SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

October 5, 2026October 5, 2026

6 OCTOBER 2026

The Mary and Martha Duet

TUESDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gal 1: 13-24; Ps 139: 1-3. 13-15; Lk 10: 38-42

BE MARY!

Today’s readings are extraordinarily beautiful. The contrast between Martha and Mary represents the two extremes of life that each of us encounter every day. While we long to sit at the feet of our Lord and listen to every word He speaks, the demands, struggles, and responsibilities of daily life often leave us with little opportunity to do so. We desire to be transformed by the words of Jesus, yet the cares and anxieties of the world constantly pull us away. Mary’s life, however, stands as a profound inspiration. Though many of us identify more with Martha, our true aspiration should be to become like Mary: setting aside time to be in the Lord’s presence and attentively listening to Him. Even if we cannot spend long hours in prayer, we should faithfully dedicate some time to the Lord.

At the same time, St. Teresa of Avila reminds us that “the Lord walks among pots and pans.” In other words, even while carrying out the ordinary duties of life, we can remain united with God. Martha’s work was not the problem; it was her anxiety and distraction. When our daily tasks are done with love and with our hearts fixed on the Lord, even the busiest moments become opportunities for prayer. This is precisely what St. Paul reminds the Galatians that he experienced a complete transformation through his encounter with Christ. Likewise, the psalmist recognizes that the Lord has formed him, and by faithfully embracing God’s word, he allows himself to be continually transformed. Mary, too, was transformed simply by listening to Jesus.

Today’s readings invite us not merely to get caught up in the busyness of life, but to allow ourselves to be transformed by the Word of God. It is never too late. Every day is a new beginning, a fresh opportunity to let the Lord shape our hearts through His word. We simply need to recognize His gentle, life-giving voice and distinguish it from the countless noisy voices of the world. When we listen to Him, whether at His feet or among the pots and pans, He transforms both our hearts and our lives.

Response: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

October 4, 2026October 4, 2026

5 OCTOBER 2026

Galatians 1:6-12 - Watchman Ministries

MONDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Gal 1: 6-12; Ps 111: 1-2, 7-8-10; Lk 10: 25-37

THE TRUE GOSPEL COMES FROM ABOVE

The Galatians are being seduced by a “different gospel.” this different gospel is a message that sounds Christian but is actually “a perversion of the gospel of Christ.” Paul’s fierce response reveals something essential: there is a true Gospel and there are counterfeits. What makes the Gospel authentic? “The gospel preached by me is not of human origin… but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” The true Gospel cannot be manufactured by human wisdom, packaged by human strategy, or modified to suit human preferences. It comes from God alone, and it often contradicts our natural inclinations.

Both, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross warned their readers against the subtle danger of substituting human effort for divine grace, of trying to construct a spiritual life based on our own ideas rather than surrendering to God’s self-revelation. Teresa constantly fought against those who wanted to reduce prayer to techniques and formulas; that is, to human effort. She insisted that authentic prayer is receptivity to God’s action, not mastery of methods. We cannot engineer our way to holiness. We can only open ourselves to receive what God freely gives. John, in his writings, warns against spiritual seekers who cling to visions, consolations, and extraordinary experiences, creating their own “gospel” of spiritual sensation rather than accepting the naked faith God asks of us. We must be willing to let go of everything we think we know about God, every consolation we have received, every spiritual achievement we are proud of, to receive the truth that comes only through divine revelation.

False gospels – whether the gospel of works, the gospel of spiritual achievement, the gospel of consolation-seeking – ultimately lead to bondage, not freedom. Paul challenges us to examine what we believe, reminding us that the true Gospel always moves us to become nothing so that Christ can become everything. May we strive for the grace to recognize the true Gospel of Christ, and to resist the temptation to remake it according to our liking.

Response: The Lord will remember his covenant forever.

October 2, 2026October 3, 2026

4 OCTOBER 2026

Surrender in His love

SUNDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Is 5: 1-7; Ps 80: 9, 12-16, 19-20; Phil 4: 6-9; Mt 21: 33-43

NEED TO BE RESPOSIBLE STEWARD

God speaks to us in different forms and different ways. Only if we are responsible and watchful, shall we receive his real message and eventually be able to respond to it. Otherwise, we will be failures because we have lost something very important and precious, and we may not even realize that we have lost this great pearl. As we celebrate Twenty Seventh Sunday of the Ordinary Time, today’s readings invite us to reflect and find out how each of us have lived our lives as responsible stewards of what is entrusted to us!

The first reading and the Gospel passage speak about the Vineyard. As we know very well whoever plants the vineyard always expects good harvest because of the hard work and the care which accompany the efforts. In the first reading God is the owner of the vineyard. The vineyard which He planted was the nation of Israel, the people whom He chose as his own. He sent prophets time and again to teach them to live in the right way and to show them the true and saving paths. From reading the history of Israel, we understand that the people of Israel, they did not listen to the prophets instead they rejected them and lived as they wanted and even persecuted the prophets, not even refraining from killing some. In other words, they failed to produce good fruits. The first reading ends saying: “…and He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, a cry!”

In the Gospel, we see almost the same story. Jesus tells the parable to inspire us how in the Old Testament people of Israel who represented the vineyard, failed to listen to the prophets and how they rejected them even to the extent of persecuting them. On the other hand, we also notice the scrupulous care taken by God who is the owner of that vineyard and His patience and mercy. He repeatedly gives opportunities for repentance. The tenants who represented the religious leaders knew what Jesus claims to be but choose to reject and stay neutral as well as indifferent for the sake of own power and authority. Though they knew it, they chose not to stand by that just to hold on to their high position in society. In other words, they produced sour grapes.

In the parable, Jesus wanted to make us realize that after the prophets God sent His own Beloved Son that is Christ Himself who was nailed to the Cross. We could very much understand that the life which we enjoy at present is the vineyard which God has planted and which He has entrusted to each one of us that we may take care of it and produce good fruits. Do we make him proud through our actions? Jesus is the Living Word that we hear always, to which we need to respond! Do we do that in life? He comes to us through our parents, through our teachers, through our elders, through all those in authority, and even through our good friends, how generously do we listen to them? What is our response? Do we produce good fruits or bad fruits? How is our behavior and attitudes? So how could we qualify ourselves if we consider us as the tenants of our own lives?

We are not the owners of our lives but only the tenants who must give an account to the owner! We need to be consciously aware of this truth and try to produce good fruits and surely not sour ones. Besides we need to be consciously aware of God’s blessings and gifts which He bestows on us every day and every moment and respond to it more creatively and effectively. It does not mean that God abandons His promises rather, Jesus is saying that those who reject Him will lose their privileged role in God’s kingdom. The kingdom will be entrusted to the people who are responsible stewards who bear fruit. This includes all faithful Jews and gentiles together, the community of believers. The vineyard was planted to produce grapes. Likewise, God expects lives marked by faith, justice, love, obedience and righteousness, not just religious activity only. The tenants reject both the servants and the Son, symbolizing Israel’s history of rejecting God’s messengers and ultimately, the Messiah. Jesus warns that rejecting Him leads to judgment, while those who receive Him and bear spiritual fruit will share in God’s kingdom.

Response: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

3 OCTOBER 2026

Real Life Church: Ankeny, IA > Humility

SATURDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Job 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Ps 119:66,71,75,91,125,130; Lk 10: 17-24

FROM EMOTIONAL OVERSHOT, TO HUMBLE REPENTANCE

The readings today have a remarkable consonance. In the first reading, Job comes before God after having poured out his anguish in the midst of terrible suffering. Earlier, in the intensity of his pain, he had spoken harshly, even wishing that God would simply take his life. He had also assumed that God was punishing him, although he knew himself to be innocent. Now, however, Job has passed through the darkness and gained a deeper understanding. He realizes that his suffering cannot be explained by the rigid logic of retributive justice that his friends had imposed upon him. God is not a merciless judge waiting to punish him for every failure. Rather, Job encounters a God whose wisdom is greater than human understanding and whose mercy embraces even our anguished questions and outbursts. Though Job spoke with harsh words, God recognizes the sincerity of his heart. Job is eventually restored, while his friends are corrected for presenting a distorted image of God.

Something similar happens in today’s Gospel. The disciples return from their mission filled with enthusiasm because they have witnessed remarkable things in Jesus’ name. They are excited about their success, but Jesus gently redirects their attention. The true reason for their joy is not the power they have exercised or the wonders they have accomplished, but the fact that their names are written in heaven. Jesus teaches them to move from the excitement of achievement to the deeper joy of belonging to God. Their mission is not about personal glory but about growing in love and communion with the Father.

Both readings, therefore, invite us to look beyond our immediate experiences and discover the heart of God. God is not a distant, mechanical dispenser of rewards and punishments. He is a loving Father who understands our weakness, receives our questions, and patiently leads us towards maturity in love. Let us, then, learn to recognize those around us who are angry, wounded or struggling with God. Instead of judging them, let us accompany them patiently and help them rediscover the merciful Father who understands the cries of the human heart.

Response: Lord, let your face shine on me.

October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

2 OCTOBER 2026

Why We Need Guardian Angels - Indian Catholic Matters

FRIDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of The Holy Guardian Angels

Ex 23: 20-23; Ps: 91: 1-6, 10-11; Mt 18: 1-5, 10

GOD’S UNSEEN COMPANIONS

The Memorial of Guardian Angels reminds us that God’s providence is never distant. Throughout salvation history, He lovingly accompanies His people through the ministry of the angels. In the first reading, God assures Israel, “Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.” This promise extends beyond Israel; it reveals God’s fatherly care for every believer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “From infancy to death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.” A Guardian Angel is therefore not a symbol but a real presence of God’s loving presence.

In the Gospel, Jesus places a child amid His disciples and teaches that greatness in the Kingdom is found in humility and childlike trust. He then adds, “Their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father.” This profound statement reveals the dignity of every human person. Each one is precious before God and entrusted to the care of an angel who continually intercedes before the Father. Respect for every person, especially the little, the vulnerable, and the forgotten, is therefore not merely a moral obligation but a response to God’s own love. St. Bernard of Clairvaux beautifully exhorts us: “Let us be devoted and grateful for such great guardians; let us love them in return and honour them as much as we can.” Guardian angels constantly inspire, protect, and guide us toward God’s will, yet they never replace our freedom. They gently lead us to choose the path of holiness.

Vatican document Lumen Gentium teaches us that God’s plan of salvation embraces both the visible and invisible creation, united in worship before His throne. From a Carmelite perspective, the ministry of the Guardian Angels invites us to cultivate an interior life attentive to God’s gentle movements. St. Teresa of Avila encouraged her daughters to live continually in God’s presence, knowing that heaven is never far from the soul united to Him. Silence, prayer, and recollection make us more receptive to the quiet inspirations through which God often speaks.

Response: For you has he commanded his angels,
to keep you in all your ways.

September 30, 2026September 30, 2026

1 OCTOBER 2026

Spiritual Development in Children and Raising a Godly Family | Tacoma Christian Counseling

THURSDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Is 66:10-14; Ps 131:1-3; Mt 18:1-5

THE GREATNESS OF SPIRITUAL CHILDHOOD

The readings chosen for the feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus beautifully express the essence of her “little way.” The prophet Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem as a mother who consoles her children, feeding them with tenderness and peace. This maternal image of God as nurturing, gentle, and abundant in love resonates deeply with Thérèse’s spirituality. For her, God was not a distant judge but a loving Father whose mercy was more powerful than weakness or sin.

The Gospel passage from Matthew presents Jesus setting a child amid His disciples as the model of true greatness in the Kingdom. In a world that values achievement, status, and self-assertion, Jesus points to simplicity, trust, and humility as the real signs of spiritual maturity. The child is not perfect, but receptive; not powerful, but dependent; not proud, but open.

St. Thérèse took these words with radical seriousness. She discovered that sanctity does not lie in extraordinary deeds but in extraordinary love within ordinary life. She called it her “little way of spiritual childhood.” For Thérèse, to be small was not immaturity—it was spiritual realism. She recognized that human strength cannot reach God, but love can. The more she acknowledged her littleness, the more she trusted in the infinite tenderness of the Father. Her life in the Carmel of Lisieux was hidden, monotonous, and marked by suffering, yet through that hiddenness she became a luminous witness to divine love. She lived Isaiah’s vision: comforted by God like a child on a mother’s lap and radiating that same gentleness toward others. Thérèse embodies a theology of trust which is a spirituality where divine grace is not earned but received. Her insight restores balance to Christian spirituality: it reminds us that growth in holiness is not climbing higher but descending deeper into humility and confidence in God’s mercy. To become like a child, as Jesus says, is not regression but transformation which offers the freedom to live without fear, to love without calculation, and to rest in God’s arms with joy.

Response: I believe that I shall see the good things
of the Lord in the land of the living.

September 29, 2026September 29, 2026

30 SEPTEMBER 2026

No Hesitation — Chester Freedom Ministries

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of St Jerome

Jb 9: 1-12, 14-16; Ps 88: 10-15; Lk 9: 57-62

NO HESITATION IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

In today’s first reading we see that trusting in God instead of material possessions, is what allowed Job to respond with faith to the temptations that came his way, and the tests he was to endure, especially at the hands of his friends whose reasoning challenged his convictions. Job’s real love was for God not for cattle, sheep and camels, family members or even health and Job responded considering everything else as rubbish compared to his relationship with God. Job trusted in God more than anything else and his eyes leaned on God rather than on what he has lost. Thus, he was able to respond constantly as God’s dear servant.

The gospel tells us that Jesus wants a single-minded response to His invitation to follow Him: a life devoted exclusively to His mission, to live in simplicity and trust. A disciple of Jesus is to be free of all attachments; anything that ties one down must be left behind in order to focus fully on the mission. Following Jesus means giving up all attachments – familial, friends, desires, and choosing him and the time to do so is ‘now.’ Jesus turned his face towards Jerusalem and never looked back, even when it meant certain death; his followers are invited to do the same. Once a decision is made to follow Jesus, serve God, let there be no turning back.

While Jesus’ demands might seem hard, what they really reveal is the urgency of the Kingdom. St. Jerome recognized an essential point, that to know Christ better, to fix our gaze on him, to follow him as he desires and deserves to be followed, we must know Sacred Scripture better. He is famous for his saying, quoted in the Catechism, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” To fix our eyes where Jesus has fixed his, we must treasure God’s word. The same Jesus who called his disciples in the Gospel, called Saint Jerome and calls us anew today. Let us positively welcome his invitation and be steadfast like Job and committed like St Jerome.

Response: Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026

29 SEPTEMBER 2026

A Feast of the Archangels – Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen

TUESDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

STS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS

Dan 7: 9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12: 7-12; Ps 138: 1-5 Jn 1: 47-51

ANGELS OF GOD

Today the church celebrates the feast of Archangels and this fest reminds us of three special angels mentioned by name in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Angels are God’s messengers and servants who help carry out His plan of salvation. The Church honours these three Archangels because of their important role in God’s work.

Michael means “Who is like God?” This name reminds us that no one is equal to God. Michael is the leader of God’s heavenly army who defeated Satan and the forces of evil. He is a symbol of courage, strength, and faithfulness. The Church looks to St. Michael as a protector against evil and prays for his help in times of temptation and spiritual struggle. He teaches us to remain faithful to God and to stand firm for what is right.

Gabriel means “Man of God” or “God is mighty.” Gabriel is the messenger who brought God’s greatest news. He announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and later appeared to Mary to announce that she would become the Mother of Jesus. Gabriel reminds us that God continues to speak to His people. Like Gabriel, we are called to share God’s message with joy, hope, and courage. Every Christian is invited to be a messenger of God’s love in daily life.

Raphael means “God heals.” In the Book of Tobit, Raphael guided and protected Tobias on his journey and brought healing to Tobit’s blindness. Because of this, he is known as the patron of travellers, the sick, doctors, nurses, and the blind. Raphael reminds us that God cares for those who suffer and brings healing in many ways. We too are called to bring comfort, kindness, and hope to those who are hurting. The Feast of the Three Archangels is more than remembering these heavenly messengers. It is also a reminder of our own mission. Like Michael, we must stand against evil. Like Gabriel, we must share the Good News. Like Raphael, we must bring healing and compassion to others. May these holy Archangels inspire us to live faithfully and become true messengers of God’s love.

Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord.

September 27, 2026September 27, 2026

28 SEPTMBER 2026

No photo description available.

MONDAY, TWENTY SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Job 1: 6-22; Ps 17: 1-3, 6-7; Lk 9: 46-50

TRUSTING GOD WHEN WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND

Today’s first reading presents the story of a faithful man whose life suddenly changed. In a single day, he lost his possessions, his servants, and even his beloved children. The pain was overwhelming. Yet, in the midst of such darkness, he did not turn away from God. Instead, he bowed down in worship and entrusted everything to the Lord, in whom he trusted.

This passage reminds us that faith is not tested when everything is going well. But the depth of our faith is tested when life becomes difficult and confusing. There are moments when we too face unexpected losses, disappointments, sickness, broken relationships, or unanswered prayers. During such times, we often ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Like the man in the reading, we may not receive immediate answers. It is his humility before God that should touch our hearts. He recognized that everything he had was a gift. He came into the world with nothing and would leave with nothing. This awareness gave him the strength to surrender what he could not control. His trust did not depend on the blessings he received from God, but it rested on God Himself.

This reading challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we love God only when He grants our desires? Can we still praise Him when our plans fail? True faith remains steady not because life is easy, but because God remains faithful. Today let us pray for the grace to trust God more deeply. When we experience struggles, help us not to lose hope. When we do not understand Your ways, teach us to lean on Your wisdom rather than our own. Give us a heart that continues to pray, believe, and worship even in moments of sorrow. May we remember that God never abandons His children. Even when everything seems lost, His presence remains. In every trial, He walks beside us, strengthening us and leading us toward a greater good that we may not yet see. Lord, help us to trust You completely, in joy and in suffering alike. Amen.

Response: Lord, turn your ear to me; hear my words.

September 25, 2026October 5, 2026

7 OCTOBER 2026

The Rosary is a long chain that links heaven and earth. One end of it is in our hands and the other end is in the hands of the holy Virgin. St.

WEDNESDAY, TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Our Lady of the Rosary

Gal 2:1-2,7-14; Ps 117; Lk 11:1-4

THE CHAIN OF SALVATION

Today’s reading highlights the role of Mary in salvation history. Who is this valiant ‘Woman’ to whom so much is entrusted and of whom so much is asked? Indeed, she is the very Mother of God and our mother too. So being our mother, we ought to love her and have devotion to her. For us Catholics, devotion to Mary is necessary for our salvation.

We must never fear to love her too much for as a saint puts it: we could never love her more than Jesus loved her or think that by loving her too much, God may be offended or think that we give her more importance even than God. Such erroneous thinking would not find favour with God as St. Grignion de Montfort states: ‘let them not seek mercy from God, those who offend his Holy Mother. Devotion to Mary therefore is the safest and surest way to Jesus Christ and thus to salvation as the saints affirm and testify. The most pleasing prayer to Mary is the Holy Rosary. So, the best way to express our devotion is through the rosary. Yet the rosary is not a magic formula or a superstitious repetition or a devotion meant for the lowly and uneducated. Pope St. Paul VI calls it a ‘compendium of the Gospel.’ Pope St. John Paul II states that the rosary is an exquisitely contemplative prayer.

The rosary is a prayer especially relevant to our times as Sr. Lucia of Fatima states, that it is given a new efficacy in these last times so much so that there is no problem however difficult whether temporal or spiritual that cannot be resolved by praying the rosary. Finally, let us not forget that the evil one who is the ‘Father of lies’ hates Mary and seeks to obscure her in the life of her children and in the church as the book of Revelation states, but in faith in scripture, we believe that she is the one who will crush the head of the serpent through the fragile chain of the holy rosary.

Response: Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.