September 25, 2025 // Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
Reflect on the Word //
I walked through the doors of the convent and embraced my friend, a religious sister. She looked at me with a big smile and gave me another hug. We were so happy to see each other. I sat down to tell her all about what the Lord was doing in my life and what was bringing me joy. She was not only delighted with me at what the Lord was doing but also delighted in me, joy pouring through her eyes and smile.
I have to admit that when I read the Scripture passages of the day, I usually do not spend much time with the Responsorial Psalm. I think as though I should go to the “meat”—the dense stuff, the heart of the matter, if you will. Yet, as I prayed and asked the Lord to speak to my heart today through the Readings, I was brought back to the Psalm.
“The Lord takes delight in His people” (Psalm 149:4) turned into “The Lord takes delight in His daughter, Rocio.” I began replacing my name with the names of those who surround me on a daily basis, my husband, my family. But then I also felt the tug to add the names of those who I find difficult to understand or relate to.
“The Lord takes delight in . . .”
It may be an easy thing to skip over, but this truth is one that is worth pondering over. The Lord delights in us. He not only loves us but likes us. He is devoted to our good. The Lord shares in our joy and we in His.
When we accept and reflect on this truth—that the Lord loves us and delights in us—we can more easily believe this truth about others and live accordingly. I want to grow in the knowledge of His love for me and I pray you do too, sister. May we experience His delight over us—and over every person we meet. Let us praise Him and sing for joy because we are loved (see Psalm 149-1, 3-5).
Relate to the Lord // Pray this verse from today’s Psalm with your own name. What stirs in your heart as you do? Share it with the Lord.
Rocio Hermes is a Dominican-born, US-raised, stay-at-home mom who is excited about building community, baking desserts, and writing poetry. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology and has lived in Ethiopia as a missionary. Rocio now lives in Israel with her German husband and their son. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Dwell as well as Teaching Author on Blessed Conversations: Gift, a Study on the Eucharist. You can read more from her at graceandmercyblog.com.
Rocío Hermes es una mama de casa nacida en República Dominicana y criada en Estados Unidos, a quien le entusiasma construir una comunidad, hornear postres y escribir poesía. Tiene una maestría en Teología y ha vivido en Etiopía como misionera. Rocío ahora vive en Israel con su marido alemán y su hijo. Es autora colaboradora de Blessed Conversations: Dwell. Puede leer más sobre ella en Graceandmercyblog.com.
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