Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Optional Memorial of St. Hedwig, Religious

Brief Background: 

Saint Hedwig of Silesia (1174–1243) was a duchess and a devout woman known for her humility, charity, and deep faith. Born in Bavaria, she married Duke Henry I of Silesia (in present-day Poland) and became a mother of seven children. Despite her noble status, Hedwig lived a simple and prayerful life, dedicating herself to helping the poor, the sick, and widows.

After her husband’s death, she entered the Cistercian convent at Trebnitz (founded by her and her husband), where she spent her remaining years in prayer and service. She was known for her works of mercy and her devotion to God above all worldly things.

She is the patron saint of orphans, widows, poor people, brides and difficult marriages. 

REFLECTION: 

As the young kids would say, “Jesus is cooking!” And in this week’s Gospel, He truly is — setting things straight and speaking truth with boldness to the Pharisees.

Last Sunday, we celebrated White Sunday, a beautiful tradition from Samoa where we honor our keiki. They offer skits, sacred gestures, and Scripture recitations for their families, friends, and the whole Church. It’s a wonderful celebration of faith — a moment to see our children share what they’ve learned and how they’re growing in their knowledge of God and His Word.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter, and you stopped those trying to enter.” (Luke 11:52)

These are strong words — but they carry an important truth. The Pharisees and scholars were the religious teachers of their time. They studied the Law, taught the Law, and were supposed to live by the Law. Yet Jesus points out that while they knew about God, they were not allowing that knowledge to transform their hearts. They had the key of knowledge, but instead of opening the door to God, they closed it — for themselves and for others.

As members of the Church — parents, catechists, ministry leaders, educators, and parishioners — we, too, hold a kind of “key.” We are called to guide others, especially the young, toward knowing and loving Jesus. But just as importantly, we must allow the Truth to touch and shape our own lives. It is not enough to know about our faith — we are called to live it, to become examples of the Truth we teach and proclaim.

Through our actions, our words, and our witness, we can open the door for others to encounter God in Scripture, in the Sacraments, and in the everyday moments of life.

Luke ends this passage by saying: “When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him.” (Luke 11:53)

That reaction still happens today. When the Truth challenges us, it can make us uncomfortable. We can respond with resistance and pride — or with humility and openness. The choice is ours.



May we never close the door that leads to Christ. Instead, let us be people who open it wide — helping others to discover that true knowledge, true peace, and true joy are found only in Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.