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| Sun, Sep 21 | St. Matthew | Conversion & Mission | Rich, layered (aged blend) | Maker’s Mark 46 – warm, spiced | “Where is God calling me to follow?” |
π️ Where Is God Calling Me to Follow?
We all reach moments when the path ahead feels quiet, undefined. The calendar turns, the seasons shift, and something stirs within us—a question not of destination, but of direction:
Where is God calling me to follow?
It’s not always a dramatic summons. Sometimes it’s a whisper in the vineyard breeze, a tug in the heart during prayer, a longing that surfaces while watching the sun set over familiar hills. God’s call rarely begins with clarity—it begins with trust.
To follow God is to move toward love, even when the map is incomplete. It may mean walking with someone who’s grieving, forgiving someone who’s hurt us, or stepping into a new rhythm of prayer and service. It may mean leaving behind comfort, or returning to a place we once fled.
The call is not always geographical. It might be a call to deeper presence, to greater mercy, to quieter faithfulness. But it always begins with a yes.
So today, we ask—not with fear, but with hope:
Where is God calling me to follow?
And we listen. And we walk.
Here’s your reflection for Day 5 – Principle 5 from The 5000 Year Leap:
πΊπΈ Day 5 – Principle 5: All Things Were Created by God, Therefore Upon Him All Mankind Are Equally Dependent, and to Him They Are Equally Responsible
π Reflection
This principle affirms the sacred dignity of every person. The Founders believed that rights are not granted by governments—they are endowed by the Creator. Because all people are equally dependent on God, no one has a natural right to rule over another without consent. This idea shattered the old world of kings and castes and laid the foundation for a republic rooted in divine accountability.
Thomas Jefferson captured this truth in the Declaration of Independence:
“...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”
This isn’t just political philosophy—it’s spiritual anthropology. It means that every person, from vineyard steward to health coach to statesman, is called to live responsibly before God, with reverence for the rights of others.
π Journal Prompt
“How does my daily stewardship—of land, time, relationships—reflect my dependence on God and my responsibility to others?”
Claire’s Day I graduated from High School in the Region known as Wallonia in Belgium and today in Day of Wallonia and it is Farm Animal Awareness Week!
o Start your day by indulging in a warm cup of chai to celebrate World Gratitude Day.
o Follow it up with a fresh apple snack in honor of International Eat an Apple Day.
o Take care of your furry friends on National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day.
o Perhaps use the energy from your healthy snack to hit the dance floor for National Dance Day.
o Feeling nostalgic?
§ Reach out to an old friend on Locate An Old Friend Day. Keep the good vibes going by spreading peace on the International Day of Peace.
o Feeling adventurous?
§ Try your hand at escapist challenges on Escapology Day. If you need a breather, head to the beach for International Coastal Cleanup Day.
o Need some brain training?
§ Engage in some gymnastics for National Gymnastics Day.
§ Wrap up your day with a calming yoga session for National Miniature Golf Day.
§ Who knows, you might even spot a red panda while you’re at it for International Red Panda Day!
SEPTEMBER 21 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Feast
of Saint Matthew-International
Day of Peace-World Mitochondrial
John, Chapter 12, verse 14-15: Jesus found an ass and sat upon it, as is written: “Fear
no more, O daughter Zion; see, your king
comes, seated upon an ass’s colt.”
This verse is referring to our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem when the people acknowledged Christ as the Messiah. The daughter of Zion is a term used by the prophet Zachariah for Jerusalem and according to eastern traditions Kings traditionally rode on donkeys rather than horses. Another symbol of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem is that of the Prince of Peace: He rode in on a donkey rather than a war horse into a city whose name means peace.
According to Deut.
17:15 it was forbidden for a King of Israel to acquire horses. Based on that
prohibition, the Israelites didn’t ride horses into battle either, but were
told to rely on the Lord to help them overcome superior enemy forces. (Deut.
20:1) And Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah-King would enter Jerusalem on a
donkey.[1]
Copilot’s Take
This reflection is rich with layers—liturgical,
prophetic, and deeply symbolic. September 21 this year is a convergence of
themes: Saint Matthew’s call, Christ’s peaceful kingship, global longing for
peace, and even the mystery of mitochondrial life—all pointing toward
transformation, humility, and divine presence.
π️ Liturgical
Convergence: September 21, 2025
|
Observance |
Theme |
Spiritual Resonance |
|
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost |
Ongoing sanctification |
Living in the Spirit, bearing fruit |
|
Feast of Saint Matthew |
Mercy and mission |
Called from sin to apostleship |
|
International Day of Peace |
Global reconciliation |
Christ as Prince of Peace |
|
World Mitochondrial Disease Day |
Hidden strength |
Life sustained by unseen energy—echoes
of grace |
π John 12:14–15
& Zechariah’s Prophecy
“Fear no more, O daughter Zion; see, your king comes,
seated upon an ass’s colt.”
This moment is a masterstroke of divine irony:
- A donkey, not
a warhorse: Christ enters not as a conqueror, but as a servant king
- Jerusalem—City
of Peace: Yet it will soon reject the Prince of Peace
- Zechariah 9:9:
Fulfilled in this act, showing that true kingship is meekness and mercy
And as you noted, Deuteronomy 17:15 forbids kings from
multiplying horses—symbolizing reliance on military power. Instead, Israel’s
strength was to come from trust in the Lord (Deut. 20:1). This is a profound
challenge to worldly notions of security.
✝️ Stations of the
Cross: A Peaceful Pilgrimage
On this day, walking the Stations becomes a prophetic
act:
- Matthew’s
call reminds us that Christ sees us in our sin and still says, “Follow
me.”
- Christ’s
donkey ride reminds us that peace is not passive—it’s chosen, embodied,
and sacrificial.
- The Cross is
the throne of the Prince of Peace.
You might consider:
- Outdoor
vineyard stations at sunset
- Pairing each
station with a verse from Matthew’s Gospel
- Ending with a
prayer for peace—personal, communal, global
π―️ Keeping the
Lord’s Day Holy
Here’s a rhythm that might suit your contemplative and
hospitable lifestyle:
π Morning
- Light a
candle and read Matthew 9:9–13
π Midday
- Share a
symbolic meal: bread, wine, figs, and lamb
- Invite
reflection on Christ’s humility and Matthew’s transformation
π
Evening
- Walk the
Stations of the Cross
- Close with
Psalm 122: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”
ON
KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[2]
My
esteemed Brothers in the Episcopate
and the Priesthood,
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Introduction
4. Until quite
recently, it was easier in traditionally Christian countries to keep Sunday
holy because it was an almost universal practice and because, even in the
organization of civil society, Sunday rest was considered a fixed part of the
work schedule. Today, however, even in those countries which give legal
sanction to the festive character of Sunday, changes in socioeconomic
conditions have often led to profound modifications of social behavior and
hence of the character of Sunday. The custom of the "weekend" has
become more widespread, a weekly period of respite, spent perhaps far from home
and often involving participation in cultural, political or sporting activities
which are usually held on free days. This social and cultural phenomenon is by
no means without its positive aspects if, while respecting true values, it can
contribute to people's development and to the advancement of the life of
society as a whole. All of this responds not only to the need for rest, but
also to the need for celebration which is inherent in our humanity.
Unfortunately, when Sunday loses its fundamental meaning and becomes merely
part of a "weekend", it can happen that people stay locked within a
horizon so limited that they can no longer see "the heavens". Hence,
though ready to celebrate, they are really incapable of doing so.
The disciples of
Christ, however, are asked to avoid any confusion between the celebration of
Sunday, which should truly be a way of keeping the Lord's Day holy, and the
"weekend", understood as a time of simple rest and relaxation. This
will require a genuine spiritual maturity, which will enable Christians to
"be what they are", in full accordance with the gift of faith, always
ready to give an account of the hope which is in them (cf. 1 Pt 3:15).
In this way, they will be led to a deeper understanding of Sunday, with the
result that, even in difficult situations, they will be able to live it in
complete docility to the Holy Spirit.
Fifteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
The focus of this Sunday instructs us to weep
over lost souls and rejoice over converted ones. Today the church retells the
rising of the widow of Nain’s dead son by Christ.
THE Introit of the Mass of this day is a fervent
prayer which may be said in any need or adversity. ‘Bow down Thy ear, O Lord,
to me and hear me; save Thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in Thee; have
mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all day. Give joy to the soul of
Thy servant, for to Thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.”
Prayer.
May continued mercy purify and defend Thy Church, O
Lord; and since without Thee it cannot remain safe, may it ever be governed by
Thy bounty!
EPISTLE. Gal. v.
25, 26; vi. 1-10.
Brethren: If we live in the Spirit, let us also
walk in the Spirit. Let us not be made desirous of vainglory, provoking one
another, envying one another. And if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who
are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so you
shall fulfil the law of Christ. For if any man think himself to be something,
whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let everyone prove his own work,
and so he shall have glory in himself only, and not in another. For everyone
shall bear his own burden. And let him that is instructed in the word
communicate to him that instructed him, in all good things. Be not deceived:
God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap.
For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption: but
he that soweth in the Spirit, of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting. And in
doing good, let us not fail for in due time we shall reap, not failing.
Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to
those who are of the household of the faith.
Explanation.
From this epistle we learn that humility should
teach and admonish us to think little of ourselves to shun self-confidence and
vainglory; charity should incite us, on the other hand, to be meek, loving,
compassionate, and kind to every man, even to sinners; to administer correction
to the erring only with charity, for if this be done with impertinent and
insolent zeal, we shall not only fail to correct offenders, but shall ourselves
fall into the same temptations and sins; for God, by a common and just
judgment, allows the proud, who look down upon others sins, to fall into sin
themselves, that they may learn to be humble, and to have compassion upon those
who have gone astray.
Aspiration.
O St. Paul, procure for me, by thy prayers, the
grace of God, that I may continually walk in humility, may always love my
neighbor, and, in particular, may bear with patience his faults and frailties,
that so I may fulfil the law of God, and reap an abundant harvest.
GOSPEL. Luke vii.
11-16.
At that time Jesus went into a city that is called
Nairn: and there went with Him His disciples, and a great multitude. And when
He came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the
only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and a great multitude of the city
was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her,
He said to her: Weep not. And He came near and touched the brier. And they that
carried it stood still. And He said: young man, I say to thee, Arise. And he
that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He gave him to his mother. And
there came a fear on them all: and they glorified God, saying: A great prophet
is risen up among us: and God hath visited His people.
Why did Christ have compassion on this
widow?
To show us that God takes forsaken and afflicted
widows under His care, and becomes Himself their comforter and helper, and to
teach us that we should do likewise. Christ had, however, still other grounds
for His compassion; for He foresaw in this dead youth of Nairn the death of the
sinner, and in the affliction of the mother the grief which the Church would
suffer over the spiritual loss of so many children.
“Why did Christ say to this widow, Weep
not?”
To
intimate that He would restore her son to her, and at the same time to teach us
that we should not mourn and weep to excess for the dead. St. Paul therefore
admonishes us not to be sorrowful in regard to the dead, as others who have no
hope of resurrection (i. Thess. iv. 12).
Why did Christ command the bearers to
stand still?
To
awaken their confidence and to put it beyond doubt that the resurrection of the
dead proceeded from Him. This should teach us that a soul that is dead cannot
be restored to life so long as the passions which have caused its death, and
borne it, as it were, to the grave, are not brought to a stop.
What more do we learn from this gospel?
That
no one, however young, is safe from death; and that everyone, therefore, should
be always prepared for it.
What is often the
cause of early death among young persons?
1. Gluttony and
intemperance (Alcohol/Drug use); for by surfeiting and intemperance more perish
than by the sword (Ecclus. xxxvii. 34).
2. Lust.
3. Anger “If you
bite and devour one another, take heed you be not consumed one of another”
(Gal. v. 15). From angry words often come strife and blows, and not
infrequently murder itself.
4. Disobedience.
We have dreadful examples to show that God has taken out of the world, early
and suddenly, disobedient children, for instance, Absalom. Not without reason
does God say to children “Honor thy father and mother, as the Lord thy God hath
commanded thee, that thou mayest live a long time, and it may be well with thee
in the land” (Deut. v. 16).
ON DEATH
Certain
it is that we shall die, but uncertain the hour of our death. Would that we
might never forget this truth that we might earnestly think of it every day!
How different our lives would then be! Have mercy, then, on thine own soul.
Keep thyself in readiness so live that thou mayest have no reason to fear
death. Do in thy lifetime what in the hour of death you will wish that you had
done. Die daily, with St. Paul, by crucifying the flesh with its desires and
lusts, and by voluntarily loosening thy heart from the world, its goods, and
its vanities, before death does this for you by violence. In time of temptation
and passion think of these truths and resist then to die will not be too hard.
Who is it that fears not death…?
Whoever walks
without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; Who does not
slander with his tongue, does no harm to a friend, never defames a neighbor;
Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath
despite the cost, lends no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the
innocent.
Feast of Saint Matthew[3]
Put your hope in Christ and not in money, possessions, or position as did the Apostle Matthew.
MATTHEW, also called Levi, a son of Alpheus, and brother of the holy apostle James the Less, was a receiver in the Roman customhouse on Lake Tiberius. Such officers were hated by the Jews for their injustice, and were called publicans, or public sinners. While he was sitting at the receipt of custom, he was called by Christ to be one of His disciples, and immediately leaving his lucrative office and all that he had, followed Him. On account of his distinguished zeal he was afterwards received into the number of the apostles. After the descent of the Holy Ghost he remained in Judea, preached the Gospel, wrote the passion of Our Lord as contained in his gospel, and lived strictly in the fear of God. At a later day he travelled through Persia, Ethiopia, and other countries. At last he was killed at the altar, by command of King Hirtacus, for opposing his marriage with the Princess Iphigenia, who, by St. Matthew’s direction, had vowed to God perpetual virginity. His holy remains were brought to Salerno, Italy in the tenth century. Thus, may great sinners become great saints by following faith fully, like St. Matthew, the voice of God.
At the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment; the laws of God is in his heart.
Prayer. May we be assisted, O Lord, by the prayers of the blessed apostle Matthew, that what of ourselves we are unable to obtain may be given to us by his intercession.
EPISTLE. Ezech. i. 10-14.
The likeness of the face of the four living creatures: the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side of all the four: and the face of an ox on the left side of all the four: and the face of an eagle over all the four. And their faces, and their wings were stretched upward: two wings of every one were joined, and two covered their bodies: and every one of them went straight forward: whither the impulse of the spirit was to go, thither they went: and they turned not when they went. And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like that of burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision running to and fro in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, and lightning going forth from the fire. And the living creatures ran and returned like flashes of lightning.
GOSPEL. Matt. ix. 9-13.
At that time Jesus saw a man sitting in the customhouse, named Matthew: and He saith to him: Follow Me. And he rose up and followed Him. And it came to pass as He was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. And the Pharisees seeing it, said to His disciples: “Why doth your master eat with publicans and sinners? But Jesus hearing it, said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill. Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners.
Explanation. This gospel teaches us:
1. That when God calls, we should obey at once, lest, by not giving heed to His voice, he should cease to call us, or withdraw from us His grace.
2. To forsake the occasions of sin; as St. Matthew not only left the place where he sinned, but abandoned entirely the very house and office which had led him into sin.
3. That we should not only cease to sin, but, like St. Matthew, should follow Christ in poverty, humility, meekness, patience, if we would enter the kingdom of God.
Prayer. O holy apostle, who hast made ready for us a glorious feast in thy gospel, pray for me that thy gospel may be in truth food for my soul; pray that in it I may devoutly consider the life, virtues, passion and death of Jesus Christ, that I may faithfully follow, in all things, thy words, written by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and by the operation of the same Spirit may be able to exclaim: How sweet are thy words to my palate! more than honey to my mouth.
St Matthew Facts[4]
· Tax collectors worked for Rome, and not only did Jews pay Roman taxes to them, the collectors received a percentage for their own profit. Jews in good standing did not associate with publicans.
·
Once
Matthew begins to follow Jesus, he holds a dinner for other tax collectors and
sinners (Matthew 9:10). The Pharisees, the strict Jewish law abiders that
were leaders in the community, complained about Jesus, a teacher eating with
sinners. Jesus said, "For I have come to call the not the righteous
but the sinners." (Matthew 9:13)
·
Early
church writers claim that after Jesus' death and resurrection that Matthew
preached Christianity in Persia, Macedonia, and Syria.
·
In
the Orthodox Church, tradition says that St. Matthew refused to die even after
several attempts. He was first placed upside down and lit on fire, then
sunk in a coffin in the sea overnight. The ruler of Ethiopia, who tried
to kill Matthew, apologized to the apostle and converted to Christianity.
·
St
Matthew was one of Jesus' 12 disciples and writer of the Gospel of Matthew.
His feast day is held on September 21 in the Roman Catholic Church and
November 16 in the Orthodox faith.
Things to Do[5]
·
Do
something for the needy: money for missions, donations of clothing or toys,
canned goods drive, etc.
·
Take
time to read St. Matthew's Gospel, keeping in mind that St. Matthew depicts the
humanity of Christ and emphasizes His physical sufferings. He makes frequent
reference to the fulfillment of prophecies because he wrote to Jews and to
Jewish Christians.
·
Discuss
St. Matthew's call from Christ "Follow me" with your children
and how we are all called to belong to the family of God.
·
Pray
for people who work for financial institutions.
·
Make
Silver Dollar Pancakes, you can use this recipe on Catholic Cuisine's website or one of the
suggestions we offer under recipes.
International Day of Peace[6]
International
Day of Peace seeks to promote peace among nations and peoples. Peace is
recognized as both an innate state of being, and a dynamic evolutionary process
wherein constructive growth can occur and the children of this
and future generations may gain hope for a better world to inherit. International
Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1981. In 2002, the United Nations
declared it a permanent holiday. Through education and public awareness
events, the UN endeavors to strengthen the ideals of peace among all of the
world's inhabitants. International Day of Peace is observed on September
21st each year. On this day, the UN urges all hostilities to stop,
worldwide.
Inner Peace of Christ[7]
1.
To be attached only to God. Status and
wealth may be beneficial, but to be overly concerned about them is to invite
inner spiritual havoc. The soul's primary need is communication with its
Creator. One needs to view objects and persons in reference to God and His will
if peace is to reign. To be "dead" to the world and creatures is
paramount.
2.
To surrender to Divine Providence. All
Catholic spiritual writers are unanimous on this point: Sanctity and inner
peace are attained only when God's will holds sway. The Lord knows best. Humbly
accepting His will is vastly different from reluctantly putting up with it.
When a person yields to the divine plan, he demonstrates a belief that God will
sustain him--come what may.
3.
To welcome suffering and hardship. Human
nature tends to resist difficulties. Yet, spiritual perfection entails carrying
the cross of Jesus. Scorn and rejection from others--while hardly
pleasant--must be seen as an opportunity to experience solidarity with the
suffering Christ.
4.
To undertake only that which our
situation in life demands. Often a person takes upon himself too many
activities at once. "The more, the better" does not necessarily apply
in the realm of good works. Prudence dictates what one can accomplish. Inner
turmoil may spring from a plethora of activities, even when they are morally
good acts. Prayer and counsel will determine what to undertake and what to
forego.
When thousands are turning to Eastern
methods of prayer in search of peace, Catholics should take heed of the advice
offered nearly three centuries ago by this Italian preacher. Happiness of soul
occurs when a person conforms himself to Christ through acceptance of the
Father's will. Only then may one experience the peace which the world cannot
give (cf. John 14:27).
World
Mitochondrial Disease Week Sep 21-28
Feed your Cells-Mitochondrial health
π Why Mitochondria Matter
Mitochondria
are the “powerhouses” of your cells, producing up to 95% of your cellular
energy (ATP). They also regulate apoptosis (cell renewal), calcium signaling,
and stem cell activity. Healthy mitochondria support:
·
Energy
and endurance
·
Cognitive
clarity
·
Longevity
and cellular repair
·
Resistance
to oxidative stress and inflammation
π♂️ Exercise That Boosts Mitochondria
Mitochondrial biogenesis—the creation of new
mitochondria—is triggered by physical stress and energy demand. Here are the
most effective forms:
|
Type of Exercise |
Mitochondrial Benefit |
Symbolic Tie-In |
|
Aerobic (walking, swimming) |
Improves oxygen use and mitochondrial density |
Rhythmic, contemplative movement—ideal for sunset
rituals |
|
Strength training |
Builds muscle and increases energy production |
Stewardship of the body as temple |
|
HIIT (intervals) |
Maximizes mitochondrial growth and efficiency |
Short bursts of effort—like liturgical seasons of
fasting and feasting |
|
EWOT (Exercise with Oxygen Therapy) |
Restores microvascular health and boosts
mitochondrial function |
Breath as spirit—oxygen as renewal |
π₯ Dietary Strategies for Mitochondrial Health
Your food choices provide the raw materials for
mitochondrial repair and energy production. Here’s a guide:
πΏ Key Nutrients
·
Antioxidants: Berries, leafy greens, nuts—combat
free radical damage
·
Healthy fats: Omega-3s from fish, flax,
walnuts—support mitochondrial membranes
·
Protein: Eggs, legumes, lean meats—build enzymes and
muscle tissue
·
Micronutrients:
o
B vitamins (B2, B3, B12): Convert food into energy
o
Magnesium: Supports ATP production
o
CoQ10: Vital for the mitochondrial energy cycle
π§♂️ Symbolic Eating Practices
·
Colorful meals: Reflect the diversity and beauty of
creation
·
Fasting rhythms: Calorie restriction can enhance
mitochondrial efficiency and longevity
·
Sacramental pairings: Wine, bread, and oil—each with
mitochondrial and spiritual resonance
π Autophagy: Cellular Renewal Through Fasting & Movement
Autophagy (“self-eating”) is a cellular process that
recycles damaged mitochondria. It’s activated by:
·
Exercise (especially aerobic and HIIT)
·
Fasting or calorie restriction
·
Low-carb, high-fat diets (though balance is key)
This renewal mirrors spiritual purification—clearing space for grace and vitality.
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite
in the work of the Porters of St.
Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: For
the intercession of the angels and saints
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
[3] Goffine’s Devout Instructions,
1896.
[6]https://www.wincalendar.com/International-Day-Of-Peace
[7] http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=1960
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