2026/09/20 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Susie Courtney, Manager of New Member Engagement
In the first reading, Isaiah reminds us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways.” This is something I need to remind myself of often. There are plenty of times when I want life to unfold a certain way, and when it doesn’t, I find myself frustrated or wondering why God is allowing something to happen.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own plans and timelines. We tell ourselves that if we could just get the promotion, move to the right neighborhood, find a relationship, or start a family, then we’d finally be happy. The list can go on and on. But this weekend’s readings invite us to take a step back, let go of the need to control everything, and trust in God’s plan. His ways are not our ways, and more often than not, His plans are far better than anything we could have imagined for ourselves.
Isaiah also encourages us to seek the Lord and turn away from our old ways. To me, that means we shouldn’t wait until life feels perfect before turning to God. We can seek Him right in the middle of our struggles, mistakes, and uncertainty. God doesn’t ask us to have everything figured out before coming to Him. He is always there, ready to forgive us, walk alongside us, and welcome us back.
The second reading from Philippians builds on that foundation of trust and challenges us to take the next step: living for Christ. Trusting God is important, but our faith is also meant to shape how we live each day. It’s no surprise that our upcoming Women’s Series will explore some of these very challenges. Being a Catholic Christian in today’s world isn’t always easy. Our everyday environments, our relationships, and the constant changes happening around us can make it difficult to choose Christ. Yet that’s exactly why living our faith intentionally is so important.
It’s easy to say that I believe in God, but my faith should also be reflected in how I treat others and how I respond to difficult situations. As a parent of a toddler, I’m reminded of that every day. Children really do watch and mimic everything we do. When I’m stressed, disappointed, or dealing with someone who tests my patience, that’s when my faith is truly put into practice. In those moments, I can choose patience instead of anger, forgiveness instead of resentment, and trust instead of constant worry.
Paul encourages the people of Philippi to live in a way that is worthy of the Gospel. I think that’s a powerful reminder that being Catholic is about more than attending Mass or knowing the teachings of the Church. It’s about how we live our everyday lives and how others encounter God through us.
Together, these readings remind me that even when I don’t understand what God is doing, I can still trust Him. I may not always know where life is leading or why certain things happen, but I can continue to seek Him and move forward in faith. My prayer is that I can live in a way that reflects that trust each day, knowing that God’s plans are always greater than my own.