July 21, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Responsorial Psalm: Exodus 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6

Reflect on the Word //

As I close my eyes in prayer, I imagine my heart as a garden with plots of land at various levels of growth. From tiny seedlings ready to sprout to lush blooms, the vibrant color and sweet fragrance reveal God’s glory and splendor.

“He is my God, I praise him” (Exodus 15:2).

As I look around, I notice one part of the garden remains barren without any growth. Sorrow fills my heart, because I know why nothing is blooming here. For years, no matter how much effort I exuded or what I did to keep up, it never seemed to be enough. As fatigue, chronic illness, and feelings of unworthiness left me frustrated, weeds slowly choked out my self-worth and the potential for flourishing.

Turning to Jesus, I want to surrender my self-reliance to Him, but I have tried so many times before; I fear I just don’t know how.

In response, Jesus leads me to another part of the garden. He smiles as sheer delight spreads across my face when we come to a field of sunflowers. They have always been my favorite flower.

Sunflowers are strong and sturdy, bright and beautiful. They maintain the posture of prayer, always facing the light of the sun. It is a posture God desires each of His beloved daughters to take, keeping our gaze on the Son no matter what.

As Jesus and I walk among the towering sunflowers, I am overcome by emotion. I have never felt so cared for.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm reminds me that I don’t need to rely on myself, and nor should you, my sister. Because “my strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior” (Exodus 15:2). And because of this we can trust Him to gently tend the most vulnerable parts of us. And when we do, we will grow and flourish. We will stand strong and steady, as we fix our gaze on the Gardener of our hearts.

Relate to the Lord // Ask Jesus to show you around the garden of your heart today. What do you see?