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RC DAILY MEDITATIONS
RC DAILY MEDITATIONS
Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Uncle Eddy

St Arsenius the Great

/ Uncle Eddy

Dear Nigil, I can picture you busily preparing your lessons, now that you have returned from your extended vacation (well earned, I might add, after your conscientiously laborious four years of college) and are getting ready to take up your first full time teaching position.  I had a feeling you would be attracted to that honorable profession; maybe it was because you always sat in the front row of every class when you had the option. I am sure you are nourishing your efforts with plenty of prayer, but I wanted to write today to encourage you to reflect for a moment or two on the example of today’s saint, one of the most famous of all teachers to make it into the heavenly court – though his fame is less for great teaching than for what his teaching efforts taught him. Arsenius was a Roman noble, very learned and devout, with a promising career ahead of him.  So esteemed was he that the Pope recommended him when the Emperor was asking around for someone to tutor his two sons, Arcadus and Honorius.  The saint made his way to the luxurious court of Constantinople and did his best to educate these two boys into virtuous and wise young men, but they both turned into weak and selfish rogues (much to the empire’s chagrin).  The longer Arsenius remained at court, the more deeply he longed for solitude and a life of prayer. Finally, after ten years as an imperial tutor, he forsook the courtly comforts and made his way to Egypt, where he entreated entry into one of the many desert monastic communities.  After being mocked and humiliated for his previous worldly life, he was deemed worthy and admitted to the care of St John the Dwarf. There followed 55 years of solitude, prayer, work, and extreme asceticism, by which he grew closer to God, did penance for his previous excesses and enriched the spiritual patrimony of the Church.  They say he could frequently be found standing with his hands raised in prayer at sundown, and in the same, unaltered position when the sun came up next morning. He shunned visitors, but did take disciples, and was best known for his constant weeping, a gift which aided his prayer but wore out his eyelashes (literally). I don’t think you have the same kind of vocation (though I could be wrong), but I do think you should prayerfully ponder one of this saint’s more famous sayings.  Another former courtier, after forsaking the world and donning the monastic habit, commented to Arsenius about the apparent ease with which ignorant Egyptian peasants could reach heights of sanctity, while the great intellectuals and scholars of Constantinople and Rome advanced so slowly down the path of virtue.  Arsenius explained, “We make no progress because we dwell in that exterior learning which puffs up the mind; but these illiterate Egyptians have a true sense of their own weakness, blindness, and insufficiency; and by that very thing they are qualified to labor successfully in the pursuit of virtue.” So, my bright young nephew, as you take your first steps down the path of an academic career, your unworthy uncle encourages you to keep a healthy perspective on the value of intellectual prowess – so you don’t end up forsaking what really matters for what seems to matter. Naturally yours, Uncle Eddy

St Arsenius the Great Read More »

26-07-19-DM

July 19, 2026 – Weeds in Good Soil

/ Daily Meditations

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’” He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Opening Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear your Word. Please teach me the meaning of your parables as they apply to my life of faith.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Mercy and Justice: We would like God to “fix” all the sinful situations that surround us in this world, and pluck out all the weeds, but for reasons only God knows, he allows the weeds to grow alongside the wheat. Jesus told us that God the Father “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Mt 5:45). Each of us also has weeds in the soil of our own hearts. So what can we do about all these weeds? In our own field, we can focus on faithfully receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation to tame the weeds of our soul. For the weeds in our culture, we can pray, especially for people who sin and cause others to sin—those who are blind to their sinful behaviors. And we can console ourselves by remembering that Our Lord says that one day there will be no more evil, sinfulness, or unfairness. “She [the Church] will not be wounded any longer by sin, stains, self-love, that destroy or wound the earthly community. The beatific vision, in which God opens himself in an inexhaustible way to the elect, will be the ever-flowing well-spring of happiness, peace, and mutual communion” (CCC 1045).

     

  2. Children of the Kingdom: It can be easy to lose our peace when we think about all the sinful behaviors and outright evil happening in our society today. Trusting that God has a plan for all of his creatures can give us the ability to react peacefully to the weeds we see. We can focus on being “children of the Kingdom” by doing God’s will and working to spread Christ’s Kingdom here and now. We practice the virtue of prudence when we mind our own business and remain focused on cultivating our own “rich soil” (Mk 4:8).

     

  3. Intentional Plantings: Any gardener will tell you that rich, loamy soil is not immune to weeds. In fact, some pretty hearty weeds can grow in good soil if left to take root! The best defense against weeds are intentional plantings. Whatever weeds—sins and vices—we pluck out should be replaced by their opposite virtues. We can ask God to plant new virtues in our hearts, especially after Confession. Those virtues may start out like tiny mustard seeds, but God can use even a tiny speck of faith to grow them into a beautiful reality. With our tending, watering, and pruning, the virtues we strive to cultivate can become fruitful, just as the mustard plant was, filled with the birds of the sky.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are justice and mercy. Please remove the weeds in my heart and cultivate it so that I might be fruitful. Help me to avoid being judgmental of people who are caught in sinful behavior. Instead, help me to pray for them and charitably admonish them to bring them back to the life of grace, if I feel called by the Holy Spirit to do so.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will consider what weeds are growing in the soil of my heart and offer them to you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 19, 2026 – Weeds in Good Soil Read More »

Weekly Digest of the Regnum Christi Daily Meditations: July 19th – July 26th, 2026

/ Weekly Meditations

WEEKLY DIGEST OF rc
DAILY MEDITATIONS

Week July 19 - July 26, 2026

Sunday, July 19, 2026 – Weeds in Good Soil

Monday, July 20, 2026 – A Powerful Sign

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Live in Love

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – “I Have Seen the Lord”

Thursday, July 23, 2026 – Becoming Spiritually Rich

Friday, July 24, 2026 – Journey of Faith

Saturday, July 25, 2026 – The Paradox of Humility

Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Heaven on My Mind

July 19, 2026 – Weeds in Good Soil

26-07-19-DM

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’” He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Opening Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear your Word. Please teach me the meaning of your parables as they apply to my life of faith.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Mercy and Justice: We would like God to “fix” all the sinful situations that surround us in this world, and pluck out all the weeds, but for reasons only God knows, he allows the weeds to grow alongside the wheat. Jesus told us that God the Father “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Mt 5:45). Each of us also has weeds in the soil of our own hearts. So what can we do about all these weeds? In our own field, we can focus on faithfully receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation to tame the weeds of our soul. For the weeds in our culture, we can pray, especially for people who sin and cause others to sin—those who are blind to their sinful behaviors. And we can console ourselves by remembering that Our Lord says that one day there will be no more evil, sinfulness, or unfairness. “She [the Church] will not be wounded any longer by sin, stains, self-love, that destroy or wound the earthly community. The beatific vision, in which God opens himself in an inexhaustible way to the elect, will be the ever-flowing well-spring of happiness, peace, and mutual communion” (CCC 1045).

     

  2. Children of the Kingdom: It can be easy to lose our peace when we think about all the sinful behaviors and outright evil happening in our society today. Trusting that God has a plan for all of his creatures can give us the ability to react peacefully to the weeds we see. We can focus on being “children of the Kingdom” by doing God’s will and working to spread Christ’s Kingdom here and now. We practice the virtue of prudence when we mind our own business and remain focused on cultivating our own “rich soil” (Mk 4:8).

     

  3. Intentional Plantings: Any gardener will tell you that rich, loamy soil is not immune to weeds. In fact, some pretty hearty weeds can grow in good soil if left to take root! The best defense against weeds are intentional plantings. Whatever weeds—sins and vices—we pluck out should be replaced by their opposite virtues. We can ask God to plant new virtues in our hearts, especially after Confession. Those virtues may start out like tiny mustard seeds, but God can use even a tiny speck of faith to grow them into a beautiful reality. With our tending, watering, and pruning, the virtues we strive to cultivate can become fruitful, just as the mustard plant was, filled with the birds of the sky.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are justice and mercy. Please remove the weeds in my heart and cultivate it so that I might be fruitful. Help me to avoid being judgmental of people who are caught in sinful behavior. Instead, help me to pray for them and charitably admonish them to bring them back to the life of grace, if I feel called by the Holy Spirit to do so.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will consider what weeds are growing in the soil of my heart and offer them to you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 20, 2026 – A Powerful Sign

26-07-20-DM

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

Opening Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with your gifts of understanding, knowledge, and wisdom so that I might receive your Word and let it flourish in me.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Email from God?: A friend told me recently that she wished God would send her an email telling her exactly what she should do in a difficult situation. She, like many of us, was seeking a sign. We all want definitive answers to our troubles. But giving us direct answers is not how God usually works. Sometimes the signs we receive are subtle, or perhaps we don’t see them because we do not like the answers that God reveals to us in prayer. Instead of seeking a sign when we have a problem, we can pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as understanding, knowledge, and wisdom to help us discern God’s will.

     

  2. The Sign of Jonah: Jonah experienced three days and nights in the belly of the whale. He cried out to God to deliver him from “Sheol,” or the underworld (cf. Jon 2:3). Upon God’s direction, the whale spit Jonah out onto the dry land—he was “resurrected” (cf. Jon 2:16). Jesus refers to the story of Jonah in order to point to his Resurrection. The scribes and the Pharisees sought a sign, and Jesus delivered one. What more powerful sign of Jesus’ divinity could we ask for than the miracle of his Resurrection?

     

  3. In the Heart of the Earth: Jesus prophesied that he would be “in the heart of the earth” for three days and nights. Indeed, he was buried in a tomb on Good Friday and then triumphantly went to the underworld to release the captives there (cf. CCC 633). Jesus “descended into the lower regions of the earth. The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens” (Eph 4:9-10). Jesus went to the heart of the earth to save and heal souls. God became man, taking on our flesh and blood, for this mission: to save us by destroying death. St. Paul writes, “Now since the children share in blood and flesh, he likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb 2:14).

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you suffered, died, and were buried in the heart of the earth in order to save humankind. I am in awestruck gratitude by your love for us. Come dwell in my heart and heal it from the things that cause me to sin against you and others. Find the old wounds in my heart that seem dead and buried; speak your Word to them and resurrect them. Restore my heart to health by your life and light.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray for the poor souls in purgatory who await admittance into heaven.

For Further Reflection: Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #631-658: “He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.”

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 21, 2026 – Live in Love

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Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 12:46-50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

Opening Prayer: O my God, you are our Heavenly Father. Jesus, you are my brother. Mary, you are my mother. Help me to see all the baptized as truly my brothers and sisters.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Family in Christ: God is our Heavenly Father. When we view ourselves as children of God, we realize that all the baptized are his sons and daughters, and therefore our brothers and sisters. Through baptism, we have become “members of the household of God” (cf. Eph 2:19). We share a family name: Christian. As part of this family, we are called to do God’s will and “love one another with mutual affection” (cf. Rom 12:10).

     

  2. Walk in the Light: Living in love with our Christian brothers and sisters can be challenging. How are we to foster this familial bond? St. John tells us: “If we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another” (1 Jn 1:7). We walk in the light when we seek to live according to the truths that Christ has taught us. When we live our lives saturated by truth and goodness according to the Gospel, fellowship comes more naturally, and there is less division among us.

     

  3. Mass, the Family Meal: Each Sunday we come together for Mass, our family meal. We hear our stories proclaimed in the Scriptures. We pray together and sing our family songs. In the Confiteor, we confess to and ask God and our brothers and sisters to pray for us: “I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned…” When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we affirm that we are children of God: “Our Father, who art in heaven…” Finally, we share the bread of life, our Communion with God and with one another: the Holy Eucharist. Christ feeds us himself and we become “one body and one Spirit” in him (cf. Eph 4:4).

Conversing with Christ: Dear Jesus, I see you stretching your hands out to my fellow Christians, claiming them as your family and mine. Help me to work alongside my brothers and sisters to build up your Church. Send your Spirit of unity to heal any hurts that exist in my family or parish. Please give me the virtues of meekness and charity so that I can live in love with my Christian family.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will consider if I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness of any of my brothers or sisters so that we can live in love.

For Further Reflection: Take fifteen minutes and read the Book of Ephesians, in which St. Paul encourages the Christians of Ephesus to live in love as brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout the Epistle, he includes very practical advice for how to live in communion with one another. “So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma” (Eph 5:1).

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 22, 2026 – “I Have Seen the Lord”

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Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.

Opening Prayer: Jesus, I have seen you in the Eucharist. I have seen you in other people. I have seen you in your creation. I have heard you in prayer and in the Word. Help me to encounter you in all the ways you reveal yourself and then share you with others.

Encountering Christ:

  1. First Things First: Notice how St. Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning on the first day of the week, even while it was still dark! Her ardent faith is an example for us as Christian disciples. Like her, we are called to put first things first and “wake up early” to love and serve the Lord, even while it is still dark outside: “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom 13:11-12).

     

  2. Longing for God: St. Mary Magdalene had a longing in her heart to be near Jesus. This is why she went to the tomb as soon as she could after the Sabbath. Notice that she ran to tell the Apostles that Jesus was gone, and then she immediately went back to the tomb. She needed to be there with Jesus, or at least where she thought he should be. What a beautiful example of faithful devotion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for” (CCC 27). May we, like St. Mary Magdalene, possess the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, and never stop searching for Our Lord.

     

  3. Apostle of the Apostles: St. Thomas Aquinas called St. Mary Magdalene “apostolorum apostola,” the Apostle of the Apostles. She was the first to witness the empty tomb, the first to see Christ resurrected, and the first to tell of his Resurrection to the Apostles. Christ sent her on her first mission: “Go to my brothers and tell them…” We can ask ourselves if we listen to Christ’s call to tell others the Good News of his Resurrection. How can we participate in apostolic initiatives that lead others to become Christ’s disciples?

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, please bless me with a faithful, hopeful, loving heart like St. Mary Magdalene’s. Like her, rightly order my desires so that I seek to be close to you at all times. Help me to imitate her virtues of loyalty, o bedience, and piety. Fill me with purpose and joy as I seek to witness to you in my daily life.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will rededicate myself to be a missionary disciple, called to encounter Christ personally, and to be a joyful witness to the Gospel.

For Further Reflection: Read this bulletin from the Holy See’s Press Office on Mary Magdalene, Apostle of the Apostles. Also, check out these resources on Living as Missionary Disciples from the USCCB website.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 23, 2026 – Becoming Spiritually Rich

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Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:10-17

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them. But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Opening Prayer: Jesus, open my ears and eyes to your Word. Plant it deep inside my heart. Let it take root and grow into a beautiful, fruitful planting of the Lord to show your glory (cf. Isa 61:3).

Encountering Christ:

  1. Why Parables?: Just before this Gospel reading, Jesus told the crowd the parable of the sower. His answer to why he used parables might lead one to believe that he deliberately tried to keep the truth from the crowd. But that is not the case. In fact, he taught them slowly in ways that they could understand. Many of the people in the crowd may have been unready to hear the full truth of the Gospel; however, they could relate to the stories in the parables and learn some portion of the truth. Parables take concepts that are difficult to understand and place them inside stories about familiar topics. Also, because the answers given in parables are indirect, they work like puzzles, giving our minds time to figure out what is being said, leading to deeper apprehension.

     

  2. Spiritual Poverty: Jesus described the crowd as being spiritually poor. They had dull, disordered hearts. Their eyes and ears were closed to seeing and hearing the truth. We can ask ourselves if we have closed our eyes or shut our ears to any truths that the Church teaches. If there are certain topics that we question, we can bring them to prayer and ask God to enlighten our hearts and minds. We can ask the Holy Spirit to bless us with the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in order to help us process the teachings.

     

  3. Spiritual Richness: Jesus described how the disciples heard the Word in a different way. God had blessed their hearts, eyes, and ears with the gift of understanding. But Jesus expected more from them than merely understanding. “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich…” (Mt 13:12). The purpose of understanding the Word of God is conversion. We grow spiritually rich when we read the Word with our eyes or hear it with our ears, examine it with our minds, and allow it to penetrate our hearts, which become healed and thus converted. This does not happen solely by our own power, but is granted by God: “But the Lord has not given you a heart to understand, or eyes to see, or ears to hear until this day” (Deut 29:3).

Conversing with Christ: Dear Jesus, please give me a lively heart that is rightly ordered to your truth. Give me eyes that are open and ready to follow your light. Give me ears that are eager to listen to your life-giving Word. Grant me the grace of continual conversion so that I grow closer to you each day.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray for those who are in any type of spiritual poverty and reflect on ways that I may alleviate that poverty if you are calling me to do so.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 24, 2026 – Journey of Faith

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Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, open my heart so that I might receive your Word and hear it in a new way today. Come, Holy Spirit, help me learn what you want to teach me though this parable.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Learn Something New: We may have heard this parable many times, but God is speaking to us anew each time we hear it. We can ask God what he is trying to reveal to us today, at this very moment. Praying with Scripture changes our hearts: “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (Heb 4:12). How is the Holy Spirit calling me to deeper conversion by hearing Jesus explain this Gospel? How can I increase my love of God and my neighbor by praying with this parable today?

     

  2. Our Faith Journey: After reading this parable, we might be tempted to think, “I’m so glad that I have good soil. Mission accomplished!” Not so fast, though. Most of us have been through all the stages of the path in the parable. Our hearts were once on the path of ignorance and did not understand what God was teaching us through his Word. Our hearts have had rocky soil when we have questioned our faith or fallen away during a time of trial. We have dealt with the weeds and thorns of our own distractions and anxieties, which can choke out the fruits of our good works. Our Lord asks us to reflect once again on the state of our soil and, by the light of the Holy Spirit, to repent and be converted.

     

  3. Bear One Another’s Burdens: Remembering our own faith journey helps us to be more compassionate when we notice others struggling with rocks, weeds, and thorns. It’s our Christian duty to help one another: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). When we encounter someone who questions their faith—be it because of a persecution, a trial, or worldly distractions, or anxieties—simply sharing our Christ-filled presence and compassion may be enough to help that person remove the obstacle that is keeping them from bearing fruit.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, till the soil in my heart and help me to bear good fruit for you, fruit that will last (cf. Jn 15:16). Help me to recall my own faith journey, and give me the grace to draw from my experiences when it can help others grow and flourish in their lives of faith.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will look for an opportunity to bear the burdens of someone close to me. I will listen with compassion, praying silently as they speak.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 25, 2026 – The Paradox of Humility

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Feast of St. James, Apostle

Matthew 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Opening Prayer: Jesus, you are all powerful and yet perfectly humble. Please open my mind to hear the Word and let it convert my pride into humility.

Encountering Christ: 

  1. “My Kingdom Is Not Here”: The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, did not understand what Jesus’ Kingdom would be like. Many of his disciples also misunderstood. They thought that Jesus would come to destroy the Romans’ political power and reign as king. But, as Jesus told Pontius Pilate during the Passion, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here” (Jn 18:36). Jesus’ Kingdom is so much more than earthly power. He holds the keys to the infinite universe! And he has invited us to join him in heaven one day. Thy Kingdom come, Lord Jesus.

     

  2. Driven for Greatness: Society tells us to strive to be successful and hold positions of power. The world recognizes success as having a great career and plenty of money to live comfortably. But God’s economy is different, even paradoxical. Jesus told the people, “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:11-12). Spiritual director and author Fr. Jacque Philippe wrote, “Humility is truth. I am what I am in God’s eyes: a poor child who possesses absolutely nothing, who receives everything, infinitely loved and totally free.” When our sense of self is firmly rooted in the truth—that we are beloved children of God—we do not need to puff ourselves up or rely on anything worldly to make us “great.”

     

  3. Jesus, Our Servant?: Jesus told us, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” He gave us a vivid illustration of what he meant when he washed the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. Yet, all of his life was, in fact, an act of service. He was born for us; lived as a human being for our sakes; suffered, died, and was buried; instituted the Church; and is preparing a place for us in heaven one day (cf. Jn 14:2-3). What will we do for him today?

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I cannot do away with my pride on my own. Please walk with me so that I might learn to walk humbly with you. You washed the Apostles’ feet on Holy Thursday (cf. Jn 13:1-17). Thank you for showing us how we are to care for our brothers and sisters by choosing the most humble jobs and doing them for the glory of God. Help me to always make the humble choice, and so imitate you.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will choose a humble job without complaint or seeking to be recognized for it.

For Further Reflection: Prayerfully read Philippians 2:1-11 and reflect on how Jesus’ humble obedience and service are connected to his glorification and power.

Carey Boyzuck is a wife, mother, freelance writer, and a lay member of Regnum Christi. She blogs at word-life-light.com.

July 26, 2026 – Heaven on My Mind

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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

Opening Prayer: Lord, as you talk of heaven, help me to listen attentively and learn something of the truth you are trying to teach me about the ultimate destiny of every faithful Christian.

Encountering Christ: 

  1. “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…”: In these lines of Scripture, Our Lord shared with us a description of his Father’s Kingdom—his own thoughts about heaven. If we’re honest, we should all contemplate heaven often. Heaven is the home of the Trinity, of the Blessed Mother, and of the saints known and unknown. Heaven is ourultimate destiny, our eternal home. Although shrouded in mystery, heaven is as real as the everyday reality of our lives. Heaven can be known here and now, and experienced, not in its totality while we live, but in periodic moments of spiritual consolation. Jesus wants us to know about heaven and could have used many different words to explain it to all of us, but let’s look at the similes he chose and what they tell us about the Kingdom.

     

  2. “Heaven Is Like a Treasure Buried in a Field…”: Experiences of heaven on earth are like treasures buried in a field of ordinary day-to-day events. When we have a soul-expanding experience of God, we don’t forget it. It might necessarily recede from the foreground of our thoughts as we go about living, but recalling it brings the “treasure” back into focus, spiritually and sometimes also emotionally or physically. These little glimmers of the divine compel us to seek God ever more deeply—to “sell all we have and buy the field.” St. Teresa of Avila explains: “[Divine favors] appear to dilate and enlarge us internally, and benefit us in an inexplicable manner, nor does even the soul itself understand what it receives. It is conscious of what may be described as a certain fragrance, as if within its inmost depths were a brazier sprinkled with sweet perfumes. Although the spirit neither sees the flame nor knows where it is, yet it is penetrated by the warmth, and scented fumes, which are even sometimes perceived by the body (The Interior Castle, Chapter II).

     

  3. “Heaven Is Like a Merchant Searching…”: Seeking the pearl of great price requires our time, attention, and effort—we dedicate the best moments of our day to the task. During our daily conversation with Christ, as we seek the pearl of great price, we fulfill our mission and purpose: “to know [God], to love him, and to serve him in this world, and to be happy with him forever in heaven” (Baltimore Catechism). We avail ourselves of heaven on earth—an experience of Jesus. “We can touch Christ’s heart and feel him touching ours. Only in this personal relationship with Christ, only in this encounter with the risen One do we truly become Christians. And in this way our reason opens, all Christ’s wisdom opens as do all the riches of truth” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, September 3, 2008).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I am moved that you wanted me to know something of the heaven you have prepared for each of us. Thoughts of heaven can be a balm to suffering souls and a strong antidote to the tedium of the everyday. Thank you for preparing a place for me (cf. Jn 14:1-3). Help me to be worthy one day of joining you there.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will write my own short description of heaven as a prayer of gratitude.

For Further Reflection: Saints’ descriptions of heaven:

St. Augustine: “There, good will shall be so ordered in us that we shall have no other desire than to remain there eternally.”

St. Anselm of Canterbury: “No one will have any other desire in heaven than what God wills; and the desire of one will be the desire of all; and the desire of all and of each one will also be the desire of God.”

St. Jean Vianney: “O my dear parishioners, let us endeavor to get to heaven! There we shall see God. How happy we shall feel! If the parish is converted we shall go there in procession with the parish priest at the head… We must get to heaven!”

St. Thomas More: “Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”

St. Therese of Lisieux: “Our Lord does not come down from heaven every day to lie in a golden ciborium. He comes to find another heaven which is infinitely dearer to him—the heaven of our souls, created in his image, the living temples of the adorable Trinity.”

Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of over thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.

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DAILY MEDITATION ARCHIVE
WEEKLY MEDITATION ARCHIVE

Weekly Digest of the Regnum Christi Daily Meditations: July 19th – July 26th, 2026 Read More »

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Uncle Eddy

St Pambo

/ Uncle Eddy

Dear Pam, Did you ever notice how cheap words are these days?  So many words. An endless flow of words. Words, words, words… Millions of books, billboards, radio programs, television shows (hundreds of channels!), magazines by the thousand, newspapers with more text in one daily edition than many ancient peoples would have seen in a lifetime, libraries around every corner, talk shows, portable phones… We are inundated with words.  One unfortunate consequence is that we more easily tend to be careless, inelegant, and even irreverent in our speech; a culture of cheap verbosity has affected us all. You have the good fortune of exemplary parents in this regard. Just try to find someone who has heard your mother speak badly of anyone, and though your father tends to be reserved, when he talks, people listen.  In that sense, he follows the example of today’s saint – an example worth pondering. Pambo was one of those hermits who trekked into the Egyptian deserts in order to dedicate himself fully to prayer, work, and penance.  He learned the spiritual life under the expert tutelage of such saints as Anthony and Macarius and then, in turn, became the teacher of other saints.  He fast became noteworthy for being a man of few words, but aspiring monks and lay people alike who came to him for counsel were never disappointed; his laconic responses were full of the sweet honey of wisdom.  He did not attain his remarkable prudence in a speech by accident. His very first reading lesson was taken from Psalm 38: “I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue.” As soon as he had learned to read it he told his teacher, “That’s enough for today.”  Then he went off to think about it. Six months later he returned to for his second reading lesson. Of course, I do not advocate that we take a vow of silence (although spending some time each day or week in silent prayer and reflection, or even opting not to blare the radio on every car trip or wear the walkman during every chore will – I guarantee it – do wonders for your interior peace and recollection), but would it be too much to recommend that we learn the art of elegance and modesty in speech?  Should we not glorify God with every word we speak? As common and cheap as they are nowadays, words still have power; by wasting them we may be wasting a lot more than we think. Anyway, sorry to bore you with my musings.  Just wanted to wish you a happy saint’s day.  God bless. Sincerely, Uncle Eddy

St Pambo Read More »

26-07-18-DM

July 18, 2026 – Selfless Servant

/ Daily Meditations

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask you to show me how to embrace your Word with a humble heart. Help me to grow in my awareness of being here for a greater purpose than just my own gain. Mold and secure my heart in a true humility that listens to your voice, follows your command, and is open to your healing grace.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Closed Minds: When he was a baby during the reign of Herod, powerful people had been out to destroy Jesus. In this Gospel, it was the Pharisees, in their persistent arrogance and self-sufficiency, that perceived him as a threat. They had become more firmly fixed on judging as they pleased, despising and dominating others, as they began to plot Our Lord’s death. Their pride inhibited any humble curiosity or ability to recognize their Savior. We are either with him or against him. Let us ask for the grace to adopt an attitude of humble awe that seeks to obey Our Lord and King.

     

  2. Open Healing: Jesus communicates and reveals the heart of God the Father. As soon as his enemies began plotting his death, Jesus quietly removed himself from the public eye, not out of fear or anger but to focus on the purpose for which he had come. Full of gentleness and compassion, he went about healing and quietly instructing his disciples about his Kingdom. Rather than engaging in futile clashes with his enemies, he prepared the foundation of the Church by guiding the faithful in hope, forgiveness, and truth. Let’s consider the opportunities where we can imitate Our Lord as instruments of healing rather than division.

     

  3. Suffering Servant: Each day Jesus urges us to take up our cross and follow him on the path of total love of God the Father and of humanity: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 10:38-39). We all suffer and have the opportunity to patiently tolerate some kind of hurt, injustice, or misunderstanding. Our strength to face suffering comes from a deep and intimate union with Christ. It is a gift of grace that enables us, out of love, to give our life for Christ and for the Church, hence for the world. To each one of us has been entrusted a mission that we can accept freely, to be a servant of God with the task of serving.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, you call me to serve. I am a sinner who falls many times. Thank you for putting up with me, forgiving my selfishness and arrogance. Show me where you are leading me along the path of spiritual maturity, the path of selfless service. Jesus, you were a faithful servant, whose vocation was to serve even to the point of death on the Cross. Lord, I pray for the grace to persevere as your humble servant.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will take an extra moment at the end of the day to make a thorough examination of conscience to acknowledge where I need to be more attentive to serving those around me with a humble heart.

For Further Reflection: Delve deeper by reflecting upon the words of the Prayer of Saint Francis.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born to Eternal Life

Amen.

Lucy Honner is a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi and the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at University Catholic, a community of students in the Nashville area who are serious about their faith. Since 1998, she has exercised her apostolate as a speaker, spiritual director, integrated health coach, and retreat director throughout North America.

July 18, 2026 – Selfless Servant Read More »

26-07-17-PCOTW

A Week of Prayer for All of Our Priests and Consecrated Members: July 19th – 25th

/ pray weekly, Regnum Christi News

Regnum Christi invites our entire spiritual family and all our friends to join us in praying especially for our brothers and sisters living the consecrated vocations of Legionary priests, Consecrated Women, and Lay Consecrated Men in our territory.

Each week throughout the year, we will pray together for a different group of Legionaries and Consecrated, spanning all the communities across the territory, as our “Priests and Consecrated of the Week.”

Our Consecrated members are men and women who have said yes to Christ’s call to follow him, leaving everything behind to dedicate their entire lives to him and to join him in the mission of building his Kingdom. We come together to support them with our prayer, asking our Lord to strengthen them, hold them close to his Sacred Heart, and give them his deep joy as they live their mission each day.

 

This Week We Pray for

Haslam_headshotFr. Nathaniel Haslam, LC is from Harrisburg, PA and was ordained in 2010. During his four years of formation in Rome, he helped organize and coordinate the first-ever Vatican Executive Summit held in the Vatican Gardens. In his priestly vocation, he has focused on accompanying men and women on their leadership journeys, primarily as a chaplain for the Lumen Institute at the local and national levels. He has also written three books on leadership, most recently The Source and Summit of Leadership. Fr. Nathaniel is currently based in Houston, Texas—along with serving as chaplain for Lumen there, he is also the local chaplain for SENT Ventures and Young Catholic Professionals. In 2025, he finished his Doctorate in Pastoral Leadership at the University of St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein.

Zettel_headshotFr. Adam Zettel, LC is a Legionary of Christ priest from Walkerton, Ontario, Canada, ordained in 2017. He serves in the Diocese of Hamilton and is deeply involved in the mission of Regnum Christi, with a particular passion for evangelization, youth and young adult ministry, spiritual direction, and missionary formation. In 2024 he was appointed Director of the RC Mission Corps Men’s Program for the North American Territory, where he forms and accompanies young men dedicating a year of their lives to missionary service. He also serves on the Regnum Christi Ontario Local College and continues to preach retreats, lead missions, and accompany individuals in their spiritual lives. Through his preaching, music, and daily homilies, Father Adam seeks to help people encounter Christ personally and discover the joy of living the Gospel with missionary zeal.

Nohrden_headshotNancy Nohrden grew up in Southern California and was consecrated in 1998. After completing her initial formation, she served in youth and family ministry as well as vocational support in Germany for five years, and then worked with young adults in Saint Louis, Missouri. In 2011, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, as director of formation at Pinecrest Academy, and in 2012, she was named director of the community of Consecrated Women. On November 25, 2012, she assumed the position of territorial director of Consecrated Women in North America and served on the Regnum Christi Territorial Committee from 2014–2019. In 2020, Nancy was elected director general of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi and named vice president of the General Directive College of the Federation. During her term in office, she completed a master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership at Spring Arbor University. On February 2, 2026, she was re-elected as director general for another six-year term.

West_headshotFr. Joshua West, LC was born in Naples, Italy, and grew up in Virginia. He was ordained in 2009, and since then, he has served in various capacities: as a vocation director, Regnum Christi chaplain, school chaplain, and retreat center director. He is currently a member of the LC community in Raleigh, where he serves as the pastor for the Catholic Campus Ministry at North Carolina State University.

Santos_headshotFr. Jurandir De Oliveira Santos Junior, LC is from Dourados, Brazil and was ordained in 2025. He served as a formation instructor and teacher at the Highlands School in Dallas, and he is currently the dean of studies at the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Kuhn_headshotMelissa Kuhn was born in Iowa and was consecrated in 1998. She has exercised ministry for 10 years in Regnum Christi schools in three different countries. She is currently a member of the Atlanta community, working with women, specifically those who have young children, providing them with formation activities and accompanying them spiritually.

Prayer for Priests and Consecrated Members in Regnum Christi

God our Father,
We thank you for our spiritual family of Regnum Christi, and for those within it that you have called to total consecration as Legionaries of Christ, Consecrated Women, and Lay Consecrated Men.

We ask you to renew their encounter with your Son Jesus Christ,
who goes out to meet them and reveals the love of his heart to them.
Deepen their personal love for Christ
and their trust in his love for them.
Gather them close to him,
form them,
and send them out accompanied by your Son,
in the mission of forming apostles and Christian leaders who make your Kingdom present in hearts, in families, and in society.

Send your Holy Spirit to sanctify and strengthen them,
And to help them respond generously and courageously to their mission each day.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Week of Prayer for All of Our Priests and Consecrated Members: July 19th – 25th Read More »

True_Beauty

First Annual True Beauty Fashion Show a Success in Atlanta

/ Christian Life, Purity and Modesty, RC Young Adults, Regnum Christi, Regnum Christi News

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

True Beauty, a new Christ-centered Catholic program designed to empower young women to live a life of goodness, beauty, and truth, hosted its inaugural fashion show in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 8. The first annual True Beauty Fashion Show was a tremendous success, drawing a joyful, sold-out crowd of approximately 520 attendees.

Sharman_headshotThe show was created and directed by Brenda Sharman, founder and director of the True Beauty program. True Beauty was born out of Brenda’s deep love for young women, her concern about the messages girls are receiving in today’s culture, and her desire to help them discover their God-given dignity and worth.

Having grown up as a model in the fashion industry herself, Brenda is passionate about guiding a new generation of young women to discover that their true beauty comes not from the outside, but from a heart that loves God and serves others.

Brenda began her career in the fashion industry when she was just 17 years old, and worked as a professional model and actress for more than 25 years, appearing in numerous catalogs, magazines, commercials, and ad campaigns across the United States. In 1990, she was crowned Miss Georgia USA, finished in the top six at the Miss USA pageant, and later represented the United States in an international pageant in Osaka, Japan, where she won the title.

After becoming a mother, Brenda began a deeper search for God that eventually led her into the Catholic Church in 1999. Just a few years later, she felt called to use her experience in the fashion world to help young women recognize their God-given dignity and live and dress in accordance with that dignity. Back in 2006, Brenda founded Pure Fashion, a virtue formation program that has been revived and rebranded in an updated format under a new name—True Beauty…Living a Life of Goodness, Beauty and Truth.

TB_Girls

“The name ‘True Beauty’ was intentionally chosen because we are living in a time when girls receive so many mixed messages about what is good, what is beautiful, and what is true. In today’s world, young women need a space where they are encouraged, affirmed, and reminded that their value comes from who they are, and not just how they look.”

Brenda Sharman

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue.”

Proverbs 31: 25–26

The True Beauty Fashion Show was hosted by Josh Harris and Allison Dalloul from “The Morning Quest,” Atlanta’s Catholic radio station. Jacquie Lustig, Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi in Atlanta, opened the event in prayer. Jacquie, who had the privilege of accompanying some of the True Beauty participants throughout the year, expressed her gratitude “to be united in the mission to bring authenticity and beauty into a world that needs it so desperately.”

“Over the past 16 years of my pastoral work with young women, I have had the gift of listening to truly countless young women who are growing up in a world that can be dark and confusing. And one thing I’ve learned from our young people and God in them, is that you don’t ever feel as loved and as beautiful as when God is looking at you.”

The fashion show featured performances by RC Music Collective’s own Colleen McKenna, including her original song “WWJD.” One of the most memorable moments of the event was Colleen’s performance of her song Reason to Trust. The powerful lyrics—centered on the message “Jesus, I trust in You,” and inspired by the Divine Mercy devotion—were interpreted by well-known ASL performer and Deaf influencer Hayden Daum.

“Modesty is the guardian of the mystery of the person.”

–St. John Paul II

Throughout the program, the audience enjoyed seven unique fashion scenes, featuring 22 young True Beauty models, each highlighting clothing that was trendy yet tasteful, modern yet modest—all selected by the models themselves.

In the True Beauty program, the models are not simply walking a runway—they are setting an example by the way they dress, speak, and carry themselves. By choosing to live with dignity and confidence, they become role models in their schools, their communities, and even their own families. In one scene, the True Beauty models walked down the runway hand-in-hand with their little sisters, followed by several future True Beauty models who joined them on stage.

“It was a powerful reminder that when older girls choose to live with dignity, joy, and confidence, they quietly tell the younger ones, ‘You are enough, you are worthy, you were created for a purpose that only you can fulfill,’”

- Brenda Sharman

 

Between scenes, the audience heard from one of the True Beauty team leaders, Lisa DePalma O’Connor, who was also a model in the original Pure Fashion program.

“What Pure Fashion gave me went far beyond the fashion or the runway—it helped me deeply understand the dignity of women, and the truth of our interior beauty. The true goal of this program, then and now, is that every girl leaves knowing, without a doubt, that she is deeply and unconditionally loved by God.”

- Lisa DePalma O’Connor

True Beauty team leader and student at the University of North Georgia, Monica Henkel, shared with the audience about the virtue of modesty—it is not about young women suppressing their identity, limiting their freedom, or hiding their beauty, but rather living in a way that honors their beauty and dignity, and the beauty and dignity of those they encounter.

“This afternoon is more than just a fashion show—it is a mission. So, as you watch these young ladies walk, you are not just seeing fashion—you are seeing young women learning that their beauty is not defined by others. Because true freedom comes when we stop trying to prove our worth to the world, and start living confidently in the dignity God already gave us.”

The show concluded with a final scene showcasing prom and homecoming dresses. In this segment, the models were escorted by two young men, Matthew Sharman, Brenda’s son, and Bradley Magnusson; their presence added a meaningful reminder that young men are also called to rise to their vocation—to be men who protect, respect, and honor the dignity of the young women before them.

“The afternoon was a beautiful celebration of goodness, beauty, and truth, all of which ultimately come from Almighty God. The True Beauty Fashion Show was not only entertaining but uplifting for the entire family, reminding everyone present that beauty, faith, and joy shine brightest when they come from a heart rooted in God.”

- Brenda Sharman

To watch the 2026 True Beauty Fashion Show, click here.

Register now for the 2026-2027 season!

Model registrations for the 2026-2027 season are now open, and spots are limited!

For more information about the True Beauty program, check out their website at truebeautymodel.com or visit True Beauty Model Search 2026 to register. Follow them on Instagram @truebeautymodel.

Because of the success of this year’s fashion show, the True Beauty team in Atlanta is moving to a larger venue for next year’s show, to be held on March 7, 2027, at Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. But Breanda also hopes to see the True Beauty program offered in more cities so that girls all across North America can be equipped to stand strong against the pressures of today’s culture. For information about offering True Beauty in your own city, email info@truebeautymodel.com.

Brenda Sharman lives with her husband, Steve, in Atlanta, and is the proud mom of three sons. In addition to being the founder and director of True Beauty, she works as a development officer for the Legionaries of Christ.

First Annual True Beauty Fashion Show a Success in Atlanta Read More »

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Uncle Eddy

St Speratus

/ Uncle Eddy

Dear Perry,   If you had lived under the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, you would have had to pay for publicly acknowledging yourself as a Christian in the same way that today’s saints did: they got their heads cut off for it.  Silence would have saved their skins, or infidelity (they could call themselves Christians as long as they still offered public worship to the Emperor – but that entailed a practical denial of Christian doctrine: “We believe in one God…”).  These seven men and five women refused to remain silent, however, and they refused to worship the Roman gods. The Roman proconsul gave them multiple opportunities to weasel their way out of the death penalty, if only they would compromise their faith, and they stood strong – supported especially by the fearless humility of St Speratus.  When the roll call of those sentenced to death was read off, each of the future martyrs responded to their name with a remarkable “Thanks be to God.” Why do I remind you of this (I imagine you already know the story well, since St Speratus is your namesake and patron, whom I am sure you invoke frequently to help you with his prayers, right?)?  Well, it’s really quite simple. As you enjoy the comforts of a cushy summer, I can picture you slowly but surely pushing your Catholic identity conveniently into the background, while the pleasures of increasing popularity and recognition take center stage.  To be at all vocal about your faith and it’s often uncomfortable (not to mention politically incorrect) moral tenets could result in ostracism from your new crowd of friends and colleagues. Therefore, your watchful uncle is coming to the rescue. There is no need to be afraid of staying true to your friendship with Christ; there is no need to hide your faith.  As long as you are exemplary in your duties and in the kindness and consideration with which you perform them, you will enjoy a kind of spiritual leadership, enabling you to help others come closer to Christ. If you are faithful to Christ and are courageous in how you live out and defend his teaching, do you think he will let you down? Do you think the princes of this world can make you happier than the Prince of Peace?  Of course, you don’t – you just needed a little reminder. So, instead of covering up your Christianity (and risking its total eclipse), take a lesson from St Speratus and companions: serve the Lord first, and even if you do fall from grace with your boss, you will enjoy eternal grace with The Boss. Happily, your Uncle Eddy

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26-07-17-DM

July 17, 2026 – Desire for Mercy

/ Daily Meditations

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to be free from any anxiety, fear, or burden that inhibits me from receiving the gift of your unconditional mercy and love.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Good Conflict: Throughout the Gospels, we can feel the rising tension and conflict escalating between Jesus and the religious authorities of the time. Jesus fearlessly provoked and probed them to unveil the vain obligation behind their religious practices regarding fasting, purity, observance of the Sabbath, etc. He didn’t use biblical arguments with his enemies to prove them wrong, but rather desired for them to experience him as love itself: the very objective of the Law. Jesus proclaimed himself greater than the temple, even Lord of the Sabbath itself. In our day, many conflicts arise regarding faith practices and moral obligations. Where there is healthy conflict there is the opportunity to understand and question our motive to love God above all else. Conflicts form part of our faith journey in our ongoing process of conversion.

     

  2. A Relationship of Love: What happened in the hearts of the Pharisees can easily happen to us. We can become so attached to our efforts to pursue pious practices that we lose sight of why we are doing them in the first place. Worse still, we can then be quick to point out where others are falling short in fulfilling rules, obligations, and practices. From Christ’s perspective, religion is above all else a relationship of love with him. We express our love for him with the affections of faith through our devotion to him in all activities that shape our lives. Let us ask for the grace to see where we may have fallen into a hollow routine, false assumptions, or criticism of others to receive God’s mercy and start again with the right intention.

     

  3. Mercy above All: For God, deeds of goodness, generosity, and kindness will be favored over the mere performance of dutiful obligations. In all things, he calls us to love in the way we see ourselves and others, and the way we relate with God and with all creation. The law has found its fullness in Jesus: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill it” (Mt 5:17). Jesus walks with us to instruct our hearts not solely to sacrifice, but to make evident God’s tender mercy. We are to pride ourselves on how we give ourselves in love, not just in what we accomplish or do.

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, do not let me get stuck in complacency or in any habit of finding fault with others. Show me, Lord, where I am falling into a routine and taking the graces you give me for granted. Help me to listen, to turn to your Word calling me to live in the freedom to do everything out of love for you.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will renew my covenant of love with you by respecting how I dedicate my time each Sunday to prepare for Mass and spend time in prayer and rest.

For Further Reflection: Delve deeper with any of the Retreat Guides on mercy at regnumchristi.com.

Lucy Honner is a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi and the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at University Catholic, a community of students in the Nashville area who are serious about their faith. Since 1998, she has exercised her apostolate as a speaker, spiritual director, integrated health coach, and retreat director throughout North America.

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!