Catholic Daily ReadingsCatholic Daily ReadingsGod’s Word. Your Daily Strength.
Readings ·

Catholic Daily Readings for 23 September 2026

Catholic Daily Readings for 23 September 2026

A verse to carry with you

The Word of the Day

Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.

ScriptureLuke 9:3

Catholic Daily Readings for Wednesday, 23 September 2026, call us to travel lightly and trust deeply. Jesus sends the Apostles without earthly security, while Proverbs asks God for neither riches nor poverty, but only what is needed.

First Reading

The writer asks God to keep falsehood far away and to provide neither poverty nor riches. He seeks only what is needed, so that hardship will not lead him to sin and wealth will not make him forget God.

Proverbs 30:5-9

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163 (R. 105a)

Response: Your word is lamp for my feet, Lord.

Gospel

Jesus gives the Twelve authority over demons and diseases and sends them to proclaim God’s kingdom. They must travel without ordinary provisions, depending upon God and the hospitality of those who receive them.

Luke 9:1-6

At that time: Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

Reflection

The Bag That Would Not Move…

A young pilgrim packed for every possible problem. His bag held extra clothes, food, books, tools, and things he never used. After walking a short distance, he sat beside the road, exhausted. An older pilgrim opened the bag and asked, “Are you carrying what you need, or everything you fear losing?”

Jesus sends the Twelve with almost nothing. Their empty hands are not a sign of carelessness. They reveal where the mission’s power comes from. The Apostles are not saved by their supplies, influence, or careful control. They are carried by God.

Proverbs asks for neither riches nor poverty, but the bread needed for each day. Too little may tempt the heart toward despair. Too much may create the illusion that God is unnecessary. Grace teaches us the quieter road of enough.

Saint Pio lived this trust through prayer, the Eucharist, Confession, suffering, and obedience. His strength did not come from controlling every event. It came from remaining close to Christ when life could not be controlled.

Our heaviest luggage is often invisible: fear of tomorrow, the need to impress, resentment, and the belief that everything depends upon us. These burdens leave little room for grace.

Open the bag today. Name one fear you keep carrying. Place it before Jesus and take the next faithful step with lighter hands. The Lord may not show you the whole road, but He will give you the bread needed for today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, free me from the burdens created by fear and the need to control everything. Give me the grace to trust Your care, receive today’s bread with gratitude, and carry Your healing love wherever You send me. Through the prayers of Saint Pio, keep me close to You in every trial. Amen.

Saint of the Day

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio, was an Italian Capuchin priest devoted to prayer, the Eucharist, Confession, and care for those who suffered. He spent long hours guiding penitents back to the mercy of God.

He is officially honoured as a patron of civil defence volunteers in Italy and is often invoked by those carrying illness, anxiety, or hidden suffering. Read the life, patronage, and prayer of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina here.

What fear or burden do you need to remove from your bag today? Share one word in the comments. Your answer may help another person take a lighter step with Christ. Join our WhatsApp channel for daily updates. 🙏

2 views on this post

You may also like

View all posts →

React to this reading

Choose one simple response after prayerful reading.

Leave a Comment