Daily Readings - Mon Sep 15 2025

⁷During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.⁸Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered⁹and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

Gospel - Luke 2.33-35 or John 19.25-27

Luke

Chapter 2

³³The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

John

Chapter 19

²⁵Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"²⁷and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his 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.