Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Hedwig, Religious/ Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43
Alleluia: John 15: 26b, 27a
Gospel: Luke 12: 8-12
First Reading: Romans 4: 13, 16-18
13 For not through the law was the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world; but through the justice of faith.
16 Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
17 (As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations,) before God, whom he believed, who quickeneth the dead; and calleth those things that are not, as those that are.
18 Who against hope believed in hope; that he might be made the father of many nations, according to that which was said to him: So shall thy seed be.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 6-7, 8-9, 42-43
R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant; ye sons of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever: the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
9 Which he made to Abraham; and his oath to Isaac:
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
42 Because he remembered his holy word, which he had spoken to his servant Abraham.
43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness.
R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Alleluia: John 15: 26b, 27a
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
26b, 27a The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 12: 8-12
8 And I say to you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.
9 But he that shall deny me before men, shall be denied before the angels of God.
10 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but to him that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
11 And when they shall bring you into the synagogues, and to magistrates and powers, be not solicitous how or what you shall answer, or what you shall say;
12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you must say.
Reflection
Abraham believed God’s promise even when its fulfillment lay beyond what he could see. His faith rested on the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. The psalm echoes this same confidence: the Lord remembers his covenant forever. God’s faithfulness is more enduring than circumstances, and his grace makes the promise firm for all who believe.
Jesus then gives this faith a public shape. Those who confess him before others will be acknowledged before the angels of God. Such witness may bring us before authorities or leave us unsure of what to say, yet Christ does not ask us to rely on our own cleverness. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, will teach us in the hour of testimony. Faith therefore means trusting God’s promise and allowing that trust to become visible in our words and choices. We can speak of Christ with humility and courage, confident that the Spirit is faithful even when we feel inadequate.
Prayer
Faithful God, you remembered your covenant with Abraham and have shown your faithfulness to your people through every generation. Strengthen my trust when your promises seem distant, and keep me from allowing fear to silence my love for Jesus. Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, guide my words and actions when I must give witness. Teach me to speak with humility, courage, and charity, relying on your grace rather than my own strength. May my life confess Christ sincerely and remain open to your light. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Leave a Reply