TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 24 JULY
July 24, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT JAMES THE GREATER, APOSTLE AND MARTYR AND SAINT CHRISTOPHER MARTYR – 25th JULY
July 25, 2026
GOD PREPARES THE HEART IN SILENCE
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
— 1 Samuel 3:9
As a young shepherd in the village of Bekaa Kafra, Youssef Makhlouf, who later became Saint Sharbel, often withdrew to a small cave to pray while tending his flock. Even before entering the monastery, he longed for silence and communion with God. His hidden life teaches us that God often prepares His greatest servants away from the applause of the world. A heart that learns to listen in silence becomes ready to hear the voice of God and faithfully follow His call.
ANSWERING GOD’S CALL WITHOUT HESITATION
“Follow Me.”
— Matthew 4:19
At the age of twenty-three, Youssef quietly left his family home and entered the Lebanese Maronite Order, taking the name Sharbel after a second-century martyr. He never looked back but embraced a life dedicated entirely to Christ. His generous response reminds us that discipleship requires courage and complete trust. When God calls, delayed obedience often becomes missed opportunity.
HOLINESS IS BUILT THROUGH DAILY FIDELITY
“Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much.”
— Luke 16:10
For many years, Saint Sharbel faithfully carried out ordinary monastic duties with extraordinary love. Whether working in the fields, praying in choir, or serving his community, he performed every task with humility and devotion. His life teaches us that holiness is not achieved through spectacular deeds but through unwavering faithfulness in everyday responsibilities.
THE EUCHARIST IS THE CENTRE OF LIFE
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven.”
— John 6:51
As a priest, Saint Sharbel celebrated the Holy Eucharist with profound reverence. He spent long hours preparing for Mass and remaining in thanksgiving afterwards. Witnesses spoke of his deep recollection while offering the Holy Sacrifice. His example reminds us that every Eucharist is a personal encounter with Christ, who nourishes and transforms those who receive Him with faith.
PRAYER GIVES STRENGTH FOR EVERY SACRIFICE
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
After twenty-three years in the monastery, Saint Sharbel received permission to live as a hermit at the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul. There he devoted himself to prayer, fasting, penance, and meditation for the remaining twenty-three years of his life. His witness shows that prayer is not merely an activity but the very breath of the soul, sustaining us through every trial.
HUMILITY ATTRACTS GOD’S GRACE
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— John 20:17
Saint Sharbel never sought honour, recognition, or influence. He preferred hiddenness and desired only that Christ be glorified. Even as people admired his holiness, he remained simple, obedient, and self-effacing. His life reminds us that God’s greatest blessings rest upon those who seek His glory rather than their own.
SUFFERING UNITED WITH CHRIST BEARS FRUIT
“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.”
— Colossians 1:24
Saint Sharbel willingly embraced fasting, physical hardship, and a life of penance as acts of love for God. On 16 December 1898, while celebrating the Holy Eucharist, he suffered a stroke and died eight days later on Christmas Eve. His peaceful acceptance of suffering teaches us that when united with Christ, suffering becomes a path to holiness and spiritual fruitfulness.
A HOLY LIFE CONTINUES TO LEAD SOULS TO GOD
“Let your light shine before others.”
— Matthew 5:16
After Saint Sharbel’s death, extraordinary lights were reported around his tomb, his body remained remarkably incorrupt for many years, and countless healings and conversions occurred through his intercession. Pilgrims from around the world continue to seek his prayers and find renewed faith in God. His life reminds us that holiness does not end at death; those who belong to Christ continue to inspire and strengthen His Church for generations.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the inspiring witness of Saint Sharbel (Charbel) Makhlouf, whose life of silence, humility, prayer, and complete surrender reflected the beauty of Christ. Grant us the grace to seek You above all earthly things, to remain faithful in our daily duties, to cherish the Holy Eucharist, and to trust You in every circumstance. Through the intercession of Saint Sharbel, strengthen our faith, heal our hearts, deepen our love for prayer, and fill us with the peace that comes from living according to Your holy will. May our lives, like his, bear lasting fruit for Your Kingdom and lead others closer to You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
