26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Scripture readings for this Sunday, September 27 are:

Numbers 11:25-29

Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14

James 5:1-6

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

The focus for this week's catechetical session will be on "Catholic Social Teaching".  I think it is a wonderful 'coincidence' that September 27 is also the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of charity. You can learn more about him by visiting this page.

This quote is from the blog for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles; strong words for his followers, and a challenge still today.
"You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting master you will see. And the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them. It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them." - St. Vincent de Paul
~ As quoted in Homelessness in America: A Forced March to Nowhere (1982)