September 1, 2025 – Monday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 4:16–30
Context: Jesus enters the synagogue in Nazareth, his hometown, where Jewish men gather to hear scripture. He reads from Isaiah, proclaiming God’s year of favour, stirring hope among the people for a Messiah to free them from Roman oppression. Initially, the crowd marvels at his wisdom, as they know him as Joseph’s son, a local carpenter. However, when Jesus challenges their narrow expectations by citing prophets like Elijah and Elisha, who helped outsiders, the crowd’s admiration turns to anger. They reject him, unable to accept a familiar figure as God’s messenger, and try to harm him, reflecting Jewish hopes for a local, triumphant Messiah. This rejection highlights the tension between familiarity and faith, showing how Jesus’ bold truth-telling and unwavering mission challenge deeply held beliefs, connecting to his courage in speaking truth and staying faithful despite opposition.
Word: “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” (Lk 4:24)

• Engage 1: Jesus speaks truth without fearing about the opposition or consequences.
  Incidents: Confronting Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Mt 23:13); teaching in Capernaum despite doubts (Mk 2:6–7).
• Engage 2: Jesus remains very clear about and faithful to his mission even when he comes across those who judge him  for various reasons.
  Incidents: Preaching after rejection in Nazareth (Lk 4:31–32); continuing ministry in Galilee (Mt 4:23).

September 2, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 4:31–37
Context: In Capernaum, a bustling Jewish town by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath, a sacred day for worship. His words carry an authority that amazes the people, unlike the usual rabbis who rely on tradition. When a man possessed by a demon disrupts the gathering, Jesus commands the spirit to leave, and it obeys, leaving the man unharmed. The crowd is astonished, as Jewish tradition viewed demons as powerful forces, and exorcisms were rare. News of Jesus’ power spreads, reinforcing his divine authority. This event connects to his ability to confront evil decisively and inspire awe through bold actions, showing his strength and compassion in a setting where faith was tested.

Word: “Be quiet! Come out of him!” (Lk 4:35)

• Engage 1: Jesus confronts evil with authority and confidence.
  Incidents: Exorcising the Gerasene demoniac (Mk 5:8–13); rebuking the storm (Mk 4:39).
• Engage 2: Jesus does ministry with such dedication that others are surprised seeing the fruit of the ministry.
  Incidents: Healing the paralytic (Mk 2:10–12); raising Jairus’ daughter (Lk 8:54–55).

September 3, 2025 – Wednesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 4:38–44
Context: In Capernaum, Jesus visits Simon’s house, where his mother-in-law lies ill with a fever, a serious condition in a time without modern medicine. Jesus heals her instantly, and she serves them, showing gratitude. As word spreads, crowds bring their sick and possessed to Jesus, who heals many, fulfilling Jewish hopes for a prophet like Elijah. Despite the demand, Jesus retreats to pray, seeking God’s guidance. He then continues preaching across Judea, driven by his mission to share God’s kingdom. This balance of compassion and purpose ties to his prioritising God’s message and healing with care, reflecting his commitment to both spiritual and physical needs.
Word: “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Lk 4:43)

• Engage 1: Jesus does not get attached to places and people but prioritises preaching Good News.
  Incidents: Preaching in Galilee (Mk 1:14–15); teaching in synagogues (Mt 4:23).
• Engage 2: Jesus’s ministry is focused on various groups of people even to those whom society disregarded because of sickness or their state of life.
  Incidents: Healing the leper (Mk 1:40–41); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).

September 4, 2025 – Thursday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 5:1–11
Context: At Lake Gennesaret, a key fishing area for Galilean Jews, Jesus teaches a large crowd from Simon’s boat, using it as a platform to reach them. After, he tells Simon, a seasoned fisherman, to cast nets despite a fruitless night. The miraculous catch overwhelms Simon, James, and John, who recognise Jesus’ divine power. Humbled, Simon confesses his unworthiness, but Jesus calls them to follow, promising to make them “fishers of men.” This shift from fishing to discipleship reflects Jewish cultural reliance on the sea and the radical call to leave all for God’s kingdom, linking to Jesus’ transformative miracles and call to commitment.
Word: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” (Lk 5:10)

• Engage 1: Jesus does the best he can to makes other’s life better.
  Incidents: Healing the centurion’s servant (Mt 8:5–13); feeding the five thousand (Mt 14:19–20).
• Engage 2: Jesus calls others to radical commitment as he himself was totally committed.
  Incidents: Inviting Matthew to follow (Mt 9:9); urging disciples to leave all (Lk 14:33).

September 5, 2025 – Friday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 5:33–39
Context: In Galilee, Pharisees question Jesus about why his disciples don’t fast, unlike John the Baptist’s followers, who observe strict Jewish practices. Jesus compares himself to a bridegroom, a joyful figure in Jewish wedding feasts, suggesting his presence brings a new era of celebration. He uses the parable of new wine and old wineskins to show his teachings don’t fit rigid traditions, challenging Jewish legalism. This call for renewal over outdated customs connects to his transformative teachings and willingness to embrace change, inviting disciples to a fresh way of faith.
Word: “No one pours new wine into old wineskins.” (Lk 5:37)

• Engage 1: Jesus helps people to develop new life style fitting for his new teachings.
  Incidents: Teaching the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3–12); explaining parables (Mk 4:10–13).
• Engage 2: Jesus focuses what new contribution he can make in each situation rather than blindly following the crowd. 
• Incidents: Defending disciples’ Sabbath actions (Mt 12:1–8); forgiving the sinful woman (Lk 7:47–48).

September 6, 2025 – Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 6:1–5
Context: While walking through a grainfield in Galilee, Jesus’ disciples pluck grain to eat on the Sabbath, a day when Jewish law forbids work. Pharisees, strict keepers of the law, criticise this act. Jesus defends his disciples, citing David’s example of eating sacred bread and declaring himself “lord of the sabbath.” This challenges Jewish legalism, emphasising human need and God’s mercy over rigid rules, a theme central to Jewish debates about Sabbath observance. Jesus’ stance connects to his prioritising mercy and asserting divine authority, redefining how faith is lived.
Word: “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” (Lk 6:5)

• Engage 1: Jesus considered what is really good for the people rather than blind following of rules.
  Incidents: Healing on the Sabbath (Lk 13:10–16); defending mercy over rules (Mt 12:7).
• Engage 2: Jesus was always aware of his divine identity and he never doubted when he needed to act according to his identity.
  Incidents: Forgiving sins (Mk 2:5–7); calming the sea (Mk 4:39).

September 7, 2025 – Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 14:25–33
Context: In Judea, large crowds follow Jesus, drawn by his teachings and miracles. He speaks plainly about discipleship’s cost, using parables of a tower builder and a king planning war to show the need for full commitment. Renouncing possessions and carrying the cross, a symbol of suffering, challenge Jewish hopes for an easy path to salvation under a triumphant Messiah. Jesus’ call to weigh the cost carefully ties to his demand for total surrender and deliberate commitment, urging followers to embrace sacrifice for God’s kingdom.
Word: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Lk 14:27)

• Engage 1: Jesus willingly carried his cross though it was very painful because he knew it would help others.
  Incidents: Praying in Gethsemane (Mt 26:39); enduring the cross (Jn 19:17).
• Engage 2: Jesus urges the need for total commitment because he himself was totally committed in all what he did.
  Incidents: Teaching to count the cost (Lk 14:28–30); calling to leave all (Lk 18:22).

September 8, 2025 – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Reading: Mt 1:1–16, 18–23
Context: In Bethlehem, a small Jewish town, Joseph, a righteous man, faces a dilemma when he learns Mary, his betrothed, is pregnant. Jewish law allows him to divorce her, but an angel reveals her child is from the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin bearing “Emmanuel.” The genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage through David, affirming Jewish Messianic hopes. Mary’s obedience and Joseph’s trust in God’s plan highlight Jesus’ divine role, connecting to his fulfilment of promises and inspiration of trust in God’s purpose.
Word: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.” (Mt 1:23)

• Engage 1: Jesus was careful in words and deeds so as to live according to his  identity (Emmanuel) and to make others feel God’s presence and love wherever he went.
  Incidents: Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Mt 4:14–16); teaching as the Messiah (Jn 4:25–26).
• Engage 2: Jesus, in His humility, willingly set aside the honour and glory of His divine nature and never mentioned about it to anyone as a big sacrifice.
  Incidents:  Accepting the arrest though he could ask the Father to send angels to protect him (Mt 26:53); Not protesting though he was rejected in his own hometown by people who might have been close to him (Lk 4:16-30)

September 9, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 6:12–19
Context: Jesus spends a night in prayer on a mountain in Galilee, seeking God’s guidance before choosing the Twelve apostles from his disciples. This act reflects Jewish traditions of prayer before major decisions. Crowds from Judea, Jerusalem, and beyond flock to him, seeking healing and teaching, viewing him as a prophet who brings God’s power. His careful discernment and empowerment of the apostles show his reliance on prayer and mission to spread God’s kingdom, linking to his qualities of discernment and empowerment.
Word: “He called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles.” (Lk 6:13)

• Engage 1: Jesus confidently chose the 12 because he had prayed and discerned God’s will before doing it.
  Incidents: Praying before his Passion (Lk 22:41–42); seeking solitude to pray (Mk 1:35).
• Engage 2: Jesus wants to see others doing the mission well so he empowered them. Incidents: Sending the Twelve to preach (Mt 10:5–7); commissioning disciples (Lk 9:1–2).

September 10, 2025 – Wednesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 6:20–26
Context: On a plain in Galilee, Jesus delivers the Beatitudes to his disciples and a crowd, blessing the poor, hungry, and weeping while warning the rich and comfortable. In Jewish culture, wealth often signified God’s favour, but Jesus redefines blessedness, promising God’s kingdom to the lowly. His teaching challenges societal norms, uplifting the marginalised and calling for a faith rooted in God’s values, connecting to his qualities of uplifting the lowly and redefining blessedness.
Word: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” (Lk 6:20)

• Engage 1: Jesus had a special love for the poor and the lowly, those who were helpless.
  Incidents: Blessing children (Mt 19:13–14); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that true happiness does not come from material wealth so he was happy and contented wherever he was.

Incidents: Teaching the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3–10); warning against earthly riches (Lk 12:15).

September 11, 2025 – Thursday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 6:27–38
Context: In Judea, Jesus teaches his disciples a radical ethic: love enemies, bless those who curse, and give generously without expecting repayment. This contrasts with Jewish norms of retribution, where justice often meant equal repayment for wrongs. Jesus calls for mercy like God’s, promising divine reward. His teachings challenge cultural boundaries, urging forgiveness and selfless love, which tie to his modelling of boundless mercy and encouragement of generous love in relationships.
Word: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Lk 6:36)

• Engage 1: Jesus chose to be merciful even when there were people around who did not value his goodness and commitment.
  Incidents: Forgiving the paralytic (Mk 2:5–11); praying for his crucifiers (Lk 23:34).
• Engage 2: Jesus encourages generous love without limit.
  Incidents: Teaching to give without return (Lk 6:30); healing the Samaritan leper (Lk 17:16).

September 12, 2025 – Friday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 6:39–42
Context: In Judea, Jesus uses parables to teach disciples about judgement: a blind person cannot lead another, and one must remove the “beam” from their own eye before addressing another’s “splinter.” These images, rooted in Jewish wisdom teachings, critique hypocritical leadership common among some Pharisees. Jesus urges humility and self-awareness, fostering a community of mutual correction grounded in love, connecting to his promotion of self-reflection and gentle guidance in relationships.
Word: “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” (Lk 6:42)

• Engage 1: Jesus makes people aware of the need for regular examination of conscience.
  Incidents: Teaching about the need to have inner purity (Mt 23:26); washing disciples’ feet and asking disciples to learn from him (Jn 13:4–5).
• Engage 2: Jesus gives corrections in very simple and understandable ways.
  Incidents: Correcting disciples’ pride (Lk 9:46–48); forgiving Peter’s denial (Jn 21:15–17).

September 13, 2025 – Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 6:43–49
Context: In Judea, Jesus teaches that good trees bear good fruit and houses built on rock withstand floods, using imagery familiar to Jewish farmers and builders. These parables stress that true disciples live out his teachings, producing good actions and enduring trials. Unlike Pharisees who focus on external rules, Jesus calls for a faith rooted in obedience to God’s word, linking to his emphasis on obedient action and steadfast faith.
Word: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” (Lk 6:48)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that total obedience to God’s word has great effect in one’s life.
  Incidents: Teaching to follow his words (Mt 7:24–25); sending disciples to preach (Lk 9:1–2).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to be like rock with strong faith.
  Incidents: Commending the centurion’s faith (Mt 8:10); praising the widow’s offering (Lk 21:3–4).

September 14, 2025 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Gospel Reading: Jn 3:13–17
Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a curious Pharisee, at night, explaining that the Son of Man must be “lifted up” like the serpent Moses raised in the desert, a Jewish symbol of healing. This foreshadows the cross, where Jesus’ sacrifice brings eternal life. His teaching, rooted in Jewish scripture, reveals God’s love for all, challenging exclusive views and connecting to his self-offering for salvation and revelation of God’s love.
Word: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)

• Engage 1: Jesus was ready to accept pain hardships to make others’ life more comfortable.
  Incidents: Enduring the cross (Jn 19:17–18); praying in Gethsemane (Lk 22:42).
• Engage 2: Jesus never disappointed anyone who put his trust in him.

Incidents: Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Mt 8:5-13); Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:36).

September 15, 2025 – Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Gospel Reading: Jn 19:25–27

Context: At the foot of the cross in Jerusalem, Jesus, amidst his crucifixion, sees his mother, Mary, and the beloved disciple standing nearby. In Jewish culture, a dying person’s final words carried profound weight, often addressing family responsibilities. Despite his agony, Jesus entrusts Mary to the beloved disciple, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” This act fulfills Jewish expectations of filial duty while establishing a spiritual family, with Mary as mother to all disciples. It highlights Mary’s sorrowful yet faithful presence at the cross and Jesus’ self-giving love, connecting to his care for others even in suffering and his creation of a new community of faith.

Word: “Woman, behold your son. … Behold your mother.” (Jn 19:26–27)

• Engage 1: Jesus shows compassionate care for others, ensuring his mother’s well-being even in the depths of his suffering. Incidents:  Healing the high priest’s servant  (Lk 20: 50-51); praying for his crucifiers’ forgiveness (Lk 23:34).
• Engage 2: Jesus establishes a spiritual family, uniting his followers under Mary’s maternal care through his sacrificial love. Incidents: Declaring those who do God’s will as his family (Lk 8:21); promising eternal life to believers (Jn 17:2–3)

September 16, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 7:11–17
Context: In Nain, a small Galilean village, Jesus encounters a widow weeping as her only son’s funeral procession passes. In Jewish culture, her loss means not only grief but also loss of support, as sons provided for widowed mothers. Moved by compassion, Jesus raises the son to life, astonishing the crowd, who see him as a prophet like Elijah. This miracle, echoing Jewish traditions of God’s power, restores hope, connecting to Jesus’ compassionate actions and hope-giving miracles.
Word: “Young man, I tell you, arise!” (Lk 7:14)

• Engage 1: Jesus noticed what exactly was the need of the widow and willingly did what he could to help her.
  Incidents: Healing the blind men (Mt 9:29–30); feeding the five thousand (Mk 6:41–44).
• Engage 2: The presence of Jesus gave hope to those who were sad and discouraged.
  Incidents: Raising Jairus’ daughter (Lk 8:54–55); healing the paralytic (Mk 2:11–12).

September 17, 2025 – Wednesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 7:31–35
Context: In Judea, Jesus compares his generation to children who reject both John the Baptist’s strict lifestyle and his own joyful ministry. Jewish crowds expected a Messiah to fit their ideals, but Jesus and John, though different, both call for repentance. Their rejection reflects resistance to God’s varied messengers, rooted in Jewish wisdom traditions. Jesus’ persistence in teaching despite this connects to his defence of God’s ways and steadfastness amid rejection.
Word: “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” (Lk 7:35)

• Engage 1: Jesus freely discussed about God’s ways and made people understand it in simple ways.  
  Incidents: Praising John’s witness (Mt 11:11); teaching through parables (Mk 4:33–34).
• Engage 2: Jesus knew he would be rejected and misunderstood and yet he wanted to give his best.
  Incidents: Preaching despite unbelief (Mk 6:6); confronting Pharisees (Mt 23:13).

September 18, 2025 – Thursday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 7:36–50
Context: In a Pharisee’s home in Galilee, a sinful woman, likely shunned by Jewish society, enters uninvited and anoints Jesus’ feet with tears and ointment, showing deep repentance. The host, Simon, judges her silently, but Jesus contrasts her love with Simon’s lack of hospitality. By forgiving her sins, Jesus challenges Jewish purity norms, emphasising faith and mercy, which ties to his compassionate forgiveness and valuing of repentant faith.
Word: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Lk 7:50)

• Engage 1: Jesus humbly performed miracles without taking credit, continuing His ministry with a calm focus on serving others.
  Incidents: Healing the Paralytic at Capernaum (Mk 2:1-12); Feeding the Five Thousand (Jn 6:1-14)
• Engage 2: Jesus openly appreciated simple acts done in faith even when there were chances of being misunderstood or judged.
  Incidents: Welcoming the sinful woman (Lk 7:48–50); forgiving Zacchaeus (Lk 19:9).

September 19, 2025 – Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 8:1–3
Context: In Galilee, Jesus travels with the Twelve and women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who support his ministry. In Jewish culture, women rarely joined such groups, as men dominated religious roles. These women, healed by Jesus, show gratitude through service, highlighting his inclusive mission. Their presence challenges social norms, connecting to Jesus’ welcoming of diverse followers and valuing of supportive service.
Word: “Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities.” (Lk 8:1–2)

• Engage 1: Jesus accepted all who wanted to follow him, without judging them based on their past life and failures.

Incidents: Inviting tax collectors (Mt 9:9); healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter (Mt 15:28).

• Engage 2: Jesus gratefully acknowledged the faith or the service of those who accepted and supported him.
  Incidents: Commending Mary’s listening (Lk 10:39–42); praising the centurion’s faith (Lk 7:9).

September 20, 2025 – Saturday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 8:4–15
Context: In Galilee, Jesus shares the parable of the sower with a large crowd, using familiar Jewish farming imagery. Seeds falling on different soils represent responses to God’s word: some reject it, others accept it fruitfully. Later, he explains to his disciples that the seed is God’s word, urging perseverance in faith. This teaching challenges listeners to cultivate receptive hearts, linking to Jesus’ vivid teaching style and encouragement of openness to God.
Word: “The seed is the word of God.” (Lk 8:11)

• Engage 1: Jesus came down to people’s level and taught great things very creatively with lots of examples that people could easily relate to instead of complaining that they are weak intellectually.
  Incidents: Using the mustard seed parable (Mt 13:31–32); teaching about the Kingdom (Mk 4:26–29).
• Engage 2: Jesus is the word who is ready to work in the life of anyone who is willing to receive his teaching.
  Incidents: Explaining parables to disciples (Mt 13:10–16); commending Mary’s attentiveness (Lk 10:39–42).

September 21, 2025 – Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Gospel Reading: Mt 9:9–13
Context: In Capernaum, Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector despised by Jews for serving Rome, and calls him to follow. Matthew leaves his post and hosts a meal where Jesus dines with sinners, shocking Pharisees who value ritual purity. Quoting Hosea, Jesus prioritises mercy over sacrifice, challenging Jewish norms and embracing outcasts. This inclusive mission ties to his invitation to sinners and focus on mercy over judgement.
Word: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mt 9:13)

• Engage 1: Jesus paid attention to the needs of those  whom others considered as not worthy attention.
  Incidents: Calling Zacchaeus (Lk 19:5–7); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).
• Engage 2: In every situation Jesus tried to express the mercy of the Father.
  Incidents: Defending mercy on the Sabbath (Mt 12:7); welcoming the sinful woman (Lk 7:48–50).

September 22, 2025 – Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 8:16–18
Context: In Galilee, Jesus teaches his disciples using the image of a lamp on a stand, common in Jewish homes where oil lamps lit small spaces. He urges them not to hide God’s truth but to share it openly, as light reveals all. Those who hear and act on his words will receive more understanding, while those who ignore them lose even what they have, connecting to his call for sharing God’s light and transparent faith.
Word: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed.” (Lk 8:16)

• Engage 1: Jesus told them to share their faith boldly, letting other see it. Jesus himself was bold in his words and deeds because of his faith in the Father.  

 Incidents: Teaching to shine as light (Mt 5:14–16); sending disciples to preach (Mt 10:7).

• Engage 2: Jesus calls for a sincere and transparent spiritual life.
  Incidents: Teaching to act on his words (Lk 6:47–48); commending the centurion’s faith (Lk 7:9).

September 23, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 8:19–21
Context: In Galilee, Jesus’ mother and brothers seek him while he teaches a crowd, but family ties in Jewish culture are strong, often defining identity. Jesus redefines family, saying those who hear and act on God’s word are his true kin. This challenges traditional Jewish kinship, emphasising spiritual bonds over blood ties. His teaching calls for obedience to God’s will, linking to his redefinition of family and valuing of obedient listening.
Word: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Lk 8:21)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed the importance to having a spiritual family united by the desire to regularly listen to God’s word and obey it.
  Incidents: Praising Mary’s obedience (Lk 1:38); teaching to follow God’s will (Mt 7:21).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that listening or reading the word of God is important before we can act on it. Jesus spent time in listening to the word of the Father before he acted in many major occasions.
  Incidents: Commending Mary’s attentiveness (Lk 10:39–42); teaching the sower parable (Lk 8:15).

September 24, 2025 – Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 9:1–6
Context: In Galilee, Jesus sends the Twelve apostles to proclaim God’s kingdom, giving them power to heal and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel lightly, without supplies, relying on God’s provision, a practice echoing Jewish prophets who trusted in hospitality. Villagers often welcomed travelling teachers, but rejection was common. Jesus’ mission empowers the apostles and teaches trust, connecting to his empowerment for mission and reliance on God’s provision.
Word: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money.” (Lk 9:3)

• Engage 1: Jesus empowered the apostles for mission with very clear instructions so that they don’t change their focus during ministry.  
  Incidents: Sending the Seventy-Two (Lk 10:1–3); giving authority to disciples (Mt 10:1).
• Engage 2: Jesus taught the apostles to trust in God who takes care of those who do his ministry.
  Incidents: Teaching reliance on God (Mt 6:26–30); feeding the five thousand (Mk 6:41–44).

September 25, 2025 – Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 9:7–9
Context: In Galilee, Herod Antipas, the Jewish ruler under Rome, hears of Jesus’ miracles and wonders if he is John the Baptist risen or a prophet like Elijah. Herod’s guilt over beheading John fuels his curiosity, reflecting Jewish speculation about Messianic figures. Jesus’ growing fame stirs questions about his identity, yet he continues his work, pointing to God’s kingdom, connecting to his ability to inspire curiosity and focus on God’s work.
Word: “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” (Lk 9:9)

• Engage 1: Jesus lived in such a way that made others curious about his identity.
  Incidents: Teaching as the Messiah (Jn 4:25–26); calming the storm (Mk 4:41).
• Engage 2: Jesus was focused on a life style that made others reflect.
  Incidents: Healing the blind man (Jn 9:6–7); raising Lazarus (Jn 11:43–44).

September 26, 2025 – Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 9:18–22
Context: In Caesarea Philippi, a region with mixed Jewish and Gentile populations, Jesus asks his disciples who the crowds and they believe he is. Peter declares him the Messiah, fulfilling Jewish hopes for a liberator. Jesus then predicts his suffering, rejection, and death, shocking his disciples, who expect a triumphant king. This teaching redefines the Messiah’s role, connecting to Jesus’ acceptance of sacrifice and preparation of others for it.
Word: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders.” (Lk 9:22)

• Engage 1: Jesus accepted the pain and difficulty involved in the ministry entrusted to him.
  Incidents: Praying in Gethsemane (Mt 26:39); enduring the cross (Jn 19:17).
• Engage 2: Jesus calmly prepared the disciples to accept tough situations that they were going to face soon.
  Incidents: Predicting his Passion (Mt 16:21); teaching to carry the cross (Lk 9:23).

September 27, 2025 – Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 9:43–45
Context: In Galilee, after healing a demon-possessed boy, Jesus again predicts his betrayal and death, but his disciples, steeped in Jewish expectations of a victorious Messiah, cannot grasp his words. The crowd marvels at his power, yet Jesus focuses on his coming suffering, showing his resolve to follow God’s plan. This persistence in teaching hard truths connects to his acceptance of suffering and commitment to revealing God’s will.
Word: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” (Lk 9:44)

• Engage 1: Jesus decided not to resist or try to persuade those who were to inflict pain upon him to not to do it. But he calmly kept focusing on God’s will.
  Incidents: Submitting in Gethsemane (Lk 22:42); enduring mockery at the cross (Mt 27:39–40).
• Engage 2: Jesus speaks the truth plainly without getting emotional or blaming anyone for difficulties he was going to face.  
  Incidents: Predicting his death (Mt 20:18–19); teaching despite misunderstanding (Mk 9:32).

September 28, 2025 – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 16:19–31
Context: In Judea, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to Pharisees, who valued wealth as a sign of God’s favour. The rich man lives lavishly while Lazarus, a poor beggar, suffers at his gate. After death, Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, a Jewish image of paradise, while the rich man faces torment. The story urges compassion and heeding God’s word, linking to Jesus’ warning against neglecting the poor and call for openness to scripture.
Word: “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Lk 16:31)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that obedience to God’s word is more important than receiving miracles in life. So Jesus decided to obey the will of the Father rather than miraculously escaping from the cross.
  Incidents: Loving Jesus is expressed by obedience to his commands (Jn 14:15); Only those who do the will of the Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 7: 21-23).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to be totally open to God’s word.
  Incidents: Teaching the sower parable (Lk 8:15); calling for repentance (Lk 13:3).

September 29, 2025 – Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Gospel Reading: Jn 1:47–51
Context: In Galilee, Jesus meets Nathanael, a devout Jew, and praises his sincerity, seeing his heart clearly. He promises Nathanael a vision of angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man, echoing Jacob’s ladder, a Jewish symbol of divine connection. This encounter reveals Jesus’ divine insight and mission to bridge heaven and earth, connecting to his discernment of hearts and revelation of divine mysteries.
Word: “You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (Jn 1:51)

• Engage 1: Jesus interacted with positivity with those who had a negative opinion about him.
  Incidents: Knowing Nathanael’s character (Jn 1:47–48); sharing the bread with Judas at the last supper (Jn 13:26).
• Engage 2: Jesus did not shy away from entering into spiritual conversation with people even at the very first meeting.
  Incidents: Interacting with Nicodemus (Jn 3); Interacting with Samaritan woman (Jn 4).

September 30, 2025 – Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Lk 9:51–56
Context: As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, a Samaritan village rejects him due to Jewish-Samaritan tensions, rooted in religious and cultural divides. James and John, angered, suggest calling down fire, echoing Elijah’s actions in Jewish tradition. Jesus rebukes them, choosing mercy over vengeance, and moves on, focused on his mission to save, not destroy. This choice ties to his mercy over retribution and pursuit of salvation.
Word: “The Son of Man has not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” (Lk 9:56)

• Engage 1: Jesus was so clear about his identity so he was very clear about what he was supposed to do and what he was not supposed to do.
  Incidents: Forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11); praying for his crucifiers (Lk 23:34).
• Engage 2: Jesus made use of every opportunity he got to bring Somone back to a strong spiritual life.
  Incidents: Seeking the lost sheep (Mt 18:12–14); welcoming Zacchaeus (Lk 19:9).