Heavenly Father, September is a month that offers hope for things to come: our daily life has a new rhythm, there are new beginnings and new encounters, and a new energy is seen in the parish community. In this month of accelerating activities, keep us mindful that we live for Christ and not for ourselves. Give us the strength and the wisdom to be “Doers” of Your Word, and not just listeners; to be good stewards of the Gospel each and every day. In this month of transition help us find a deeper spiritual balance in our lives that takes time for you, listens to the promptings of your Spirit and gives us hope that the body of Christ has well begun the transformation of a troubled world. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of September 13/14 2025 Among the primary themes in today’s Gospel when we hear Jesus’ well-known parable of the Prodigal Son is forgiveness and the need to repent. But from a stewardship point of view what is also interesting is one of the secondary themes: the failure to use responsibly the gifts that have been so generously bestowed. The youngest son who demanded his inheritance and left home broke no laws or religious commandments. His wrong doing was that he wasted his inherited wealth, the abundant gifts given to him. His sin was in his extravagant living; squandering his gifts in pursuit of selfish pleasures. Good stewards acknowledge that everything they have comes from God, and they are required to cultivate these gifts responsibly. What are our God-given gifts? Do we use them responsibly? Do we exercise good stewardship over them?