"The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve." (Matthew 20:28)

SEEK

1. How is Christ inviting me to encounter His glory more deeply through prayer, the Eucharist, the Rosary, or quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament?
2. Who in our parish or community may feel overlooked, isolated, or unworthy of belonging, and how can I recognize that person as part of the true treasure of the Church?
3. What can I learn from St. Lawrence, the Daughters of Divine Love, and the witness of young Catholics throughout the world about courageously following Christ?

REFLECT

1. Does my generosity flow from genuine love of Christ and concern for others, or only from convenience, obligation, or a desire for recognition?
2. How does Mary’s Assumption and Queenship strengthen my hope that Christ has overcome the world and calls me to share that hope with others?
3. In what ways do my attitudes, words, and actions honor the God-given dignity of the poor, the sick, Indigenous peoples, those experiencing mental illness, and others who may be forgotten?

SERVE

1. What specific gift of time, attention, prayer, or material support can I offer this month for the good of another person?
2. How can I practice St. Lawrence’s self-giving hospitality by welcoming newcomers and helping every person at parish gatherings feel seen, valued, and included?
3. Whom can I personally invite to join me for Mass, prayer, fellowship, formation, or service so that they may experience the love of Christ through our parish community?

ORDINARY TIME II (May 25–Nov 28, 2026)

Walking Together – Building the Kingdom

• Seasonal Vision: A long season of steady growth and communal belonging.
• Hospitality Focus: Engage newcomers; strengthen parish friendships; practice open, joyful welcome at every gathering.
• Missionary Emphasis: Serve the poor and cultivate daily habits of discipleship.
• New Maps of Hope: Create a culture where every person is seen, known, and cherished.

Prayer & Action

Pray

Reflect

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the Blessed Mother’s entrance into heavenly glory. Mary’s Assumption into heaven reminds us that life on earth is a pilgrimage to our ultimate destination. We prepare in hope for our own passage into eternal life by the choices we make today. When we choose to love and follow God in our daily lives, we strengthen our relationship with Him, and this relationship is the true meaning of heaven: “To live in heaven is ‘to be with Christ’” (CCC, 1025).

We can see how, throughout her life, the Blessed Mother continually chose to go deeper into her relationship with God. She modeled how to value and respect His precious gift of human life, from the moment of conception to its natural end. In the Annunciation, through her “yes,” Mary witnessed to the undeniable humanity of pre-born children as she conceived and carried the Christ child in her womb. After the Annunciation, having learned that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, she went in haste to her aid.

Our Blessed Mother shows us how the way we live today can prepare us, in hope, to also enter into heavenly glory at the end of our lives. Are we open to God’s precious gift of new life? How do we support pregnant mothers and parents? Do we prioritize showing our love to those who are ill or aging? Do we care for them in a way that respects God’s gift of life?



Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition © 2000 LEV-USCCB. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Act (Choose One)

• Read and meditate on the Mass readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Reflect on how the Blessed Mother consistently exemplified how to welcome and cherish God’s gift of human life.
  
• Choose one night to sleep without your pillow or on the floor. Consider how Mary welcomed the Christ-child in humble surroundings and pray for mothers who welcome their children amidst poverty and difficult circumstances today.

• Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month's intention.

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