SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saturday-of-the-twenty-third-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-september-12-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-12th/

MEMORIAL OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY AND THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT GUY OF ANDERLECHT, HERMIT

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

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of The Most Holy Name of Mary and Saint Guy of Anderlecht Here | https://youtu.be/aX7MwBR9qvU?si=NtMY-gYTjy8_7YV1

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 12, 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-12-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Gospel reminds us that true discipleship requires a solid foundation of obedient action, warning us that a life built solely on words will collapse when tested. In the First Reading, Saint Paul urges us to avoid spiritual compromise and maintain our complete unity in Christ. Today, the Church venerates the holy, royal, and maternal Name of Our Blessed Mother Mary, honoring all the graces we receive through her powerful intercession and her sublime role as the Mother of God. We also celebrate Saint Guy of Anderlecht, a humble, pious sacristan and pilgrim known as the “Poor Man of Anderlecht,” who embraced holy poverty and dedicated his life to the service of the church and the poor. Inspired by Our Lady’s gentle guidance and Saint Guy’s faithful perseverance, let us build our spiritual lives firmly on Christ the Rock.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings for Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18
Gospel: Luke 6:43-49

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 6:43-49

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?”

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.'”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us with the powerful parable of the two builders and the imagery of the tree and its fruit. He reminds us that outward professions of faith are meaningless if they are not backed by obedient action: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?” True discipleship requires depth—digging deep to lay the foundation of our spiritual lives on the solid rock of Christ’s words. When the inevitable floods and trials of life come against us, a faith rooted only in words will collapse, but a life built on active obedience to God’s commands will stand firm against any storm.

Saint Paul delivers a similarly stark warning against division and compromise in the First Reading from his letter to the Corinthians, urging believers to avoid idolatry and recognize the profound unity we share in the Eucharist. He asks piercing questions about spiritual integrity: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the Blood of Christ? … You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons.” We cannot live a divided life, trying to blend the ways of the world with the absolute demands of God’s kingdom. The Responsorial Psalm echoes this total commitment, offering a song of gratitude and lifelong dedication: “How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.”

Together, these passages call us to examine the foundation upon which we are building our lives. Are our words matched by concrete actions of love, and is our worship pure, undivided, and anchored firmly on Christ the Rock?

Are there areas of your life where your actions do not fully align with calling Jesus “Lord”? What can you do today to build your spiritual house more firmly on the rock of His word?

Heavenly Father, You are our rock, our strength, and our salvation. Forgive us for the times our faith has been merely spoken rather than lived, leaving us vulnerable to the storms of life. Grant us the grace to dig deep into Your word, rooting our hearts in Your truth and producing the good fruit of obedience, charity, and steadfast love. Strengthen us to reject every form of spiritual compromise, that we may partake fully of Your cup and stand firm against every trial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 12TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of The Most Holy Name of Mary and Saint Guy of Anderlecht | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-12th/

 THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY: The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary venerates the name of the Blessed Virgin as a source of grace, honor, and hope. Mary, the Mother of God, is the holiest of creatures, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the Mother of Mercy. Instituted in 1513 and extended to the Universal Church in 1683 after the miraculous victory at Vienna, this feast recalls that her name alone inspires confidence, consolation, and love in the hearts of the faithful. Over centuries, the Church Fathers and theologians have attributed many meanings to her name: “Exalted One,” “Star of the Sea,” “The Light Giver,” and “Mother of the Lord.” When we invoke the name of Mary, we affirm her role as our Mother, implore her aid, and place ourselves under her protection. Her name is one of honor, holiness, maternity, and refuge for the faithful. Just as the Name of Jesus carries saving power, the Name of Mary leads us to Him, glorifying God through her unique role in salvation history.

PRAYER: O God, who willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called by so sweet and powerful a name, grant that, through her intercession, all who celebrate her holy name today may receive the abundance of Your mercy and grace. Amen. 

SAINT GUY OF ANDERLECHT, HERMIT (950–1012): St. Guy, known as the “Poor Man of Anderlecht,” was born in humble circumstances near Brussels. From childhood, he was deeply devoted to the poor and to prayer, often serving at church and giving generously despite his own poverty. He became sacristan at Laeken, where his life of simplicity and charity was well known. Tempted by worldly gain, he once left his post to join a merchant venture, but after its failure and deep remorse, he embraced a life of penance and pilgrimage. For seven years, he journeyed to Rome, the Holy Land, and other shrines, seeking holiness in humility and sacrifice. Returning home weak and exhausted, he died in Anderlecht around 1012, where miracles were soon reported at his tomb. Venerated as the patron of sacristans, farmers, and laborers, he is invoked for protection against epilepsy, rabies, and dangers to animals. His shrine became a site of pilgrimage, and he remains a witness to the joy of serving God in humility and steadfast faith.

PRAYER: Lord God, You raised up Saint Guy of Anderlecht as a humble witness of charity, prayer, and penitence. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to seek not earthly riches, but the eternal treasure of Your Kingdom, and to serve You with joy in simplicity of heart. Amen. 

Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Guy of Anderlecht ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside The Most Holy Name of Mary and Saint Guy of Anderlecht, we also honor: SAINT AILBHE, SAINT AUTONOMOUS, SAINT CUROMOTUS, SAINT EANSWIDA, SAINT FRANCIS OF ST. BONAVENTURE, SAINT HIERONIDES, SAINT MACEDONIUS, BLESSED MANCIUS OF ST. THOMAS, SAINT PETER PAUL OF ST. CLAIRE, SAINT SACERDOS OF LYON, AND BLESSED THOMAS ZUMARRAGA. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE INTERCESSION OF OUR LADY, TRUE SPIRITUAL INTEGRITY, AND HUMILITY

Heavenly Father, as we honor the sweet and powerful Most Holy Name of Mary, we thank You for giving us such a loving Mother to guide us to Your Son. Through her intercession, grant us the grace to call upon her name with confidence in every time of need and to mirror her unreserved obedience to Your will. Through the prayers of Saint Guy of Anderlecht, help us to reject the false promises of this world, embrace humility, and serve the poor and suffering with generous hearts. Lord Jesus, grant us the wisdom to dig deep into Your word, that our lives may bear good fruit and stand firm against every storm. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Guy of Anderlecht, 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/