29th Sunday of the Year (c)
Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 2
Sunday 16th October: 29th Sunday of the Year. (c)
The first reading is from the Book of Exodus. It tells of the first battle the people of Israel fought after their escape from captivity in Egypt, They need the help of Moses who prays on their behalf
The second reading is from the Letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul reminds him to remain true to the doctrine and faith he has received and to preach and teach it with conviction.
The Gospel passage, from St. Luke, is the familiar parable of the unjust judge. Jesus uses this parable to encourage his disciples to pray continually and never lose heart. Just as the judge hears the prayer of the widow eventually so will God hear us and respond to us.
Monday 17th October: Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch.
St. Ignatius was bishop of Antioch in Syria. Towards the beginning of the second century, he was taken as prisoner to Rome where he suffered martyrdom in the year 107. On his journey to Rome, he visited some communities and wrote letters to the Christian communities in Asia Minor warning them to be on guard against the heretics and urging them to remain united in faith.
Tuesday 18th October: Feast of St. Luke.
Luke was a gentile, a fellow worker of Paul, a medical man. He is the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary journeys and ended up in Rome where Paul was imprisoned. He died at the age of 84 and is the patron saint of doctors. He is also the patron saint of painters because it is said he painted an icon of Our Lady.
Wednesday 19th October: Wednesday of 29th week of the year.
St. Paul talks of his own unworthiness and surprise that God chose him to be an apostle. Therefore, he proclaims the message he has been given – you are all parts of one body.
Again, we reminded that we must be ready for the call of the Lord. – he will come when least expected so we must be ready at all times.
Thursday 20th October: Thursday of the 29th week of the year.
Paul continues to stress that through Baptism, we become slaves of Christ. Therefore, we should never say or do anything to betray that relationship in our day-to-day lives.
The Gospel passage reveals Jesus stressing the difficulties that will be encountered for the true follower of Christ. It will be difficult and may even divide families
Friday 21st October: Friday of the 29th week of the year.
St. Paul urges his readers to live a life worthy of their calling as a member of the body of Christ, united with Christ as the head.
Jesus warns his readers about judging others. Try to read the signs and interpret the times.
Saturday 22nd October: Saturday of the 29th week of the year.
St. Paul reminds how we are parts of the mystical body each called to use the gifts we have been given to build up the body of Christ. If we live in truth and love then we all grow in Christ.
We hear again a familiar message in the Gospel passage – repent and turn again to Jesus. Just as the fig tree is given another chance so will we.
The light of God
Surrounds us;
The love of God
Enfolds us;
The power of God
Protects us;
The presence of God
Protects us;
The presence of God
Watches over us;
Wherever we are,
God is,
And all is well.
