Today's Catholic Mass Reading and Gospel Reflection - October 1, 2025

Courage to Build and Follow 1st Reading - Neh 2:1-8 Gospel - Lk 9:57-62 In the first reading, Nehemiah shows great courage and trust in God as he requests permission from the king to rebuild Jerusalem. Despite the risks of speaking boldly to the ruler, his faith guides him, and the king grants his request. Nehemiah’s determination reveals that God opens doors when we act with courage and prayerful dependence. His example reminds us to seek God’s guidance as we pursue His work in our lives. In the Gospel, Jesus encounters several people who express a desire to follow Him but struggle with the cost of discipleship. He makes it clear that following Him requires total commitment, leaving behind comfort and even family ties when necessary. The radical call of Jesus challenges us to examine where our hearts truly lie. To follow Him is to embrace a life of sacrifice and unwavering faith. Together, these readings teach us that faith requires courage and commitment. Like Nehemiah, we must be bold in pursuing God’s mission, trusting that He will provide what we need. And like the disciples in the Gospel, we are reminded that following Christ comes with challenges that demand surrender and sacrifice. True discipleship means placing God above all else. Today, I will reflect on what may be holding me back from fully following Christ. I will ask God for courage to pursue His mission with determination, even when it requires sacrifice. I will choose to put Him first in my priorities, above comfort or fear. I will pray for the strength to walk faithfully, trusting that God will guide and sustain me.