📖 Readings for September 22, 2025
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First Reading: Ezra 1:1-6 USCCB+1
In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his kingdom, both by word of mouth and in writing:
“Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has also charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of his people, let him go up, and may his God be with him! Let everyone who has survived, in whatever place he may have dwelt, be assisted by the people of that place with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, together with free-will offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’” USCCB+1 -
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 USCCB+1
(Song of Ascents) When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the Negev. Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy. They go out weeping, carrying the seed, but they come back with joy, carrying the sheaves. USCCB+1
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Gospel: Luke 8:16-18 USCCB+1
Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or puts it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” USCCB+1
Reflection: Living, Hearing, and Letting Light Shine
I. Introduction
Today’s readings call us to reflect on clarity, witness, and attentiveness. We are invited to be people who hear well and live out what we hear—not hiding our faith but letting it shine. Humility plays a central role in this: we first see with humble ears, then act with faithful lives.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 8:16-18, Jesus uses the metaphor of light and hearing. He warns that light is not to be hidden — once lit, it belongs on a lampstand so all can see. Similarly, what is heard — the Word of God — must not stay buried or ignored. There’s also a warning: if one has not truly heard, even what seems to be there may be lost. Attention and response are essential. Hearing the Word is not passive; it demands a response.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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Ezra 1:1-6 — The people respond to God’s call through Cyrus with cooperation and generosity: they assist in rebuilding the temple, giving freely what they have. Their humility shows in service and obedience. USCCB+1
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Psalm 126 — The psalmist remembers exiles returning, sown in tears yet reaping joy. Persistence, trust, and humility in adversity yield fruit. USCCB+1
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The Gospel’s teaching ties in: hearing with humility, letting God’s Word transform us, leading us to be visible witnesses of God’s light.
IV. Reflections
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We often “hear” only superficially — catching phrases without letting them get into the heart. Jesus warns of what happens if we don’t listen well: what little light or faith we have risks being lost.
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Humility in hearing involves recognition of our limitations: that we may not fully understand, that we need discernment, openness, and willingness to change.
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Being light means living visibly. We cannot hide faith in action or charity. If we claim to believe, our lives should show it—through kindness, integrity, love.
V. Practical Applications
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Practice attentive listening: when reading the Word, in prayer, in sermons, pause to truly absorb and let it challenge you.
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Let your faith be visible: in your interactions today, let small acts of kindness or integrity reflect your belief.
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Share what you have: generosity with time, resources, or encouragement. Simple generosity is one way of “placing the lamp on the stand.”
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Examine what is hidden: Are there doubts, fears, prejudices that dim your light? Humbly bring them to God and ask for clarity.
VI. Conclusion
God’s Word, heard well and lived thankfully, becomes a beacon — not for our glory, but for His. We are called to expose, not hide; to act, not merely know; to let our light shine. Humility opens ears, illumines hearts, and empowers transformation. May we be faithful listeners and visible lights in our world.
Verse of the Day
“Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given…” — Luke 8:18
Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word that illumines our hearts and calls us to live visibly in faith. Give me ears to hear deeply, humility to receive correction, and courage to let my light shine before others. Help me not to hide what You have given, but to share generously of my gifts and walk each day in integrity. May my life be testimony to your love and truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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