Only You

The WORD today reminds me that nothing can separate us from God’s love – except ourselves.

There are relationships wherein you constantly strive to please the other person. You act your best, put your best foot forward everytime, and try to be the best version of yourself. Though this is good, sometimes others can find this tiring. You are constantly trying to prove yourself worthy of the other person’s love and do your best not to show anything negative for fear of the other person losing interest in you. However, God is not like this. God’s love is nothing like this. Unlike people whose love and affection we need to get and retain, God’s love is permanent. God’s love is not for us to gain, but ours to lose.

Nothing can separate you from God’s love.

In the first reading, we see that nothing can really separate us from God’s love. Anguish, distress, famine, nakedness, peril or the sword will not separate us from God’s love. Nothing. Not death, nor life, nor angels, not principalities, not present or future things, no power, height and depth and no any other creature can separate us from God’s love. Nothing can separate us from His love. No one can separate us from his love. No sin is greater than his love and forgiveness. We cannot do anything that can take his love away from us.

A gift will only be transferred is the one receiving the gift accepts it. No matter how loving and generous the giver is, if the receiver do not want to accept the gift, he will not be able to enjoy it. His love is God’s gift to us, and we will choose if we will receive it or not. We see in the gospel that even if no one and nothing can take God’s love away from us, we have the decision to accept his love or not. We have the decision to remain in his love or not. Jesus told the people of Jerusalem that God tried to send prophets to save them and gather them, but they were unwilling. so God cannot do anything. God will not force himself on us. God will not force us to love him and accept his love.

Do I realize how much God loves me? Do I feel his love in my life? What is he telling me today?

May we be strengthened to know that nothing and no one can take God’s love away from us, and be aware that it is still our decision to accept him and his love for us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another day to experience your love. Thank you for your great love – so great that nothing and no one can take it away from me. Lord, you know I love you and I want your love. Sorry for the times I do not show it. Sorry for the times I sin and tell you I don’t want it. Help me humble myself before you. Help me choose you and your love instead of choosing my own will. May my life and actions tell you that I love you and that I want to remain in your love – because you know I do. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 31 2019

«

 October 30  |  November 1 »

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 482

Reading 1 ROM 8:31B-39

Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us.
Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
As it is written:

For your sake we are being slain all the day;
we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm PS 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31

R. (26b) Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Do you, O GOD, my Lord, deal kindly with me for your name's sake;
in your generous mercy rescue me;
For I am wretched and poor,
and my heart is pierced within me.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Help me, O LORD, my God;
save me, in your mercy,
And let them know that this is your hand;
that you, O LORD, have done this.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD,
and in the midst of the throng I will praise him,
For he stood at the right hand of the poor man,
to save him from those who would condemn his soul.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

Alleluia SEE LK 19:38; 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
"Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
He replied, "Go and tell that fox,
'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.'

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

Doers

The WORD today reminds me of the importance of doing things.

In life, they say who you know is important. Actually, it is true. Some even say that what you know is not as important as who you know. We see people in powerful positions not because of their skills and abilities, but because of their connections. However, in our spiritual life, it is different. It is not enough to just know God. We should go deeper than that.

Knowing God is not enough. In the gospel, we see Jesus saying that the master of the house will close the door and lock the house, and the people outside will ask him to let them in. They will remind him that they know each other, spending time with each other in eating, drinking, and in other occasions. And eventually, the master will tell them that as evildoers, they do not have a place inside. This is how important our actions are.

Our actions tell God how we see him in our lives.

Yes, we may know God, just like the people know the master. We may occasionally spend time with him. However, this is not enough. Our actions are important. Our actions tell God who he is in our lives. If we live right and pleasing to him, if we live doing good in his sight, then we are telling him he is God in our lives. we are telling him he is important to us and we want to be like him, and eventually want to be with him in paradise. However, if we do evil, just like the people in the gospel, then we are telling God he is not important and we do not want to be with him forever.

May we be reminded of our actions, and may our actions always be pleasing to God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Lord, sorry for the times I don't live right. Sorry for the times I think it is enough to know you and spend little time with you. Sorry for stopping there. Help me live right. Help me live a way pleasing to you. May my actions tell you how much i love and value you in my life. May my actions proclaim you in this world. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 30 2019

« 

October 29  |  October 31 »

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 481

Reading 1 ROM 8:26-30

Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God's will.

We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.
For those he foreknew he also predestined
to be conformed to the image of his Son,
so that he might be the firstborn
among many brothers.
And those he predestined he also called;
and those he called he also justified;
and those he justified he also glorified.

Responsorial Psalm PS 13:4-5, 6

R.(6a) My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.
Look, answer me, O LORD, my God!
Give light to my eyes that I may not sleep in death
lest my enemy say, "I have overcome him";
lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.
R. My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.
Though I trusted in your mercy,
Let my heart rejoice in your salvation;
let me sing of the LORD, "He has been good to me."
R. My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.

Alleluia SEE 2 THES 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God has called us through the Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
'Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
'I do not know where you are from.'
And you will say,
'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
'I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."

Small to Big

The WORD today reminds me that God can turn our small offerings into big blessings.

They say that great things start from small beginnings. That is true. As we look in our lives, we know that we all started small. We were born a baby, not knowing anything on our own. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a baby. It was God’s love and protection, through other people, that got us where we are today. No matter how much one achieves in life, that person started small. And it is by God’s love and grace, not by human power, intelligence, influence and connections, that one is able to achieve things.

in the gospel, we see Jesus telling us something similar. The mustard seed and yeast are small. Yet they eventually affect a lot. The mustard seed grew into a huge tree, and the yeast affected the flour. They were able to do great things and accomplish a lot, even if they started small. Whatever they accomplished, they started small.

Small things can accomplish great things with God’s blessing.

We may feel simple and normal, but that will not stop God from using us mightily. Mustard seed. Yeast. Simple stuff. Small stuff. But eventually did great things. This is what God does. He turns what we have, the simple that we have, and multiplies it. He turns it to something great. He blesses us so we can bless others and build God's kingdom.

God’s kingdom is also like this. Jesus was explaining to his disciples what the kingdom of God is like. It is like a small mustard seed that grew into a huge tree. It is like yeast that affected the flour. During that time, it may seem small, since they were the only ones working for it. But Jesus is telling them that in God’s perfect time, God’s kingdom will be immensely huge, bigger than what they can imagine. I believe this also applies to us right now. Looking at the world, God’s kingdom may seem so small. People are busy with achieving and accomplishing a lot, especially with all the advancements and technology in place. We put very small importance on God’s kingdom since we really cannot feel it, unlike things on this world. However, in his perfect time, we will realize how huge God’s kingdom really is.

In the first reading, Paul was writing to the romans, telling them that even though they may be experiencing challenges right now, that is very small compared to the magnitude and blessing of being in God’s kingdom when the time comes. We too are reminded to put things in perspective, and do our part to prepare as well so we won’t be caught off guard when the fullness of God’s kingdom appears.

How do I see myself? Do I look down on myself because I feel insignificant and too simple, with nothing special to offer to the world? Am I too proud with all my achievements and accomplishments? What is God telling me today?

May we learn to trust in God, that he will magnify whatever little we can offer, especially as we work for His kingdom.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another chance to love and serve you. thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for losing my focus on you. Sorry for allowing myself to be distracted by the world and what it has to offer. Sorry for being too busy and focused on achieving worldly things. Sorry for ignoring you. sorry for thinking that I would have the time to work for your kingdom later on. Lord, I ask that you help me put things in perspective. Help me have faith in you, however small like a mustard seed. I know that even if I have just a tiny bit of faith and knowledge of you, you will help me grow it, so I would always be aware of your kingdom, work for your kingdom, and prepare for your coming to this world. Amen.

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 29 2019

 October 28  |  October 30 »

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 480

Reading 1 ROM 8:18-25

Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;
for creation was made subject to futility,
not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,
in hope that creation itself
would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1B-2AB, 2CD-3, 4-5, 6

R.(3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.

Alleluia SEE MT 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 13:18-21

Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and 'the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'"

Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened."

Iron Man and Jesus

The WORD today reminds me how important and powerful it is to have Jesus at the center of my life.

Iron man is one of the more famous superheroes. He is powerful and intelligent, both as Tony Stark and as Iron Man. As iron man, he is a very strong superhero, having great powers in his armour. However, what really powers him is the small arc reactor in his chest. This arc reactor enables him to do great things and gives him superhuman abilities. Without this reactor, it will be very difficult for him to do what he does, even with his armor.

What is the relationship between iron man and me? Just as the Arc Reactor is the center of and power's Iron Man, Jesus Christ should be the center of my life so he can empower me.

and members of the household of God,

built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,

with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

In the first reading, We are reminded to make Christ the capstone, the center, the foundation of our lives. Like iron man and his reactor, we can only do great things if Jesus is in the center of our lives. We can only achieve real greatness if he is in our hearts, and if we allow Him to control our lives. On our own, our abilities are very limited, but with God’s power, we can achieve great things with whatever we have. As we put Jesus in the center of our lives and allow Him to control us, he will take what we have, and magnify it for his purpose, for his glory.

We see this in action in the gospel. Jesus prayed overnight. It shows that God is in the center of his life. God is the one powering him and giving him direction and inspiration. Then he chose his apostles afterwards. He shows who should be in the center of our life.

Is Jesus in the center of my life? Do I allow him to control my life? What prevents me from making him the center and from giving him total control of my life? Do I realize that I can start with prayer and building a relationship with him, and from there, he can and will slowly consume me, if I let him?

May we be moved to make Jesus Christ the center of our lives, and allow him to take control, to empower, and to use us mightily for his purpose and his glory.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for another week. Thank you for your love. Lord, sorry for the times I do not make you the center of my life. Sorry for focusing on other things. Sorry for not giving you full control of my life. Lord, I ask that you help me surrender to you. help me give my life to you and make you the center of my life. I know that it is only through this that I can do great things for you. I know that without you, I can do nothing, so help me stay in you and I have faith that you will slowly consume me, empower me, and use me mightily. Amen.

Blessed Week!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 28 2019

« 

October 27  |  October 29 »

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Lectionary: 666

Reading 1 EPH 2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:2-3, 4-5

R.(5a) Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R.Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R.Their message goes out through all the earth.

Alleluia See Te Deum

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Content and Intention

The WORD today reminds me that God looks at the content and intention of our prayers.

According to the Little Prince, what is essential is invisible to the eye. In a lot of times, if not all, this is true. There is more than what meets the eye. There is almost always something more, a deeper meaning and reason deeper than the surface level. There are people who seemingly say one thing but actually mean another. There are people who seem to proclaim and share their work for God but are actually looking for applause and building up themselves, not God. This is what happened to the story in the gospel.

It is not enough that we pray. God looks at the content of our prayers, for the content tells God the state of our hearts.

The Pharisee prayed, but the focus was not on God. The focus was on himself - how he thinks he is a good person, a God fearing person that people should look up to. He was boasting of how advanced his state is compared to others. And God did not like that. On the other hand, the sinful man had a short prayer. Short but sincere. Humble and repentant. Simple, but deep because it was from the heart. the focus was on God. he knows how small he is compared to God's greatness, and  because he knows and hopes God will forgive him.

Our prayers tell God the state of our hearts.

When we are like the Pharisee, focusing on ourselves and how great a servant of God we are, then we are not praying. We are boasting and telling God how great we think we are. We are not focusing on God, but on ourselves. We do not ask God to fill us up, but are telling God we are doing well and must be emulated by others. However, if we are repentant like the tax collector, then God sees how serious, repentant and humble we are. And will help us improve and become more like him.

It is not enough that we merely pray. We should pray with pure intentions. We should pray with a pure heart. We should pray having faith and humility.

How do I pray? What is the content of my prayers? What is the state of my heart? How can I improve my prayer life and my faith?

May we not be contented by merely praying, but examine our prayers and see if we are focusing on God or on ourselves.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another Sunday. Lord, sorry for the times I don't pray. And sorry for the many times I am not able to pray properly. Sorry for having the focus on myself and not on you. I ask that you help me be more aware of my prayers. Help me be sensitive of my prayers. Disturb me and make me aware if my prayers are focusing on myself, and not on you. Help me have a humble and contrite heart, and as I come to you, I ask that you not only forgive me, but fill me and make me more like you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

October 27 2019

« October 26  |  October 28 »

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 150

Reading 1 SIR 35:12-14, 16-18

The LORD is a God of justice,
 who knows no favorites.
 Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
 yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
 The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
 nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
 The one who serves God willingly is heard;
 his petition reaches the heavens.
 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
 it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
 nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
 judges justly and affirms the right,
 and the Lord will not delay.

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

R. (7a)  The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Reading 2 2 TM 4:6-8, 16-18

Beloved:
I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia2 COR 5:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of salvation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

One More Try

The WORD today reminds me that God gives us opportunities to repent.

The first time to do something is always challenging. Back in 2016 when it was our first time to work on an ISO certification for Business Continuity, it was very challenging, especially when creating templates and other documents. We were not sure if we were doing it right. We did not know what to expect from the audit. We did not know a lot of things. That is why we feel better and more comfortable the second time we do things. This is what God gives us.

Jesus gives us second chances to do things right

In the gospel, we see Jesus as the gardener who asks the owner, God, for a second chance for us, the tree not bearing fruit, before cutting it down. What's interesting to note is that it was not a spur of the moment decision for the owner. The owner waited for three years for the tree to bear fruit. He was patient. And when he was about to have it cut, the gardener asked him for another chance for the tree.

The gardener will not just ask for another chance and then do nothing, expecting the tree to bear fruit on its own. He will do his part. He will give his best effort. He will do whatever he can, fertilize the soil, water the tree, etc, to make a better environment for the tree. He will do everything in his capacity to help the tree. The only thing he cannot do is bear fruit for the tree. That’s the part of the tree already.

This is also how God deals with us.

God gives us opportunities to bear fruit and do things right. He gives us opportunities to grow in Him. He gives us people to guide and inspire us. He gave us the Church and the sacraments to help us grow in our faith.  He gives us all that we need to grow in him and bear good fruit. But ultimately, it is our choice if we will allow Him to get through us. It is our choice to bear fruit for God and make the most out of the opportunities and second chances he gives us.

What things should I stop doing? What things should I start doing? How is God getting through to me? What opportunities and people does he use to remind me and give me opportunities to repent and change my ways? How am I responding to Him?

May we be sensitive to God's call and opportunities, and cooperate with and submit to him so he can transform us to bear fruit.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your great love for me. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you and your messages and reminders. Sorry for doing things my way. I ask that you help me be sensitive to your calls and opportunities you give me to change my ways and repent. Help me have the will to do it. Help me choose you over all the pleasures of this life. As I do so, I have faith that you would transform me and enable me to bear fruits for you. May my life show you how much I love you. Amen. 

Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2013/03/one-more-chance_1835.html

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/10/second-chances.html 

Daily Readings

October 26 2019

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October 25  |  October 27 »

Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 478

Reading 1 ROM 8:1-11

Brothers and sisters:
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has freed you from the law of sin and death.
For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,
this God has done:
by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh
and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh
are concerned with the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the spirit
with the things of the spirit.
The concern of the flesh is death,
but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.
For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God;
it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it;
and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh;
on the contrary, you are in the spirit,
if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
But if Christ is in you,
although the body is dead because of sin,
the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
the one who raised Christ from the dead
will give life to your mortal bodies also,
through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1B-2, 3-4AB, 5-6

R.(see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

AlleluiaEZ 33:11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
"Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them—
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!"
And he told them this parable:
"There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree   
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?'
He said to him in reply,
'Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.'"