Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 29 October 2023 Homily for 29 October 2023 – Sunday
First Reading: Exodus 22: 20-26
Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction. (20)
Who is the god we sacrifice to? If it is any other thing or person or idea, other than the Lord God alone; it will show your devotion to destruction! Sacrificing anything, time, money, talent, or any resources unjustly or in imbalance; is a trap. God himself wants us to fulfill our duties according to our state in life! But we are not to be obsessed with the same. In the midst of fulfilling our responsibilities, we remain in touch with God our Father. Amid chaotic activity; we return our senses to the one true living God in our hearts and spirits. We find our peace and solace there!
Reading the word of God first thing in our day, during the unrushed minutes when all is quiet around us; reminds us who we are! We return to those words during the turmoil that later seems to engulf us! We are then able to refocus our eyes on Jesus, who walks alongside us through our storm! The reading here further outlines how we are to conduct ourselves with others. All those commands then will be brought to our minds when we remain His Word. We must pray to the Holy Spirit to help us in our way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18: 2-4, 47, 51
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, (2-3)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: First Thessalonians 1: 5-10
For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. (9-10)
We praise and thank the Lord Jesus, his apostles, and his saints who have brought Jesus to us over the years! We ask that the Good Lord, guide us into his ways always.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 22: 34-40
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (37 – 40)
Christ Jesus sums up the commandments and the prophets in these two clear statements! We, his creatures must strive to measure ourselves daily according to these commands! If we sincerely try to live by them, Christ will be our helper through the Holy Spirit.
We pray for the courage, faith, humility, and perseverance to walk the talk that we preach. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
