📖 Daily Readings (September 26, 2025)
First Reading: Haggai 1:1-8 USCCB+1
In the second year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people:
“This people says, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’”
Then the LORD said through Haggai:
“Consider your ways! You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but have not been satisfied; you drink, but not abundantly; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.
Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider how you have fared. Go up to the hills, bring wood, and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified,’ says the LORD.” USCCB+1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a, 9b USCCB+1
Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker, let the children of Zion be glad in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing, make melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the LORD loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory.
… Let the faithful exult in glory. …
Gospel Text (Luke 9:18–22)
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” Dynamic Catholic+2Catholic Gallery+2
Reflection: From Silence to Confession
I. Introduction
In today’s readings, we see a call to courage and clarity. Haggai encourages rebuilding with God’s presence among the people; Jesus, in solitude, tests His disciples, drawing them into confession of His identity. Humility and boldness intersect—only in humble dependence can true confession arise.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Jesus withdraws to pray. With His disciples beside Him, He asks a pivotal question: “Who do you say that I am?” The crowds answer with hearsay. Peter goes deeper and confesses: “The Christ of God.” But Jesus immediately warns them not to spread the secret, then begins to unfold the path of suffering, rejection, and resurrection. The confession comes from humility, not spectacle.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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Haggai 2:1–9 encourages Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant to rebuild, promising that God is with them and that future glory will surpass the former. Humility in recognizing what remains to be done, and trust in God’s presence, undergirds that building.
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Psalm 43 is a plea for justice and guidance: “Send forth your light and your truth … to lead me”—humble admission of need for God’s direction.
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Peter’s confession is a model: humbly acknowledging Jesus beyond rumor, not by force, but by faith.
IV. Reflections
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The contrast between the crowd’s speculative answers and Peter’s personal confession invites us to move from surface faith to intimate knowledge.
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Jesus does not allow fame or rumor to define Him. He invites His followers into the work of knowing Him deeper.
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But confession is costly. Jesus immediately begins to speak of suffering. Humility includes readiness for hardship in living out what we profess.
Quote for Emphasis:
“Confession is the recognition of God in our weakness and the willingness to surrender to His truth.” — Unknown
V. Practical Applications
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Revisit your confession of faith: not what others say, but who you say Jesus is.
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Spend time in silence and prayer—listen for God’s voice, not just your own.
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Build what is broken—like the temple in Haggai—identify areas in your life needing restoration.
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Be willing to suffer for truth—stand for faith even when it’s difficult or misunderstood.
VI. Conclusion
Today we are called from ambiguity into clarity: from rumors about Jesus to a personal confession of who He is. That move requires humility, prayer, and courage. In humility we speak boldly; in confession we embrace the cross.
Verse of the Day
“But who do you say that I am?” — Luke 9:20
Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for inviting me into deeper knowledge of Your Son. Grant me humility to receive Him not by rumor but by faith. Help me confess Him in all of life—not just in words but actions, even when the way is hard. May my heart be built on Your presence, guided by Your light and truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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