September 12, 2026 // Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 6:43-49

Reflect on the Word // 

My heart sank as doubt weighed it down. The malicious taunts of the enemy arose and shame unraveled in my heart as I found myself, once again, struggling with doubt and distrust. I had multiple prints of Bible verses placed around my room, to remind me of His character. I'd heard of God’s trustworthiness from podcasts, books, homilies, etc. My mind knew the Lord’s words were true yet my heart was estranged and lacked a strong foundation. 

As I allowed my heart to soak in the richness of today’s Gospel, I was convicted by the truth that if I allow my heart to be built on anything but Him—whether it’s doubts, attachments, the lies of the enemy, etc.—I’m bound to be “collapsed” and “completely destroyed” (Luke 6:49). Jesus’ invitation to come to Him, listen to His words, and act on them (see Luke 6:47) isn’t about clinging to self-reliance. It doesn’t imply that I’ll never struggle with doubting again, but when those floods arise and rivers burst against me, I’ll have a foundation. A Person to Whom I can keep coming back and authentically give my heart, struggles, and fears. And not just give my heart, but also open my heart to receive Him.

Sister, Jesus makes this invitation to you. To come back to Him, to listen, and believe. You have a Savior to Whom you can return again and again. He is always willing to receive your heart and give you His Heart of truth and His inexhaustible mercy. The foundation He speaks of is not built on grasping, controlling, or rushing. It’s built on returning to Him. The more we turn back to Him, the more we open and allow our hearts to marinate in His loving pursuit and trustworthy words, the more we go to Him each time we fall, the stronger our foundation will be, and we will bear good fruit in due season. 

Relate to the Lord // Turn your heart to Him and go to Confession this week.