Gospel: September 23, 2025
September 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
25th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 / (White)
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, priest
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
1st Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20
Gospel: Luke 8:19-21
Then his mother and his relatives came to him; but they could not get to him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and wish to meet you.” Then Jesus answered, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
Reflection:
“You belong to us and we are yours.”
The town and monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo was dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. From his childhood, Padre Pio had a great devotion to Our Lady. On one occasion, at a time of great physical and mental suffering, Padre Pio had a vision while celebrating Mass after receiving Holy Communion. The Virgin Mary and the Christ child appeared to him, and Our Lady said, “Be at peace. We are with you. You belong to us, and we are yours.” That comforting message of belonging resonates with Christ’s words in today’s Gospel: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Our belonging to Christ as brother or sister is affirmed each day by our positive response to God’s Word. We are called to show our belonging by listening to his Word and by putting it into practice. However, living God’s Word is not only expressed by our actions. It’s shown by intention and desire. And so, even in the still moments of silence, or in the limitations of illness, if we desire to do God’s will, Mary and Jesus will declare, “Be at peace. You belong to us and we are yours.”
