Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection October 31, 2024

31st October 2024 (Thursday)

Psalter: Week 2

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10 (R. 1a)

R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; peace on earth and glory in the highest.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

At that time: Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Daily Gospel Reflection

Thursday – Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time

Guidelines: Challenges will never cease. problems will never vanish. But we need to persevere with the strength of the Lord

1. Tremendous was the courage of Jesus. He was warned by some Pharisees that his life was in danger because Herod wants to kill him. But Jesus continues his mission. He does not go into hiding. He does not suspend his ministry for a while till a safe time arrives. He is not intimidated by Herod. That is why he outrightly dares to call Herod a fox, saying, “Go and tell that fox.’

2. This courage, determination, and perseverance were possible because he was deeply conscious of the purpose of his coming. He knew that he is given a special mission and a specific duration. He knew he has to accomplish the task. He also knew that it would involve suffering and death. But he does not run away from it or evade it. That is why Jesus remarks: “I cast out demons today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”

3. He was always focused on his mission. He never allowed any worldly or human factor to distract or deviate him from this singular purpose. With tender love, he feels anguished over the stubbornness and rejection of the people. He laments, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.”

4. God was his greatest strength and support. He would not budge. True to the words in the first reading, he put on the whole armour of God so that he was able to stand against the schemes of the devil. The truth was his belt; righteousness, the breastplate; prompt readiness, his shoes; faith, his shield; salvation, the helmet; the word of God is the sword of the Spirit

Practice: To live a faithful life is like waging a fierce battle. The battle is tough and the enemy, the devil is very strong. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and stand firm