July 13, 2026 // Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of Saint Henry

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 10:34–11:1

Reflect on the Word // 

I opened the email. “This isn’t going to work out,” I read. “ I need someone who is willing to help with all of my current projects. Based on what you’ve shared, I’m going to have to look for another writer.”  I closed the computer and sat back, processing what had just happened. 

I’d been invited to work with and learn from a well-known writer, helping him interview some of his top clients. It was a good opportunity. But in our initial meeting, he’d mentioned a project I was not willing to be a part of. It would have required what I saw as a compromise of the Gospel’s pro-life message. 

Reading his email, one part of me was indignant. Another part of me was relieved—no more wondering if this was my best use of my time and talents. Another part realized humbly that in standing for one aspect of the Gospel, I was experiencing another: 

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).  

This verse from today’s Gospel reflects the paradox of martyrdom. The resurrected life of a Christian has a requirement: that we die to ourselves in union with Jesus Christ. 

This was a small death, to be sure—but it was a death.  A loss. A dead end. God, I knew, would bring life and flourishing out of this tiny crucifixion. I took a deep breath, opened the computer again, and began working on my book on a Catholic martyr who’d given her very life for the truth of the Gospel.  

Sister, we may be asked to make massive sacrifices for the sake of truth, like the martyrs in the canon of Saints. Or we’ll make dozens of daily decisions—little martyrdoms—that allow us to die to ourselves over and over, becoming more like Christ each time. 

But martyrdom is never the end.  It makes possible true freedom, capacity for love, and the promise of eternity. And even in this life, God will bring goodness and abundance out of each small sacrifice for His sake. 

Relate to the Lord // What sacrifice or death to self can you offer to the Lord today?