September 2023: Mass Readings and Resources

In today’s gospel, ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom. The wise virgins are ready with plenty of oil, but the foolish virgins run out. They want the wise virgins to share what they have, but are refused.

The readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on our natural longing for God. Possible themes for this weekend’s readings are sacrificial love, longing for God, prayer, and water. Here are some ideas.

Jesus has true authority. Why? Because he knows who he is and he is secure in his relationship with the Father. This gives him the ability to get rid of what does not belong when he is confronted by a man who is possessed by a demon.

The gospel for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time shows us a busy day in the life of Jesus. He preaches and teaches and heals. And he is busy. But how does he get ready for the next day? He prays and listens to the Father. And then he moves on to what is next.

In the gospel for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, 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.

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.

The readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on a conversion of heart. Possible themes for this weekend’s readings are conversion of heart, the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession), or overcoming hatred.

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, we hear another story of Jesus spending time alone with God. And then, having spent the night with the Father, he makes a decision. The twelve apostles are called by Jesus for a special mission.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, we hear the Beatitudes. Jesus reverses the wisdom of the world, telling us that we are blessed when we are poor and weeping. Too much attachment to the things of this world is a danger. Woe can also be thought of as be careful!

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 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on mercy and forgiveness. Possible themes for this weekend’s readings are spiritual works of mercy and forgiving others.

St. Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a tax collector before his conversion. He was known for his Gospel, which emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and teaches us about the Kingdom of God through parables. St. Matthew’s life teaches us that no matter how far we may have strayed from God, it is never too late to turn back to Him and that we should be willing to leave everything behind to follow Christ.

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 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlight God’s generosity. So for this weekend we might discuss being generous with our own resources and helping others.

Our Lady Undoer of Knots is a devotion to our Blessed Mother. In this devotion, Catholics ask Mary to assist us in untying the knots in our lives through her intersession to our Lord Jesus.

The archangels are leaders of angels in the army of God. These three archangels are mentioned in scripture. Their feast day is on September 29.

St. Jerome was born in 347 A.D. He became a Christian in his late teens.He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin. His translation is called the Vulgate. He is considered a Doctor of the Church for his efforts in spreading the Word of God.