FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS AND SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA, MARTYRS | SEPTEMBER 26TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Cosmas & Damian, and Saints Cyprian & Justina | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-26th/)
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 26, 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-september-26-2025/
NOVENA TO SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX – THE LITTLE FLOWER: DAY 5: The 2025 Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is scheduled to begin on Monday, 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/
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
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/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family.
Today, Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time. We joyfully thank God for the gift of this month, September, and thank Him for the gift of life! Lord Almighty, we thank You for granting us your grace and favor and we entrust every day of this month into Your loving hands. May September be a season of renewal, hope, and abundant blessings for us and our families. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of children all over the world, especially those beginning the new school year. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and be near to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts.
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, 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 🙏🏾
On this feast day, through the intercession of the Saints we celebrate today, we humbly pray for the poor 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 those who fight for truth, peace, justice, love, and unity in our families and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. 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 September. 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽
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 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of September | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-september/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/prayer-for-the-beginning-of-a-new-school-year/
MEET THE NEW SAINTS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/canonization-of-carlo-acutis-pier-giorgio-frassati/
SAINT CARLO ACUTIS (1991–2006): a teenager from Milan, passionate about computer science, he used new media to spread the faith and love for the Eucharist. Beatified in 2020, he is a model of digital evangelization. | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-carlo-acutis/
SAINT PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI (1901–1925): a young man from Turin, sportsman and mountain enthusiast, he stood out for his charity towards the poor and his joyful witness to the Gospel. Beatified in 1990, he is the patron of young people and students. | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-pier-giorgio-frassati/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the 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 | September 26, 2025
Reading 1: Haggai 2:1–9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 43:1, 2, 3, 4
Gospel: Luke 9:18–22
Gospel Reading ~ Luke 9:18–22
“But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, You are the ‘Christ of God’; The Son of Man must suffer greatly.”*
“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.’”
In today’s Gospel reading from Luke’s Gospel, it is when Jesus is praying that He asks His disciples the two questions, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ and ‘Who do you say I am?’ According to Luke’s Gospel, these questions came out of His prayer. They were important questions. The first question, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’, was a general question; the second question was a much more personal one, Who do you say I am?’. We can hear both questions as addressed to all of us but it is the second question that is the more demanding one because it asks us to say who Jesus is to us, for me personally. It is easier to say what Jesus means to people in general; it takes a little more out of us to say what He means to me personally. Yet, it is the answer to that second question that Jesus is more interested in. He wants us to give expression to our own personal faith in Him. We are each being asked, ‘What do you believe?’ Saint Paul in his letters answered that question in a number of different ways. In his letter to the Galatians he said, ‘I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me’. It is as if St. Paul is answering Jesus’ question by saying, ‘You are the Son of God who loves me and gave Yourself for me’. The Gospel reading today invites us to reflect on the answer we would give, as individuals, to that question of Jesus, ‘Who do you say I am?’
The Gospel today brings us to a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus. As the crowds were confused about who He was, some thinking He was John the Baptist or one of the prophets. But when Jesus asks His disciples directly, Peter makes a bold declaration: “You are the Christ of God.” However, it was an ambiguous answer, because the term ‘Christ’ or ‘Messiah’ could mean different things to different people. Jesus then gives His own answer to His question by speaking of Himself as the Son of Man who must be rejected, undergo great suffering and be put to death, and then be raised from the dead. We cannot understand Jesus without reference to His crucifixion, because it is His willingness to be put to death for our sake that really reveals who Jesus is. This confession of faith is the foundation of discipleship. Yet, immediately after Peter’s confession, Jesus reveals the cost of His mission the way of the Cross. He must suffer, be rejected, die, and rise again. When we look at the cross we see a greater love, the love of God who gave His Son for us, the love of Jesus who gave Himself for us, so that we might have life and have it to the full. However, it is only because He was raised from the dead and continues His work as risen Lord that we can understand His death, and, indeed, His life, in this way, as the revelation of a loving God. True discipleship means not only recognizing Jesus as the Messiah but also embracing the mystery of the Cross. Faith is not simply about miracles or triumphs, but about walking with Christ through suffering, knowing resurrection will follow.
In the first reading from Haggai, God encourages the people of Israel as they rebuild the Temple. Though the new Temple seems small compared to the former glory of Solomon’s, God promises that His Spirit is with them and that the future glory of His house will surpass the past. This is a message of hope for all who feel discouraged by small beginnings or present struggles. God’s presence transforms what looks weak into something greater than we can imagine. His glory does not depend on outward appearances but on His abiding Spirit.
The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of trust and hope: “Hope in God; I will praise Him, my Savior and my God.” The psalmist cries out in distress but does not give in to despair. Instead, he clings to God’s strength, asking for light and fidelity to guide him back into God’s presence. In moments when we feel abandoned, oppressed, or weighed down by trials, the psalm invites us to hold fast to God’s promises and to praise Him even through tears.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are called to examine our own faith: Who do I say Jesus is in my life? Do I confess Him only when it is easy, or am I ready to follow Him even through the way of the Cross? Am I discouraged by small beginnings or present struggles, forgetting that God’s Spirit is with me and His glory will be revealed in time? Like the psalmist, do I place my hope in God when I feel weighed down, choosing praise over despair? Brothers and sisters, today we are reminded that discipleship is both a confession and a commitment: a confession that Jesus is the Christ, and a commitment to walk with Him through suffering into glory. God’s promise is sure His Spirit abides with us, His presence fills what is broken, and His peace will surpass all that has come before. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace as we remain steadfast in faith, courageous in trials, and joyful in hope as we follow Christ, our Savior and our God and serve Him in spirit and in truth.🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ of God, the One who suffered, died, and rose again for our salvation. Strengthen my faith when I feel weak, fill me with courage when I am afraid, and teach me to place my hope in You alone. Like Peter, may I boldly confess You as Lord, and like Ezra, may I humbly acknowledge my sins and trust in Your mercy. Help me to carry my cross with perseverance, to depend not on material things but on Your presence, and to live each day as a dwelling place filled with Your glory and peace. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS; AND SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA, MARTYRS ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 26TH: Today, the Church honors four remarkable witnesses of the faith: Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers and physicians who offered healing freely and bore courageous martyrdom; and Saints Cyprian and Justina, once opposed in spirit but united in grace, who gave their lives for Christ during the Diocletian persecution. Their lives remind us that holiness is found in charity, conversion, and fidelity, even in the face of suffering. Through their intercession, we pray today for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and all healthcare professionals; for the sick, especially those with cancer, chronic illness, or mental suffering; for widows, widowers, and the poor; for peace and unity in our families and world; for the souls in Purgatory and the faithful departed; and for the Church, especially for vocations, persecuted Christians, and the conversion of sinners. May their witness strengthen us in faith and hope. Amen. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 26th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saints Cosmas & Damian, and Saints Cyprian & Justina | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-26th/)
SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS (d. 287): Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers born in Arabia, became renowned physicians in Asia Minor. Known as the “moneyless ones,” they never accepted payment for their medical care, practicing medicine with charity and compassion as a reflection of their Christian faith. Their generosity not only healed bodies but also won souls for Christ, as many of their patients embraced Christianity through their witness. During the Diocletian persecutions, their faith made them targets. Arrested by the governor Lysias, they endured cruel tortures and miraculous deliverances before being finally beheaded, together with their three brothers. Their relics became a source of miracles, and Emperor Justinian himself restored a church in Constantinople in their honor after receiving healing through their intercession.
The Church venerates Cosmas and Damian as patrons of physicians, pharmacists, dentists, surgeons, barbers, midwives, and all who work in the healing arts. They are also invoked for marital harmony, the sick, and children. Their names are included in the Roman Canon of the Mass, a sign of their ancient and enduring devotion. Their feast reminds us that true healing comes not only from science, but from the love of God working through human hands.
PRAYER: Loving God, You raised up Saints Cosmas and Damian as witnesses of charity through healing. Grant that we may imitate their generosity, serving others selflessly, and find in their prayers comfort for the sick and strength for all who labor in the art of healing. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA, MARTYRS (d. 304): Saint Cyprian of Antioch began life as a pagan and a powerful magician who, with demonic aid, sought to corrupt the virgin Justina. Yet Justina, by prayer and the sign of the cross, overcame every assault of the devil. Her steadfast faith moved Cyprian to see the power of Christ and renounce his dark arts. Baptized a Christian, Cyprian embraced the faith with zeal, eventually becoming a bishop, while Justina became abbess of a convent.
During the persecution under Diocletian, both were arrested and brutally tortured. Justina was scourged, and Cyprian was torn with iron hooks. Refusing to deny Christ, they were condemned together and beheaded at Nicomedia in 304. Their joint witness shows how God’s grace transforms hearts—from deception and darkness to truth and light—and how fidelity to Christ is worth every sacrifice.
PRAYER: Almighty God, through the witness of Saints Cyprian and Justina, You revealed the triumph of faith over darkness and sin. Grant that we too may resist evil with courage, remain steadfast in Your truth, and bear witness to Christ until the end. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Cosmas and Damian, Saints Cyprian and Justina ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
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 SEPTEMBER: For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
(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/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we reflect on today’s readings, let us pray for the grace to recognize Christ as the foundation of our lives, just as Peter professed Him to be the Messiah. May we allow God’s Spirit to renew and strengthen His Church, making it a living temple of hope and peace. Through the intercession of Saints Cosmas and Damian, may all doctors, nurses, and health workers be blessed with wisdom, compassion, and strength in their service to the sick. We also ask for the prayers of Saints Cyprian and Justina, that we may remain steadfast in faith amid trials and overcome every temptation with the power of God’s mercy. May Our Lord grant healing to the suffering, comfort to the persecuted, and deep faith to all who seek Him.
LET US PRAY:
My praying Lord, as You spent time alone with the Father, You united Your human nature with Him, thus elevating our nature to a glorious degree. Please draw me to You, dear Lord, so that I may know You and the Father through true, deep and sustaining prayer. May this oneness with You be the cause of my deepest fulfillment in life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, You are our refuge and strength, the source of every blessing and the hope of eternal life. Help us to confess Christ with courage, build our lives on Your promises, and walk faithfully in the path of discipleship. Strengthen the sick, uplift the weary, guide our leaders in wisdom, and fill us with the peace that only Your Spirit gives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Cosmas & Damian, and Saints Cyprian & Justina ~ 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. May this new month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, Friday, relaxing weekend ahead, and a fulfilling month of September🙏🏽
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 |
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