El Shaddai Windsor Outreach

El Shaddai Windsor Outreach Founded: September 22, 2012
Catholic Charismatic Prayer Community

09/08/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - September 8, 2026

They shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

There’s something astounding about today’s feast of the birth of the Virgin Mary. Of course, it’s a wonderful way to honor the Mother of God. But by celebrating her birthday, we are also shining a light on how very close her son, Jesus, is to us. Jesus didn’t need a mother in order to come among us as a man. But he chose to become a man like us in all things but sin. And “all things” includes his conception and birth to a human mother who herself was born and lived a completely human life.

The fact that Mary was born into a human family tells us that Jesus was born into a human family as well. He grew up in a web of relationships that helped form his human nature. He had parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and nephews and nieces. Some of his cousins were so close, in fact, that they were like his brothers and sisters (Mark 6:3). He had their physical features, and he likely shared their mannerisms and ways of speaking. With his family, he followed the normal cycles of births and birthdays, of weddings and funerals, of big family gatherings and quiet moments at home.

The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims that Jesus “is not ashamed” to call you his brother or sister—and that means something personal (Hebrews 2:11). Because he was part of Mary’s family, Jesus knows firsthand how beautiful—and challenging at times—it is to belong to others in this way.

So as we celebrate Mary’s birth today, we also celebrate her son, Jesus, as “Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23). And we celebrate that he will be with us in every stage of our earthly journey, just as he was with Mary and her whole family.

In prayer today, give thanks to Mary for being such a good and holy mother to Jesus. And thank her for living out so faithfully her dual callings to raise the Son of God and to become the mother of all his adopted brothers and sisters!

“Holy Mary, thank you for welcoming Jesus—and us—into your family!”

09/07/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - September 7, 2026

Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath? (Luke 6:9)

To better understand our Gospel today, recall how important the Sabbath was for first-century Jews. The Lord had commanded them to keep the Sabbath holy (Exodus 20:8). Honoring the Sabbath was one of the key ways they set themselves apart as God’s people. It was so important that, over the centuries, many scribes developed extensive traditions for how to observe it properly.

So when Jesus teaches in the synagogue on a Sabbath, some scribes and Pharisees are watching to see if he will heal a man with a withered hand. They are eager for a reason to accuse him of breaking the Law of Moses. But Jesus gets right to the heart of the Law they claim to uphold. He asks them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9). The answer seems obvious, and Jesus does the “good” of healing the man.

Jesus then confirms the point by performing this miracle right in front of the scribes and Pharisees. But they become “enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11). Don’t miss the irony here. While the scribes and Pharisees plot evil toward Jesus—on the Sabbath and in a synagogue, no less—he brings life and restoration by healing the man. The sabbath rest God wants his people to enter into is a matter of doing good, of loving the Lord and our neighbor.

So what does it mean for us to “do good” on the Sabbath? Of course, we should go to Mass. We might also set aside some extra time for prayer or Adoration. But focusing only on set times of prayer might make us less likely to notice unplanned opportunities to do good. Ask the Lord to help you see the needs in front of you—needs like your neighbor’s unexpected car repair that means they need a ride to the grocery store. Or the loneliness of an isolated family member who could benefit from a visit either in person or by phone. The possibilities are endless.

It doesn’t just have to be Sunday, either. It’s always the right time to “do good!”

“Lord Jesus, help me enter into sabbath rest and honor you by doing good today and every day.”

09/05/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - September 5, 2026

What do you possess that you have not received? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

What does holiness look like?

In today’s first reading, Paul confronts the Corinthians for falling into the trap of thinking they can pick and choose which apostle they will follow based on their own personal preferences. They were behaving as if they had attained the highest level of holiness—as if they had earned all their gifts and blessings rather than “received” them from the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:7). And so they trusted in their own wisdom, which allowed them to fall into factions based on which leader each one followed.

But Paul calls them away from these assumptions and back to the true path of holiness: one rooted not in status or comparison but in love for God and for others. He points them toward the example of the apostles, whose lives were marked by humility and sacrifice rather than boastfulness and pride. Holiness, Paul essentially tells them, should make them more humble in the way they treat each other; it shouldn’t make them think they could judge each other’s holiness!

Paul’s words resound powerfully today. We live in a world where people’s value is based on their achievement, a world so marked by division that we even took a word from physics—polarization—and began using it to describe our relationships with each other. By contrast, the holiness that God calls us to has not changed at all: it’s the holiness of self-giving, of pouring out the gifts God has freely given to us. It’s the holiness of honoring everyone equally, no matter their social standing, and bringing them all together under Christ. It’s the holiness of humility and sacrifice.

Jesus delights when we gratefully receive the gifts he has given us and use them to serve one another. He loves it when we pour ourselves out for people rather than hold tightly to our own lives. This is what true holiness looks like, the holiness of Jesus and of all the apostles and saints.

“Lord, I am so grateful for all the gifts you have given me. Help me to share them generously with all the people around me.”

09/04/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - September 4, 2026
. . stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1)

Not long ago, it was common for families to have everyday plates and dishes as well as “the good china,” which was reserved only for special occasions. These fancy place settings were carefully stored away until the next Christmas, Easter, or other large family gathering.

The caution is understandable; everyone wants to be “trustworthy” with such a valuable possession (1 Corinthians 4:2). No one wants to take any chances with a precious gift like a delicate china set.

But consider if St. Paul had been this cautious in the way he handled “the mysteries of God,” which are worth far more than the most expensive table setting (1 Corinthians 4:1). Imagine the cities and towns that never would have heard the gospel! No, as precious as the truths of the gospel are, Paul knew also how strong and durable they are. He knew that being a steward of God’s mysteries includes more than keeping them safe and secure. It includes sharing them with everyone.

Even more important, Paul knew that the Holy Spirit was strong enough to fill his proclamation with a divine grace that would speak to those he evangelized. So even if Paul wasn’t eloquent or persuasive every time he spoke, he trusted that the Spirit could make up for his weaknesses.

While the term applies primarily to bishops and priests, we are all “stewards” of the mysteries of God since we are all called to share the treasure of the gospel with the people around us (1 Corinthians 4:1). Have you ever found yourself being too tentative when sharing your faith? Do you wonder if you’re good enough for the Lord to speak through you? Or maybe you worry that you might mess up if you try to talk about God’s work in your life.

There’s always the risk of “breaking a plate,” but don’t let that keep you from trying. Maybe you won’t do everything just right. That’s okay, because nobody’s perfect. And it doesn’t change the fact that God has entrusted you with a great and precious treasure that he wants you to share. He knows you’re an earthen vessel of his grace (2 Corinthians 4:7). But he also knows that his grace is strong and resilient—and you can rely on him!

“Jesus, thank you for entrusting me with the treasures of your gospel!”

09/01/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - September 1, 2026

He taught them. (Luke 4:31)

Who was your favorite teacher in school? Just about everyone has “that one teacher” whose skill and enthusiasm gave them a greater love for learning.

In today’s Gospel, Luke tells us about the time when Jesus came to the synagogue in Capernaum and “taught them” (4:31). And his “teaching” included miracles of healing, exorcism, and forgiveness of sins. He was so effective, in fact, that the people “were astonished” at what he said (4:32). The story is even more poignant because it happened just after the people of his own hometown of Nazareth had rejected his words and had gone so far as to try to kill him (4:16-30). What a contrast between open and closed hearts!

Jesus’ teachings weren’t meant only for the people who lived back then. As Pope St. John Paul II wrote, “The whole of Christ’s life was a continual teaching: . . . his miracles, his gestures, his prayer, his love for people, his special affection for the little and the poor” (Catechesi Tradendae, 9). Jesus continues to announce that the kingdom of God is at hand, through his living word in Scripture, through the witness of his life, and through the living example of his followers today. That means that you have a Teacher who cares about you, who loves you, who forgives you, who has redeemed you, and who guides you into the eternal life of his kingdom.

Jesus longs for you to listen to his teachings with an open heart, just as the people of Capernaum did. So open your Bible and ponder his words. Listen closely to the words proclaimed in the Mass readings. Use your imagination to picture him living and acting in your midst today. By pondering his words and the way he lived, you’ll come to love him more and you’ll want to imitate him. Jesus really is better than even the best teacher you’ve ever had!

“Lord, help me to open my heart to your teachings!”

08/31/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - August 31, 2026

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. (Luke 4:28)

For thirty years, Jesus had lived a quiet, private life in Nazareth. But when he did go public, he didn’t hold back. He was too committed to the salvation of all people to soften his message. In today’s Gospel, we read how his fellow Nazoreans start by speaking well of him and his message. But then he crosses a line and challenges their understanding of God’s plan. So we probably shouldn’t be surprised that they end up trying to throw him off a cliff! After all, Simeon had warned that many of Jesus’ own people would turn against him (Luke 2:34).

Citing miracles by Elijah and Elisha, Jesus points out that the Gentiles are not enemies; they, too, can receive God’s kindness. At these words from one of their own, his neighbors are “filled with fury” and try to kill him (Luke 4:28). In time, he would willingly hand himself over to an angry mob. But this day, Jesus passed through their midst unharmed. His time had not yet come; he had so much more to teach them. As Messiah, he had not come to settle scores with difficult people or hostile nations, as some Jews had hoped. He had come to restore what was lost to all people by sin. Because sin and death are the real enemy.

The reaction of Jesus’ neighbors can help us examine our own thoughts. Am I happy with his message until it challenges some deep-seated attitude in me? Jesus loves us too much to leave us stuck in limiting mindsets and ways of thinking. God’s plan is big! He wants every person to return to him and receive salvation. God created everyone to have an eternal relationship with him, and it’s Jesus’ victory that overcomes division and restores all of us to the Father and to one another.

So let in the light of his truth today. Accept Jesus’ message. Don’t try to silence him as his neighbors did. Where is the “line” that you don’t want him to cross? Who do you see as an “enemy”? Jesus is calling you to love everyone as he does and trust in him to overcome sin in each human heart—starting with your own.

“Lord, open my eyes to the ways I resist your good plan. Come and heal me!”

08/30/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - August 30, 2026

God forbid, Lord! (Matthew 16:22)

It’s ironic that Peter would use these words to try to dissuade Jesus from the cross. God forbid? It was God’s plan in the first place! Not to mention, Jesus is God and is completely aligned with the will of his Father. So asking God to “forbid” something that was God’s eternal will? It doesn’t make sense.

Of course, Peter didn’t yet realize that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, one in being with the Father. How could it possibly be God’s wisdom that a man who was so righteous and holy should meet an early, violent end? God forbid! There was no way Peter would let Jesus go through with this.

You can also hear the love in Peter’s voice. He loved Jesus so much that he couldn’t imagine being separated from him. Neither could he bear the thought of Jesus allowing himself to “suffer greatly” and to “be killed” (Matthew 16:21). Especially not after Jesus had already revealed how powerful he was. No matter how many foes he faced, he could stop them with a single word. So God forbid that he would just surrender himself to death like this!

But what Peter didn’t yet understand was that Jesus would reveal his love to the fullest through his death. It was by submitting to his Father’s will—even if it meant surrendering to his opponents’ plan to kill him—that he would overturn sin and open the way to God for all who believe. This is love in action, and God forbid anyone should try to stop him!

This is the measure of Jesus’ love for us. It’s a love that scandalized Peter at first but that he would later embrace when he opened his arms and allowed himself to be crucified upside down. It’s a love available to each of us as we gaze upon our crucified Lord. God forbid that we ever lose sight of that love!

“Jesus, I am in awe of the depth of your sacrifice for me!”

08/29/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - August 29, 2026

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. (Mark 6:20)

Did you know that John the Baptist is the only saint whose nativity and martyrdom are both celebrated by the Church? Today we commemorate his martyrdom—the selfless death of this "righteous and holy" man (Mark 6:20). So let’s look at what makes him stand out.

John lived in the desert so that he could be the voice that proclaimed, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord!” (Isaiah 40:3). He also fulfilled Malachi’s prophecy: “I am sending my messenger—he will prepare the way before me” (3:1). John called people to repent of their sins, and he proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). His proclamation drew people from all over to come and confess their sins and be baptized in the Jordan River.

Then, at the appointed time, Jesus himself came to be baptized by John. Even though John objected to baptizing the One who was “mightier” than he, Jesus explained that this was for “the time of fulfillment”—so John complied (Matthew 3:11, 15). Not long after this, King Herod arrested John.

Now, Herod acknowledged that John was “a righteous and holy man” (Mark 6:20), and he liked to listen to him preach. But Herodias, Herod’s wife, hated John for having condemned their marriage as adulterous. So during Herod’s birthday celebration, she prompted her daughter to ask for the head of the Baptist. Feeling trapped, Herod gave in. And so John died as a witness to the truth of the gospel, just as Jesus would die as the truth of the gospel.

Both in his life and his death, John showed himself to be a model disciple of Jesus. Even to the very end, when he was called to pay the ultimate price, he remained steadfast and faithful to the Lord. So as we commemorate his passion and death today, let’s seek to imitate him by fulfilling our call to announce that the kingdom is at hand!

“St. John the Baptist, pray for us!”

08/28/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - August 28, 2026

The bridegroom was long delayed. (Matthew 25:5)

What do you pack when you’re going on a long trip? You might bring medicine in case you get sick or an umbrella in case it rains. Perhaps you pack an extra sweater so you can stay warm if the temperature dips. You want to be prepared!

The ten virgins in the parable in today’s Gospel thought they were ready to meet the bridegroom. They had brought their lamps and enough oil so that they could welcome him when he arrived. Yet what separated the “wise” virgins from the “foolish” ones was a contingency plan (Matthew 25:2). The wise ones brought extra oil in case the bridegroom was “long delayed” (25:5). Clearly, their foresight paid off!

We don’t know when the Lord will come again in glory. It could happen tomorrow or a thousand years from now. We also don’t know the day or time when the Lord will call us home. So in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that we need to be prepared to meet him at any moment.

It’s not as simple as compiling a packing checklist, but there are some ways we can “stay awake” and ensure that we are ready to meet the Lord, whenever and however that happens (Matthew 25:13). We can stay close to him by building a regular daily prayer time into our schedule rather than simply hoping that we will find time to pray when we get a spare moment. In our quiet times with God, we can ask him for the grace and strength we need to do his will throughout our day, whether that’s helping someone in need or caring for our family.

We can also make sure that we are never too busy to worship the Lord and receive his Body and Blood each week at Mass. And when we stray, we can get right with the Lord by confessing our sins and receiving his mercy as soon as possible.

When you do these things as part of your regular routine, you can be at peace. You will be ready to enter the great heavenly wedding feast with enough “oil” to burn brightly before the Lord!

“Jesus, help me to see what I need to do to be ready to joyfully greet you when you come again!”

08/27/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - August 27, 2026

Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household? (Matthew 24:45)

That’s a good question: what does it take to be a “faithful and prudent servant” of the Lord (Matthew 24:45)? Let’s take a look at Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel for some answers.

The master in the parable might remind us of Jesus, who will one day return “in glory to judge the living and the dead,” as we proclaim in our creed. But while he is away, he has entrusted us to carry on his work. That charge applies to all of us, not just those who lead in our parishes or in the Church as a whole. Each of us is called to serve God in a way that reflects Jesus’ selfless love, both in our everyday relationships and as we care for one another in the Church.

This calling especially involves distributing “food” to other members of the household (Matthew 24:45). Of course, this calls to mind the role of priests in celebrating the Eucharist, but it’s not limited to that. Each of us has a role to play in nourishing our brothers and sisters. Our very presence at Mass—especially as we pour out our hearts in worship to the Lord—can help build everyone up. Anytime we offer to pray with a friend, read the Bible with our children, or reach out to the needy, we are sharing with others the blessings we ourselves have received from the Lord.

So what does it take to be a “faithful and prudent servant”? Both a little and a lot. A little because the servant in the parable wasn’t doing anything special—only what his master expected of him. So it is with us. On any ordinary day, we’ll encounter plenty of opportunities to offer the “food” of a relationship with Christ to the people who cross our paths. We don’t have to go searching for them. But it also takes a lot because it means staying “awake” and “prepared,” always ready to share about God’s goodness and give of ourselves when the opportunity arises (Mattew 24:42, 44).

God has given you the privilege of sharing his “food” with the people around you. And he has already given you an abundance of this food. How will you share it today?

“Jesus, thank you calling me to be your servant!”

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