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True greatness lies in serving others.

  Monday of week 26 in Ordinary Time  Job 1:6-22 · Psalm 16(17):1-3,6-7 Luke 9:46-50 As Jesus journeyed with his disciples toward Jerusalem, he told them his mission was to go there and lay down his life for humanity. In contrast, the disciples thought he would establish an earthly kingdom by overthrowing the Roman Empire, and they began arguing among themselves over who would hold positions of power and earthly greatness. Jesus, however, pointed out that true greatness is found in humility and service. To drive this point home, he took a child into his arms and said, ‘The greatest among you is the one who is the least.' The real measure of greatness, as St. Faustina teaches, is loving God and practicing humility. We are called to be selfless in caring for both the worthy and the unwanted. Yet, often, our own sins—pride, jealousy, selfish ambition—stand in the way. Pope Benedict XVI remarked that, "The world promises comfort, but you are not made for comfort. You are made...
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Herod’s pride led to his fall

Thursday of week 25 in Ordinary Time Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 · Psalm 89(90):3-6,12-14,17 Luke 9:7-9   Herod’s fears and failures  Today's Gospel reading offers a brief yet profound lesson. Herod's pride led him to imprison John the Baptist because the prophet openly condemned his marriage as incestuous, sinful, and unworthy of a king. Herod detained John to silence the disruptive prophet who was damaging his reputation within the community. This act exemplifies pride. Herod's pride also prompted him to make a boastful promise in front of his guests. Rather than appear weak or foolish, he ordered John’s execution. Soon, troubling rumors reached the court that John had risen from the dead and was performing miracles, which increased Herod's fear. Poor decisions often lead to unfavorable outcomes, whereas good decisions, such as listening to one’s parents, tend to result in positive consequences and happiness. Usually, making appropriate choices brings satisfaction, while igno...
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All who are called by Christ are preserved by Him

  Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time  1 Corinthians 15:12-20 · Psalm 16(17):1,6-8,15 Luke 8:1-3 There is a place for everyone in God’s kingdom. The followers of Jesus were diverse—beyond the twelve apostles and the other disciples (72), women also followed Him like (Blessed Virgin Mary at significant points in his public life) Joanna, Susanna, Salome, Martha and Mary of Bethany, Mary the mother of James and Joses and Mary Magdalene, who was delivered from seven demons and later became the first witness to Christ’s resurrection, also followed Him. To many in her time, this was scandalous. Luke wrote to an audience with certain social perceptions about women and children. Men often believed women shouldn’t hold high responsibilities, especially in society, but Christ sees everyone as equally important. Hearing His call is what truly matters, emphasizing that we should value all who listen to Christ Jesus. For these devoted women, their love for Jesus runs deeper than anythi...
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  Saint Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist  - Feast   Ephesians 4:1-7,​11-13 · Psalm 18(19):2-5 Matthew 9:9-13 For I came not to call the righteous but sinners-Matt.9:13. Today, the Church commemorates the feast of St. Matthew. Christ called him while he worked as a tax collector, and that encounter transformed his life. Matthew dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving God and faithfully obeyed His commandments. Ultimately, he authored the Gospel according to Matthew, offering a detailed account of his Master's life. Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, from start to finish, Jesus is presented as Immanuel, God-with-us, remaining with us until the end of time. Matthew acknowledges the ever-present guidance of Jesus, the Son of Man, who came through David's lineage to call the weary and lost back to the Father. It is noteworthy that, when Matthew hosted Christ at his home, there were many other tax collectors and sinners present, sharing a meal. This prompts the question: wh...
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  Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest  Proverbs 30:5-9 Ps. 118(119):28,72,89,101,104,163 Luke 9:1-6 Spreading the word of God continuously, regardless of the circumstances or season.  In the Gospel, the Lord entrusted the Twelve Apostles with authority and power to proclaim the good news of salvation. They were diligent workers, sharing the message of God's grace and bringing lasting spiritual healing as they traveled from village to village. This example is remarkable because it teaches us about the compassionate heart of God. He does not withhold His word from anyone, even those who are not initially receptive or seem unprepared. Likewise, we should not hesitate to share the Gospel with others simply because they appear uninterested or hostile. Every moment and circumstance is the right time to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ! Consider how many people you have spoken to about Jesus this year—each conversation an opportunity for salvation. 
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The Christian Family

Tuesday of week 25 in Ordinary Time  Proverbs 21:1-6,​10-13 Psalm 118(119):1,27,30,34-35,44 Luke 8:19-21 In today’s Gospel, Jesus broadens the understanding of family: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it.” To belong to the family of Jesus is not merely to listen to His teachings, but to let His word influence and transform how we relate to and care for others. The Christian heart listens with contemplation, remains present, and offers accompaniment. It allows itself to be moved by compassion. Today, Christ continues to speak through numerous human struggles: “I am here.” Our response should not be one of indifference, but of closeness; not simply words, but presence; not a comfort-based faith, but compassion demonstrated through action. Those who genuinely hear the word of God will ultimately find themselves standing near the cross, where, even today, someone hopes to endure suffering without being alone.
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  Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   Isa 55.6-9;   Ps 144;   Phil 1.20-24, 27;   Mt 20.1-16   The familiar parable we have just listened to is one which leaves some people feeling rather uncomfortable.  Perhaps we feel a degree of sympathy with those workmen who had toiled all day and yet received the same wages as those who had come in no more than an hour before the end of the day. They had not only worked for a much shorter time, but they had also missed bearing the burden of the day, working in the stifling heat of the midday sun.  And yet they received the same pay.  Is it fair?  Can we not be forgiven if the word "injustice" comes to mind?      When we try to grasp the analogies given us in parables, we must always remember that God is not like us.  God, as Saint Anselm said, is "that greater than which nothing can be thought".  God's nature is utterly different from ours.  As he reminds u...
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