Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

On Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Samuel (18:6-17,24---19:5) entitled "The death of Absalom and David's grief". Our treasure, which follows, is from a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop.

A Bishop in Hippo (near modern-day Annaba, Algeria), Augustine was an influential leader in the African Church. As Christians were growing in their knowledge of God and Christ, Augustine helped to shape Christian theological teachings, particularly those about the role of Divine Grace and the nature of the Holy Trinity. In the process, he combatted many theological errors.

The son of Monica, a holy Christian, and Patricius, a pagan, Augustine was born in 354 in Tagaste (now known as Souk Ahras, Algeria). He was educated in the best secular schools of his day. As a young man, he led a distinctly non-Christian and immoral life. He lived with a young woman without the benefit of marriage. Together they had a son, Adeodatus.

Augustine became a teacher. He first taught Grammar in Tagaste. He then taught Rhetoric in Carthage, and later in Rome and Milan. The young Augustine was continually searching with a restless heart for meaning in life. Each time that he would be attracted to a particular philosophy or group, he would become disillusioned the more familiar he became with its thought.

Finally, he found Jesus Christ, and at last was satisfied. Shortly after his baptism as a Christian in 387, Augustine returned to Tagaste. There he gathered several of his friends together to share a common life of mutual support on their spiritual journey.

At the insistence of the Christians of Hippo, Augustine was ordained a Priest in 391, and Bishop of Hippo in 395. Unwilling to give up his community life, he called the clergy of Hippo to form a community with him.

As Bishop, Augustine ministered to the spiritual and material needs of his people. He wrote extensively. We have today a vast collection of his writing--113 books, 207 letters and more than 500 sermons. His most famous works are The Confessions, City of God and The Trinity. He contributed magnificently to the development of sound theology and was influential in combatting theological errors.

Although he is rightly famous for his roles in settling the theological controversies of his time, Augustine's priorities were the pastoral care of the people of his Church and spiritual growth. He developed a deep spirituality in which love is central. He was particularly concerned with the needs of the poor, and saw to it that the Church welcomed and helped them.

He fought bravely against the errors of his time and explained the Faith carefully and cogently through his writings. He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of western philosophy and western Christianity, and he is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period. He died in 430.

Throughout its many pages, Psalms encourages its readers to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The Psalms illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His Word. The focus of Augustine's Explanations of the Psalms is on Christ. In fact, at one point he says, "Christ is the comprehensive mystery underlying all of Scripture."

The books of Samuel describe the rise and development of kingship in Israel. Samuel is a pivotal figure. He bridges the gap between the period of the Judges and the monarchy, and guides Israel's transition to kingship.

Each section of these books focuses on a major figure in the development of the monarchy: Samuel, the reluctant king maker; Saul, the king whom the Lord rejects; David, the king after the Lord's own heart. A common theme unites these narratives: Israel's God acts justly, prospering those who remain faithful and destroying those who reject his ways. Along with the rest of the Deuteronomistic History, the Books of Samuel become an object lesson for biblical Israel as it tries to re-establish its religious identity after the destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of its homeland (587/586 B.C.).

Today, July 6, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr, we are invited to first 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 homily at the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti by Pope Pius XII.

Maria Goretti (1890–1902) was an eleven-year-old Italian girl who is one of the youngest canonized saints in the Catholic Church. Raised in a poor but deeply faithful family, Maria was known for her love of God, purity, kindness, and prayer. When a young man, Alessandro Serenelli, attempted to assault her, she courageously resisted, choosing to remain faithful to God even at the cost of her life. She died the next day after forgiving her attacker, saying that she wanted him to be with her in heaven.

Maria Goretti's martyrdom teaches that holiness is possible at any age and that the power of forgiveness is stronger than hatred or violence. She is honored not only for defending her purity but also for her extraordinary mercy toward the one who killed her. Alessandro later repented, spent the rest of his life seeking God, and even attended Maria's canonization. For young people especially, Saint Maria Goretti is a model of courage, chastity, forgiveness, and unwavering love for Christ. Her life reminds all Catholics that true strength is found in fidelity to God and that His grace can transform even the hardest of hearts.

The important message in our "treasure" today from a homily by Pope Pius XII entitled "I Have No Fear, for You Are With Me," is that God's grace gives even the weakest person the strength to remain faithful to Christ in the face of suffering and temptation. Pope Pius XII presents Maria as a young girl whose courage came not from her own strength but from her complete trust in God. Her willingness to die rather than commit sin demonstrates the incomparable value of holiness and purity.

The main takeaway is that true Christian heroism is found in loving God above all else and responding to evil with forgiveness rather than hatred. Maria's final act of forgiving her attacker reveals the transforming power of Christ's love. Pope Pius XII holds her up as a model for all Christians—especially the young—encouraging them to live with purity, courage, and unwavering faith, trusting that God is always with those who remain faithful to Him.

The central teaching from our first reading is that every Christian is called to live a life of purity and faithful devotion to God according to his or her vocation. Saint Paul explains that both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God. Marriage is a holy vocation in which spouses love and serve one another, while consecrated celibacy allows a person to devote himself or herself more completely to the service of the Lord.

Saint Paul also explains that chastity is not merely the avoidance of sin but the proper ordering of love according to one's state in life. Whether married or single, every Christian is called to live with purity, self-control, and undivided fidelity to God. True chastity frees the heart to love authentically and to seek first the Kingdom of God above all earthly attachments..

On the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Samuel (12:1-25) entitled "The repentance of David". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith in Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings.

Saint Augustine is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430.

Our "treasure" today from Saint Augustine entitled "A Sacrifice to God Is a Contrite Heart,", teaches that God desires sincere repentance more than external religious acts. Reflecting on Psalm 51, Augustine teaches that the most pleasing sacrifice we can offer God is a humble and contrite heart that honestly acknowledges its sins and seeks His mercy. True repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin but turning away from it and allowing God to renew and transform the heart.

God never rejects those who come to Him with genuine humility and repentance. No sin is beyond His forgiveness when we confess it with a sincere heart. Augustine reminds us that God's mercy restores what sin has damaged, creating in us a clean heart and renewing us in holiness. Authentic worship, therefore, begins with interior conversion, from which all faithful prayer and good works naturally flow.

We are taught in our first reading from the second book of Samuel that God is rich in mercy toward those who sincerely repent, but the consequences of sin may still remain. After being confronted by the prophet Nathan, David humbly confesses, "I have sinned against the Lord." God forgives David's sin, yet David must still endure the painful consequences of his actions, including the death of his child.

True repentance brings forgiveness and restores our relationship with God, even though it does not always remove the temporal effects of sin. David's humble acceptance of God's judgment and his continued trust in God's mercy reveal the heart of genuine conversion. The passage teaches that no one is beyond God's forgiveness when they repent sincerely, and that hope and new life can emerge even after serious failure. God's mercy is greater than our sin, and He can bring good even from our deepest repentance.

On Saturday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Samuel (11:1-17, 26-27) entitled "The sin of David". Our treasure, which follows, is from a catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop.

Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) was the Bishop of Jerusalem, a Doctor of the Church, and one of the Church's greatest catechists. Living during the turbulent years following the First Council of Nicaea, he courageously defended the true divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy despite repeated exile. He is best known for his Catechetical Lectures, a series of instructions given to those preparing for Baptism and to the newly baptized. These teachings provide one of the clearest and earliest explanations of the Catholic faith, especially regarding the Creed, the sacraments, and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Saint Cyril's lasting contribution is his clear, pastoral presentation of the faith, showing that Christian doctrine is meant not only to be understood but also to be lived and celebrated in the life of the Church.

The essential message of today's "treasure" from "Acknowledge Your Sins at a Time of God's Favor," a catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril, is that God lovingly offers the grace of forgiveness to those who sincerely repent and turn back to Him. Saint Cyril urges those preparing for Baptism—and all Christians—to examine their consciences, confess their sins with humility, and embrace God's mercy while the opportunity is given. He reminds us that God desires not to condemn sinners but to restore them to communion with Him.

The main takeaway is that conversion cannot be delayed. The present moment is God's "time of favor" and the day of salvation. Through sincere repentance, prayer, and the sacraments, especially Baptism and Reconciliation, God cleanses the heart and grants new life. Saint Cyril encourages us to respond to God's invitation today, trusting in His boundless mercy and allowing His grace to transform our lives.

The teaching from our first reading from the second book of Samuel is that even the greatest of God's servants can fall into serious sin, but sincere repentance opens the door to God's mercy and forgiveness. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, David is confronted by the prophet Nathan. Rather than denying his guilt, David humbly confesses, "I have sinned against the Lord."

The main takeaway is that sin has serious consequences, but God's mercy is always available to those who repent with a sincere heart. David's story teaches that no one is above temptation or accountability. It also reveals that true greatness is found not in never falling, but in honestly acknowledging our sins, accepting responsibility, and turning back to God. God's justice and mercy work together to restore those who seek Him with humility and contrition.

Today, July 3, as our Church celebrates the Feast of Thomas, Apostle, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians (4:1-16) entitled "Let us imitate the Apostle just as he imitates Christ". Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Gospels by Saint Gregory the Great, pope.

Saint Thomas is remembered for his incredulity concerning Christ's resurrection from the dead. When confronted by the risen Lord, his disbelief gave way to belief and he proclaimed the Easter faith of the church: "My Lord and my God!" Nothing certain is known of his life except for this evidence in the gospels. He is said to have subsequently preached the Gospel to the people of India. Since the fourth century the celebration of the transference of his body to Edessa has been commemorated on July 3.

Saint Gregory was born at Rome around the year 540 is certainly one of the most notable figures in Ecclesiastical History. He rose through various public offices to the prefecture which he renounced. He entered the monastic life and, once ordained deacon, he discharged the duties of the legate at Constantinople. On September 3, 590 he was elevated to the Chair of Saint Peter and he proved to be a true shepherd by carrying out his office, helping the poor, spreading and strengthening the faith. He wrote extensively on moral and theological subjects.

In essence, Gregory's lasting impact is his model of the Church as both teacher and mother—firm in truth, yet deeply attentive to the spiritual needs of her people.

The essential message of our "treasure" today, "My Lord and My God," a homily on the Gospels by Gregory the Great, is that faith in the risen Christ is strengthened not by seeing with our eyes, but by trusting with our hearts. Reflecting on the encounter between the risen Jesus and Thomas the Apostle, Gregory explains that Thomas's initial doubt ultimately served the Church by providing convincing evidence of Christ's Resurrection. When Thomas touched Christ's wounds and proclaimed, "My Lord and my God!", he made one of the clearest professions of Jesus' divinity in all of Scripture.

The main takeaway is that those who believe without seeing are especially blessed. Gregory reminds us that, although we have not seen the risen Lord with our physical eyes, we encounter Him through faith, the Scriptures, the sacraments, and the life of the Church. Thomas's journey from doubt to faith encourages us to bring our own questions honestly to Christ, trusting that He will strengthen our faith and lead us to the same joyful confession: "My Lord and my God."

The main teaching point in our first reading from Corinthians is that Christian leaders are called to be faithful servants of Christ, and all Christians are called to imitate Christ by following the example of those who faithfully live the Gospel. Saint Paul the Apostle reminds the Corinthians that apostles are not to seek honor, popularity, or worldly success, but to be trustworthy stewards of the mysteries of God, even when this means suffering, hardship, or rejection.

The Christian life is learned as much by example as by instruction. Paul urges the faithful to imitate him only because he imitates Christ. True discipleship is marked by humility, self-sacrifice, perseverance, and love rather than pride or the desire for recognition. The passage challenges every Christian to become a living witness to the Gospel so that others may be led to Christ through both our words and our example.

On Thursday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Samuel (6:1-23), entitled "The ark of the covenant is brought to Jerusalem". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon on psalm forty-one addressed to the newly baptized by Saint Jerome, priest.

Jerome (c. 347–420) was a priest, monk, biblical scholar, and one of the greatest Doctors of the Church. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate, making the Scriptures more accessible and providing the standard biblical text of the Western Church for centuries. His biblical commentaries and scholarship have had a lasting influence on Catholic teaching.

Saint Jerome's greatest contribution was his unwavering commitment to Sacred Scripture. He believed that knowing God's Word is essential to knowing Christ, famously declaring, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." His life reminds us that the Bible is not only to be studied but also prayerfully lived, allowing God's Word to transform our hearts and guide our daily lives.

The essential message of "I Will Enter God's Marvelous Dwelling Place," a sermon by Saint Jerome, which is today's "treasure", is that the human heart is made to long for God and finds its true fulfillment only in His presence. Just as the psalmist thirsts for flowing water, the Christian soul thirsts for God and desires to dwell with Him in worship and communion.

The main takeaway is that our earthly journey is a pilgrimage toward God. Saint Jerome encourages us to persevere through life's trials with hope, keeping our hearts fixed on the Lord. By seeking God in prayer, the Scriptures, and the Church's worship, we begin even now to experience the joy of the heavenly dwelling where we will one day live in His presence forever.

The principal teaching in our first reading from 2 Samuel (6:1–23) is that God's presence is the true source of Israel's strength, joy, and unity and should be honored with reverence and wholehearted worship. When David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he recognizes that the nation's true king is God. David celebrates with great joy, dancing before the Lord, while also learning that God's holiness must be approached with reverence and obedience.

The main takeaway is that God desires to dwell among His people, and our response should be one of joyful worship, humble reverence, and faithful obedience. The Ark foreshadows Christ's presence among His people, reminding us that the greatest blessing is not earthly power or success but living in the presence of God and giving Him first place in our lives.

Today, July 1, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Juniperra Serra, priest, we are first invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to Tomothy (5: 17-22: 6: 10-14) entitled "The good fight of priests and men of God". Our treasure, which follows, is from the decree on the missionary activity of the Church of the Second Vatican Council.

Junípero Serra (1713–1784) was a Spanish Franciscan priest and missionary who dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel in what is now Mexico and California. After serving as a professor of theology in Spain, he volunteered to become a missionary in the New World. Despite suffering from a painful leg injury for much of his adult life, he traveled thousands of miles on foot to preach the Gospel and establish Christian communities. He was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015.

Saint Junípero Serra's greatest contribution to the Church was his missionary witness. He founded nine of California's twenty-one Spanish missions, including the historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, and Mission San Francisco de Asís. These missions became centers for evangelization, worship, education, agriculture, and community life. His work helped establish the Catholic faith along the California coast and laid the foundation for many of today's Catholic dioceses and parishes in the region.

The Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad Gentes, is one of the sixteen documents of the Second Vatican Council. Promulgated by Pope Paul VI on December 7, 1965, it explains the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples and to establish the Church wherever Christ is not yet known.

The purpose of Ad Gentes is to remind the Church that mission is not an optional activity but belongs to her very nature. Because the Father sent the Son and the Son sent the Apostles, the Church is likewise sent into the world to proclaim salvation in Jesus Christ. The decree emphasizes that every baptized Christian—not only priests, religious, and missionaries—shares responsibility for the Church's missionary mission through prayer, witness, charity, and, when called, direct evangelization.

The principal message of our first reading from 1 Timothy (5:17–22; 6:10–14) is that those who lead God's people must live lives of holiness, integrity, and faithful perseverance. Saint Paul the Apostle urges Saint Timothy to honor faithful priests, correct wrongdoing with justice, avoid favoritism, and lead by example.

Paul also warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil and calls every "man of God" to flee greed and pursue righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. The central takeaway is that Christians, especially those in leadership, are called to "fight the good fight of the faith" by remaining faithful to Christ, living with integrity, and trusting in God rather than in worldly wealth or success.

On Tuesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a scripture passage from the second book of Samuel (2:1-11; 3:1-5) entitled "David is anointed in Hebron as king of Judah". Our treasure is from a sermon by Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith in Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings.

Saint Augustine is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430.

Our "treasure" today is from a sermon by Saint Augustine based on Galatians 1:10 entitled "If I Wanted to Please Men, I Would Not Be a Servant of Jesus Christ". The main teaching is that a true disciple of Christ must seek God's approval rather than human praise. Augustine explains that the apostles proclaimed the Gospel faithfully, even when it was unpopular or brought them suffering, because their first loyalty was to Christ. They refused to alter God's truth simply to gain acceptance or avoid opposition.

The main takeaway is that Christian faithfulness requires the courage to live and proclaim the truth with humility and love, even when it is misunderstood or rejected. Saint Augustine reminds us that our goal is not to win popularity but to be faithful servants of Christ. While Christians should always treat others with charity and respect, they must never compromise the Gospel to satisfy human expectations. Authentic discipleship means allowing Christ's truth—not public opinion—to shape our words, decisions, and way of life.

The principal message of our first reading is that God's promises are fulfilled in His own time, and faithful leaders seek His guidance before they act. After the death of Saul, David did not seize power for himself. Instead, he first inquired of the Lord, asking where he should go. In obedience to God's direction, he went to Hebron, where the people of Judah anointed him king. Although David had been chosen years earlier, he patiently waited for God's timing rather than forcing events.

The main takeaway is that godly leadership is marked by humility, patience, and dependence on God. David trusted God's plan instead of relying on ambition or personal power. The passage teaches us to seek God's guidance before making important decisions, to wait patiently for His timing, and to lead by serving others rather than seeking our own advancement. God's plans often unfold gradually, but they are always faithful and sure for those who trust Him.

Today, June 29, as our Church celebrates the Solemnity of Peter and Paul, Apostles, we are invited to reflect on a passage from the letter of the apostle Paul to the Galatians (1:15 – – 2:10), entitled "The discussion between Peter and Paul". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Saints Peter and Paul are celebrated together because they are both considered foundational figures in the early Christian Church and were both martyred in Rome. While they had distinct roles and backgrounds, their martyrdoms, combined with their shared dedication to spreading the Gospel, led to them being honored on the same feast day

St. Peter and St. Paul were, as St. Augustine said, two men who were one man, but it may be truer to say that they were one man who were two, bearing in their dual persons a single purpose with combined strength of mind, body, and voice. Although people tend to think and say freely that two is better than one, the Lord has a way that must be preferred of uniting his friends to him and to each other.

Though Peter and Paul were not martyred on the same day, they lived and died as twin giants for one Church and share a feast day, befitting their friendship and their leadership. There is something wonderful in these two holy heavyweights sharing a feast, forever shouldering each other like brothers in their zeal for the Father.

Saint Augustine was a late fourth century, theologian and philosopher, and Bishop of Hippo, Roman North Africa. He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of western philosophy and western Christianity, and he is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period.

The essential teaching of "The Martyrs Realized What They Taught", our "treasure" today, a sermon by Saint Augustine, is that the true measure of Christian faith is not merely professing it with our lips, but living it faithfully—even to the point of sacrifice. Augustine praises the martyrs because they did not simply preach the Gospel; they embodied it. Their willingness to suffer and die for Christ demonstrated that they truly believed the truths they proclaimed.

The main takeaway is that authentic Christian witness requires our lives to match our words. Every Christian is called to imitate the martyrs by remaining faithful to Christ in daily life, whether through acts of charity, perseverance in trials, fidelity to the truth, or, if necessary, suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Augustine reminds us that the courage of the martyrs came not from their own strength but from God's grace. Their example challenges us to live our faith with integrity so that our actions, as well as our words, bear witness to Christ.

The principal message in our first reading from Galatians (1:15---23:10) is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ comes from God, is the same for all people, and unites the Church in one mission despite differences in ministry. Saint Paul the Apostle explains that his mission and authority came directly from Christ, not from human approval. When he later met with Saint Peter, Saint James the Just, and Saint John the Apostle in Jerusalem, they recognized that God had entrusted Paul with the mission to the Gentiles just as Peter had been entrusted with the mission to the Jews. They affirmed one another's ministries as different expressions of the same Gospel.

The main takeaway is that the Church is united in faith while embracing different vocations and missions. Authentic ministry comes from God's call and remains in communion with the Church. The passage teaches that fidelity to Christ, unity within the Church, and love for the poor are inseparable marks of authentic Christian discipleship.

On Sunday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a scripture passage from the first book of Samuel (28:3-25) entitled "saul consults the witch of Endor". Our treasure is from a homily by Pope Paul VI.

Pope Paul VI (1897–1978), born Giovanni Battista Montini, was Pope from 1963 to 1978. He succeeded Pope John XXIII during the historic Second Vatican Council and guided the Church through one of the most significant periods of renewal in its history. He brought the Council to its successful conclusion in 1965 and devoted the rest of his pontificate to implementing its teachings. In 2018, he was canonized a saint.

He is perhaps best known for his 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae, which reaffirmed the Church's teaching on the sanctity of human life, the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative meanings of marriage, and the moral objection to artificial contraception. Though controversial, the document has become one of the defining teachings of his pontificate. He also issued important encyclicals such as Ecclesiam Suam, emphasizing dialogue, and Evangelii Nuntiandi, widely regarded as one of the Church's greatest documents on evangelization.

Our "treasure" today is from "We Proclaim Christ to the Whole World," a homily by Pope Paul VI, wherein he teaches that the Church's primary mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. Pope Paul VI emphasizes that Christ is not merely a great teacher or moral example, but the incarnate Son of God who, through His death and resurrection, offers salvation to every person. The Gospel is therefore a message of hope that must be shared with all nations and peoples.

The main takeaway is that every Christian is called to be an evangelist by both word and example. Pope Paul VI reminds us that we cannot keep the Good News to ourselves; having encountered Christ, we are sent to make Him known through our faith, our witness, and our love. Effective evangelization flows from a personal relationship with Jesus and is made credible by lives that reflect His compassion, truth, and holiness. The mission of the Church is to bring every person into a life-giving encounter with Christ, who alone is "the way, the truth, and the life."

Our first reading from 1 Samuel 28:3–25 teaches that when we reject God's guidance and seek answers apart from Him, we place ourselves in grave spiritual danger. Faced with fear and the threat of the Philistine army, Saul sought guidance from a medium at Endor, despite God's clear prohibition against consulting the dead or practicing occult arts. Having repeatedly ignored God's word during his reign, Saul found himself isolated from the Lord and desperately turned to forbidden means for direction.

The main takeaway is that true wisdom and guidance come only from God and should be sought through prayer, faith, and obedience—not through superstition, occult practices, or attempts to control the future. Saul's tragic end demonstrates the consequences of persistent disobedience and spiritual pride. The passage calls us to remain faithful to God even in times of fear and uncertainty, trusting that He will guide those who seek Him with humble and obedient hearts.