life throughout Western Christianity and helped preserve the faith, learning, Scripture, and classical culture during the turbulent years following the fall of the Roman Empire.

Our "treasure" is from "Put Christ Before Everything," from the Rule of Saint Benedict wherein he teaches that Jesus Christ must be the highest priority in every aspect of a Christian's life. Benedict emphasizes that love for Christ should shape our thoughts, decisions, relationships, work, and prayer, leading us to practice humility, obedience, charity, and self-discipline. He reminds his monks that nothing—not personal comfort, ambition, possessions, or even human relationships—should take precedence over following Christ. Although written for monastic communities, this teaching applies to all Christians: when Christ is placed first, every other part of life finds its proper order and purpose. The central message is that lasting holiness and true happiness are found by seeking Christ above all else and allowing Him to guide every action.

The first reading today teaches that true joy and lasting peace are found not in earthly success or possessions but in a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Saint Paul explains that he considers everything else insignificant compared with knowing Christ and sharing in His life. He urges Christians to persevere in faith, rejoice in the Lord under all circumstances, replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving, and fill their minds with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. Paul promises that those who entrust themselves to God in this way will experience the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding and guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The central message is that steadfast faith, joyful trust, and holy living enable Christians to remain at peace and faithful regardless of life's circumstances.

On Friday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to reflect on a scripture passage from the first book of Kings (1: 11-35, 2:10-12) entitled "David's chooses Solomon as his successor". Our treasure, which follows, is from a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, pope.

Saint Clement of Rome was one of the earliest popes, serving the Church near the end of the first century, traditionally from about AD 88 to 99. He is regarded as one of the Apostolic Fathers because he personally knew or was closely connected to the Apostles, especially Saints Peter and Paul. His greatest contribution is his letter to the Christians in Corinth, known as First Clement, one of the oldest Christian writings outside the New Testament.

The primary teaching of today's "treasure", "We Are Blessed If We Fulfill the Commands of the Lord in the Harmony of Love," from Clement of Rome, is that true Christian happiness and holiness are found in living together in humble obedience to God and in genuine love for one another. Clement teaches that pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition lead to division, while humility, forgiveness, charity, and respect for the God-given order of the Church preserve peace and unity. He urges believers to imitate Christ by putting the good of the community before personal interests and by faithfully following the Lord's commandments. The central message is that the Church flourishes when Christians live in the harmony of love, remaining united with one another and obedient to God's will.

The teaching in our first reading from first Kings, is that God's plans are fulfilled through His chosen servants, not merely through human ambition or family custom. As King David's life draws to a close, he publicly declares that King Solomon—not his older sons—will succeed him, in accordance with God's will. David instructs Solomon to remain faithful to the Lord by keeping His commandments, teaching that true success in leadership depends on obedience to God rather than military strength, wealth, or political skill. The passage emphasizes that faithful leadership begins with fidelity to God's covenant and reminds believers that God blesses those who humbly seek to carry out His purposes.

On Thursday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to reflect on a scripture passage from the first book of Chronicles (22:5-19) entitled "David prepares the building of the temple". Our treasure, which follows, is from an exposition of psalm 118 by Saint Ambrose, bishop,

Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) was one of the greatest bishops and teachers in the history of the Catholic Church. As Bishop of Milan, he courageously defended the independence of the Church from political rulers, preached with exceptional wisdom, and cared deeply for the poor and those in need.

Saint Ambrose's exposition of Psalm 118 focuses on the spiritual life and the virtues of humility and wisdom. He interprets the psalm as a guide for moral and spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of constant prayer, a tranquil soul, and a receptive heart to Christ's presence.

The primary teaching of our "treasure" today, "God's temple is holy; you are his temple," from Saint Ambrose's exposition on Psalm 118, is that every baptized Christian is a living temple in whom God desires to dwell. Ambrose teaches that through faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit, Christ lives within us, making our hearts a sacred dwelling place for God. Because we are God's temple, we are called to live lives of holiness by rejecting sin, cultivating virtue, and remaining faithful to prayer and the sacraments. He emphasizes that true worship is not limited to a building but is expressed through a life transformed by God's presence. The central message is that Christians honor God most fully when they keep their hearts pure, allow Christ to reign within them, and reflect His love and holiness in their daily lives.

The important message from our first reading from Chronicles is that serving God's plan often means preparing the way for others rather than completing the work ourselves. Although King David longed to build the Temple, God chose his son, King Solomon, for that task. David responded not with disappointment but with humble obedience, generously gathering materials, organizing workers, and encouraging Solomon to trust in the Lord. This passage teaches that faithful leadership is marked by humility, generosity, and a willingness to place God's will above personal ambition. It reminds us that every believer has a role in God's plan, and that preparing others to continue His work can be just as important as accomplishing it ourselves.

On Wednesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Samuel (24:1-4, 10-18, 24b-25) entitled" The census of the people and the building of the altar". Our treasure, which follows, is from the ancient document entitled "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.

The Didache meaning "Teaching" is the short name of a Christian manual compiled before 300AD. The full title is The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Some Christians thought Didache was inspired, but the church rejected it when making the final decision which books to include in the New Testament.

Didache contained instructions for Christian groups; and its statement of belief may be the first written catechism. It has four parts: the first is the "Two Ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death;" the second explains how to perform rituals such as baptism, fasting, and Communion; the third covers ministry and how to deal with traveling teachers; the fourth part is a reminder that Jesus is coming again, with quotations from several New Testament passages which exhort Christians to live godly lives and prepare for "that day."

Our "treasure" from the section on the Eucharist in the Didache teaches that the Eucharist is the Church's sacred thanksgiving to God, celebrated by those who have been baptized and who are living in communion with Christ and His Church. It emphasizes approaching the Eucharist with a pure conscience, reconciling with others before offering worship, and giving thanks for the spiritual life and unity God has given through Jesus Christ. The prayers express gratitude for God's blessings and ask that, just as many grains are gathered into one loaf, believers may be gathered into one Church from the ends of the earth. The central message is that the Eucharist is both a sign and source of communion with Christ and one another, calling Christians to holiness, unity, and continual thanksgiving.

Our first reading from the Second Book of Samuel teaches that pride and self-reliance lead to sin, while humble repentance opens the way to God's mercy. King David's decision to take a census reflected a temptation to place his confidence in military strength rather than in the Lord. After recognizing his sin, David accepted responsibility, sought God's forgiveness, and built an altar, refusing to offer God a sacrifice that cost him nothing. The passage reminds us that true worship requires a sincere heart and personal sacrifice, and that God's justice is always accompanied by His mercy toward those who repent. It also points forward to the importance of sacrificial worship, ultimately fulfilled in the perfect sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.