SUNDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

SUNDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/sunday-of-the-twenty-fourth-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-september-13-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-13th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, AND DOCTOR AND SAINT MAURILIUS, BISHOP OF ANGERS

HISTORY OF THE SAINTS SERIES ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL | https://www.youtube.com/@dailyreflectionswithphilomena

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Maurilius Here | https://youtu.be/NUiYxX4DzoQ?si=OEWa9ICrm0HRyvcS

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS: The Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows begin September 6, and end on September 14 in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15^th. Novena Link | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-sorrows/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 13, 2026 | “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-september-13-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on this Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel calls us to a radical, unreserved life of forgiveness, reminding us through the parable of the unmerciful servant that we must forgive others as generously as God has forgiven our own immense debts. In the First Reading, Sirach warns us against the destructive poison of nursing anger and wrath, while Saint Paul reminds us in the second reading that whether we live or die, we belong entirely to the Lord. Grounded in this call to mercy and unity, the Church also honors the brilliant “Golden-mouthed” preaching, steadfast patience, and endurance in suffering shown by Saint John Chrysostom, alongside the zealous pastoral care of Saint Maurilius. Inspired by the Lord’s infinite compassion and the witness of His saints, let us release all bitterness from our hearts and walk together in true reconciliation.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Sunday, September 13, 2026
Reading 1: Sirach 27:30—28:7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
Reading 2: Romans 14:7-9
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 18:21-35

“So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants…'”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks a question that many of us have wrestled with: how often must we forgive someone who wrongs us? Suggesting seven times, Peter likely felt quite generous, but Jesus shatters earthly limits on grace by replying, “not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Through the striking parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus reveals the absolute absurdity of holding onto grievances against our neighbor when we ourselves have received an infinitely greater, unpayable pardon from God. The master forgives an enormous, impossible debt out of compassion, yet the unmerciful servant turns around and strangles a fellow servant over a tiny fraction of that amount. Jesus delivers a sobering warning: our vertical relationship with God cannot be severed from our horizontal relationships with others. Refusing to forgive from the heart closes our own hearts to the mercy we so desperately need.

This radical call to lay aside anger and embrace forgiveness is powerfully reinforced in the First Reading from Sirach. The text asks piercing, commonsense questions that cut straight to the heart of our emotional stubbornness: “Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?” Holding onto wrath is described as a heavy, destructive burden, whereas choosing forgiveness is tied directly to our own spiritual survival and peace. The Responsorial Psalm echoes this profound mercy, singing of a God whose compassion has no bounds: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion… As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.” In the Second Reading, Saint Paul reminds us of our ultimate identity and purpose: “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself… whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” Because we belong entirely to Christ, our lives must reflect His merciful character rather than the petty vindictiveness of a passing world.

Together, these readings challenge us to take a hard, honest look at our relationships. Are we holding onto bitter grudges, keeping score of past hurts, or nursing a desire for retaliation? True Christian discipleship demands that we release those debts, matching God’s boundless mercy with a willingness to forgive unreservedly.

Is there someone in your past or present whom you have struggled to forgive from the heart? How can you surrender that burden of resentment to God today and choose the liberating path of mercy?

Heavenly Father, You are rich in compassion, slow to anger, and infinitely merciful toward our countless faults. Forgive us for the times we have clung tightly to our anger, demanded justice rather than mercy from others, and acted like the unmerciful servant. Soften our stubborn hearts, O Lord, and grant us the grace to forgive from the depths of our soul, seventy-seven times over. Remind us always of the immense debt of sin from which You have redeemed us, so that we may extend Your healing grace to everyone who has hurt us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 13TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Maurilius | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-13th/

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (347–407): Known as the “Golden-Mouthed” preacher, St. John Chrysostom was one of the greatest orators and teachers in the history of the Church. Born in Antioch around 347 A.D., he received a fine education and studied rhetoric under Libanius, the most renowned orator of his time. Drawn by the example of Bishop Meletius and a deep love for Scripture, John embraced an ascetic life and dedicated himself to prayer, study, and preaching. Ordained a priest in 386, he soon gained fame for his eloquent and practical homilies, which drew vast crowds in Antioch. In 398, he was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, where he courageously preached against corruption, immorality, and abuses of power, often clashing with the Empress Eudoxia and other authorities. His fearless defense of truth led to multiple exiles, during which he continued to write and encourage the faithful through letters. Despite harsh suffering, he remained steadfast in faith, dying in exile in 407 with the words, “Glory to God for all things.” His writings, including homilies and commentaries, remain treasures of the Church. Proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 451, St. John Chrysostom is honored as the patron of preachers, orators, and Constantinople.

PRAYER: O God, You filled Saint John Chrysostom with zeal for Your Word and courage to proclaim truth in the face of opposition. Grant that we may learn from his wisdom and imitate his perseverance, so that our lives may bear witness to Your eternal glory. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT MAURILIUS, BISHOP OF ANGERS (c. 336–426): Born in Milan, Maurilius was first influenced by the great saints of his time—St. Ambrose of Milan and St. Martin of Tours. Ordained a priest by St. Martin, he was later chosen as Bishop of Angers, where he played a key role in the spread of Christianity in Gaul. Known for his holiness, zeal, and miraculous works, he converted many pagans, healed the sick, and cast out demons. His episcopate was marked by fervent prayer, missionary preaching, and deep pastoral care. Tradition recounts that a dove descended upon him during his consecration as bishop, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s presence in his ministry. He died in 426 after a long life of service, and miracles were reported at his funeral, including the healing of the blind and paralyzed. Venerated as the patron saint of Angers, he is invoked by fishermen and gardeners.

PRAYER: Almighty God, You raised up Saint Maurilius as a zealous shepherd and a witness of Your mercy. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to serve You faithfully, to work for the salvation of souls, and to live with charity and courage. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Maurilius ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Maurilius, we also honor: SAINT AMATUS, SAINT COLUMBINUS, SAINT EULOGIUS OF ALEXANDRIA, SAINT LIGORIUS, SAINTS MACROBIUS & JULIAN, SAINT NECTARIUS, SAINT PHILIP, AND SAINT VENERIUS THE HERMIT. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR A FORGIVING HEART, PATIENCE IN SUFFERING, AND MERCY

Heavenly Father, You are kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion, forgiving our countless offenses with boundless love. Through the grace of this Sunday’s Gospel, soften our hearts so that we may truly forgive our brothers and sisters from the depths of our souls, letting go of all grudges and resentment. Through the intercession of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Maurilius, grant us the courage to witness to Your truth, patience in the face of trials, and a burning zeal for the salvation of souls. Lord Jesus, help us to live not for ourselves, but entirely for You, so that our lives may constantly reflect Your mercy to a broken world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Maurilius, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER: For the care of water. Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER | MONTH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to unite our hearts with Mary in her profound sharing of Christ’s Passion. As Simeon foretold, “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), and throughout her life Mary endured deep sorrows that culminated at Calvary. In her silent strength and unwavering faith, she became the compassionate Mother of all Christians, offering her suffering with Christ for the salvation of the world.

This month, the Church calls us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless Body, and placing Him in the tomb. By reflecting on these sorrows, we learn patience in trials, compassion for the suffering, and a deeper love for Jesus who suffered for us.

Prayers such as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows help us to walk with Mary in her suffering and to discover hope and consolation in her maternal heart.

“Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach us to stand with you at the Cross, sharing in Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.”

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=9

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

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer-2/

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

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

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