September 22
Tuesday, week 25 in Ordinary Time
Switzerland : St. Maurice and his companions, martyrs
Today, the Church observes a weekday of Ordinary Time, known as a 'feria.' In the liturgical calendar, Ordinary Time is the season that falls outside of the major liturgical periods of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These days are opportunities for the faithful to grow steadily in faith by meditating on the daily readings, which continue the Church’s journey through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospels. Ferias serve as quiet, reflective days, with the green vestments symbolizing hope, life, and growth in Christian virtue.
Unlike feast days dedicated to particular saints or solemnities marking key mysteries of the faith, a weekday feria invites Catholics to encounter God in the ordinary rhythm of everyday life. It is a reminder that holiness is not limited to extraordinary actions or celebrated moments, but is found in daily fidelity, prayer, and work. On such days, the Church does not commemorate a specific saint but rather encourages believers to be attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary. In parishes, the readings from Scripture for the day guide the spiritual reflection of the congregation. These days also allow local churches the flexibility to mark special occasions or saints' days that are not celebrated universally.
In sum, Ordinary Time and its ferias invite believers to persistent and humble discipleship, fostering spiritual growth through the Church’s daily prayer and the meditative reading of Scripture.
Permanent link
Ask a question about today’s feast
Questions about Tuesday, week 25 in Ordinary Time (Novus Ordo Missae)
Local variations
- Switzerland — St. Maurice and his companions, martyrs
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingPr 21, 1-6.10-13
The Lord directs the heart of the king
like a channel of water,
he guides it wherever he wills.
A man's conduct is always upright in his own eyes,
but it is the Lord who weighs hearts.
To do justice and what is right
pleases the Lord more than sacrifice.
Looking down on others, puffing oneself up:
that is how the wicked shine, but it is only sin.
The plans of an active man ensure profit for him;
but haste leads to want.
A fortune acquired by lying:
a fleeting illusion for one who seeks death.
The wicked desire only evil;
he has not a glance of pity for his neighbor.
When the insolent are punished, the scatterbrained gain wisdom;
for the wise, it is enough to reason with him and he understands.
The just man observes the clan of the wicked:
the wicked corrupt others to their own misfortune.
Whoever turns a deaf ear to the cry of the weak
will himself cry out and not receive an answer.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 118 (119), 1.27, 30.34, 35.44
Happy are those whose way is blameless
who walk according to the law of the Lord!
Show me the path of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonders.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness,
I conform myself to your decrees.
Show me how to keep your law,
that I may observe it with all my heart.
Guide me on the path of your will,
for there I delight.
I will observe your law without ceasing,
always and forever.
GospelLc 8, 19-21
At that time,
the mother and the brothers of Jesus came to find him,
but they could not reach him
because of the crowd.
He was told:
"Your mother and your brothers are standing outside,
who want to see you."
He answered them:
"My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God
and put it into practice."
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org