July 18, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest [In the Dioceses of the United States]
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Exodus 11:10—12:14
Reflect on the Word //
When I travel and attend Mass in other parts of the country or world, I am comforted by the steadiness of the universal Mass. When my family is in need of support during times of loss or transition, we are fed by our parish friend’s meals and kindness. When I carry crosses that threaten to crush me, Jesus tends to my weary heart through the encouragement of close friends who follow Him closely too.
In today’s First Reading, I am struck by God’s rescue of Israel as a whole entity. Even in preparations for the Passover meal, families were to join together to share a sacrificial lamb when necessary (see Exodus 12:4). Israel had to rely on one another; they were saved together. Now, in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ—the Lamb of God—we are still saved together.
When Jesus won salvation on the Cross, He won it for the whole world. We are saved as His Body. We are saved as His family. And Jesus continues to offer us this salvation through community today.
As the Body of Christ, we are bound together.
We are called to live the love of Christ toward one another as we worship together, pray together, serve together, weep together, rejoice together, and walk together toward Heaven.
We cannot pretend we do not need one another. Our broken hearts and self-reliance would like us to believe that we must save ourselves. But nothing could be further from the Gospel. Jesus is the One Who saves us. And He does not save us in isolation.
Relate to the Lord // How is Jesus working in and through your community right now?
Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She holds degrees in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and works from home while enjoying her children and husband. She curates relevant and inspiring content for Catholic women as Blog Manager. She is the narrator of Set a Fire, And Hay Became Holy, and All She Had as well as a contributing author for Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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