July 1, 2026 // Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of Saint Junipero Serra, Priest [In the Dioceses of the United States]

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

Reflect on the Word // 

I sat anxiously in the wooden pew, gently swaying back and forth, taking deep breaths—anything to calm my nerves as I waited my turn for Confession. I was deeply overwhelmed by my sinfulness, my heart and thoughts swarming with discontent. I had begun to confess regularly, but my heart had yet to receive the truth of Love and Mercy Himself. The enemy’s taunts overcame my heart and mind, causing me to doubt and question. What if my sins are the exception to His compassion? What if my mistakes are too much for Him?  

As I read today’s Gospel, I was struck by the words “he came” (Matthew 8:28). Jesus willingly entered the place where two demoniacs resided. It was a place to be avoided, as the demoniacs made it dangerous for anyone to pass. Jesus went where no one else was willing to go, and He entered into this area of darkness without any fear or hesitation. 

As I ponder this in light of my Confession experience, I understand that His desire was never to condemn or hurt me, but to cast out the darkness that separates me from Him. He doesn’t enter into these places only to wipe away my sins, but also to give, to pour out His abundant love and mercy. 

Dear sister, He’ll never tire of driving out the darkness from our hearts with His tender yet powerful healing. He’s never afraid to enter into the parts of our hearts that pain us, even the places where we don’t dare to go. We worship a King Whose mercy and loving pursuit remain inexhaustible for all eternity. There is no darkness, sin, or affliction that He isn’t willing to enter and redeem. May we allow this truth to sink deep into our souls, and continue to return to Him. 

Relate to the Lord // Make time this week to receive the Sacrament of Confession. Jesus’ love and mercy are waiting for you.