October 31
Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
First Reading
PHIL 1:18B-26
Brothers and sisters: As long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again.
Responsorial Psalm
PS 42:2, 3, 5CDEF
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God.
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
I went with the throng and led them in procession to the house of God. Amid loud cries of joy and thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival.
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Alleluia
**MT 11:29AB
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
LK 14:1, 7-11
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Give a Mass Offering
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
“My soul is thirsting for the living God.”
Readings & Reflection
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” This quote from Jesus is not meant to insult us, as so many may believe, but instead is intended to remind us that our life can be more difficult when we place ourselves over others. It may be natural to want to think of ourselves as above others or better than others, but I find those situations where I exalt myself to be real learning experiences. I am often made to realize that others, or God Himself, have played a large role in whatever success for which I may be taking credit.
It is important for all of us to realize that the gifts that we possess are not of our own doing, but are indeed gifts from God that are for all of God’s people. We must give glory to God in all that we do!
Today, let us look honestly at the gifts we possess. When have we taken credit where credit is not due? When have we used those gifts for the betterment of those around us? Remember, God knows what we have done and failed to do. He also understands our intentions and forgives us when we become too full of ourselves.
Peace,
Fr. John Kurgan
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