SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 |

SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saturday-of-the-twenty-second-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-september-5-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-5th/

MEMORIAL OF SAINT MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA (KOLKATA), RELIGIOUS; SAINT BERTIN, RELIGIOUS AND SAINT LAWRENCE JUSTINIAN, BISHOP

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

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Bertin, and Saint Lawrence Justinian Here | https://youtu.be/eIn7fdpLKqk?si=b9EofbjjS5vruLGM

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

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 5, 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-5-2026/

FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/01/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/

FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/03/first-friday-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, on Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time, today also marks the First Saturday of the month, a day traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting us to offer prayers of reparation and to seek her motherly intercession for the world. The Gospel reveals Jesus as the “Lord of the Sabbath,” reminding us that human need and divine mercy take precedence over rigid ritualism. In the First Reading, Saint Paul corrects spiritual pride, asking us, “What do you possess that you have not received?” Today, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a luminous witness of God’s thirsting love who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor and seeing Christ in the unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We also honor Saint Bertin, a zealous 7th-century missionary abbot who evangelized Pas-de-Calais through profound prayer and monastic discipline, and Saint Lawrence Justinian, the first Patriarch of Venice, who turned away from noble wealth to embrace radical poverty, interior humility, and pastoral reform. Inspired by their heroic charity and selfless service, let us approach God with humble hearts and become instruments of His love in our world today.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings for Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Saturday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:17-18, 19-20, 21
Gospel: Luke 6:1-5

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 6:1-5

“The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”

“While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.'”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

In today’s Gospel, Jesus and His disciples are walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath when the disciples, feeling hungry, pick heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. The Pharisees immediately confront Jesus, accusing His disciples of breaking the Sabbath law regarding work. In response, Jesus references King David, who in a time of genuine necessity ate the sacred bread of offering reserved only for priests. Jesus reveals the true heart of God’s law: human need and divine mercy take precedence over rigid ritual legalism. Declaring that “the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath,” Jesus asserts His divine authority to grant true rest, freedom, and spiritual nourishment to all who follow Him.

In the First Reading, Saint Paul delivers a poignant correction to the Corinthian community regarding spiritual pride and self-righteousness. He asks them a penetrating question: “What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it?” Paul contrasts the proud, self-satisfied attitude of some believers with the humble, sacrificial suffering of the Apostles, who endure hunger, persecution, and slander with gentleness and blessing. He writes not to shame them, but as a loving spiritual father calling his children back to apostolic humility and true cross-centered discipleship. The Responsorial Psalm provides comforting assurance in response, reminding us that “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.”

Together, these passages invite us to root our faith in profound humility and love rather than empty pride or harsh judgment. Everything we have, our talents, spiritual gifts, and daily blessings, comes as an unearned gift from God. Furthermore, Christ calls us to move beyond rigid external rules to embrace the spirit of compassion, recognizing that He alone is the Lord of our lives and the source of our soul’s true Sabbath rest.

Are there areas in your life where pride or self-reliance has crept in, forgetting that everything you have is a gift from God? How can you respond with gentleness and love when faced with criticism, misunderstanding, or difficulty?

Heavenly Father, we humbly acknowledge that every good gift, every virtue, and every blessing we possess comes from Your loving hand. Forgive us for the times we have been inflated with pride, judged others, or boasted in our own achievements. Give us the humility and endurance of the Apostles, so that when we are misunderstood or faced with trial, we may respond with blessing, gentleness, and peace. Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath and the ruler of our lives; grant rest to our weary souls, free us from rigid legalism, and draw us into a deep, loving relationship with You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 5TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Bertin, and Saint Lawrence Justinian | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-5th/

SAINT MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA (1910–1997): Born Anjezë Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, Mother Teresa discerned a call to religious life at a young age and entered the Sisters of Loreto, arriving in India in 1929. For nearly 20 years she taught at St. Mary’s School in Calcutta, until 1946, when she experienced her “call within a call” to serve Christ in “the poorest of the poor.” Leaving her convent, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, dedicated to loving and serving the abandoned, the dying, and the marginalized.

Wearing her simple white sari with a blue border, she became a universal sign of God’s compassion. Her order grew worldwide, establishing homes, schools, and centers of charity. Mother Teresa lived through great trials, including a hidden “dark night of the soul,” yet persevered in her mission of love. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she always pointed attention back to Christ. Canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis, she is remembered as a “saint of the gutters” and patron of the Missionaries of Charity, World Youth Day, and the Archdiocese of Calcutta.

PRAYER: Saint Mother Teresa, you saw Christ in the poorest and the forgotten. Help us to love and serve with the same humility, faith, and courage. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT BERTIN (c. 615–709): Saint Bertin, a monk of Luxeuil Abbey, became a missionary in northern France alongside Saint Omer. He founded the great Abbey of Saint-Bertin in Saint-Omer, which became a center of evangelization, learning, and holiness for centuries. Known for his austerity, deep prayer, and zeal, he trained many disciples and monks who spread the Gospel throughout the region. Twenty-two of his monks were later canonized.

PRAYER: Lord, through Saint Bertin’s zeal and holiness, You strengthened Your Church. May his prayers inspire us to work for renewal, holiness, and missionary spirit. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT LAWRENCE JUSTINIAN (1381–1455): Born into a noble Venetian family, Lawrence felt called to holiness from youth and joined the Canons Regular of St. George in Alga. Known for his humility, simplicity, and love for prayer, he became a priest, reformer, and spiritual writer. In 1433, he was consecrated Bishop of Castello and later became the first Patriarch of Venice. A tireless shepherd, he reformed his diocese, cared for the poor, and promoted holiness among clergy and laity alike. His writings on prayer and the interior life remain treasured spiritual works. Canonized in 1690, he is the patron saint of Venice.

PRAYER: O God, You gave Saint Lawrence Justinian wisdom and holiness as a bishop. Grant that, through his intercession, we may walk faithfully in humility and charity. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Bertin, and Saint Lawrence Justinian ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta (St. Teresa of Calcutta), Saint Bertin (St. Bertinus), and Saint Lawrence Justinian (St. Lawrence Giustiniani), we also honor: SAINT ALVITUS, SAINT CHARBEL, SAINT EUDOXIUS, SAINT HERCULANILS, SAINT JOSEPH CANH (SAINT JOSEPH CANH LUANG HOANG), SAINT OBDULIA, SAINT PETER TU, SAINT QUINTIUS, SAINT ROMULUS, SAINT VICTORINUS, AND BLESSED WILLIAM BROWNE. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE POOR, MISSIONARIES, HUMILITY, AND A HEART FOR SERVICE

Heavenly Father, as we honor Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we pray for the grace to see the face of Your Son in the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the unborn. Fill our hearts with a burning desire to quench Christ’s thirst for love through small, faithful acts done with great charity. Through the intercession of Saint Bertin, we ask You to protect and strengthen all missionaries and religious communities, granting them zeal to spread the Gospel to every corner of the earth. Through the prayers of Saint Lawrence Justinian, deliver us from spiritual pride, material greed, and self-righteousness, and grant us true humility of heart. Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of the Sabbath and the source of our rest; guide our leaders, restore our souls, and make us trustworthy instruments of Your peace and mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Bertin, Saint Lawrence Justinian, 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/