Month: October 2025

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Monday, 20 October 2025 : 29th Week of Ordinary Time (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Luke 12 : 13-21

At that time, someone in the crowd spoke to Jesus, “Master, tell my brother to share with me the family inheritance.” He replied, “My friend, who has appointed Me as your Judge or your Attorney?” Then Jesus said to the people, “Be on your guard and avoid every kind of greed, for even though you have many possessions, it is not that which gives you life.”

And Jesus continued, “There was a rich man, and his land had produced a good harvest. He thought, ‘What shall I do, for I am short of room to store my harvest? Alright, I know what I shall do : I will pull down my barns and I will build bigger ones, to store all this grain, which is my wealth. Then I will say to myself : My friend, you have a lot of good things put by for many years. Rest, eat, drink and enjoy yourself.'”

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be taken from you. Tell Me, who shall get all you have put aside?’ This is the lot of the one who stores up riches for himself and is not wealthy in the eyes of God.”

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Monday, 20 October 2025 : 29th Week of Ordinary Time (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Luke 1 : 69-70, 71-72, 73-75

In the house of David His servant, He has raised up for us a victorious Saviour; as He promised through His prophets of old.

Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of our foes. He has shown mercy to our fathers; and remembered His holy Covenant.

The oath He swore to Abraham, our father, to deliver us from the enemy, that we might serve Him fearlessly, as a holy and righteous people, all the days of our lives.

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Monday, 20 October 2025 : 29th Week of Ordinary Time (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Romans 4 : 20-25

Abraham did not doubt, nor did he distrust the promise of God, and, by being strong in faith, he gave glory to God : He was convinced, that, He Who had given the promise, had power to fulfil it.

This was taken into account, for him to attain righteousness. This was taken into account : these words of Scripture are not only for him, but for us, too, because we believe in Him, Who raised Jesus, our Lord, from among the dead, He, Who was delivered for our sins, and raised to life, for us to receive true righteousness.

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Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this Sunday we are all presented with the important reminder that God is always ever present in our midst and He has always cared about us, never abandoning us in our time and hour of need. And even when we may be encountering challenges, trials and difficulties in life, we are never alone because God Himself is always by our side, supporting and strengthening us even through those most difficult obstacles and struggles. That is why today we are all reminded that we should not easily give up and continue to have firm, enduring and genuine faith in the Lord, even through the most difficult moments in our lives. We should remember that no matter how dark the situation and outlook may be for us now, but nothing can overcome the light and hope we have in the Lord.

In our first reading this Sunday, taken from the Book of Exodus, we heard of the account of the moment when a great battle broke out between the people of God, the Israelites and their bitter enemy, the Amalekites. The Amalekites were a race of migratory tribespeople who wandered around the region, and they likely viewed the Israelites as both lucrative targets for raids and also rivals for resources in the region. According to historical evidence and practices, it was likely that the Amalekites attempted to raid the Israelites as they did to the other people of the region to get captives that they could sell as slaves to the slave traders, and slavery was rampant at that time. Thus, the Israelites went to battle against those Amalekites, and God was with them.

We heard how God instructed Moses to go up a high place from where those who were involved in the battle could see him, and he was to raise his hands bearing his staff, and as we heard, as long as Moses raised his hands, the Israelites were winning against the Amalekites while the moment he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the upper hand against the Israelites. We heard then how both Aaron, Moses’ brother and Hur supported Moses’ hands until the Israelites completely defeated the Amalekites. And as we heard these things, we are in fact reminded of how God was always with His people, and when those who were fighting against the Amalekites saw Moses and his raised hands, they certainly have in them the hope that the Lord was with them and fighting their battles with them.

Then, from our second reading this Sunday, taken from the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to his protege, St. Timothy, we heard of the words of the Apostle encouraging his protege to continue the good works which he had been doing in being ministers and servants of the Lord in proclaiming the Good News of the Lord to everyone whom they have encountered. St. Paul reassured St. Timothy that they all should continue to proclaim the Gospels joyfully and courageously, following the guidance which God Himself would provide them through His Holy Spirit, because every steps and journey they take, all of those shall be provided for by the Lord, and they would bring great benefits for the salvation of many souls, the souls of those whom they have encountered and touched by their good works.

Lastly, from our Gospel passage this Sunday, taken from the Gospel according to St. Luke the Evangelist, we heard of the Lord Jesus speaking and teaching using a parable to teach all the people assembled to listen to Him, with regards of the matter of putting our faith and trust in God, and the value of asking God constantly and persistently of what we seek for. The Lord used the parable of the evil judge and the persistent old woman in order to illustrate and highlight His points, which is indeed very obvious and easily understandable by the people including all of us who have listened to it as well. It is a kind reminder for all of us that persistent effort made with genuine desire and concern, with just reason and  purpose will eventually bear fruits in the end.

Not only that, but by comparing the attitude of the evil judge who feared no one and was the least likely person to listen to the pleas of the old widow to that of the Lord Himself, our most loving God and Father, we can see how if the evil judge eventually chose to listen to the old widow out of his own selfish desire not to be disturbed any further by the widow’s incessant cries and demands for help, then all the more that God, our most loving and compassionate Father will provide for us what we need, when we continue to patiently ask for Him with sincere hearts and minds. This is also in tandem with what the Lord Jesus Himself said in another occasion, when He told His disciples that ‘ask and it shall be given to you, seek, and you shall find, and knock, and the door will be opened for you’, all of which highlighting the ever generous nature of God’s love.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, that is why this Sunday we are being reminded by these Scripture readings of the need for each and every one of us to trust in the Lord and to continue to do our best to live our lives in the manner that the Lord has shown us, and to continue to hope in Him particularly as this year we also continue to celebrate this Holy Year, this Ordinary Jubilee Year of Hope. Throughout this Holy Year we have been constantly reminded of the Lord’s Presence in our lives, in how He has ceaselessly shown us this enduring and patient love, and that we can always hope in Him even through the most difficult and challenging moments of our lives. If we trust in God and put our faith in Him, we will surely never regret having done so, for it is in Him alone we can never be disappointed.

May the Lord continue to strengthen us all with the light of His hope, a Hope that never fades, a Hope that never disappoints, remembering how He has always been there for us throughout our journeys in life, throughout all the darkest and the most difficult moments when we may feel so lonely amidst all the struggles that we have to face and endure. God is always with us through it all, much as He has been with His people Israel against their enemy, the Amalekites and against all the other forces arrayed against them. Let us all therefore put our faith and trust always in the Lord, and in our every words, actions and deeds may all of us continue to inspire everyone around us, so that many more people may come to be stronger in their own faith and hope in God’s Providence and love, now and always. Amen.

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Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Luke 18 : 1-8

At that time, Jesus told His disciples a parable, to show them that they should pray continually, and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain town there was a judge, who neither feared God nor people. In the same town there was a widow, who kept coming to him, saying, ‘Defend my rights against my opponent!'”

“For a time he refused, but finally he thought, ‘Even though I neither fear God nor care about people, this widow bothers me so much, I will see that she gets justice; then she will stop coming and wearing me out.'”

And Jesus said, “Listen to what the evil judge says. Will God not do justice for His chosen ones, who cry to Him day and night, even if He delays in answering them? I tell you, He will speedily do them justice. But, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

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Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Second Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

2 Timothy 3 : 14 – 2 Timothy 4 : 2

As for you, continue with what you have learnt, and what has been entrusted to you, knowing from whom you received it. Besides, you have known the Scriptures from childhood; they will give you the wisdom that leads to salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, refuting error, for correcting and training in Christian life. Through Scripture, the man of God is made expert and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by the hope I have of His coming, and His kingdom, I urge you to preach the Word, in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, or advising, always with patience, and providing instruction.

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Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Psalm 120 : 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – from where shall come my help? My help comes from YHVH, Maker of heaven and earth.

Will He let your foot slip, the One watching over you? Will He slumber? No, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.

YHVH is your Guardian; YHVH is at your side; and you, in His shade; sunstroke will not be for you by day, nor the spell of the moon, by night.

YHVH guards you from every evil; He will protect your life. YHVH watches over your coming and going, both now and forever.

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Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Exodus 17 : 8-13

When the Israelites were at Rephidim, the Amalekites came and attacked them. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites in the morning. As for me, I will stand with God’s staff in my hand at the top of the hill.”

Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had directed, while Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. It happened that when Moses raised his hands, the Israelites would win but when he lowered them, the Amalekites would have the advantage.

As Moses’ arms grew weary they placed a stone for him to sit on while Aaron and Hur on either side held up his arms which remained steadily raised until sunset. For his part Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the sword.

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(Usus Antiquior) Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (II Classis) – Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Offertory, Secret Prayer of the Priest, Communion and Post-Communion Prayer

Liturgical Colour : Green

Offertory

Psalm 137 : 7

Si ambulavero in medio tribulationis, vivificabis me, Domine : et super iram inimicorum meorum extendes manum Tuam, et salvum me faciet dextera Tua.

English translation

If I shall walk in the midst of tribulation, You will quicken me, o Lord, and You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand shall save me.

Secret Prayer of the Priest

Haec munera, quaesumus, Domine, quae oculis Tuae majestatis offerimus, salutaria nobis esse concede. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

Grant, we beseech You, o Lord, that these gifts, which we offer up in the sight of Your majesty, may be salutary unto us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Communion

Psalm 118 : 4-5

Tu mandasti mandata Tua custodiri nimis : utinam dirigantur viae meae, ad custodiendas justificationes Tuas.

English translation

You have commanded Your commandments to be kept most diligently. O, that my ways may be directed to keep Your justifications.

Post-Communion Prayer

Tua nos, Domine, medicinalis operatio, et a nostris perversitatibus clementer expediat, et Tuis semper faciat inhaerare mandatis. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Tuum, qui Tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

English translation

Let Your healing power, o Lord, in mercy deliver us from our waywardness and cause us ever to cleave to Your commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

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(Usus Antiquior) Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (II Classis) – Sunday, 19 October 2025 : Holy Gospel

Liturgical Colour : Green

Sequentia Sancti Evangelii secundum Matthaeum – Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

Matthew 22 : 1-14

In illo tempore : Loquebatur Jesus principibus sacerdotum et pharisaeis in parabolis, dicens : Simile factum est regnum caelorum homini regi, qui fecit nuptias filio suo. Et misit servos suos vocare invitatos ad nuptias, et nolebant venire.

Iterum misit alios servos, dicens : Dicite invitatis : Ecce, prandium meum paravi, tauri mei et altilia occisa sunt, et omnia parata : venite ad nuptias. Illi autem neglexerunt : et abierunt, alius in villam suam, alius vero ad negotiationem suam : reliqui vero tenuerunt servos ejus, et contumeliis affectos occiderunt.

Rex autem cum audisset, iratus est : et, missis exercitibus suis, perdidit homicidas illos et civitatem illorum succendit. Tunc ait servis suis : Nuptiae quidem paratae sunt, sed, qui invitati erant, non fuerunt digni. Ite ergo ad exitus viarum et, quoscumque inveneritis, vocate ad nuptias. Et egressi servi ejus in vias, congregaverunt omnes, quos invenerunt, malos et bonos : et impletae sunt nuptiae discumbentum.

Intravit autem rex, ut videret discumbentes, et vidit ibi hominem non vestitum veste nuptiali. Et ait illi : Amice, quomodo huc intrasti non habens vestem nuptialem? At ille obmutuit. Tunc dixit rex ministris : Ligatis manibus et pedibus ejus, mittite eum in tenebras exteriores : ibi erit fletus et stridor dentium. Multi enim sunt vocati, pauci vero electi.

English translation

At that time, Jesus spoke to the chief priests and the Pharisees in parables, saying, “The kingdom of Heaven is likened to a king, who made a marriage for his son, and he sent his servants, to call those who were invited to the marriage, and they would not come.

Again he sent other servants, saying, “Tell those who were invited, ‘Behold, I have prepared my dinner, my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come all of you to the marriage.” But they neglected, and went their ways, one to his farm, and another to his merchandise, and the rest laid hands on his servants, and having treated them contumeliously, put them to death.

But when the king had heard of it, he was angry, and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers, and burnt their city. Then he said to his servants, “The marriage indeed is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Go all of you therefore into the highways, and call as many as you shall find to the marriage.” And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good, and the marriage was filled with guests.

And the king went in to see the guests, and he saw there a man who did not put on a wedding garment, and he said to him, “Friend, how did you enter here, not having a wedding garment?” But he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters, “Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.”