FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/friday-of-the-twenty-fifth-week-in-ordinary-time-september-25-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-25th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FINBARR, BISHOP: SAINT CLEOPHAS, DISCIPLE OF CHRIST; SAINT FIRMIN, BISHOP OF AMIENS AND MARTYR AND BLESSED HERMAN THE CRIPPLE, RELIGIOUS

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

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of Saint Finbarr, Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin, and Blessed Herman the Crippl Here | https://youtu.be/9BNJscHvh_8?si=D2wjYCPwEE62Qjno

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

NOVENA TO SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX – THE LITTLE FLOWER: The Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is scheduled to begin on September 22nd, and end on September 30th in preparation for her Feast day on October 1st. | Link to Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-therese-of-lisieux-the-little-flower/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 25, 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-25-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on the Feast of Saint Finbarr, Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin, and Blessed Herman the Cripple, the Church honors visionary founders, faithful disciples, courageous martyr-bishops, and brilliant scholars who transformed severe physical suffering into profound offerings of praise. As we continue on the fifth day of our novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, we are invited once again to embrace her “little way” of absolute trust and childlike confidence in God. Today’s Gospel invites us into a moment of intimate prayer where Jesus asks the definitive question of faith “Who do you say that I am?” while Saint Peter boldly confesses Him as the Christ of God. Anchored in this saving truth and inspired by the steadfast witness of today’s saints, let us open our hearts to follow Christ along the path of discipleship and grace today.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time | Friday, September 25, 2026
Reading 1: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4
Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 9:18-22

“The Christ of God.”

“Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They said in reply, ‘John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” Then he said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter said in reply, ‘The Christ of God.’ He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.'”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today’s readings invite us to contemplate the sacred design of human time and the defining question of our personal faith: Who is Jesus to us? In the Gospel, after spending time in solitary prayer, Jesus turns to His disciples and asks for both public opinion and their personal conviction. When Simon Peter boldly declares, “The Christ of God,” Jesus immediately unveils the path of the Cross, revealing that His true identity as Messiah is fulfilled through suffering, rejection, and resurrection. Following Christ requires more than recognizing His greatness; it means embracing His cross and surrendering our lives to His divine mission.

This rhythm of divine purpose woven into human life is profoundly captured in the First Reading from Ecclesiastes, which famously teaches that “there is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every thing under the heavens.” From a time to weep to a time to laugh, and a time to build to a time to heal, Qoheleth reminds us that God has placed eternity into our hearts. Even when we cannot fully comprehend the unfolding of His work from beginning to end, we can anchor our souls in His steadfast love. As the Responsorial Psalm joyfully proclaims: “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust.”

Today, let us examine our own hearts and respond to Jesus’ pivotal question. Is He merely a historical teacher in our lives, or is He truly the Christ, our Rock, and our Savior whom we follow through every season? How can you surrender the changing seasons and circumstances of your life more fully into God’s hands today?

Heavenly Father, we thank You that every moment of our lives is held within Your loving and purposeful hands. Forgive us for the times we resist the seasons of testing, struggle, or growth You appoint for us. Grant us the grace to recognize Jesus as the Christ of God, and give us the courage to take up our cross and follow Him wholeheartedly. Be our rock, our fortress, and our shield as we navigate the changing days under the sun, keeping our eyes fixed on Your eternal promise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 25TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Finbarr, Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin, and Blessed Herman the Cripple | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-25th/

SAINT FINBARR, BISHOP: Saint Finbarr (†623) was born near Bandon in County Cork, Ireland. He became a hermit and later a teacher, attracting disciples by his holiness and wisdom. He founded a monastery and school at what is now Cork, making it a center of Christian learning and worship. Finbarr was known for his deep love of prayer and his role in shaping the spiritual and cultural life of southern Ireland. His name, meaning “fair head,” reflects his gentle yet strong leadership.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Saint Finbarr, inspire us to build lives rooted in prayer and service. May we work to strengthen our communities in faith, charity, and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT CLEOPHAS, DISCIPLE OF CHRIST: Saint Cleophas is remembered as one of the two disciples who encountered the Risen Lord on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). Tradition holds that he was a relative of Jesus and later became a witness to the Gospel. His story reminds us of the joy and transformation that come from recognizing Christ in the breaking of the bread. Cleophas embodies faithful discipleship, attentiveness to the Scriptures, and openness to Christ’s presence in everyday life.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Saint Cleophas, open our eyes to recognize You in Word and Sacrament. May our hearts burn with love as we walk with You each day. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINT FIRMIN, BISHOP OF AMIENS AND MARTYR: Saint Firmin (3rd century) was born in Pamplona, Spain, and later traveled to Gaul (modern-day France) to spread the Gospel. Ordained bishop, he became the first Bishop of Amiens and preached tirelessly in Picardy. His fearless proclamation of the faith led to his martyrdom, sealing his witness with his blood. He is honored as the apostle of Amiens and remembered for his zeal and courage in advancing the mission of the Church.

PRAYER: Almighty God, through the intercession of Saint Firmin, grant us courage to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly, even in times of trial. May our lives be steadfast witnesses of Your truth. Amen. 🙏🏽

BLESSED HERMAN THE CRIPPLE, RELIGIOUS: Blessed Herman (1013–1054), known as “the Cripple,” was born in Germany with severe physical disabilities. Despite his suffering, he entered the Benedictine Abbey of Reichenau, where he excelled as a scholar, poet, mathematician, and musician. He composed two of the Church’s most cherished Marian hymns, the Salve Regina and Alma Redemptoris Mater, which continue to inspire devotion. Herman’s life shows how human weakness, when united with Christ, becomes a source of extraordinary grace.

PRAYER: Loving God, through the intercession of Blessed Herman, teach us to embrace our weaknesses and transform them into offerings of love. May we glorify You in both strength and frailty. Amen. 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Finbarr, Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin, and Blessed Herman the Cripple ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint Finbarr (St. Finbar), Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin (St. Firminus of Amiens), and Blessed Herman the Cripple, we also honor: SAINT ABADIR, SAINT ALBERT OF JERUSALEM, SAINT ANACHARIUS, BLESSED AUGUSTINE OTA, SAINT AUSTINDUS, SAINT CADOC, SAINT CAIAN, SAINT CEOLFRID, SAINT EGELRED, SAINT ERMENFRIDUS, SAINT EUPHROSYNE OF ALEXANDRIA, SAINT FYMBERT, SAINT HERCULAFILIS, SAINT LUPUS OF LYONS, SAINT MACARIUS OF FAYUM, BLESSED MANCIUS SHISISOIEMON, BLESSED MARK CRIADO, SAINT MEWROG, SAINT PAPHNUTIUS, SAINTS PAUL AND TATTA, SAINT PHILOTHEUS OF PEMDJE, SAINT SERGIUS OF RADONEZH, SAINT THEODORE OF CHOTEP, AND SAINT VINCENT STRAMBI. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR COURAGEOUS FAITH, PERSEVERANCE IN SUFFERING, AND A DEEPER LOVE FOR CHRIST

Heavenly Father, You raised up Saint Finbarr, Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin, and Blessed Herman the Cripple to bear witness to Your name through tireless missionary zeal, loyal discipleship, and joyful endurance in the midst of physical affliction. Through their intercession, and the sweet spiritual companionship of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux during this novena, grant us the grace to respond wholeheartedly to Jesus’ call. Help us to confess Him boldly as the Christ of our lives, to embrace our daily crosses with patience and hope, and to anchor our souls securely in You, our Rock and our Fortress. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Finbarr, Saint Cleophas, Saint Firmin, Blessed Herman the Cripple, 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/