In today’s homily, Fr. Chris Alar reminds us that prayer is not just something we do—it is who we are called to be. It is the lifeline between our soul and God, the “raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2559). Prayer is communication, relationship, and covenant. It is how we learn to love the Lord and conform our human will to His divine will.

Is St. Mary Magdalene the same person as St. Mary of Bethany, the sister of St. Lazarus and St. Martha? Is she the same person as the penitent woman in Luke 7:36-50? In 2021, Pope Francis added the names of Mary of Bethany and Lazarus to the July 29 memorial of St. Martha, making it a liturgical celebration of all three family members. Does this change the Church's traditional understanding of who Mary Magdalene was, whose feast day is celebrated on July 22? Listen to Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC explain what we know about St. Mary Magdalene according to the prayers of the Church.

Father Anthony reflects on the story of Martha and Mary, encouraging us to balance action with contemplation in our own lives. Are we serving God out of our own strength, or allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through prayer?