What are the opening hours?

Monday 6am - 8pm Tuesday 6am - 8pm Wednesday 6am - 8pm Thursday 6am - 8pm Friday 6am - 8pm Saturday 6am - 8pm Sunday 6am - 8pm

http://www.sacredheartcathedraldelhi.org/

Sacred Heart Cathedral,New Delhi, Delhi (2026)

04/10/2026

Daily Readings
October 5, 2026
Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1
Galatians 1:6–12

Brethren: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 111:1b–2, 7–8, 9 and 10c

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

I will praise the Lord with all my heart,
in the meeting of the just and the assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord,
to be pondered by all
who delight in them.

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

His handiwork is justice and truth;
his precepts are all of them sure,
standing firm forever and ever,
wrought in uprightness and truth.

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

He has sent redemption to his people,
and established his covenant forever.
Holy his name, to be feared.

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

Alleluia
John 13:34
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Luke 10:25–37

At that time: A lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and w**e. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Reflection

The name “Samaritan” has come to mean someone who shows charity, compassion, care, and service. In Jesus’ story, the Samaritan didn’t care about the wounded person’s background – he didn’t check if he was from the same neighbourhood, family, race, or religion. Instead, he chose to be a true neighbour, putting aside his own comfort to help the wounded person. This Samaritan represents Christ, the Son of God, who came to save humanity, wounded and hurt by sin. Jesus lifted us up, washed us clean with His own blood, healed us with His own suffering, and brought us home, paying the price with His life. He asked His followers to “go and do likewise.” This is the call to be a “Samaritan” or a true neighbour to those in need around us. The call to mercy is an invitation to recognise that each person in need is deserving of our kindness, regardless of their differences. Can I be a Samaritan, a true neighbour, to someone today?

Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Virgin, visionary (1905-1938)

Named Helena at birth, this ardent promoter of the “Divine Mercy” devotion worked as a domestic since the age of fourteen in order to help her parents until, in 1925, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at Warsaw. Here, amidst the humble setting of the simple daily chores Jesus, in a vision in 1931, made her his secretary, confidant and messenger, instructing her to paint an image of his according to the profile she saw. She was blessed with other innumerable and extensive mystical experiences which she put down in her “Diary” at the behest of her spiritual director and of Jesus himself.

She took the name Maria Faustina at her veiling in the Novitiate in 1926 and made her final profession in 1933. In 1934, she visited the artist, E. Kazimirowski, in connection with the proposed painting.

Despite ill-health and humiliation, she was ever obedient to the dictates of conscience, superior and Lord. Suffering in silence, she prayed fervently for priests, for the Church and her needs, and for the world at large. The Lord for his part, made his satisfaction known to her thus: “My child, you are my delight. You are the comfort of my heart. I grant you as many graces as you can hold. As often as you want to make me happy, speak to the world about my great and unfathomable mercy.”

Sr Maria Faustina Kowalska was canonized by her compatriot, Pope Saint John Paul II, in the Jubilee Year, 2000.

Reflection: “Jesus, source of life, sanctify me. O my strength, fortify me. My commander, fight for me. Only light of my soul, enlighten me. My Master guide me” (St Maria Faustina Kowalska).

04/10/2026

Dear Father,
Happy Birthday (04.10.2026)

03/10/2026

Daily Readings
October 4, 2026
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1
Isaiah 5:1-7

Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a w**e vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:9 and 12, 13–14, 15–16 & 19–20

Response: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
It stretched out its branches to the sea;
to the River it stretched out its shoots.

Response: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

Then why have you broken down its walls?
It is plucked by all who pass by the way.
It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,
devoured by the beasts of the field.

Response: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore;
look down from heaven and see.
Visit this vine and protect it,
the vine your right hand has planted,
the son of man you have claimed
for yourself.

Response: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

And we shall never forsake you again;
give us life that we may call
upon your name.
O Lord God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine forth, and we
shall be saved.

Response: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.

Reading 2
Philippians 4:6–9

Brethren: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practise these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Alleluia
Cf. John 15:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 21:33–43

At that time: Jesus said to the chief priest and elders of the people, “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence round it and dug a w**e press in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than at first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

Reflection

“Finally, he sent his son to them, saying, ‘they will respect my son.’” Today’s first reading and the Gospel tell a sad story about human ingratitude toward God and their greed for earthly wealth. People forgot the God who entrusted them with His creation. In their greed, they killed God’s prophets and even His own Son, whom “they seized, threw out of the vineyard, and killed.” Through the Prophet Isaiah, God laments: “What more could I have done for my vineyard that I haven’t done? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only wild grapes?” We are the recipients of God’s many gifts and blessings. What more could God have given us? He even sacrificed His own Son to save us. We are blessed far beyond what we deserve. But what have we done with these blessings? Am I producing the fruits that lead to eternal life? How have I responded to God’s Son, who came to bring us life and salvation? Is God now lamenting over my ingratitude and indifference to His gift of salvation?

St Francis d’Assisi, Confessor (c.1181-1226)

Francis had all the comforts and luxuries of life and, in keeping with the times, was a highly popular romantic who passionately sought knighthood! Thus, in 1202, when Assisi went to war against Perugia, his involvement cost him a year in prison. Recovering from a serious illness that followed, his attempt in late 1205 to join the papal forces against Frederick II in Apulia came to naught when a vision at Spoleto bid him return to Assisi and there await a call to a new kind of knighthood whereby he would “serve the Master rather than the man”, marking the start of his conversion.

In prayerful solitude he passionately prayed to know God’s will for him. His newfound concern for the poor and the sick reached its peak when he one day dismounted his horse to give a l***r by the wayside alms and a warm embrace that, in his own words, changed “bitterness to sweetness.” In response to Jesus’ command from the cross at San Damiano’s Church, “Francis, go repair my house which, as you see, is falling into ruin,” he instantly set about repairing old, dilapidated San Damiano’s. In 1208, he perceived clearly at Mass the Lord’s plan for him in Matthew 10:5-14. In 1209, with the enrobing of Peter of Cattaneo, Canon of the Cathedral, was born the Order of Friars Minor, with Mary, Queen of the Angels as guide and protector.

Canonized in 1228, Francis was called by Pope Benedict XV the “most perfect image of Christ” and by Pope Pius XI alter Christus.

Reflection: “We adore you and we bless you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all the churches which are in the world, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world” (St Francis d’Assisi)

03/10/2026

MASS SCHEDULE FROM 04.10.2026 TO 10.10.2026.

02/10/2026

Daily Readings
October 3, 2026
Saturday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1
Job 42:1–3, 5–6, 12–17

Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. And after this Job lived for one hundred forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, four generations. And Job died, an old man, and full of days.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I trust in your commands.

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

It was good for me to be humbled,
that I might learn your statutes.

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

O Lord, I know that your decrees are right;
though I am humbled, you are just.

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

Your judgments endure to this day,
for all things are your servants.

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

I am your servant; give me understanding:
then I shall know your decrees.

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

The unfolding of your word gives light,
and understanding to the simple.

Response: O Lord, let your face shine forth on your servant.

Alleluia
See Matthew 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Luke 10:17–24

At that time: The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Reflection

The success of the disciples’ first mission came from their trust in Jesus, not their own abilities. Jesus told them, “I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions.” Serpents and scorpions represent forces that oppose Jesus’ teachings, such as selfishness, greed, relativism, and injustice. Though these forces are still active, God’s power is greater than their power. Jesus assures us that we, too, can overcome these forces if we place our trust in Him. Like Job, who suffered greatly but remained faithful, we can trust that God’s power within us is stronger than any opposing force. In the end, Job was blessed more abundantly than before, showing us that God’s goodness prevails. Today, we are invited to reflect on whether we recognise and rely on God’s strength working in and through us against the world’s challenges.

Two Ewalds Martyrs ( - 695)

The Ewalds were Anglo-Saxon brothers from Northumbria and both were priests. Both of them being equally fervent and zealous, they could be differentiated largely by the colour of their hair—one was called Black Ewald, and the other, White Ewald!

Having specialized in sacred learning and in eloquence in Ireland, they went over to the country of old Saxony in Westphalia in 604 to preach the Gospel, after the example of St Willibrord who opened the spiritual harvest in Friesland. There they were met by a certain official, whom they desired to conduct them to his lord, because they had tidings for his advantage. The man invited them into his house and kept them there for several days. The missionaries passed the time in prayer, singing psalms and hymns, and daily celebration of the Mass.

But the local pagans, observing this, feared that the preachers might prevail on their chief to forsake their gods and religion, and thus resolved to murder them both. They felled White Ewald with one blow of the sword and tortured Black Ewald before slaying him before throwing their bodies in the Rhine. But when the Lord of the territory heard of what had happened, he was furious and had the murderers put to death and their villages burnt for their failure to report the two strangers to him and for having taken the law into their own hands.

Honoured as martyrs, their mortal remains were enshrined in the church of St Clement [now renamed St Cunibert] in the time of Pepin.

Reflection: “The kingdom of Heaven, O man, requires no other price than your self. The value of it is your self. Give yourself for it and you shall have it” (St Augustine).

01/10/2026

Daily Readings
October 2, 2026
Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Reading 1
Exodus 23:20-23

Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him. “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. My angel goes before you, and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 91:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 10–11

Response: For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
and abides in the shade of the Almighty,
says to the Lord, “My refuge,
my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”

Response: For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

He will free you from the snare of the fowler,
from the destructive plague;
he will conceal you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge.
His faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Response: For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that ï¬‚ies by day,
nor the plague that prowls in the darkness,
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

Response: For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

Upon you no evil shall fall,
no plague approach your tent.
For you has he commanded his angels
to keep you in all your ways.

Response: For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways.

Alleluia
Psalm 103:21
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his servants, who do his will.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 18:1-5.10

At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. ‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.’

Reflection

Jesus tells us that “in heaven, our angels always look upon the face of God.” The Feast of the Guardian Angels reminds us of two important truths: 1) We are incredibly precious to God. We are so valuable to Him that He has given us an angel each to guide, inspire, and protect us at all times. 2) God’s love for us is immense! He loves us so much that He has entrusted each of us with an angel who cares for our body and soul. Our guardian angel is always close to God, and we are truly blessed to have this heavenly companion by our side. At the same time, we are called to be like angels for others, especially for the little ones, the vulnerable, the poor, the sick, the elderly, and those who feel unloved. To be an ‘angel’ means to be ready to help, guide, protect, and support others when they need it. How grateful am I to God for my guardian angel? And how can I be an angel to someone today?”

Guardian Angels

The Angels, God’s first creation, are spiritual beings, considered immensely superior to man in natural gifts. Hebrews tells us that Christ is superior to all the angels. They serve him. “The truth is they are all spirits whose work is service, sent to help those who will be the heirs of salvation” (Heb 1:14). Clearly, then, though the notion of guardian angels, which is deeply embedded in longstanding Catholic tradition, is not an essential doctrine of the Faith, its validity as a proximate teaching of faith, based on Scripture and the teaching of the Fathers of the Church, cannot be denied. After all, did Jesus himself not say, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you their angels in heaven behold the face of my Father in heaven” (Mt 18:10)?

The word “angel” is derived from the Greek word aggelos, which in turn is a translation of the Hebrew word mal’akh, meaning messenger. In the light of this understanding, devotion to one’s guardian angel is considered noteworthy, for, as the Psalmist says, “To his angels he has given charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. Upon their hands they shall bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone” (Ps 90:11-12).

St Jerome avers that “so sublime is the dignity of the soul that from its birth there is appointed to each one a Guardian Spirit” whose role as is evident in Catholic theology is to enlighten, protect, guide and pray for the person entrusted to his care.

Reflection: “Revere your Guardian Angel! Be grateful for the care he bestows upon you. Have confidence in him, love him, and turn to him to entreat his protection in every difficulty, danger and temptation!” (St Bernard)

30/09/2026

Daily Readings
October 1, 2026
Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Reading 1
Isaiah 66:10–14c

“Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance.” For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the Lord shall be known to his servants.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 131:1, 2, 3

Response: Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord.

O Lord, my heart is not proud,
nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great,
nor marvels beyond me.

Response: Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord.

Truly, I have set my soul
in tranquillity and silence.
As a weaned child on its mother,
as a weaned child is my soul within me.

Response: Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord.

O Israel, wait for the Lord,
both now and forever.

Response: Keep my soul in peace at your side, O Lord.

Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 18:1–5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.

Reflection

“Whoever humbles themselves like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” St Thérèse of Lisieux understood this well, embracing a “little way” of surrender and trust. The “Little Flower” saw herself as small before God, and her prayer reflected this: “You, Lord, will come down to my nothingness and turn it into living fire.” Thérèse longed to be a saint with a childlike confidence in Jesus, finding the path to holiness through simple trust and surrender. Though she never went out to the missions, she became a great missionary through her prayers, sacrifices, and love for souls. Her humble life in the cloister became a source of grace for many, earning her the title of Patroness of the Missions. Thérèse’s example challenges us to approach God with humility and childlike trust. Do I embrace my own call to bring others to Christ with childlike faith?

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (Virgin) (1873 -1897)

Marie Francoise Therese was the youngest of nine children of devout French parents, Louis and Zelie Martin, both of whom were canonized in 2015. She was barely 15 when she fulfilled her cherished dream of entering the Carmelites in 1888.

Sr Therese of the Child Jesus was favoured with signal graces, and advanced so rapidly in holiness that at the age of 22 she was appointed novice mistress. A childlike simplicity, utter humility, constant self-sacrifice, and a boundless love of God and trust in him were some of her most outstanding virtues as was evident from her now world renowned autobiography “The Story of a Soul”, which she wrote under obedience. Not to be conspicuous in anything, not to complain, not to reveal that she was ailing, to show a special friendliness towards those who were unsympathetic to her, and to answer pointed remarks with a winning smile—these were some of her axioms.

After a martyrdom of both mind and body, and having offered herself in sweet resignation and heroic patience as a victim of God’s merciful love, Therese died of consumption in 1897 at the age of 24. “There is just one thing to be done here below: to love Jesus and to save souls for him, so that he may be more loved!”

Canonized in 1925 and declared Doctor of the Church, she is the Patron Saint of aviators and of Russia, and with St Francis Xavier, of all Catholic missions.

Reflection: “What offends Jesus, what wounds him to the heart, is want of confidence” (St Therese).

29/09/2026

Daily Readings
September 30, 2026
Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Reading 1
Job 9:1–12, 14–16

Job answered his friends and said: “Truly I know that it is so: But how can a man be in the right before God? If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand times. He is wise in heart and mighty in strength – who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded? – he who removes mountains, and they know it not, when he overturns them in his anger, who shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble; who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars; who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea; who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south; who does great things beyond searching out, and marvellous things beyond number. Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not; he moves on, but I do not perceive him. Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’ How then can I answer him, choosing my words with him? Though I am in the right, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser. If I summoned him and he answered me, I would not believe that he was listening to my voice.”

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 88:10bc–11, 12–13, 14–15

Response: Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

I call to you, Lord, all day long;
to you I stretch out my hands.
Will you work your wonders for the dead?
Will the shades rise up to praise you?

Response: Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

Will your mercy be told in the grave,
or your faithfulness in the place of perdition?
Will your wonders be known in the dark,
your justice in the land of oblivion?

Response: Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

But I, O Lord, cry out to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why do you reject me, O Lord?
Why do you hide your face from me?

Response: Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

Alleluia
Philippians 3:8-9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I count everything as loss, because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and be found in him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Luke 9:57–62

At that time: As Jesus and his disciples were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Reflection

Jesus encounters people who want to follow Him but hesitate due to other commitments. He emphasises that discipleship requires complete dedication, saying that no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. We are challenged to make God our top priority, even when it requires leaving behind our own plans or attachments. St Jerome, known for his love of Scripture, famously said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Jerome devoted his life to translating the Bible, sacrificing comfort to help others encounter God’s word. His example shows the kind of dedication Jesus speaks of – putting aside personal desires to embrace God’s mission. Like Jerome, we’re invited to focus on God’s calling without looking back. When we place God at the centre, our lives become a true reflection of faith, dedication, and the courage to follow Him wholeheartedly.

St Jerome Confessor, Doctor of the Church (c.341-420)

Sophronius Eusebius Hieronymus—the full form of the name Jerome—was born in Dalmatia (Yugoslavia), studied in Rome, and then travelled for years in a passionate search for knowledge: first to Treves (where St Athanasius had, some 30 years before, induced numerous men to follow the example of the Egyptian desert hermits, and the whole region was developing into a centre of Christian asceticism) for theology. Thence to Antioch, where he studied Greek and Holy Scripture; but, being warned by our Lord in a vision that he was “more of a Ciernonian than a Christian”, he withdrew for five years in the desert, practised penance, and studied Hebrew.

Ordained priest, he served the Pope for five years as secretary, revised the Bible, opened a library, and guided a group of pious Roman women in the study of the Scriptures. Among the latter were St Paula and her daughter St Eustochium, and when, after Pope St Damasus’ death, the ease-loving Roman clergy whom the outspoken Jerome had bitterly criticized, caused him to leave the half pagan city in disgust, these holy women followed him to Bethlehem. Here, besides governing a monastery and a school, he completed his prolific and monumental writings, especially the translation of the Bible.

St Jerome used to conduct his controversies with great fierceness, but readily acknowledged his shortcomings; to the very end, he submitted his body to severe fasts and vigils until his death in 420.

Reflection: “Always be doing something, so that whether God or the devil comes to you, you may be found with your hands full” (St Jerome).

Sacred Heart Cathedral,New Delhi

04/10/2026

04/10/2026

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

02/10/2026

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

29/09/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Place Of Worship

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request

Monday	6am - 8pm
Tuesday	6am - 8pm
Wednesday	6am - 8pm
Thursday	6am - 8pm
Friday	6am - 8pm
Saturday	6am - 8pm
Sunday	6am - 8pm