August 13, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Pontian, Pope and Martyr, and Saint Hippolytus, Priest and Martyr

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7-8

Reflect on the Word // 

On a recent afternoon, a visiting priest from the Archdiocese of Chicago was incredibly generous to me with his time in the cry-room confessional. He was very gentle, asked probing questions, and even shared a story with me. It was part Confession and part spiritual direction. I had a sense that time was going by, but because I was completely engrossed with what this man of God was sharing, I hadn't paid attention to the fact that the blinds to the windows of the cry room were pulled all the way up. Since father wasn’t hurried, I released my anxiety over the long line that I had just waited in and was fully present. 

Once my Confession concluded, I felt light and renewed in God’s merciful love. As I turned the door knob to exit, a woman standing in front of the line frustratedly said, “That took a very long time.” I took a deep breath and walked into the church hall to pray with my penance. As I walked towards where my kids were sitting, both looked extremely deflated. Since my fellow parishioners could see me in the confessional, they had complained about the length of time I took to my children. 

How could it be that within seconds of receiving absolution I had stepped into the fowler’s snare?  

Today’s Psalm reminds us that God delivers us from moments that could damage us and destroy the good within us especially when we are trying to grow closer to Him. Although I was feeling swallowed alive by all of these judgments and was greatly troubled that these judgments were imposed upon my children, I prayed to not dwell on them but instead offer forgiveness as I was just forgiven (see Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7-8).

Sister, the things we say and do to each other can catapult us into the fowler’s snare, but God is there ready to safeguard our freedom and release us from harm. We lean into His mercy.

Relate to the Lord // Whom do you need to forgive? Bring that person and situation to Jesus and ask for the grace of His mercy.