Resources by Date for September 2022

Today we hear how Peter, James, and John walk away from their fishing trade to follow Jesus. Jesus told them to leave it all behind and they did it.

We see religion as serious business. When there are complaints about Jesus and his followers having a little bit too much fun, our Lord turns the tables again. They should be joyful, for he is with them.

St. Gregory the Great called himself a servant of God. His writings are extensive and some of his influences are still seen today. He donated generously to the poor and called deacons to service of those in need. When famine struck Rome he ordered that the assets of the Church be used to give relief to the people in the area. And he is famously known for establishing the form of music now known as Gregorian chant.

The readings for 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us think about what we truly desire. Do I desire the things of this world or am I willing to sacrifice now to follow Jesus Christ?

Today we hear another story of Jesus spending time alone with God. We should follow this example of prayer before decision.

I like the stuff I have. I don’t want to be miserable. But I need to be careful not to make gods out of comfort. Detachment from the things of the world frees me to depend more on God.

The Feast of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the birth of Our Blessed Mother. Her immaculate conception and birth prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. This feast day is celebrated annually on September 8.

St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest who ministered to slaves arriving in the Caribbean port city of Cartagena. He fed them and treated their diseases and wounds. His feast day is September 9.

In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks of the wisdom of being built on rock. When God is the foundation of all we do, then we will not be swept away by the storms of life.

The readings for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on God’s mercy and love for us. Do I really believe in God’s mercy? How does that change my life?

This feast day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14 celebrates the cross as a sign of Christ’s victory over sin for us. It is also called the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. The cross is not a sign of defeat, but a sign of redemption.

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows commemorates the extreme sorrow that the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced during the life, passion, and death of Jesus Christ. The Seven Sorrows Devotion is a traditional Catholic devotion related to the seven sorrows of Mary.

Saints Cornelius and Cyprian were 3rd century Christians. St. Cornelius was a pope. At the time, many Christians were being martyred. Some renounced their faith and then later repented. A priest named Novatian said that these Christians should not be allowed back in the Church. Pope St. Cornelius successfully opposed Novatian’s position. St. Cyprian was a bishop who also opposed Novatian’s views. He offered support and encouragement to Cornelius. He also encouraged him to grow in holiness.

The readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C ask if we are as energetic in our spiritual lives as we are in acquiring wealth and the respect of others. How do I use my influence – to benefit myself or to build the Kingdom of God?

St. Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He also wrote the Gospel of Matthew. He is from Galilee and was a tax collector before following Jesus. His fellow Jews would have despised him for working with their Roman occupiers. When Jesus called him, and the faithful Jews objected, Jesus said Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

St. Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, was a 20th century Capuchin friar and priest. He is known for his piety and charity. He had the stigmata, the wounds of Christ in his hands and feet. He also had many mystical experiences, including frequently seeing guardian angels and predicting that Karol Wojtyła, a priest, would ascend to the highest post in the church Karol Wojtyła later became Pope John Paul II.

The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C call us to care about others. Am I willing to get outside of my comfort zone and care for my brothers and sisters in need?