Today’s Scripture Reading

Reading 1 Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth,vanity of vanities!  All things are vanity!What profit has man from all the laborwhich he toils at under the sun?One generation passes and another comes,but the world forever stays.The sun rises and the sun goes down;then it presses on to the place where it rises.Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north,the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds.All rivers go to the sea,yet never does the sea become full.To the place where they go,the rivers keep on going.All speech is labored;there is nothing one can say.The eye is not satisfied with seeingnor is the ear satisfied with hearing.What has been, that will be;what has been done, that will be done.Nothing is new under the sun.Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!”has already existed in the ages that preceded us.There is no remembrance of the men of old;nor of those to come will there be any remembranceamong those who come after them. 

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17bc

R. (1)  In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.You turn man back to dust,saying, “Return, O children of men.”For a thousand years in your sightare as yesterday, now that it is past,or as a watch of the night.R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.You make an end of them in their sleep;the next morning they are like the changing grass,Which at dawn springs up anew,but by evening wilts and fades.R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.Teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart.Return, O LORD!  How long?Have pity on your servants!R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.Prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.  

Alleluia John 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;no one comes to the Father except through me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,“John has been raised from the dead”;others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”;still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”But Herod said, “John I beheaded.Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”And he kept trying to see him.

– – –
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Daily TV Mass from the Philippines

Please join our in community prayer as we remember all of our special intentions.

View Masses from: Toronto | Loretto Abbey | The Philippines | Sundays with Fr. Mike | St. Patrick’s Cathedral | St. Thomas

Today’s Catholic Reflection

In Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth reflects on the nature of life and our efforts within it. He notes how generations come and go, while the world remains unchanged. The sun rises and sets, and rivers flow into the sea. These patterns remind us of life's cyclical nature. Despite our hard work and words, nothing lasts, and memories fade with time.

The Responsorial Psalm touches on our mortality and dependence on God. It compares our lives to grass that flourishes in the morning but wilts by evening. The psalmist seeks wisdom to understand life's brevity and asks for God's mercy. There is a longing to make a meaningful impact, even in a fleeting world. In the Gospel, Herod hears of Jesus' miracles and finds himself confused, questioning whether John the Baptist has returned or if a new prophet has come, revealing his inner turmoil.

Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Faith in Focus:

A new book by Allan Smith, published on September 15, sheds light on the life and legacy of Fulton Sheen, known as ‘America’s Apostle’. The release of the book comes just a week before Sheen’s beatification. EWTN’s Matthew Bunson provides a detailed discussion of the book and Sheen’s enduring influence on “EWTN News Nightly.”

In response to the ongoing issue of sexual abuse, the Archbishop of Panama has sought the assistance of the Transparency Commission. This project, sponsored by Notre Dame Law School and Madrid’s Villanueva University, aims to address and rectify instances of abuse within the Church. The Archbishop has also publicly asked for forgiveness from the victims of such abuses, stating that silence cannot be maintained in the face of such atrocities.

A recent claim by watchdog group Do No Harm has prompted calls for a federal inquiry into Planned Parenthood and its affiliates. The group alleges that the organization may be miscoding visits in a manner that makes youth hormone prescriptions appear routine, potentially obscuring the true nature of these visits.

The Allentown Diocese has initiated its annual blood drive on the feast of St. Januarius, in response to a nationwide blood shortage. Allentown Bishop Alfred A. Schlert emphasized the critical need for blood donations, noting that blood cannot be manufactured or replaced and can only come from individuals willing to give of themselves for others.

Lastly, two bishops in Brazil have responded to the country’s president’s criticism of the Catholic Church. They stressed that the president should concentrate on governing the country effectively, rather than offering unsolicited advice to the Church on matters such as celibacy and the ordination of women.

Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Saint of the Day

Our Lady of Mercy — Marian title

Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Support Catholic missionaries and enroll a loved one into our Mission Society today.