SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saturday-of-the-twenty-fifth-week-in-ordinary-time-september-26-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-26th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS AND SAINTS CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA, MARTYRS

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

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of Saints Cosmas & Damian, and Saints Cyprian & Justina Here | https://youtu.be/POxxCProlQ8?si=d8XrGsqaXDKcbS4S

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 26, 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-26-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on the Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian and Saints Cyprian and Justina, the Church honors extraordinary martyrs who demonstrated unyielding faith, profound charity, and the healing power of Christ’s love. As we continue on the final days of our novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, we are invited once again to lean into her “little way” of complete trust and spiritual surrender. Today’s Gospel reminds us of the humbling reality of the Cross as Jesus foretells His Passion to disciples whose hearts were still veiled by fear and confusion. Anchored in the courageous witness of today’s saints and the gentle guidance of our heavenly Mother, let us open our hearts to embrace God’s path of love and self-giving 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: Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time | Saturday, September 26, 2026
Reading 1: Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17
Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 9:43b-45

“Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”

“While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today’s readings challenge us to look beyond the fleeting moments of earthly life and embrace the profound, sometimes difficult truths of God’s saving plan. In the Gospel, while the crowds are dazzled by His miracles, Jesus redirects His disciples’ attention toward the reality of His upcoming passion, warning them that He must be handed over. Yet the disciples fail to grasp His words, their understanding veiled by fear and human expectation. True discipleship requires us to listen closely to Christ, even when His path leads through suffering and self-surrender rather than immediate earthly triumph.

This fragile, fleeting nature of human life is vividly captured in the First Reading from Ecclesiastes, which urges us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth before the fading years arrive. Using poetic and sobering imagery of aging and the silver cord snapping, Qoheleth reminds us that our earthly breath eventually returns to God who gave it. Yet, this awareness of life’s brevity is not meant to plunge us into despair, but to guide us toward true wisdom. As the Responsorial Psalm teaches us to pray: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” When we place our trust in the Lord—our refuge through every age—He fills us with kindness and prospers the work of our hands.

Today, let us examine how we invest our time, energy, and hearts. Are we caught up exclusively in the passing illusions of this world, or are we seeking the eternal wisdom that comes from remembering our Creator?

How can you better anchor your daily efforts in God’s eternal refuge today, keeping your heart open to His teachings even when they challenge you?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge through every generation and for numbering our days with loving purpose. Forgive us for the times we cling too tightly to earthly vanities or shrink back in fear from the demands of following Christ closely. Grant us the wisdom of heart to cherish our time on earth as a gift, and give us the grace to listen attentively to Your word, trusting in Your promise of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 26TH:

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 & Damian, and Saints Cyprian & Justina ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saints Cosmas & Damian, and Saints Cyprian & Justina (St. Justina of Antioch), we also honor: SAINT AMANTIUS, SAINT CALLISTRATUS, SAINT COLMAN OF ELO, SAINT EUSEBIUS OF BOLOGNA, BLESSED GIOVANNI MAZZUCCONI, SAINT JOHN OF MEDA, BLESSED LOUIS TEZZA, SAINT MARIE TERESA COUDERC (SAINT THERESA COUDERE), SAINT MEUGANT, SAINT NILUS THE YOUNGER, SAINT NEOL, SAINT SENATOR, AND SAINT VIGILIUS. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR HEALING, CONVERSION OF HEART, AND STEADFAST FAITH

Heavenly Father, You granted Saints Cosmas and Damian the grace to heal the sick and bear witness to You through their martyrdom, and You transformed Saint Cyprian from a life of darkness into a zealous bishop and martyr alongside the faithful Justina. Through their intercession, and the sweet spiritual companionship of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux during this novena, grant us the grace to place our complete trust in You. Heal our spiritual and physical infirmities, turn our hearts away from the vanities of this world, and give us the courage to follow Christ faithfully along the path of the Cross. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saints Cosmas & Damian, Saints Cyprian & Justina, 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/