Daily Readings - Mon Sep 15 2025
Hebrews
7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.8Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.9And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Gospel - Luke 2.33-35 or John 19.25-27
Luke
33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
John
25but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"27Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Sermon
The first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus as both the Son of God and the one who learned obedience through suffering. It highlights that Jesus, though divine, embraced his humanity fully, enduring the trials and pains of this world. His prayers and tears were heard by the Father, not because he was spared suffering, but because his reverence and trust in God’s plan were unwavering. This passage reminds us that even in our struggles, our faith and obedience can lead us to deeper union with God.
The Gospel from Luke describes the moment when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, recognized Jesus as the Messiah and proclaimed that he would be a sign of contradiction, meaning that Jesus’ mission would divide hearts and reveal the thoughts of many. Simeon also spoke directly to Mary, foretelling the suffering she would endure as the mother of the Savior, symbolized by the sword that would pierce her soul. This passage invites us to reflect on the mystery of faith and the cross, which are inseparable in the life of a disciple.
Together, these readings teach us about the transformative power of obedience and suffering. Jesus, though sinless, accepted the will of the Father and learned obedience through his trials. Mary, too, accepted her role as the Mother of God, embracing the suffering that came with it. For us, this means that our own struggles and challenges are opportunities to grow in faith and obedience. Like Jesus and Mary, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it is difficult to understand. Let us ask for the grace to embrace our crosses with courage and to allow our trials to deepen our union with Christ, who is the source of eternal salvation.