📖 Readings for September 24, 2025
First Reading: Ezra 9:5-9
At the evening sacrifice I rose from my affliction, and with cloak and garment torn I fell upon my knees, spread out my hands to the Lord my God, and said: “My God, I am ashamed and confounded to lift up my face to you. For our iniquities are multiplied over our heads, and our sins have grown up even unto heaven... But our God has not forsaken us, though we are bondmen; in our bondage our God hath not abandoned us, but hath extended mercy... to rebuild the house of our God and restore its ruins.” Catholic Gallery+1
Responsorial Psalm: Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 6, 8
“Blessed be God, who lives forever.
He scourges, and then shows mercy; He casts down to the depths, and brings up again; there is none that can escape His hand. Blessed be God, who lives forever.
Give glory to the Lord, you children of Israel… He has scattered you among the Gentiles, yet He has shown you His greatness even there… Blessed be God, who lives forever.
In the land of my exile I praise Him and show His power and majesty to a sinful nation. Blessed be God, who lives forever.” USCCB+1
Alleluia: Mark 1:15
Alleluia, alleluia. The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia. Catholic Gallery
Gospel: Luke 9:1-6
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. He said to them: “Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; from there depart. And if any place does not receive you, leave that town and shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And so they set out, going through the villages, preaching the Gospel and healing everywhere. Catholic Gallery+1
Reflection: Sent, Humble, Dependent
I. Introduction
Today’s readings call us to embrace three interlinked virtues: humility, dependence, and mission. When God’s people recognize their sin, remain humble, and respond to His call, God meets them with mercy — and commissions them to go forth. The Apostles are sent out with nothing but faith and authority—not self-sufficiency.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Luke 9:1-6 depicts Jesus sending out the Twelve. They are entrusted with power to heal and to preach, but He instructs them to carry almost nothing—no extra clothes, no provisions beyond immediate needs. This dependence forces humility. They must rely on God, on the hospitality of others, and on the power given by Christ—not on their own resources.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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In Ezra 9, the community acknowledges their sins, confessing with torn garments and contrite hearts. Humility precedes restoration. Catholic Gallery+1
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The Psalm alternates between acknowledgment of suffering and exalting mercy—reminding that God’s greatness shines even in scattered exile. USCCB
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The Apostolic mission in the Gospel echoes the Old Testament tradition: God chooses not the powerful but the humble and trusting to be bearers of His redemption.
IV. Reflections
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Putting aside our “security blankets” (our planning, material safety nets, status) can feel risky—but it’s often how we learn to depend on God.
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Humility is not humiliation, but awareness: that everything we are and have is by God’s mercy. When we grasp this, our mission becomes freer, not burdened by fear.
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When sent like the Apostles, we recognize that our mission isn’t for self-glory but God’s Kingdom. This changes how we approach service, relationships, and our daily tasks.
V. Practical Applications
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Let go of excess safety nets: identify something (a worry, possession, habit) you cling to, and entrust it to God.
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Depend more: in prayer, admit your limitations; ask others for help or hospitality.
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Serve humbly: whether you teach, heal, or simply comfort someone, do it not for praise but from love.
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Confession and repentance: like the community in Ezra, acknowledge where you’ve fallen short and seek God’s mercy.
VI. Conclusion
We are sent—not as fully equipped self-reliant agents, but as humble servants depending on God’s strength. Mercy precedes mission, humility precedes restoration. As the Apostles went ahead, may we go forth trusting in God, faithful in small things, ready to heal, preach, love.
Verse of the Day
“Take nothing for your journey... Let no one take a second tunic.” — Luke 9:3
Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending me and for equipping me—not with abundance, but with Your authority, love, and presence. Grant me humility to let go of what clings to me, and dependence to trust in You. Help me to carry Your message with love, to heal, and to serve. May my life reflect Your mercy and my steps echo Your invitation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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