18 September 2025 (Thursday) / Thursday of week 24 in Ordinary Time / Ordinary Weekday

18 September 2025 (Thursday)

Thursday of week 24 in Ordinary Time.

Ordinary Weekday.

Readings from the Bible of the Roman Catholic Church:

First Reading: First Timothy 4: 12-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 111: 7-8, 9, 10
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 28
Gospel: Luke 7: 36-50

First Reading : 1 Timothy 4:12‐16

Do not let people disregard you because you are young, but be an example to the believers in the way you speak and behave, and in your love, your faith and your purity. Make use of the time until I arrive by reading to the people, preaching and teaching. You have in you a spiritual gift which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the body of elders laid their hands on you; do not let it lie unused. Think hard about all this, and put it into practice, and everyone will be able to see how you are advancing. Take great care about what you do and what you teach; always do this, and in this way you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 110(111):7‐10

Great are the works of the Lord.
or
Alleluia!

His works are justice and truth, his precepts are all of them sure, standing firm for ever and ever; they are made in uprightness and truth.

Great are the works of the Lord.
or
Alleluia!

He has sent deliverance to his people and established his covenant for ever. Holy his name, to be feared.

Great are the works of the Lord.
or
Alleluia!

To fear the Lord is the first stage of wisdom; all who do so prove themselves wise. His praise shall last for ever!

Great are the works of the Lord.
or
Alleluia!

Alleluia: Matthew 11: 28
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
28 Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
(28. 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.
29. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.')
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Luke 7:36‐50

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment. She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has.’ Then Jesus took him up and said, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Speak, Master’ was the reply. ‘There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty. They were unable to pay, so he pardoned them both. Which of them will love him more?’ ‘The one who was pardoned more, I suppose’ answered Simon. Jesus said, ‘You are right.’ Then he turned to the woman. ‘Simon,’ he said ‘you see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. For this reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man, that he even forgives sins?’ But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’

For our reflection today:

Jesus says to Simon, referring to the sinful woman: “Her many sins are forgiven because she has loved much!”; and to the woman: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace!”Jesus affirms with divine authority the forgiveness of sins. At the same time, He demands repentance and a change of life. Dear ones, let us always keep alive in us the sense of trust in God’s goodness and mercy. There is no sin that God does not want to forgive, when one is repentant and determined not to sin anymore. The repentance of Magdalene and the parable told by Jesus to Simon are very rich in meaning in this regard. Certainly, the condemnation of evil must be firm, but there must also be understanding and patience toward the one who sins. The liturgy invites us to be messengers of truth and mercy, of forgiveness and joy. (St. John Paul II, Mass at the Lourdes Grotto, Vatican Gardens, 18 June 1995)

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed  and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)