MEMORIAL OF SAINT NARCISSUS, BISHOP OF JERUSALEM

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: OCTOBER 29, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT NARCISSUS, BISHOP OF JERUSALEM | OCTOBER 29TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Narcissus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-october-29th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | October 29, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-october-29-2025/

KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

OCTOBER IS MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY | THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

DR. PHILOMENA IKOWE AND HER JOYFUL CATHOLIC WITNESS | LIGHTS, CATHOLIC, ACTION! | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS: We join our prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for the victims of natural disasters which have brought destruction and disaster to so many lives. We particularly pray for the victims of the recent Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, for the people of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and others who are facing the devastation caused by the hurricane. May God grant eternal rest to all those who lost their lives, restore what was lost, and console all those who are grieving, injured, or have lost loved ones. Amen 🙏🏽

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, we joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely to the end of the month of October. May this month bring us God’s blessings, peace, and joy in abundance. We particularly pray for those mourning the loss of a loved one who recently passed away and the eternal repose of the souls in Purgatory. May our Blessed Mother Mary intercede for all those in pain and sorrow and may this month bring peace to troubled hearts, direction to the lost, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. In all things, may His will be done and His name be glorified. Amen🙏🏽

Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past month. We entrust every day into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace in our lives and families. May October be for us a season of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter October with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen🙏🏽

Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾

We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of October. 🙏🏽

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

The Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, and will conclude with the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2026. The Holy Doors at the other major basilicas (St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls) will be closed on Sunday, December 28, 2025

Important notes

The holy doors at the major basilicas in Rome opened on December 24, 2024, and will remain open until the end of the Jubilee Year on January 6, 2026.

Participating in a pilgrimage to a designated holy door can earn a plenary indulgence.

Individuals who cannot travel to Rome can participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to a local designated site.

Local Pilgrimage Sites

For a complete list of local pilgrimage sites, check with your local diocese.

For those in the US, you can find a list of designated pilgrimage sites for all the Dioceses on their websites. For instance, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Diocese of Fort Worth, Diocese of Dallas, the Archdiocese of Seattle etc all listed their local pilgrimage sites on their websites.

For example, the Diocese of Fort Worth has assigned the following Parishes as pilgrimage churches with holy doors.

St. Patrick Cathedral,
Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish,
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish,
St. Philip the Apostle Parish,
Sacred Heart Parish

Plenary Indulgence

In his proclamation of the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis announced an indulgence would be available to the faithful during the jubilee year. The indulgence, he explained, would be “a way of discovering the unlimited nature of God’s mercy.”

A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.

“May the Jubilee be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the ‘door’ (cf. Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation.” ~ Pope Francis

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time | October 29, 2025
Reading 1: Romans 8:26–30
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 13:4–5, 6
Gospel: Luke 13:22–30

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 13:22–30

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

“Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as He went and making His way to Jerusalem. Someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then He will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is asked a question, ‘Will there be only a few saved?’ He doesn’t really answer that question directly. Instead, He uses the question as an opportunity to issue a challenging call to those gathered about Him, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door’. The narrow gate, that Jesus speaks about is a powerful image that calls us to a life of sincere discipleship and conversion. The Lord is not speaking about exclusion but invitation, an urgent call to enter into the life of grace with commitment and perseverance. Salvation is not automatic; it requires effort, humility, and the desire to conform our hearts to God’s will. The “narrow gate” symbolizes the way of holiness: it is narrow not because God wants to make it hard for us, but because love demands self-denial, forgiveness, and daily faithfulness. Many want to follow Christ, but few are ready to take the path of sacrifice. Jesus also reminds us that familiarity with Him is not enough. Saying “We ate and drank in your company” is not the same as truly following Him. Faith must bear fruit in action, mercy, compassion, and obedience. The tragedy of those who hear, “I do not know where you are from,” lies not in God’s rejection, but in hearts that never truly opened to grace. The narrow gate, then, is Christ Himself. To pass through it is to embrace His Cross, trusting that beyond the struggle lies eternal joy.

Furthermore, Jesus’ calling to strive to enter by the narrow door is addressed to all, regardless of their place on the social ladder. It is not a case of one door and one stairway for slaves and another, more grand, door and a more splendid stairway for masters. All, slave and free, Jew and Greek, male and female, have to enter by the same narrow door. Jesus’ response says something about God and something about ourselves. He declares that the hospitality of God is ample and generous. At the feast in the kingdom of God, people will be present from north, south, east and west. This is not a select gathering; it is not a meal for the chosen few. People from every corner of the earth will be there. Jesus’ answer to the question, ‘Will only a few be saved?’ is ‘no’. However, Jesus also insists that the wonderful hospitality of God is not to be taken for granted; it should not breed complacency. We have to strive to enter by the narrow door, which will require effort on our part. In the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies Himself as the door to fullness of life. The door may be narrow but there is wonderful green pasture beyond it, or, in the imagery of the Gospel reading, there is a wonderful banquet beyond it, at which people from the four corners of the earth are invited to gather. All can be guests, on an equal footing, at the feast in the kingdom of God. Yet, there is first the small matter of that narrow door. To enter by the narrow door is to walk in the way of Jesus, which is the way of loving respect for all, in particular those who were often denied respect, such as the vulnerable and dependant, the poor and the weak. All who walk through this narrow door of loving respect of others will experience the fullness of the Lord’s love beyond it. Today’s Gospel challenges us to ask: Am I truly striving to enter through the narrow gate, or am I content standing near it, hoping proximity will suffice? Christ calls us to a love that costs something, a love that reshapes our habits, humbles our pride, and deepens our compassion. The Kingdom of God is for those who persevere in faith and humility, even when the road is steep.

Reflection on the First Reading, in his Letter to the Romans, Saint Paul gives us a beautiful assurance: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God.” This verse is a beacon of hope for every Christian walking the narrow path. Paul reminds us that even when we are weak, when we cannot find the words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us “with inexpressible groanings.” In our moments of confusion, suffering, or silence, the Spirit is praying within us, shaping our hearts to align with the will of God. This passage teaches us to trust in divine providence. Nothing in our lives is wasted when surrendered to God, not pain, not loss, not uncertainty. Every trial can become a tool of grace when we love God and allow His purpose to unfold. Moreover, Paul reveals the depth of God’s plan for each of us: we are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” In other words, God’s ultimate desire is that we become like Jesus, patient in suffering, faithful in love, and steadfast in hope. When life feels overwhelming, remember this: the Spirit is at work, turning our struggles into steps toward glory. Our role is to remain open, prayerful, and trusting, confident that God’s plan is never defeated by human weakness.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalmist cries out, “My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.” This short yet profound refrain captures the essence of Christian faith. Hope does not rest in our strength or achievements but in God’s unfailing love. The psalmist, surrounded by enemies and darkness, still chooses to trust, saying, “Let my heart rejoice in your salvation; let me sing of the Lord, for He has been good to me.” When we walk through dark valleys, moments of uncertainty, pain, or spiritual dryness, we can echo this same prayer. Hope rooted in mercy gives light to weary eyes and courage to fainting hearts. It reminds us that even when we cannot see the path ahead, God’s goodness remains constant. The psalm invites us to shift our focus from fear to faith, from complaint to gratitude.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, let us ask ourselves, Do I truly strive each day to enter through the narrow gate of holiness, or do I take comfort in simply knowing about Jesus without following Him closely? How do I respond when my faith demands sacrifice or humility? Do I trust that the Holy Spirit is working for my good, even when I do not understand His ways? And when I face trials, do I still allow my heart to sing, “My hope, O Lord, is in Your mercy”? Beloved in Christ, today’s readings invite us to persevere on the narrow path that leads to life. Though the way may be demanding, it is filled with grace and guided by the Spirit. Let us walk with confidence, knowing that every struggle borne in love brings us closer to Christ’s glory. When we allow the Spirit to pray within us, trust in God’s mercy, and remain steadfast in faith, we are already passing through the narrow gate into the Kingdom of eternal joy. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we remain steadfast in faith and continue to serve Him in spirit and in truth. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are the narrow gate through which we find eternal life. Strengthen our hearts to follow You with perseverance and love. When our faith wavers, let Your Spirit intercede for us with groanings too deep for words. Teach us to trust that all things work together for good when we love You. Help us to live not by mere association with You but by true communion of heart and will. May our hope always rest in Your mercy, and may our lives reflect Your grace to those around us. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT NARCISSUS, BISHOP OF JERUSALEM – FEAST DAY: OCTOBER 29TH: Today, the Church commemorates Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem (Patron of the Aged and Against Insect Bites) a venerable bishop renowned for his holiness, wisdom, and miraculous faith. Born toward the close of the first century, Saint Narcissus lived to an extraordinary age, guiding the Church of Jerusalem with humility and strength well into his 110th year. His life stands as a radiant example of perseverance in holiness, forgiveness amidst persecution, and unwavering trust in God’s providence. On this sacred day, through his intercession, we pray for the aged, the sick, the poor, the lonely, and all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. May the example of Saint Narcissus inspire us to live faithfully in prayer and patience, trusting that God works all things for good to those who love Him. Amen. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | October 29th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Narcissus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-october-29th/)

SAINT NARCISSUS, BISHOP OF JERUSALEM: Saint Narcissus (c. 99 – c. 216 A.D.) was a man of deep virtue and remarkable faith who served as the 30th Bishop of Jerusalem around 180 A.D., nearly a century after the city’s destruction by the Romans. A man already advanced in years when he became bishop, he shepherded the Church with wisdom, discipline, and compassion, helping to preserve Christian unity during times of uncertainty and change. Known for his miraculous works, Saint Narcissus once turned water into oil to light the lamps on Easter Eve when the deacons had none. This wondrous event, recorded by the historian Eusebius, became a sign of divine favor and faith that “the light of Christ never fails those who trust in Him.” His holiness inspired both reverence and opposition. Despite his blameless life, he faced false accusations from envious men who swore terrible oaths against him. In divine justice, their own curses befell them: one perished in fire, another was struck with leprosy, and the third lost his sight in repentance.

Heartbroken by the scandal and seeking solitude with God, Saint Narcissus withdrew into the wilderness, where he lived a life of contemplation and prayer. Believed to have died, he later reappeared to the astonishment of the faithful and was lovingly restored to his episcopal office. Even in extreme old age, he continued to guide his flock, later appointing Saint Alexander as his coadjutor. Saint Narcissus was known not only for his miracles but also for his forgiveness, patience, and humility, virtues that drew many souls closer to God. He passed away around 216 A.D., at about 116 years old, a living testament to endurance and grace. Saint Narcissus’ life reminds us that holiness often blossoms in the soil of suffering and that those who place their hope in God will never be abandoned. His steadfast faith amid trials teaches us to pray without ceasing, forgive our offenders, and persevere in love even when misunderstood or wronged.

PRAYER: O God, You raised up Saint Narcissus as a faithful shepherd and a shining example of holiness and perseverance. Grant that through his intercession, we may remain steadfast in faith, patient in trials, and fervent in charity. Strengthen the aged, comfort the sick, and renew the hearts of all who seek Your mercy. May the light of Saint Narcissus’ faith continue to illumine our path, leading us closer to You each day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Narcissus pray for us 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY (WMS) | OCTOBER 19, 2025 | Pope Leo XIV’s Message | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/world-mission-sunday-october-19-2025/

CANONIZATION OF SEVEN NEW SAINTS BY POPE LEO XIV | OCTOBER 19, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-canonization-of-seven-new-saints-october-19-2025/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of October | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-october/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: For collaboration between different religious traditions. Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF OCTOBER | MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, a powerful prayer that draws us into the heart of the Gospel through the eyes of Mary. The Rosary is more than repetition. It is a meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, united with the loving presence of His Blessed Mother. As Pope St. John Paul II reminded us, the Rosary is “a compendium of the Gospel,” helping us to contemplate Christ’s face with Mary.

The twenty mysteries of the Rosary, Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous, invite us to journey with Christ from His Incarnation to His Passion and His triumph over death. Each mystery opens us to God’s saving love, strengthens our faith, and leads us to imitate the virtues of Jesus and Mary in our daily lives. This month, the Church invites us to renew our devotion to the Rosary by praying it daily, whether alone, in families, or in community. Through it, we find peace in times of trial, strength against temptation, and deeper trust in God’s providence. Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, intercedes for us and leads us always to her Son.

“O Mary, our Blessed Mother and Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, teach us to pray with a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. As we meditate on the mysteries of Christ, help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Intercede for us before your Son, that our families, our Church, and our world may be filled with peace and the light of the Gospel. Amen.” 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this new day and for the strength You give us through Your Spirit when we do not know how to pray as we ought. As Saint Paul reminds us, Your Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words; help us to surrender to Your will with faith and peace. We lift up all who are weary, discouraged, or uncertain about their path, that they may find hope in Your divine plan and trust that all things work together for the good of those who love You. Through the intercession of Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem, we pray especially for the elderly, the forgotten, and all who suffer quietly in body or spirit. Grant them the grace of endurance and fill their hearts with the joy of Your presence. Strengthen Your Church with the fire of love, guide her shepherds, and lead us all through the narrow gate that leads to everlasting life. Amen🙏🏾

LET US PRAY:

Lord Jesus, You call us to enter through the narrow gate, the path of love, humility, and perseverance. Grant us the courage to walk faithfully each day, even when the way is difficult. May Your Holy Spirit strengthen our hearts when words fail us, and may Your mercy sustain us when we stumble. Through the example and intercession of Saint Narcissus, teach us to forgive, to pray with patience, and to trust that Your divine will is always working for our good. Keep us steadfast in hope until we share in the glory You have prepared for those who love You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed, and Saint Narcissus ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and during this gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we gradually come to the end of the month of October, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. May this month be filled with hope, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Wednesday, a fruitful week, and a fulfilling month of October.🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html

MEMORIAL OF SAINT NARCISSUS, BISHOP OF JERUSALEM

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