TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 30 JUNE
June 30, 2026
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF JULY TO THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS
July 1, 2026
GOD’S GREATEST JOURNEYS BEGIN WITH ONE ACT OF SURRENDER
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”
— Proverbs 3:5
Saint Junípero Serra’s missionary life began when he surrendered himself completely to God’s will. Though he was a respected professor in Spain, he left behind comfort, reputation, and homeland to become a missionary in the New World. His wholehearted “yes” to God opened the way for a lifetime of faithful service.
The greatest journey every Christian makes is from self-will to God’s will. Before God sends us to serve others, He first invites us to trust Him completely. A heart surrendered to God becomes an instrument of His grace.
WOUNDS CAN BECOME PATHWAYS OF GRACE
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
During his missionary travels, Saint Junípero suffered a serious leg injury that caused him pain for the rest of his life. Rather than allowing suffering to discourage him, he accepted it as a daily offering to God and continued his missionary work with remarkable perseverance.
When our wounds are placed in Christ’s hands, they become channels of grace. What we endure with faith and love can strengthen others and bring glory to God.
MISSION BEGINS ON OUR KNEES
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.”
— John 15:5
Before preaching to others, Saint Junípero spent long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. His strength as a missionary flowed not from his abilities but from his deep communion with Christ.
Every fruitful mission begins in prayer. Those who remain close to Christ become faithful instruments through whom He continues His saving work.
THE GOSPEL MUST ALWAYS WALK WITH HUMAN DIGNITY
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”
— Matthew 25:40
Saint Junípero desired to bring the Gospel to all people and often appealed to colonial authorities to protect Indigenous communities from mistreatment. His concern reflected his desire to uphold the dignity of every human person, even within the limitations of his time.
The Gospel must always be proclaimed with love, justice, compassion, and respect. True evangelization reflects both the truth of Christ and the tenderness of the Good Shepherd.
HOLINESS MEANS ALWAYS MOVING TOWARD GOD
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal.”
— Philippians 3:13-14
Saint Junípero’s well-known motto, “Always forward,” guided his entire life. Even when burdened by illness and hardship, he continued advancing in faith and service without losing hope.
The Christian life is a continual journey toward God. Every act of faith, sacrifice, and charity brings us one step closer to our eternal home.
GOD PLANTS SEEDS WE MAY NEVER SEE GROW
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:6
Saint Junípero founded missions, preached the Gospel, and formed Christian communities, trusting God to bring lasting fruit from his labors. He never lived to see the full impact of the seeds he planted.
God asks us to be faithful in our work while leaving the harvest in His hands. Every act of love offered to Him bears fruit in His perfect time.
OUR TRUE HOMELAND LIES BEYOND EVERY HORIZON
“Our citizenship is in heaven.”
— Philippians 3:20
Saint Junípero left his homeland of Mallorca to serve Christ in distant lands, yet he always understood that his final destination was heaven. After a lifetime of missionary service, he peacefully surrendered his soul to God at Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel.
Like every Christian pilgrim, we journey through this world with our hearts fixed on our eternal home, where Christ awaits all who remain faithful.
PRAYER THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JUNÍPERO SERRA
O glorious Saint Junípero Serra, faithful son of Saint Francis, fearless missionary, and joyful herald of the Gospel, you left behind home, comfort, and honor to proclaim Christ to those who had not yet heard His name. Teach us to place God’s call above our own plans, to persevere when the journey becomes difficult, and to trust that His grace is sufficient in every trial.
Pray for missionaries throughout the world, that they may preach the Gospel with humility, serve every person with love, and always respect the dignity and culture of those they encounter. Help us to carry our own crosses with patience, to make prayer the source of all our work, and to keep moving “always forward” toward holiness and eternal life.
May our lives, like yours, lead others to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Junípero Serra, Apostle of California and faithful missionary of Christ, pray for us.
