Gospel Today - Blessed will you be because of their inability to repay you

Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:14 NAB

October 31, 2011 - Monday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 11:29-36
• Responsorial -- Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36
  R. Lord, in your great love, answer me
• Gospel Today -- Luke 14:12-14

Gospel Reflection - Service and Greatness in Today's World

Jesus said, serve and be great. If you think about it, no other generation can understand this statement more than the present one. Just look at what have happened to the warlords and dictators in the past 50 years alone, let alone the past 50 days. 

We call Steve Jobs great because of his ability to solve problems. It's why people, including Pope Benedict XVI, buy and use his stuff.
Photo: "Chipmunk Checking Email" by Stephen Coles

The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 NAB

Note how the world mourned at the passing of Steve Jobs, Princess Diana, Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II. Far in contrast, the world feels safer with the passing of some "great" leaders. Why is that?

Gospel Today - The greatest among you must be your servant

Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:10-12 NAB

October 30, 2011 - Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10
• Responsorial -- Psalm 131:1, 2, 3
  R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace
• 2nd Reading -- 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 23:1-12

Reflections on the Gospel by Archbishop Chito Tagle

Gospel Today - The one who humbles himself will be exalted

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11 NAB

October 29, 2011 - Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29
• Responsorial -- Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18
  R. The Lord will not abandon his people
• Gospel Today -- Luke 14:1, 7-11

Gospel Today - He spent the night in prayer to God

In those days he departed 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. Luke 6:12-13 NAB

October 28, 2011 - Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles

• 1st Reading -- Ephesians 2:19-22
• Responsorial -- Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
  R. Their message goes out through all the earth
• Gospel Today -- Luke 6:12-16

Gospel Today - Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

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.” Luke 13:35 NAB

October 27, 2011 - Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 8:31b-39
• Responsorial -- Psalm 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31
  R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy
• Gospel Today -- Luke 13:31-35

Gospel Today - Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last

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. Luke 13:29-30 NAB

October 26, 2011 - Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 8:26-30
• Responsorial -- Psalm 13:4-5, 6
  R. All my hope, O Lord, is in your loving kindness
• Gospel Today -- Luke 13:22-30

Gospel Today - The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed

Then he said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a person 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.” Luke 13:18-19 NAB

October 25, 2011 - Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 8:18-25
• Responsorial -- Psalm 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
  R. The Lord has done marvels for us
• Gospel Today -- Luke 13:18-21

Gospel Today - The whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him

When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him. Luke 13:17 NAB

October 24, 2011 - Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 8:12-17
• Responsorial -- Psalm 68:2 and 4, 6-7ab, 20-21
  R. Our God is the God of salvation
• Gospel Today -- Luke 13:10-17

Gospel Reflection - Is Love Passe?

You thought you found the love of your life or the thing you love to do the most. Five years later you realized that what caught your heart was a mirage in the desert. Now, you find yourself pitifully in the middle of the vast expanse of emptiness.

so cliché by Scarleth White

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37,39 NAB

This is not just about marriage or relationships. This is about business, career, friendships and causes to believe in as well.

Emptiness, emptiness and emptiness. It sucks the life out of you like Mr. Vampire would suck the blood out of his prey and turn his victim into a living dead, just like him. Love for life disappears, and one goes about sucking other people's lives.

Have you gotten out of a conversation with someone feeling drained or like something was taken off you?

Gospel Today - Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. Matthew 22:37-38 NAB

October 23, 2011 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Exodus 22:20-26
• Responsorial -- Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
  R. I love you, Lord, my strength
• 2nd Reading -- 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 22:34-40

The Word Exposed by Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle

Gospel Today - It may bear fruit in the future, if not you can cut it down

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.” Luke 13:8-9 NAB

October 22, 2011 - Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 8:1-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
  R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face
• Gospel Today -- Luke 13:1-9

Gospel Today - You will not be released until you have paid the last penny

If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” Luke 12:58-59 NAB

October 21, 2011 - Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 7:18-25a
• Responsorial -- Psalm 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
  R. Lord, teach me your statutes
• Gospel Today -- Luke 12:54-59

Gospel Today - How great is my anguish until it is accomplished

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Luke 12:49-50 NAB

October 20, 2011 - Thursday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 6:19-23
• Responsorial -- Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
  R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 12:49-53

Gospel Today - Much will be required of the person entrusted with much

And the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. Luke 12:48 NAB

October 19, 2011 - Memorial of Saint John de Brébeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, priests and martyrs, and their companions, martyrs

• 1st Reading -- Romans 6:12-18
• Responsorial -- Psalm 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8
  R. Our help is in the name of the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 12:39-48

Gospel Today - Your peace will rest on him and it will return to you

Into whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace to this household." If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:5-6 NAB

October 18, 2011 - Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

• 1st Reading -- 2 Timothy 4:10-17b
• Responsorial -- Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
  R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom
• Gospel Today -- Luke 10:1-9

Gospel Today - Guard yourself against all greed

Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:15 NAB

October 17, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr

• 1st Reading -- Romans 4:20-25
• Responsorial -- Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75
  R. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people
• Gospel Today -- Luke 12:13-21

Gospel Today - Repay to God what belongs to God

They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21 NAB

October 16, 2011 - Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
• Responsorial -- Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
  R. Give the Lord glory and honor
• 2nd Reading -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 22:15-21

Gospel Today - The Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say

When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12 NAB

October 15, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

• 1st Reading -- Romans 4:13, 16-18
• Responsorial -- Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43
  R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever
• Gospel Today -- Luke 12:8-12

Gospel Today - You are worth more than many sparrows

Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 NAB

October 14, 2011 - Friday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 4:1-8
• Responsorial -- Psalm 32:1b-2, 5, 11
  R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation
• Gospel Today -- Luke 12:1-7

Gospel Today - I will send to them prophets and apostles

Therefore, the wisdom of God said, I will send to them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world. Luke 11:49-50 NAB

October 13, 2011 - Thursday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 3:21-30
• Responsorial -- Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab
  R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:47-54

Gospel Today - These you should have done, without overlooking the others

Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Luke 11:42 NAB

October 12, 2011 - Wednesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 2:1-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
  R. Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:42-46

Gospel Today - Give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you

The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you. Luke 11:39-41 NAB

October 11, 2011 - Tuesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 1:16-25
• Responsorial -- Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
  R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:37-41

Gospel Today - It seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it

While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. Luke 11:29-30 NAB

October 10, 2011 - Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Romans 1:1-7
• Responsorial -- Psalm 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
  R. The Lord has made known his salvation
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:29-32

Gospel Reflection - RSVP: Have You Replied to the Wedding Invitation?

You rushed to your friend's wedding. At the entrance, you realize you forgot the wedding invitation. Upon insisting that you're a friend, you realize that neither did you bother to reply to the invitation earlier. No RSVP.

'Wedding Invitation' by hellabella

Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. Matthew 22:5

You would rather not be in that kind of situation, wouldn't you? Let me elaborate.

Gospel Today - Many are invited, but few are chosen

He said to him, My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment? But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Many are invited, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:12-14 NAB

October 9, 2011 - Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 25:6-10a
• Responsorial -- Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
  R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life
• 2nd Reading -- Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 22:1-14

Gospel Today - Blessed are those who hear the word of God

While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it." Luke 11:27-28 NAB

October 8, 2011 - Saturday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Joel 4:12-21
• Responsorial -- Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
  R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:27-28

Gospel Today - Whoever is not with me is against me

But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Luke 11:22-23 NAB

October 7, 2011 - Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

• 1st Reading -- Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
• Responsorial -- Psalm 9:2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9
  R. The Lord will judge the world with justice
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:15-26

Gospel Reflection - Do You Ask Enough from God?

DO I ASK ENOUGH FROM GOD?
by Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

Our gratitude to  Kerygmafamily.com for not minding us copying in full the reflection by Father Rudy Horst, SVD about the gospel today, Luke 11:5-13. See also 'Does the Catholic Church teach faithfuls to ask big time?']

Probably you are puzzled by this question. Good if you are. Then you will read today’s Gospel passage and reflect with me about what Jesus is telling us.

Door Knocker, St. John's Church
Image by David Hoffman

Quite often, I read explanations of today’s parable about the friend knocking at midnight; I even heard (and delivered) homilies about it, but when I started writing this reflection something struck me. Most explanations say that perseverance in prayer is what Jesus stresses. Maybe they are right. But the second part of Jesus’ words, His application, does not focus on perseverance but on something else. Actually, Jesus gives His audience — and us — a lesson that focuses on the assurance that God will hear our prayers, whether we are persistent or not.

Gospel Today - Knock and the door will be opened to you

And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10 NAB

October 6, 2011 - Thursday of the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Malachi 3:13-20b
• Responsorial -- Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
  R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:5-13

Do you ask enough from God?

Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD writes: Probably you are puzzled by this question. Good if you are. Then you will read today’s Gospel passage and reflect with me about what Jesus is telling us.

Quite often, I read explanations of today’s parable about the friend knocking at midnight; I even heard (and delivered) homilies about it, but when I started writing this reflection something struck me. Most explanations say that perseverance in prayer is what Jesus stresses. Maybe they are right. But the second part of Jesus’ words, His application, does not focus on perseverance but on something else. Actually, Jesus gives His audience — and us — a lesson that focuses on the assurance that God will hear our prayers, whether we are persistent or not. Read more...

Gospel Today - Lord, teach us to pray

He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 NAB

October 5, 2011 - Wednesday of the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Jonah 4:1-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 86:3-4, 5-6, 9-10
  R. Lord, you are merciful and gracious
• Gospel Today -- Luke 11:1-4

Gospel Today - Mary has chosen the better part

The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her. Luke 10:41-42 NAB

October 4, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, religious

• 1st Reading -- Jonah 3:1-10
• Responsorial -- Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4ab, 7-8
  R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand
• Gospel Today -- Luke 10:38-42

Gospel Today - Love your neighbor as yourself

He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live. Luke 10:27-28 NAB

October 3, 2011 - Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Jonah 1:1:2:1-2, 11
• Responsorial -- Jonah 2:3, 4, 5, 8
  R. You will rescue my life from the pit, O Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 10:25-37

Gospel Today - The kingdom of God will be given to people that will produce its fruit

Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit. Matthew 21:43 NAB

October 2, 2011 - Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 5:1-7
• Responsorial -- Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
  R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel
• 2nd Reading -- Philippians 4:6-9
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 21:33-43

Gospel Today - All things have been handed over to me by my Father

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Luke 10:22 NAB

October 1, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

• 1st Reading -- Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
• Responsorial -- Psalm 69:33-35, 36-37
  R. The Lord listens to the poor
• Gospel Today -- Luke 10:17-24