Consider the power in invoking the name of Jesus. Where else in the Gospels does Jesus encourage us to invoke his name? (Hint: John 14:14)
In what way do my actions lead people toward holiness or lead them toward sin?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses graphic imagery to depict the seriousness of the consequences of sin. Although Jesus is not being literal about cutting off one’s body part, he is trying to make clear that sin can have eternal consequences. Do you think people today take the consequences of sin seriously? What is it that we can do to receive forgiveness for sins?
Visit a Cider Mill
Fall is a beautiful season in Michigan. Enjoy the beauty of the season by visiting a cider mill. While you’re there, consider stopping in the bakery, going for a hayride, visiting the petting zoo, and picking some delicious Michigan apples.
The Confiteor
This prayer, which is often said at the beginning of Mass, helps us to take direct responsibility for our sins and names sin in the areas of thoughts, words, actions, and omissions. It also includes a bodily gesture to show repentance and calls on the Church in heaven and on earth. Pray this as a family, thinking deeply on the words to examine one’s conscience.
I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
(strike your fist over your heart for the bolded lines)
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
The Archbishop of Detroit tells priests where to serve. The Archbishop picked a priest to serve at your parish. Ask your priest how he heard Jesus call him to the priesthood.
This week, make
an extra effort to distance yourself from those things that cause you to sin
and focus on living a life of holiness.
© Copyright 2026 Archdiocese of Detroit. All rights reserved. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition © 1970, 1986, 1997, 1998, 2001 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Privacy Policy