28th Sunday of the Year (a)
Ordinary Season of the Year. (a)
Weekdays – Year 1
Sunday 15th October: Twenty-Eighth Sunday of the Year. (a)
The first reading today is from the Prophet Isaiah. He uses the image of a great banquet to describe the blessings God wishes to grant, not only to Israel, but also to all nations and all peoples.
In the second reading, St. Paul thanks the Philippians for their support. He goes further and talks about how his real support is his faith in and relationship with Jesus.
The Gospel comes from St. Matthew. He shows how Isaiah’s promise of the great banquet and the blessings of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Through him, all God’s people are invited to enter the Kingdom.
Monday 16th October: Monday of the 28th week of the year.
We begin a series of readings on weekdays from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. It is believed he wrote this letter in anticipation of his arrival in the city. In the introduction, he reminds the Roman community that he was specially chosen as an apostle to bring the Good News about Jesus, the Son of God.
The demand for a sign, which Jesus attacks, was an attempt to bring him and his mission down. Ultimately, it is a lack of faith that wants God to respond to our ways of thinking.
Tuesday 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.
Wednesday 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.
Thursday 19th October: Thursday of the 28th week of the year.
Paul now sets out to describe the means by which salvation is obtained. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This is open to all through his death.
Jesus’ teaching on hypocrisy is widened to cover all hypocrisy. It is never right. He shows, in his life, how things should be.
Friday 20th October: Friday of the 28th week of the year.
Paul continues to develop his thoughts on the fact that we are justified through faith and not because of our efforts. Faith must come first. The example of the faith of Abraham is put before us.
After his outburst, Jesus returns to his own disciples and warns them of the trials and difficulties that they will encounter. They will experience the same opposition and persecution. They must be fearless and trust in God, their Father.
Saturday 21st October: Saturday of the 28th week of the year.
Paul makes a connection with Abraham in the first reading today. Even though old he believed in the promise made by the Lord that he would become the father of many nations. Paul stresses the faith of Abraham.
Jesus, having attacked the Pharisees so vehemently, makes a solemn promise. Any one who commits themselves to him will be saved and will be given guidance and strength to follow Jesus.
God the source and strength of all love.
May he bless our families
With happiness and faithfulness.
Amen
May he bless our communities
With unity and peace
And make us one heart and one soul.
Amen.
May he give to all of us
A love that brings out the best
In each other.
Amen.
May God bless you all
And keep his love alive
in you.
Amen.
