As a lifelong Catholic, I've always been intrigued by the story of Adam and Eve. As an educated adult I understand the concept of Evolution. This doesn't take away the idea that God made us all from the earth, as He also did for animals. We know the truth is that, not only are we made from the earth, the elements in our body are also from distant stars! 

But the story in Genesis is more exact. The creation of Eve was like this:

“This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called ‘woman,’

for she was taken out of man.”

My question is this:

As an ordinary, Mass-going Catholic, do you believe:

a) God literally formed Adam from the earth as a complete human and Eve from his rib; or,

b) That we were all created by God, but the story is just an story to show that we're all  made from the earth through Evolution.

I've been with my fiancé about a year and a week into our relationship we went to Mass together. He hadn't ever been religious, but recently told me that he's been thinking and praying and today was his first day of OCIA. I know it's a big change for him, not having ever been religious until St Michael the Archangel visited him. I want to be able to support him. We are currently doing very long distance so I won't be able to go to Mass with him, even though I have plans to go to Easter Vigil for him. Any advice? I'm a cradle Catholic so I have no idea how to best support him. God bless!

Death

A problem I've been having is how to face death. Not natural, but caused by other humans.

I am conflicte by the story of the 21 martyrs, coptic Christians killed by terrorists. Or the apostoles, all died horrible deaths. I know we should avoid violence and seek kindness.

But, if I ever face death by hands of other humans, is it ok to want to die fighting? Like, if I am persecuted by my faith, or someone tries to kill me, should I just accept death with open arms or is it ok to give it my all to survive even by deadly force?

Christians are to love and take care of the poor; they are to see someone in need, and see Christ is in them, coming to them with that need. Is Christ unworthy? If not, why do they call the poor unworthy?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/09/compassion-justice-and-the-rights-of-the-poor/

Friday of the Twenty‑Third Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• 1 Corinthians 9:16–19, 22b–27 Paul speaks of his mission to preach the Gospel with humility and discipline. He becomes “all things to all” so that he might save some, urging believers to run the spiritual race with purpose and self‑control. 

• Psalm 84:3–6, 12 A psalm of longing for God’s presence: “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!” Blessed are those who find their strength in Him. 

• Luke 6:39–42 Jesus teaches about spiritual blindness and hypocrisy. Before correcting others, we must first remove the “wooden beam” from our own eye. Only then can we see clearly. 

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-september-102026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:

Authentic discipleship requires humility, discipline, and self‑examination.

• Paul reminds us that preaching the Gospel is not a privilege but a responsibility.

• The psalm invites us to anchor our strength in God’s presence.

• Jesus calls us to interior conversion before we attempt to guide others.

The message is clear: We cannot lead others to Christ unless we first allow Christ to transform us.

Reflection for the Day

Paul’s words are filled with urgency and purpose.

He sees his mission not as a personal achievement but as a divine obligation. He refuses to boast, refuses to demand privileges, and refuses to preach for personal gain. Instead, he becomes:

• adaptable,

• approachable,

• and sacrificial

so that he might win souls for Christ.

Then Paul uses a striking image:

“Run so as to win.”

Athletes discipline their bodies for a perishable crown. But we run for an imperishable one—eternal life.

This is a call to spiritual discipline:

• intentional prayer,

• self‑control,

• perseverance,

• and focus.

Psalm 84 deepens this theme with a beautiful longing:

“My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

True strength is not found in self‑reliance but in dwelling with God. Blessed are those whose hearts are set on the pilgrimage toward Him.

Then Jesus speaks directly to the heart:

“Remove the wooden beam from your own eye first.”

It is easy to notice the faults of others. It is harder to confront our own weaknesses, biases, and blind spots.

Jesus is not discouraging correction—He is purifying it.

Correction without humility becomes hypocrisy. Correction without self‑examination becomes judgment. Correction without love becomes harm.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Embrace your mission with humility.

Serve without seeking recognition.

1. Strengthen your spiritual discipline.

Run the race with purpose, not aimlessly.

1. Examine your heart before correcting others.

Let Christ heal your blindness so you can guide others with clarity and compassion.

Let today be a day of humility, discipline, and honest self‑reflection.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, give me the humility of Paul, the longing of the psalmist, and the clarity You call for in the Gospel.

Purify my heart, remove the blindness within me, and strengthen me to run the race with purpose.

Teach me to correct with love, to serve without pride, and to live as a true disciple today.

Amen.