"Follow Me"

Jesus, give me the courage and strength to follow you, even when I am faced with responsibilities and situations that make it very difficult. Give me the grace to do what is right and just, regardless of the strife and discord that my actions may cause. And when faced with other's anger and hurt that result from my loyalty to you, give me the compassion to show them the love and understanding that will be an example that may lead them to you. Amen. Luke 9: 57-62

Responsorial Psalm
Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

Today's Intention
All those who are contemplating converting to the Catholic Faith.

Today's Saint
Saint Jerome, pray for us.

Today's Thought
How many times every day does Jesus say to you, "Follow me." and you turn a deaf ear?

Our Lady of Sorrows, on this last day of September, pray for us. Amen.

"How Do You Know Me?"

Jesus, you know me from the inside out. Every pretense that I put on and every thing that I do in secret, you know. O Lord, help me cease wasting my time pretending to be something that I am not. Give me the courage to drop to my knees in front of you and accept your forgiveness and love. Jesus, let me see the wonders and glory that will surely come my way when I surrender myself to your loving care. Amen. John 1: 47-51

Responsorial Psalm
In the sight of the angels,I will sing your praises, Lord.

Today's Intention
All those who are struggling with same sex attraction. May they find resolution in God's word and commandments.

Today's Saints
Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, pray for us and protect us.

Today's Thought
A mirror can be our worst enemy. It can convince us that we are wonderful, when indeed we are not.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

The Least One Is The Greatest One

Jesus, grant me the humility to be at the end of the line, serving those who are waiting the longest for life's requirements. Help me escape from the hustle and bustle of making myself noticed and loved by important people and rather let me find satisfaction and contentment in being noticed and needed by those who can do nothing for me except say thank you. O Lord, please keep me focused on pleasing you and honoring you as my main goal in life. Amen. Luke 9: 46-50

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Today's Intention
All those who work with the poor.

Today's Saint
Saint Wenceslaus, pray for us.

Today's Thought
Life is a line that we must wait in. How we act as we wait in line determines what is waiting for us when we reach the front of the line. It is then that we discover if we are now first in line in God's eyes or in the wrong line!

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us! Amen.

"If Your Hand Causes You To Sin..."

Jesus, you love all people and want everyone to find salvation in you. Help me to tend my relationship with you alone and not meddle and interfere with your relationship with others. I want your full attention all of the time and I become jealous and resentful when I see others threatening my relationship with you and understanding of you. O Lord, give me the strength to live my life in a way that does not lead others into sin. I am weak and need your constant help to give a good example to others. Jesus, give me the courage to live a good and holy life. Amen. Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48

Responsorial Psalm
The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Today's Intention
For those who work in the advertising industry, that they will resist messages that lead people into sin.

Today's Saint
Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us.

Today's Thought
Every single thing that we do helps to paint each moment in time that is responsible for the future, moment by moment, that will unfold.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

"Pay Attention To What I Am Telling You."

Jesus, we stuggle to understand all of the words that you have spoken through the Gospels. So much is hidden from our eyes and minds. But like a good father, you commanded your disciples to listen to you, regardless of their ability to understand. Help us to accept that faith is about listening and following but not always understanding. O Lord, help us fend off the barage of attempts intended to defeat your message by today's media. Jesus, have mercy on us.Amen. Luke 9: 43b-45

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Today's Intention
People who work in the public media, that they might understand their potential to move their audience toward Christ.

Today's Saints
Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, pray for us.

Today's Thought
Look at the size of the universe. Imagine how wonderful life on earth would be if only one half of our efforts and resources were devoted to loving one another rather than understanding how our universe started.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Our Souls. Amen.

"The Son Of Man Must Suffer Greatly"

Jesus, when you walked the earth, those who followed you believed that you would overcome and crush evil immediately with your power and might. You told them that you must suffer, die, be rejected by the chief priests and scribes. Finally, you would be killed. O Lord, we who believe are watching you experience those same acts today. Jesus, strengthen our faith in your justice and to not be discouraged and disheartened as we watch you being mocked and banished from our world by its leaders and educational experts. Holy Spirit, give us your gifts so that we can live in a holy manner in the midst of the worsening decline of our world. Amen. Luke 9: 18-22

Responsorial Psalm
Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.

Today's Intention
For our educational experts, that they would place teaching necessary academic skills to students above instilling political views in them.

Today's Saint
Saint Finbar, pray for us.

Today's Thought
If we look back over history, we see the record of God's justice and his mercy in response to mankind's adherance to his word. The rise and fall of great nations, is predictable if we compare its rule to what God requires of man.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us To Your Son. Amen.

Looking But Not Seeing

Jesus, Herod looked for you, but could not see you. We are looking for you and there are times that we cannot see you. O Lord, open our eyes and minds in the way that will allow them to focus in on the many ways that you surround us everyday. Strengthen our faith in you. Open our minds to the vastness of who you are. Amen. Luke 9: 7-9

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord takes delight in his people.

Today's Intention
For the conversion of non-believers.

Today's Saint
Saint Pacific of San Severino, Pray For Us.

Today's Thought
How many times have you searched for something based upon how you remembered it looking and when you eventually located it, it looked nothing like the object you were looking for? Yet, it was what you were looking for. Such is our search for Christ.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Our Searching Souls. Amen.

Take Nothing For The Journey

Jesus,you bestowed the power and authourity to do miracles on your disciples. You commanded them to proclaim your kingdom thoughout the lands without frills or without the burden of personal possessions with them. Lord, make us content with what is necessary in our lives and save us from being obsessed with what we desire in life. Give us the courage to go out and live our lives in a way that proclaims your kingdom to everyone that we meet. Amen. Luke 9: 1-6

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed be God, who lives forever.

Today's Intention
Missionaries throughout the world.

Today's Saint
Saint Constantius, Pray for us.

Today's Thought
How much of what we have is what we desire versus what we really need?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

Our Spiritual Family

Jesus, help us to cherish our place in the family of the Father. Regardless of our worthiness to be called a mother, brother or sister in God's family, we are still members. Give us the strength to run toward you, as the prodigal son ran toward his father after a long, chaotic absence from home. O Lord, give us the courage to love you first and foremost in this earthly life so that we can be a good example to our family and our neighbors. Amen. Luke 8: 19-21

Responsorial Reading
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Today's Intention
All people who are experiencing conflicts in their families.

Today's Saint
Saint Thomas, Pray For Us.

Today's Thought
How would we feel if someone we loved said that pleasing God is a higher priority than pleasing us?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

I Did Not Come To Call The Righteous But Sinners

Jesus, we are the sinners that you came to save. We need your divine medicine for our souls and hearts to get well and stay healthy. You are the ultimate physician whose door is always open for us to run to whenever we are not doing well in our lives. O Lord, everyday you walk by us in all forms of people and thoughts that enter our minds. Make us as willing and ready to follow you like Matthew was so long ago when you called, "Follow Me". Jesus, heal our hearts and soul! Amen. Matthew 9:9-13

Responsorial Psalm
Their message goes out through all the earth.

Today's Intention
All those who are contemplating a vocation as a Priest or Religious.

Today's Saint
Saint Matthew, Pray for us.

Today's Thought
So much has been said about the mind and body connection when it comes to health. The Sacrament of Reconciliation provides us with a peaceful and forgiven soul that helps to rest our tired and guilty minds and bodies.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us To Your Son. Amen.

The Rewards of Being Last

Jesus, help us to place ourselves at the disposal of those in need. Often our desire for success and recognition stand in the way of our efforts to be charitable to others. O Lord, we so desperately need your grace to be humble and at peace with ourselves. Holy Spirit, inspire in us your gifts so that we can desire eternal life and pleasing God above all else. Jesus, thank you for serving us and providing us with all that we have. Amen. Mark 9: 30-37

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord upholds my life.

Today's Intention
Missionaries serving the world's poor and especially those who are serving in hostile areas.

Today's Saints
Saint Andrew Kim Tacgon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang & Companions , pray for us.

Today's Thought
How do we treat people who are waiters, janitors and other service workers whenever we interact with them?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

Seeds On The Path

Jesus,open our ears so that your words will be planted deeply into our minds and hearts. Send the Holy Spirit to water and feed the plants of wisdom and holiness that will be growing in us. Save us from the many stoney patches, dry times and windy days that we will face in life that will threaten your plantings in us. O Lord, we need your tender hand to make us grow in your ways. Amen. Luke 8: 4-15

Responsorial Psalm
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

Today's Intention
All those who are working to be holy.

Today's Saint
Saint Joseph & Companions, Pray For Us.

Today's Thought
What a miraculous thing is only one seed that grows well!

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us! Amen.

Gratitude

Jesus, you worked great miracles for many people, often curing them of their physical and spiritual ills. They followed you on your journey from town to town and provided you with your earthy needs out of their resources because they were thankful to you. Lord, give us the grace to be eternally grateful for what you do for us. Make us thankful that we were included in the Father's plan which accounts for our life on earth. Give us the courage and wisdom to give all that we have to you. Amen. Luke 8: 1-3

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed the poor in spirit; the kingdon of heaven is theirs!

Today's Intention
Missionaries throughout the world, especially in hostile areas.

Today's Saint
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us.

Today's Thought
Imagine how many people would flock to Sunday Mass if the practice was that attendees were given an envelope of money rather than offering one in thanksgiving!

Our Lady of Sorrows, Have Pity on Our Selfish Ways and Pray For Us! Amen.

"Your Sins Are Forgiven"

Jesus, your constant readiness to forgive our sins is too much for us to understand. We ask for forgiveness and we sin again. You wait patiently for us to ask you again for forgiveness, and you again forgive us. Lord, we are so weak and so ungrateful and you are so mighty and so loving and thankful for our continued attempts to do what is right. Please instill in us an understanding of true sorrow and contrition for our trespasses so that we will fall at your feet and give you thanks and again, ask for forgiveness. Amen. Luke 7:36-50

Responsorial Psalm
How great are the works of the Lord.

Today's Intention
Those struggling with addictions.

Today's Saint
Saint Robert Bellarmine, Pray For Us.

Today's Thought
The number of stars that we can see in the sky on a clear night does not even come close to Jesus' infinite ability and willingness to forgive one of us for our sins.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Our Souls. Amen.

"To What Shall I Compare The Children of This Generation"

Jesus, give us the strength to withstand the onslaught against your truths. There are many people that are doing all that they can do to humiliate and mock those who are staying true to your word. Strengthen our resolve to face the childish criticism that is hurled our way and simply state the truth and walk away with love in our hearts. Save us from being eaten up by anger and hatred of those who are blind and foolish. Lord, we need you more than ever to give us peace and tranquility in this time of confusion and discord. Amen. Luke 7: 31-35

Responsorial Psalm
How great are the works of the Lord.

Today's Intention
Those who actively mock Christianity.

Today's Saint
Saint Cornelius, Pray for us.

Today's Thought
A rubberband that stretches too far eventually breaks. So are many religions like today. A truth that is stretched so far that everyone will believe it, will eventually become a lie! Thank God for our Catholic faith.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

"Woman, behold your son."

Jesus, turn us over to your mother Mary as you did for your disciples. Make us drawn to her as our mother so that we can get closer to you, her son. O Lord we need every help that we can get to face the temptations of each day and be able to walk away from them and do what is right. Allow us to see your suffering through the eyes of your mother, so that we can fully comprehend her loss and what you have done for us. Jesus, deliver us from evil. Amen. John 19: 25-27

Responsorial Psalm
I will walk with blameless heart.

Today's Intention
For all mothers who are grieving the loss of a child.

Today's Feast and Saint
Memorial of Our Lady Of Sorrows. Saint Catherine of Genoa, Pray for us. Amen

Today's Thought
Silence. Try to achieve it - for only a second.

Our Lady of Sorrows, on this your memorial, Pray For Us To Your Son Jesus. Amen.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son..."

Jesus, help us keep our eyes on your cross so that we can remember the price that you paid for our salvation. Be there always to stop us before we act foolishly. We need your constant encouragement so that we stay on the right path. Lord, never let us forget that you love us and want us to be with you forever. Jesus have mercy on us and supply us with the graces that we need to be worthy of your love. Amen. John 3: 13-17

Responsorial Psalm
Don't forget the works of the Lord!

Today's Intention
For doctors and nurses that they may practice medicine in a manner that is true to the commandments of God.

Today's Feast
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today's Thought
Did you know that the medical doctor's sign, the cadusus, is modeled after the serpent on a staff that Moses used in the desert?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Intercede For Us! Amen.

"Who do the people say I am?"

Jesus, today many people say that you are not God's son. Many people say nothing about you because they do not even know about you. Many people work feverishly every day to erase your Word from our minds. O Lord, give us the help that we will never forget who you are, either in our thoughts or in our deeds. Help us to lose our lives in service to others so that we may gain life eternal with you in your kingdom. Give us courage that we will be able to face the trials and troubles that are associated with knowing and proclaiming your love. Amen. Mark 8:27-35

Responsorial Psalm
I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

Today's Saint
Saint John Chrysostom, pray for us. Amen.

Today's Thought
Who do you say Jesus is?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit..."

Jesus,you are the master of all things and your designs for all things are ideal. Nurture us and prune us so that we can be like good trees who bear good fruit. Allow our roots to run deep so that the winds cannot blow us over. Make us fruitful and beneficial to others who we live and work with. Lord, give us the strength and persistence to dig our foundations of faith deep so that the tides of misinformation and temptation cannot budge our walls. Fortify us Lord with your grace. Amen. Luke 6: 43-49

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

Today's Intention
Farmers and builders struggling in today's economy.

Today's Saint
Blessed Apollinaris, Pray for us.

Today's Thought
If we look closely at nature and any actions that occurs on earth, we see Christ's message in everything's ability to survive and prosper.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us! Amen.

"Can a blind person guide a blind person?"

Jesus, we are blind and need you to guide us. Our paths are littered with obstacles and hazards that get in our way, cause us to stumble and then we fall. Please be there to pick us up when we struggle to stand back up. Enlighten us to keep in mind our blindness when we are offering help to others, Even in our charity, we need you to guide us in our efforts to assist others. Lord, remove the beam from our eye so that we can see you clearly and cling to your hand always. Amen. Luke 6: 39-42

Responsorial Psalm
You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Today's Intention
All those who perished on 9/11/01, especially the brave rescue workers, both living and deceased, who went into the dark recesses to attempt to save the victims.

Today's Saint
Blessed Apollinaris, pray for us.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen!

"For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

Jesus,your instructions and example are so hard for us to follow. We are really weak and it is so easy for us to hate those who hate us, give to others and expect more in return, shun those who do not think like we think, and show no mercy to those who have been mean to us. Lord, only with your help and grace can we risk being what you expect us to be. Holy Spirit, put your gifts to work in us so that we can rise above our instinct to strike back when we are threatened or fearful. Instill in us the generosity to give of ourselves in a way that provides others with the love of Christ. Amen. Luke 6: 27-38

Responsorial Psalm
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.

Today's Intention
All those who are struggling with resentment toward others.

Today's Saint
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for us. Amen.

Today's Thought
How many times do we say something unkind about someone and as soon as we end the sentence, we feel guilty for saying it?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

"Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours."

Jesus, help us to face the reality of our lives in a manner that will be pleasing to you. Holy Spirit, instill in us your gifts so that we can use our poverty or wealth, weeping or laughter, acceptance or rejection, and hunger or fullness to show Christ's love to others. We so desperately need your guidance to keep our eyes on what is important for our soul, rather than being consumed with what is good for our mortal lives. Lord, keep our eyes focused on you and not on ourselves as we live our daily lives. Amen. Luke 6:20-26

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is compassionate toward all his works.

Today's Intention
All people who are misusing their wealth.

Today's Saint
Saint Peter Claver, Pray for us!

Today's Thought
Are we living only for now?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

The Genealogy of Jesus - Matthew 1: 1-16

Jesus, thank you for the gift of living on this earth. Help us to live this gift in a manner that will show honor and glory to the Father. O Lord, give us the strength to carry on the history of your glory through our actions so that we can be counted among those who have been part of your plan for salvation for others. Without your grace we will surely fail. Amen. Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Responsorial Psalm
With delight, I rejoice in the Lord.

Today's Intention
Those struggling to heal their marriages.

Today's Saint
Feast of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Saint Adrian, Pray For Us.

Today's Thought
With today's research pointing to all people being decendents of the same original group, is it all too hard to imagine that we are related to those who walked the earth with Our Lord?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us. Amen.

"I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath...?" Luke 6: 6-11

Jesus,you healed the withered hand of a man on the Sabbath, despite the Pharisee's hopes to trap you in your act of mercy. Lord give us the strength and belief in you to dare doing what is right, even as a cynical world looks on waiting to condemn and ridicule.Like the man with the withered hand, we are withered and broken in so many ways. Give us the humility and courage to come to you, stretch out our hurting lives and ask you for healing and mercy. Help us to hear the many times that you call us to come out of the crowd and approach you to give us help in the ways that you alone know we need. Help us to come into your presence whenever you call. Amen. Luke 6: 6-11

Responsorial Psalm
In God is my safety and my glory.

Today's Intention
Workers throughout the world.

Today's Saint
Saint Regina, Pray For Us!

Today's Thought
What do we do more, stretch out our hand for help or stretch out our hand to give help?

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us that we may strive to make ourselves holy. Amen.

Proclaiming God's Power and Mercy

Jesus, let us be like the people of long ago, who were amazed by your power and miracles of mercy and could not contain themselves regardless of your command to tell no one. Lord help us to be merciful and loving without desiring praise and publicity, but to be humble and gracious when our good works are publicized. Let us not be afraid to give you credit for our good works. Holy Spirit instill in us your gifts so that our ears will be opened and receptive to God's word.
Amen. Mark 7: 31-37

Responsorial Psalm
Praise the Lord my soul!

Today's Intention
Those seeking a cure from illness.

Today's Saint
Blessed Bertrand, Pray for us.

Today's Thought
When is the last time we were amazed about what Jesus has done for us?

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us to be grateful to the Lord. Amen.

Lord of The Sabbath

Jesus, send the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and minds so that we do not become trapped into only following rituals without understanding and practicing the mercy that those rituals signify. Give us the grace to make our daily lives rituals of love for you and our neighbors. Help us live everyday as the Sabbath. Jesus, you are all powerful and we place you above all. Amen. Luke 6: 1-5

Responsorial Psalm
God himself is my help.

Today's Intention
All those who are struggling to find time for prayer and reflection.

Today's Saint
Saint Bertin, Pray For Us!

Today's Thought
If Jesus was preaching in our town, would we miss Mass on Sunday to go and listen to him?

Our Lady of Sorrows, Intercede For Us. Amen.

Old Wineskins

Jesus, prepare us to break out of our old ways and risk surrendering ourselves to your control and direction. We are fearful Lord and when we do risk following your ways, we panic when we feel the stress and strain that occurs as a result. Our comfort and security from our earthly perspective is rattled and we retreat to the safety of our old ways. Just like the old wineskin that is tested by the new wine, we pour you out, rather than bursting! We become satisfied with drinking the "old wine" because it is safer. Lord make us new by your grace, so that we can steadfastly accept and live what you require. Amen. Luke 5: 33-39

Responsorial Psalm
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

Today's Intentions
All those who are contemplating becoming Catholic.

Today's Saint
Saint Rosalia, Pray For Us!

Today's Thought
A baby can only remain in the mother's womb for 9 months. Being born requires leaving the safety of the womb and entering a new world full of risk.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us! Amen.

"Lower Your Nets For A Catch"

Jesus, after a night of failed fishing, Peter followed your command to lower his net into the water one more time. The net was filled with fish! Lord, we toil on our own to fulfill our responsibilities in life. We want to succeed, but we want to do it our way and we often fail. Teach us what we need to learn by following your commands on living our lives. Help us to understand that the outcome of our efforts are secondary to faithfully following what you say. Be in our boats with us Jesus as we sail in this life. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord has made known his salvation."

Today's Intention
All those struggling to make a living.

Today's Saint
Saint Gregory the Great, Pray For Us!

Today's Thought
Jesus came to earth, followed what the Father said and died on the cross as a result. This is the best example ever of not judging the success of an act by its most obvious result.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us! Amen.

Don't Leave Us Lord!

Jesus,when the people saw You heal the sick they did not want You to leave their town. We also want You with us all of the time. O Lord there are times that it feels like You have left us and we are fearful as a result. Help us to be strong when we are struggling with life and have to make hard decisions or face difficult situations. Instill in us the faith that You will never abandon us. Help us to carry on Your work whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Amen. Luke 4: 38-44

Responsorial Psalm
I trust in the mercy of God for ever.

Today's Intention
All those who are facing difficult situations and are paralyzed by fear and indecision.

Today's Saint
Saint Ingrid of Sweden, Pray For Us!

Today's Thought
Christ left Himself on earth in the Holy Eucharist. He is present in every Catholic church throughout the world.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us we face another day. Amen.

Casting Out Demons

Jesus, although not as dramatic as a possessed person's suffering, all of us carry within us the pain and anguish that is the result of sin. O Lord, we need so desperately Your commanding voice to help us to keep our flawed nature from getting the upper hand. Never leave us Lord. Without Your help, we are surely lost. Holy Spirit, instill in us humility so that we can follow our Savior, and allow Him to pick us up as we stumble along the way. Amen. Luke 4:31-37

Responsorial Psalm
I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Today's Intention
All those who are battling addictions and habits that they cannot control.

Today's Saint
Saints Fiarce and Giles, Pray For Us

Today's Thought
Spend some time paying attention to the inner struggle that we have making hard decisions. Notice the battle between right and wrong that is constantly being waged in our minds.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray For Us! Amen.