Today's Readings – September 9, 2025
First Reading
Colossians 2:6–15
Brothers and sisters: As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him, built up in him, established in the faith, abounding in thanksgiving... For in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you share in this fullness in him... He forgave you all your transgressions, blotting out the bond against us, nailing it to the cross... leading the powers in triumph by it. USCCBCatholic Gallery
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 145:1b–2, 8–9, 10–11
Response: The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.
I will extol you, O God my king... The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. Let all your works give you thanks... USCCBCatholic Gallery
Alleluia
John 15:16
Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world that you may go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia. USCCBCatholic Gallery
Gospel
Luke 6:12–19
Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples and chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles... He came down, stood on level ground, and the crowd came to hear and be healed... power came forth from him and healed them all. USCCBCatholic Gallery
Reflection: Rooted in Christ, Called to Serve
Verse of the Day
"For in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you share in this fullness in him." — Colossians 2:9
I. Introduction
In today’s memorial of St. Peter Claver—a model of compassionate service to the enslaved—our readings lead us into the heart of Christian identity: being deeply rooted in Christ, and then bearing fruit in love and healing.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Luke emphasizes Jesus’ prayerful selection of the Twelve. After a night in heaven’s dialogue, He names apostles who will lead, heal, and teach. When He descends, multitudes bring the sick and oppressed, and power flows out of Him to heal. The encounter marks both intimacy with the Father and service to the world.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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Colossians 2: Affirms that Christ contains the fullness of God and through Him we too share this fullness. Humble identity emerges when we recognize our completeness in Him, not in ourselves. USCCBCatholic Gallery
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Psalm 145: Celebrates God's infinite compassion and kindness—a model for our own humble response to all whom He loves. USCCBCatholic Gallery
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Alleluia (John 15:16): We are chosen not for passive elevation, but to bear fruit—loving, healing, serving others—from the root of Christ’s love. USCCBCatholic Gallery
IV. Reflections
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Prayer precedes calling: Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing leaders—humility bows before action.
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Healed, then healing: The crowd gathers for healing; Jesus restores them and empowers His chosen to continue that ministry.
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Fullness through humility: Recognizing Christ’s supremacy frees us from pride and invites us into humble service born of divine abundance.
Quote for Emphasis:
“True greatness is not found in what we have, but in what we give away.”
V. Practical Applications
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Cultivate quiet prayer—let your service flow from intimacy with God.
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Serve from your healed place—don’t serve from obligation, but from healed heart.
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Remember your identity in Christ—you are whole; you serve freely.
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Celebrate compassion—like the Psalm, practice mercy daily, letting gratitude shape your relationships.
VI. Conclusion
Today, we stand in the model of Christ—rooted in divine fullness, ministered to in our needs, and commissioned to serve. May we, like Peter Claver, draw deeply from Christ’s compassion and bear lasting, self-giving fruit.
Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for planting us deeply in Christ, full and whole. Help us follow His example: to pray, to choose, and to serve with humble hearts. May we draw compassion from Your mercy, heal from our own healing, and bear fruit that lasts. Inspired by Saint Peter Claver, may we reach out lovingly to those most in need. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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