Optional Memorial of Saint Raymond of Penyafort, priest

Brief Background:

Saint Raymond of Peñafort (c. 1175–1275) was a Spanish Dominican priest and one of the greatest canon lawyers in the history of the Church. Known for his brilliance and humility, he helped organize Church law into a clear and usable form that guided the Church for centuries, while also serving as a confessor and advisor to popes. Despite his important work, he lived a simple and prayerful life and cared deeply for the spiritual good of souls. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers, lawyers, and confessors, reminding the Church that even its laws are meant to serve mercy and the salvation of souls.

REFLECTION:

I am always amazed at how God seems to weave His Word into our everyday lives. If you haven’t tried it yet, take a moment to read the readings of the day and then look back on how your day unfolds. Very often, you will discover that God is speaking to you through Scripture in a way that touches exactly what you are living.

Just the other day, I had the chance to catch up with an old friend. In the course of our conversation, we spoke about someone we both knew who had an abortion, not because she lacked options or support, but because she was afraid—afraid of what her parents would think, afraid of how others would see her, afraid of what might happen next. It was a sad and painful story. We both found ourselves wishing that she had felt able to reach out and ask for help before making such a life-altering decision.

Later that day, as I sat with that conversation, the words from Scripture came back to me: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” And it made me realize how many choices in life—big and small—are shaped not by freedom, but by fear. Fear of being judged. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of being rejected. Fear of not being good enough.

Saint John reminds us that fear and love cannot rule the heart at the same time. When fear is in control, love has not yet fully taken root. But when we truly come to believe that we are loved—deeply, unconditionally, and without limits—fear slowly begins to lose its grip on us.

This is how God loves us. He does not love us with conditions. He does not wait for us to have everything figured out before He welcomes us. He does not relate to us as a judge waiting to punish, but as a Father who wants His children to come to Him, especially when they are afraid, confused, or struggling.

And this is where the story of that young woman becomes more than just a sad memory—it becomes a lesson and a plea. Fear convinced her to carry her burden alone. Fear told her to stay silent. Fear told her that reaching out was too risky. And sadly, fear won.

But her story also speaks to anyone today who may be standing in a similar place—overwhelmed, uncertain, and afraid. If that is you, please hear this: you do not have to go through this alone. Fear always tells us to hide. God’s love always invites us to come into the light.

There are people who care. There are people who will listen. There are people who want to walk with you and help you choose life, hope, and healing. And even if you are carrying wounds from past decisions, know this: God’s mercy is always greater than our fear and always bigger than our mistakes. His love does not turn away. It waits. It heals. It restores.

So today, Saint John leaves us with a gentle but challenging question: What is guiding my choices—fear or love? And God leaves us with a quiet invitation: take one small step. Talk to someone you trust. Reach out to a priest, a family member, a friend—someone who can walk with you.

Because in the end, perfect love does not just comfort us. It frees us. And little by little, it truly does drive out fear.