FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/friday-of-the-twenty-fourth-week-in-ordinary-time-september-18-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-september-18th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO, PRIEST

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

👉🏾  Watch the YouTube Video of Saint Joseph of Cupertino Here | https://youtube.com/shorts/gsalQgezR_o?si=-s0lHEvEq_uKtMmO

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 18, 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-18-2026/

Stay connected with us on social media:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dailyreflectionswithphilomena/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587888688219
@dailyreflectionswithdrphilomena
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://www.instagram.com/gliopiepefoundation?utm_source=qr&igsh=Z29jcXN4Y3F0b2Zy

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on the Feast of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, the Church celebrates a humble friar whose total abandonment to God lifted him, both literally and spiritually, far above the cares of this world. Today’s Gospel highlights the dedicated disciples, including Mary Magdalene and Joanna, who journeyed with Jesus and supported His mission, while the First Reading from Saint Paul offers a powerful, unwavering defense of Christ’s resurrection. Inspired by St. Joseph’s childlike trust and the joyful devotion of the early disciples, let us lift our hearts to the Risen Lord today.

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: Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | Friday, September 18, 2026
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17:1bcd, 6-7, 8b, 15
Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 8:1-3

“Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today’s readings turn our hearts toward the bedrock of our Christian faith: the reality of the Resurrection and the dedicated, supportive community that surrounded Jesus during His earthly ministry. In the First Reading, Saint Paul delivers a passionate and uncompromising defense of Christ’s resurrection, reminding the Corinthians that if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. If that were true, our preaching would be empty, our faith would be in vain, and we would still be trapped in our sins, making us “the most pitiable people of all.” But Paul bursts forth with the glorious truth of the Gospel: “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Because He lives, our hope reaches beyond this present life into eternal glory, echoing the longing of the Responsorial Psalm: “Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.”

This vibrant hope is put into practical action in the short Gospel passage, which highlights the traveling community of disciples accompanying Jesus. Beyond the Twelve Apostles, Luke draws our attention to a faithful group of women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who had been healed and transformed by the Lord. Out of deep gratitude and love, they utilized their own resources to support Jesus and His ministry. Their generous stewardship shows that following Christ involves active participation, putting our time, talents, and material blessings at the service of the Kingdom. Just as they journeyed with the Lord from town to town, we too are called to walk with Him, anchored by the unshakable hope of the Resurrection.

Today, let us reflect on how the promise of the Resurrection shapes our daily lives. Do we live as people of Easter joy, and how are we using our own gifts to support the work of Christ in our communities?

How does the certainty of eternal life through Christ’s resurrection influence the way you handle the crosses, trials, and sacrifices of your daily life?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the supreme gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and became the firstfruits of the resurrection. Strengthen our faith so that we never waver in our hope of eternal life, and let the joy of Your glory fill our hearts. Inspired by the faithful women who accompanied Jesus, grant us generous and open spirits to support the work of Your Church out of the resources You have given us. May our lives reflect the transforming power of Your grace, today and always. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 18TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Joseph of Cupertino | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-september-18th/

SAINT OF THE DAY: SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO, PRIEST: Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603–1663) was an Italian Franciscan priest known as “The Flying Saint” for his extraordinary mystical ecstasies and levitations. Born into deep poverty and facing significant intellectual and practical struggles in his youth, he was often misunderstood and considered “good for nothing” by those around him. However, through profound humility, severe penance, and a burning love for God, he was eventually admitted to the priesthood. His life was marked by intense prayer and frequent ecstasies—often triggered by the mere mention of heavenly things—during which he would miraculously float or rise into the air. Despite the trials, misunderstandings, and physical interruptions these ecstasies caused throughout his life, St. Joseph remained completely abandoned to Divine Providence. He is celebrated today as the patron saint of air travelers, pilots, astronauts, and students preparing for exams.

PRAYER; God, You willed that Your only-begotten Son should draw all things to Himself when He was lifted up above the earth. May the merits and example of St. Joseph, Your Priest, help us to rise above all earthly desires so that we may come to Jesus. Amen.

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Joseph of Cupertino ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint Joseph of Cupertino, we also honor: SAINT BASILIDES, BLESSED CARLO ERANA GURUCETA, SAINT DOMINIC TRACH, SAINT EUMENES, SAINT FERREOLUS, SAINT HYGBALD, BLESSED JESUS HITA MIRANDA, SAINT JOHN MACIAS, SAINT LUDMILLA OF BOHEMIA, SAINT METHODIUS OF OLYMPUS, AND SAINT RICHARDIS. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR RENEWED FAITH, HUMILITY, AND TRUST IN GOD

Heavenly Father, You raised up Saint Joseph of Cupertino to show the world the power of profound humility, deep prayer, and complete surrender to Your will. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to rise above our worldly anxieties, earthly attachments, and daily trials so that our hearts may be drawn ever closer to Christ. Strengthen our faith in the glorious promise of the Resurrection, and fill us with a generous spirit to support the work of Your Church. Guide our steps, comfort the weary, and help us to walk always in the light of Your grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph of Cupertino, 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/