October 26
Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Give a Mass Offering
Mass Intention
7:45 AM – (Living Intention) Roslyn Giufre / Patricia Perry
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.
Readings
First Reading
Romans 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
Psalms 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.
Gospel Acclamation
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
Luke 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.”
“The Lord has done marvels for us.”
Reflection
“What is the Kingdom of God like?”
Luke reminds us that Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, small at first, but when fully grown becomes the largest of plants. Is not the Kingdom of God like that, as it dwells in our hearts?
So often, we feel that the Kingdom of God is either far off, unreachable, or perhaps not meant for us personally. When something seems so small, or distant, it is easy to forget that it really exists. Each day, we need to remind ourselves that God has planted the seed of faith deep within us, and it is up to us to foster that seed each day of our lives, even during times of trials and desperation. As we continually strive to foster the Kingdom that Christ gives us, it begins to grow and inspire others around us as well. It is for this reason that we say the Kingdom of God is among us, but not completely. We are mistaken if we believe that the Kingdom is only a place we experience after our death. The Kingdom can be among us if we only believe and strive to bring it about by our faith and actions!
Peace,
Fr. John
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