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RC DAILY MEDITATIONS
RC DAILY MEDITATIONS

THE WEEKLY DIGEST
OF REGNUM CHRISTI
DAILY MEDITATIONS

Week of Dec 21 - Dec 28, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025 – Choosing Righteousness

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Mary’s Wonder Is Praise

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 – God’s Timing Is Perfect

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – The Benedictus

Thursday, December 25, 2019 – Christmas at Last

Friday, December 26, 2025 – Seed of the Church

Saturday, December 27, 2025 – Time Is Short

Sunday, December 28, 2025 – Out of Egypt

December 21, 2025 – Choosing Righteousness

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Fourth Sunday of Advent

Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to be humble, righteous, and merciful like Joseph. I see that you chose him in advance to do your will in order to fulfill your plan of salvation. Help me to see that I have a part to play as well, and may my “yes” bring you much glory.

Encountering Christ:

  1. God Is in the Details: We read: “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.” Then unfolds the story of Joseph’s role in the birth of Christ. He is called “Joseph, son of David” by the angel in the dream because it is through his lineage that Jesus will be the rightful heir to David’s throne. It was no coincidence that Joseph was of the house of Judah. Although this small detail may seem insignificant, it was of utmost importance in order to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. Even today, God uses the smallest details of our lives to continue to bring about salvation. Who I am, the timing of my birth, my family of origin, my unique giftedness are all part of God’s plan to bring Christ into the world today. Only we can fulfil the role he has ordained for us, now, at this very moment in time.

     

  2. We Must Choose to Be Righteous Even If…: “Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention…” Did Joseph felt betrayed and hurt by what everyone perceived as Mary’s infidelity? How commendable it was of him to do the right thing (divorce Mary quietly) instead of having her stoned, which was permitted by law at that time. What a role model for Jesus he must have been! We, too, must choose to be “righteous” even when we are wronged (or so we think) and leave the restitution up to God.

     

  3. God Rewards Good Intentions: What the angel told Joseph must have brought him great relief: “For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her…” And then Joseph did something that may have seemed very odd to anyone who knew of Mary’s pregnancy: “He took his wife into his home.” Our good intentions cannot stop at good intentions! We must follow through—all the way to the end. Like Joseph, God says to us, “Do not be afraid…” We can count on God’s help to finish whatever God calls us to do.

Conversing with Christ: O Jesus, help me to be open to your plans, even if they look completely different from my own. Give me the grace to choose to be righteous, to act on my good intentions, and to be merciful because Lord, on my own, I will surely fail. Help me to look and act more and more like you, who I now see learned righteousness not only from God the Father, but from your earthly father, Joseph, as well.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will choose to do “the right thing” in big and small ways, even when it hurts, even if it means my plans are interrupted to fulfill your plan.

For Further Reflection: Check out An Invitation to Faith: An A to Z Primer on the Thought of Pope Benedict XVI, Ignatius Press, Page 40-42 (J is for Joseph—The way of humility).

Melissa Overmyer is a convert to Catholicism; founder of the Georgetown Women’s Bible Study and Something Greater Ministries; and vlogger and author of four books. She has a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

December 22, 2025 – Mary’s Wonder Is Praise

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Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Luke 1:46-56

Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, draw me into this moment of prayer, this place of encounter with you, together with your Mother and my mother, Mary. I believe you have something to say to me today; I trust that even if I feel you are silent, you are with me. Help me to receive your word in this moment of prayer and to welcome you, soon, into my heart on the day of your birth. Mother Mary, draw me into the wonder and praise that flow from your heart in your Magnificat.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Praise Goes Up First (cf. Judg 20:18): Praise spontaneously flowed from Mary’s heart as she encountered her cousin and was called “Mother of the Lord” for the first time. Her words were true at the moment she prayed them, and they are still true, on this day as Mother Church is united around the world praising God for the gift of his Son. Today we make her words our own. Our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord.

     

  2. He Lifts Up the Lowly: Our Lady knew well how God lifted up the lowly throughout the history of her people, and now she was experiencing it personally in a way beyond her imagining. She wholeheartedly acknowledged her lowliness and must have marveled that God asked her to participate so intimately in his plan of salvation for the whole world. Perhaps resting her hands on her slowly growing baby bump, she would also contemplate how he had come to make himself lowly—an infant, totally helpless and in need of love, so as to bring us the Father’s love and let us love him, too.

     

  3. He Remembers His Promise: Mary reminds us that God did not forget his people as they continued throughout the Old Testament to seek his face. And he doesn’t forget us as we beseech him for graces and blessings! In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Often, his plan is hidden under the opaque terrain of human vicissitudes, in which the ‘proud,’ the ‘mighty’ and the ‘rich’ triumph. However, in the end, his secret strength is destined to manifest who God’s real favorites are: the ‘faithful’ to his Word, ‘the humble,’ ‘the hungry,’ ‘his servant Israel,’ namely, the community of the People of God that, as Mary, is constituted by those who are ‘poor,’ pure, and simple of heart” (February 16, 2006).

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you have come into this world as an infant to make yourself lowly so that I can approach your mangerside without fear of judgment or rejection. I wish to praise you for your goodness and mercy! Grant me your grace, these last days of Advent. Grant me the grace to be unafraid to present my lowliness before you. I will not hide my lowliness, for I know that you love faithful and humble souls. And oh Jesus, you have come for love of me. I want to stay at the mangerside for love of you, too.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will strive to pray the Magnificat in my examen prayer at the end of, or at some moment during, the day.

For Further Reflection: You may wish to read Hannah’s song of praise to God, in the Old Testament, 1 Sam 2:1-10, which finds an echo in Mary’s own Magnificat.

Beth Van de Voorde is a Regnum Christi Consecrated Woman, currently serving in pastoral ministry to families in Madrid and Valencia, Spain. When she’s not reading Ratzinger or humming along to some song or another, you may find her making her pilgrim way through Spain’s timeless history of faith, walking alongside the beautiful families and young people she’s there to serve.

December 23, 2025 – God’s Timing Is Perfect

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Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray that you will help me imitate Elizabeth’s trust and Zechariah’s patience. Please bestow on me the spirit of exuberant expectation that the people in the hill country of Judea had.

Encountering Christ:

  1. God’s Timing Is Perfect in Big and Small Ways: Due to Elizabeth’s advanced age and previously barren state, the fact that she was giving birth was miraculous. Everyoneknew, everyone was talking about it. God used this opportunity to showcase that, with him, all things are possible. According to Jewish law, a baby boy is to be circumcised and named on the eighth day of his life. What a joyful time this must have been for the formerly childless couple. Modern science has discovered that on the eighth day of life blood in the human body is at its height in its ability to coagulate. It rises on the seventh day and decreases on the ninth. Not one tiny detail of life escapes God’s plan. John would be brought up to be a “good Jewish boy,” marked as a “son of the covenant,” and the circumstances of his birth with the entire community present gave God an opportunity to display his miraculous wonderworking power! Even when we may feel “forgotten” by God, we can rest assured that the God who caused the barren to give birth very late in life, and blood to clot at 110% on the day of circumcision, has not forgotten the details of our lives as well.

     

  2. Patience Is Rewarded: Zechariah was a priest and a man of prayer. He had apparently been praying for a child for a very long time. When the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the temple as he offered incense to the Lord, Gabriel stated, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall call his name John.” Persistent prayer pays off. But, instead of praising God at this wonderous revelation, Zechariah doubted Gabriel’s words and was therefore made mute for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Perhaps, God was allowing a seed of faith to be planted in Zechariah and giving some time for it to grow to maturity, so his faith, like Elizabeth’s, would “give birth” in the fullness of time. When Zechariah finally speaks, we see that instead of excuses, anger, or bitterness, only the fruit of praise gushes forth from his lips. God can “sideline” us in order to give us time to mature in our faith before we are able to be greatly used for his purposes. Be patient with yourself; God is not through with you yet.

     

  3. Expectation, Fear, and Astonishment: “A baby! At her age?” What must the townspeople have thought? “And Zechariah! Mute, now speaking?!” Wonder. Fear. Astonishment must have swept through the region. “Is there anything too hard for God? What will he do next?!” must have been stirring in their hearts. “Who and whatexactly will this child be?” Expectations on the highest level. Oh, that we would have such expectant hearts! Although we see the wonders of each new day, we can grow cold to the everyday miracles of life every baby born, every sunrise, the earth spinning on its course. Let us not grow jaded, cold, or blasé, but be expectant of great things in and through the Lord. May we beg for hungry eyes to see the Lord at work, an eager mind to know him, and an excited heart to explore what he will do next, not only because he loves us, but also just because he can!

Conversing with Christ: How difficult it must have been for Elizabeth to be shunned and barren for the majority of her life, and Zechariah to be made mute! And yet you, in your great love for mankind and tenderness for this couple, had a beautiful plan to bless them, and the whole world through them. Grant me faith, perseverance, patience, and an expectant heart. May I not grow cold, but be warmed thoroughly, through and through to the very core of my soul, by your permeating love.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will choose to persevere in patient trust with an expectant heart, knowing that you are a sovereign God and that my life does not escape your loving gaze or plan. Your timing is always perfect.

For Further Reflection: The Day When Blood Coagulation Begins.

Melissa Overmyer is a convert to Catholicism; founder of the Georgetown Women’s Bible Study and Something Greater Ministries; and vlogger and author of four books. She has a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

December 24, 2025 – The Benedictus

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Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, blessed are we on this most holy day! Just as Zechariah’s tongue was loosed to sing your praises and to declare the good news of prophecies fulfilled, may we, too, always and everywhere do the same!

Encountering Christ:

  1. Blessed: These words of Zechariah are prayed each morning as the Benedictus by those who say the Liturgy of the Hours. They can become too familiar, rote, like something we say in our sleep, but what a miracle they are! How comforting that our great God used doubtful Zechariah to declare his praises and prophesy freedom for all. Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of doubt that often results in sin and shame (ask Eve). Zechariah is the perfect picture of this release from bondage, a “reversal of fortune,” so to speak, from tongue-tied to pouring forth profuse blessings and prophesy, all by God’s grace. Zechariah shows us that God in his tender compassion does things in and through us that are far beyond our own capabilities, both physically and spiritually. May we, like Zechariah, “be released,” freely allowing God to use us beyond our own limitations to declare his praises so that they will echo throughout the generations to come.

     

  2. The Past Is Prologue: “Remember the rock from which you were hewn!” my mother would quote to me on days when I was down and my faith seemed weak. Zachariah spoke to his listeners about what God had done for his people. We too can “remember” the Lord’s gifts, healings, and special graces in our past, and ask him to spark into flame our own hope for the future. We can, in fact, by recounting the goodness of God, “preach ourselves happy!” The eve of Jesus’s birthday is the perfect time to remember all that God has done for us, recall how far he has brought us, and remind ourselves that he is faithful to his Word. On him we can confidently rely.

     

  3. Holiness Is Possible: God, by his mercy and grace, has made it possible for each of us to be holy. He actually promised it to us. This is the good news that we are to proclaim. May we follow the example of John and take to heart the words Zachariah spoke about him: “Go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” When we share this good news, “the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Conversing with Christ: O Jesus, Come! Fill my heart with all of you! Open my mouth to declare your praise. Stir to mind remembrances of all the good things you have done for me, and help me to boldly declare forgiveness, salvation, and freedom in you. Amen.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will remember all that your hand of mercy has done for me and speak your praises to others in my life.

For Further Reflection: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament, page 108, footnotes on Lk 1:67-79.

Melissa Overmyer is a convert to Catholicism; founder of the Georgetown Women’s Bible Study and Something Greater Ministries; and vlogger and author of four books. She has a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

December 25, 2019 – Christmas at Last

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The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)—Mass at Dawn

Luke 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, blessed are we at the dawning of this most holy day! With Christmas comes emotions unlike on any other day. Our hearts and minds are stirred with memories from Christmases past. May we be given a unique grace of warmth and tenderness so that, like the Blessed Mother, we may embrace the Body of Christ and hold you close to our hearts. May the joy of celebrating your birth, which physically took place over two-thousand years ago, give us hope for celebrating your triumphant and joyful physical return in the future.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Awaiting: A band of rough-hewn, uneducated, sheepherders huddled together around a campfire. These most unlikely candidates were entrusted with the news that the entire universe had been awaiting since before time began. Why them? Did their keen eyesight, with which they kept vigilant watch, attract God? Their entrepid spirits that enabled them to take on a lion, wolf, or bear in order to protect their flocks? Or their humble hearts that told them it was better to go together in haste than to try to go it alone to see what was happening? Whatever the reason, they were chosen and they responded to what had been announced to them by the angel. We, too, are chosen. Why? Only God knows all the details and the reasons. But we are. Will we not grow weary and keep vigilant watch over those we love? Be bold to defend the vulnerable? And stir each other up to go together in haste and do all that has been revealed and asked of us? Lord, give us a shepherd’s heart.

     

  2. Amazing: After personally encountering Christ and the Holy Family, the shepherds were transformed. Suddenly they were no longer out in the fields living their solitary lives among the sheep, but they were making “the message that had been told them about the child” known. “All who heard it were amazed.” Encounters with Christ change us! Forever! And that is the most compelling story we can ever tell—the story of how meeting him, experiencing him for ourselves, and seeing his impact in the lives of others changes us! The shepherds had no pulpit. They just told the news with exuberant joy to whomever they met, and God blessed it. Let’s be bold and tell of our own encounters with the Lord—whether quiet or spectacular—because others may be transformed by our transformation story.

     

  3. Adoring: The young woman who knew no one in town, was unable to find a room, and gave birth on a stable floor—blood, water, straw, and Divinity all mixed together—was now the “talk of the town,” in a good way. Until now, the Mother of God had endured shame, disgrace, and hardship due to ignorance and misunderstanding. But now, this one night was all starlight and angel wings, baby’s breath and shepherd’s joy! Mother Mary, help us to keep these golden star-kissed moments in our hearts. We will reflect on them again and again, knowing that all too soon, dear Blessed Mother, a sword will pierce your heart. But now—today begins the dawning of a new day for all mankind. “Praises be to God. Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest!” We joyfully whisper in the Child Jesus’s ear with you today, “We adore you.”

Conversing with Christ: O Jesus, happy birthday! Shepherds and angels, we praise and sing with you on this glorious day. Jesus, be born in us today, and may Christmas joy fill our hearts, fill our minds, and forever be on our lips! Amen!

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will praise you with my whole heart, with my loudest voice, and in whispers only you can hear, “Glory Hallelujah!”

For Further Reflection: Listen to Francesca Battistelli, Be Born in Me.

Melissa Overmyer is a convert to Catholicism; founder of the Georgetown Women’s Bible Study and Something Greater Ministries; and vlogger and author of four books. She has a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

December 26, 2025 – Seed of the Church

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Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr

Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I humbly come before you today, you who came to earth so meekly, born to die, to show us how to live. Today we celebrate one who had great trust in you, who took your words to heart. May we, too, be like Saint Stephen: “angel-faced” and heavenly minded in all we do. Lord, I humbly ask for this grace: to be filled with your Spirit to enable me to think like you and speak boldly of you and persevere to the end.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Beware: Today we read “Beware of men.” What a warning! We ourselves are mere “men” when we are not filled with your Spirit and relying on the Lord. How easy it is for us to fall into prideful thinking “I got this,” “I can do this,” and “I am in control” are just some of the thoughts of “men.” How contrary to that thinking are the Lord’s ways. Only with God are “all things possible.” Only with God do we have the grace to combat thinking like “men.” Let us heed the warning of Saint Paul, “See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ” (Col 2:8). May we have the “mind of Christ” to discern when we are falling into the world’s ways versus the Lord’s ways.

     

  2. No Worries: How impossible it is for those of us thinking like “men” to avoid anxiety and worry. It is so easy to act like a Christian and so difficult to react like one. When our hearts are filled with God’s grace, however, we will hear him telling us what to say “in the moment.” If we rely on grace, the Lord promises that the Father will speak through us. Today, the day after we celebrate the Lord’s birth, let us ask for the grace to be born ever anew so that the Lord may always and everywhere “speak through us” in word, thought, and deed.

     

  3. Hated by All?: We must ask ourselves which banner we will march under. God’s? Or the world’s? Sometimes the choice is very obvious, and at other times there is only a subtle dividing line between a good or evil action. Let’s pray for the clarity to know what to do in any given moment and the desire to speak well always. Perhaps, by our example, we will inspire others to do the same.

Conversing with Christ: Dear Lord, only by your grace can we think, speak, and live according to your will in this fallen world. Only by trusting and fully relying on you can we persevere to the end and be saved—but oh, happy day when we do! Lord, bless us so that one day we will be “angel-faced” like Stephen, and by our life’s witness help to plant and water the seeds for the future of the Church.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will say a little prayer before I open my mouth to give my opinion.

For Further Reflection: Check out: Blood of the Martyrs Is Still Seed for the Church.

Melissa Overmyer is a convert to Catholicism; founder of the Georgetown Women’s Bible Study and Something Greater Ministries; and vlogger and author of four books. She has a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

December 27, 2025 – Time Is Short

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Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

John 20:1a and 2-8

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene 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 do not know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have just celebrated your birth and here we are in the empty tomb! Your time, like ours on earth, was so brief! G. K. Chesterton said you moved like a lightning bolt through your life. May I too have a similar impact, no matter the length or brevity of my time here on earth. Let me make the most of the time you have given to me to share the good news with everyone.

Encountering Christ:

  1. First Day: This very “first day of the week” was unlike any other. Sunday is considered day one of a seven-day week, the first day of the seven days of creation. But because Christ was born, died, and rose again, putting an end to death, re-creating the world, and making all things new, the ancient Christians called this new first day of creation the EIGHTH day. Now Sunday is not just the “first day of the week,” but the holiest of all days. Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) states: “Sunday looks not only backwards but forward. Looking toward the Resurrection means looking toward the final consummation. With the Day of the Resurrection coming after the Sabbath, Christ, as it were, strode across time and lifted it up above itself. The (Church) Fathers connected with this the idea that the history of the world as a whole can be seen as one great week of seven days corresponding to the ages of a man’s life. The eighth day, therefore, signifies the new time that has dawned with the Resurrection…In the liturgy we already reach out to lay hold of it. But at the same time it is ahead of us…” Such a short time we have on this earth, but now, thanks be to God, as believers we celebrate eight days a week! Let us use our time well! “Night is coming when no one can work” (Jn 9:4).

     

  2. Outrun: Did John hesitate outside the tomb because of fear? Sorrow? Or could it have been out of reverence for Peter? How do we handle situations when we know we can outrun, outdo, or outpreach a brother or sister in Christ? Does it mean we are always supposed to? Perhaps the one whom “Jesus loved” knew how to act because he had so often heard the Savior’s heart beating while laying his head upon his chest. Let’s ask for humility today so that we can revere one another in imitation of John.

     

  3. A Closer Look: We read that Peter saw “the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.” Why should this matter? There are many theories, one being that the Greek word ὀθονίων (othoniōn) used for “handkerchief” (or “cloth that covered his head”) also means “napkin.” In the first century, if your napkin was rolled up—not simply tossed onto the table—it signified you were not finished, that you would return to finish your meal. Was this a signal to the Apostles that Jesus intended to return? That what has happened here was purposeful? Was Jesus saying, “Don’t lose hope! Work with Me!”? John grasped the Lord’s meaning and went in, and “saw and believed.” And the rest is history. May we too see, believe—and change history!

Conversing with Christ: O Jesus, make me mindful always that you are worthy of my praise. Help me to treat others with the same self-sacrificial love that you have shown me. Give me a heart to work while I can—while I have breath to speak of your amazing love—knowing full well you will come again. Glory, Hallelujah!

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will take time to ponder where in my life and ministry I need to “run” and where I need to “pause” in order to build up your Kingdom in a way that most pleases you. Help me to be mindful that you will come again, and possibly soon!

For Further Reflection: The Spirit of the Liturgy by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Melissa Overmyer’s blog: The Eighth Day.

Melissa Overmyer is a convert to Catholicism; founder of the Georgetown Women’s Bible Study and Something Greater Ministries; and vlogger and author of four books. She has a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.

December 28, 2025 – Out of Egypt

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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to unite my heart to yours, my will to your will. Thank you for welcoming me into your presence and for reminding me that you are always here with me. Like Joseph, I place my trust in you and your plan for my life. My hope grows with every experience of your action in my life and I find my value, my self-worth, in your unconditional love for me. Please know how much I love you and how much I desire my thoughts, words, and actions to reflect that love for you.

Encountering Christ:

  1. Ears to Hear: During the holidays, our life can be so full of noise and distractions that it’s challenging at times to be with the Lord and to hear the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. We may even find ourselves unable to discern—is that really the Holy Spirit or just my imagination? Disruptions in routine, holiday festivities, fatigue, media saturation—so many things vie for our attention and block the ears of our soul to hear the Lord’s will. We are in a special time of grace, so let’s be sure to spend a few minutes in silence with Jesus so that he can restore peace in our soul, which will allow us to have ears to hear his plan for my day.

     

  2. Growing Gratitude: How many times has the Lord saved you from danger? From being somewhere we shouldn’t be, from speaking out of anger and frustration, from participating in activities that would harm our soul? When we are faithful to our daily examination of conscience, we become aware of the Lord’s action in our life and our gratitude grows. We find ourselves more eager to live attentive to the Lord’s will.

     

  3. Protector of Souls: Joseph protected the infant Jesus and Mary from all danger and harm by responding to the promptings of your holy angels. The Lord is the ultimate protector of our soul, but he also asks that we look out for the good of the souls he has placed in our life. How are we protecting from harm those souls he has entrusted to us? (My congregation, my spouse, my children, those I work with, those I teach, those I guide…) No matter our vocation, there are souls who are influenced by our thoughts, words, and actions. Let’s pray for the grace to help others to encounter Jesus.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, grant me the desire to make time to spend with you in prayer in the gift of interior recollection. Grant me also the desire to make time to spend with you at the end of the day, to examine my conscience so that I may grow in awareness of and gratitude for the action of the Holy Spirit in my life. These practices will help to ensure that I bring good and not harm to the souls of those you have entrusted to me.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will grow in awareness of the action of the Holy Spirit in my life and resolve to be responsive to his gentle promptings by making time to meet with you in the evening to examine my day through your eyes.

For Further Reflection: A common tool for examination of your day is The Ignatian Daily Examen: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen.

Marjorie Davin is a lay member of Regnum Christi who has served as director of the Women’s Section in the Washington, D.C., area. She and her husband have been married for over 30 years and are the parents of four adult children.

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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!