Year B - Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

In Catholic Lectionary Today's readings:

• 📖 First reading: Job 1:6-22
• 📖 Gospel: Luke 9:46-50 😊💫

On this Memorial of Saint Jerome, we celebrate one of the Church's most remarkable biblical scholars. Saint Jerome's passion for Scripture guided his life's work, most famously his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, which granted broader access to God's Word. 📖✨

In the First Reading, Job loses everything dear to him. Yet, rather than react with anger, he responds in faith: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!" 🕊️🙏 Job’s profound trust shows us how, even in trials, we are called to trust God's plan, even when it's beyond our understanding. 💔

The Gospel shows the disciples arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus responds by using a child as a symbol of greatness, teaching them that true greatness is found in humility and childlike trust. He also says, "Whoever is least among you is the greatest." 🧒💖 Jesus invites us to redefine our ideas of success, prioritizing service and humility over status. 🌿

Saint Jerome lived a life of dedication and humility, despite his vast knowledge. He continually sought deeper understanding of Scripture, reminding us that our faith journey calls for ongoing learning and humble reverence for God's Word. 📜✨ Let us follow his example by embracing humility, trusting in God's plan, and growing through Scripture. 💡🙏

#SaintJerome #Humility #TrustInGod #BibleScholar #Job'sFaith #ChildlikeTrust #GospelWisdom #CatholicLectionary

Today's readings:

• First reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
• Second reading: Philippians 2:1-5
• Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Today's readings explore the theme of conversion and humility in following God's will.

In the First Reading from Ezekiel, we are reminded of God's justice and mercy. It highlights the possibility of conversion, emphasizing that it is never too late to turn from sin and live a righteous life. God desires that all may live, and He is always open to the repentance of sinners.

In the Second Reading, Saint Paul invites us to adopt the humility of Christ. Though Jesus was God, He chose to empty Himself and become a servant, even to the point of death on the cross. This act of profound humility is the model for Christian living — serving others selflessly and being united in love.

Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of two sons, illustrating that it is not our words but our actions that show true obedience to God. Even those who initially refuse but later repent, like the first son, are welcomed into God's kingdom. This parable challenges us to examine our lives and see where we need to align our actions with God's will, humbling ourselves to follow Him fully.

This Sunday’s readings call us to a life of true conversion, humility, and action — a life modeled after Christ’s own example.

Today's readings:

• First reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:8
• Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

In today’s First Reading from Ecclesiastes, we hear a poetic reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and life itself. The text urges us to enjoy the present but always remember our accountability before God. The imagery of aging and the eventual return of "dust to the earth" is a sober reminder of the brevity of life. This encourages us to seek meaning and purpose beyond mere earthly pursuits, looking towards our eternal relationship with God.

In the Gospel, Jesus forewarns his disciples of his impending suffering, but they struggle to grasp its significance. This hidden message of Christ’s Passion reminds us that there are moments in life when we may not fully understand God’s plan. Yet, we are called to trust in his wisdom, even when it involves difficulty or sacrifice.

Both readings highlight the importance of mindfulness—living with awareness of the shortness of life while also recognizing the profound mystery of God's plan. They invite us to embrace our faith deeply, finding joy in the present but always looking toward our ultimate end in God.

Today's readings:

• First reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
• Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

In Ecclesiastes, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life — that there is a time for everything. This passage points us toward the wisdom of recognizing the seasons in our own lives and trusting in God's timing. It encourages us to live in tune with the reality that some moments require patience and acceptance, while others call for action and change.

In the Gospel, Jesus' question to his disciples challenges us to consider how we understand his identity. Peter’s declaration that Jesus is "the Christ of God" demonstrates the disciples’ growing awareness of his divine mission. However, Jesus immediately follows this revelation with a sober prophecy of his suffering and death, illustrating that the path of discipleship involves both the glory of Christ’s kingship and the humility of the cross.

Today, as we commemorate Saint Vincent de Paul, who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized, we are invited to consider how we can respond to Christ’s call through acts of love and service. Saint Vincent's life exemplifies a deep understanding of God’s will and the time to act with compassion in the world around us. In our lives, there is a time to recognize Christ in others, especially in the poor, and to serve with the same generosity that Saint Vincent showed.

Today's readings:

• First reading: Ecclesiastes 1: 2-11
• Gospel: Luke 9: 7-9

The first reading from Ecclesiastes reflects on the transitory nature of life. Qoheleth, the writer, observes that human efforts and achievements often seem futile, as life moves in repetitive cycles, and nothing under the sun is truly new. This passage reminds us to reflect on what truly matters in life, encouraging us to place our hope not in worldly things, but in God, who gives ultimate meaning to our lives.

In the Gospel, Herod is puzzled by the reports about Jesus, as some think He might be John the Baptist raised from the dead or one of the ancient prophets returned. Herod, who had ordered John’s execution, becomes curious and anxious about Jesus' identity, though he cannot understand who Jesus truly is. This passage challenges us to ask ourselves: Do we recognize Jesus for who He is, or do we, like Herod, fail to grasp His true identity?

Today, we also commemorate Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers and martyrs who were physicians known for their generosity, offering healing without charge. They are remembered for their steadfast faith and selfless service. Their lives inspire us to live out our faith by serving others, especially in times of need, and to recognize the importance of healing in body, mind, and spirit.

Today's readings:

• First reading: Proverbs 30: 5-9
• Gospel: Luke 9: 1-6

The first reading from Proverbs is a prayer for simplicity and integrity. The writer asks for a life free from falsehood, pride, and greed, seeking only the necessities of life. This plea for balance and humility reminds us that both excess and deficiency can lead us away from God. The wisdom here is in relying on God alone for what we need, recognizing that He is our true source of sustenance and protection.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve Apostles on a mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God, giving them power to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to rely completely on God’s providence, carrying nothing extra for the journey. This reflects the call to radical trust in God’s provision and the focus on their mission rather than material concerns. They are to spread the Good News with simplicity and faith, modeling detachment and dependence on God.

These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives and how we might let go of unnecessary attachments or distractions that prevent us from trusting fully in God's care. As followers of Christ, we are called to live with humility, simplicity, and a mission to bring the Gospel to others.

Today's readings:

• First reading: Proverbs 21: 1-6, 10-13
• Gospel: Luke 8: 19-21

The readings today remind us of the importance of aligning our hearts and actions with God's will. The first reading from Proverbs emphasizes that while we may think our ways are correct, it is the Lord who truly knows our hearts. God desires justice and right living more than outward sacrifices, and He calls us to respond to the needs of others, especially the poor, with compassion.

In the Gospel, Jesus redefines the concept of family, placing those who hear and act upon God's word at the center. This passage highlights the importance of not only listening to God's word but also living it out in our daily lives. True discipleship is not just about proximity to Jesus but about actively following His teachings.

These readings encourage us to reflect on how we live our faith and respond to the needs of those around us. Living in humility, justice, and attentiveness to the will of God makes us part of Jesus' spiritual family.

Today's readings:

• First reading: Proverbs 3: 27-34
• Gospel: Luke 8: 16-18

The first reading from Proverbs reminds us to do good whenever we are able and to treat others justly, avoiding quarrels and envy. God favors the humble and upright, while the proud and wicked face His disfavor. This wisdom encourages us to live generously, showing kindness and fairness to our neighbors.

In the Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp to illustrate the visibility of our faith and actions. Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to give light to others, our faith should shine forth in the world. Jesus challenges us to listen carefully to His teachings and live them out, for what we do in secret will ultimately be revealed.

Today we honor Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), a 20th-century priest known for his deep spirituality, miraculous healings, and bearing the stigmata (the wounds of Christ). Padre Pio lived out the virtues of humility and charity, offering countless hours of confession and prayer for others. His life encourages us to live out our faith authentically, making Christ’s light visible to the world through our actions and love for others.