THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Also Read: Mass Readings for 31 October 2021
First Reading: Deuteronomy 6: 2-6
The Secret to Prosperity!
Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them (the commandments of the Lord) diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. (3)
The secret to prosperity and true happiness is revealed in the above verse. In chapter 5, preceding this passage, The Ten Commandments are given to the people of Israel; and therefore to us as well!
May we listen and understand! Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18: 2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
The Fount of all Goodness!
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. (2)
May we live by these words, Amen!
Second Reading: Hebrews 7: 23-28
Our Permanent Royal Priest!
He holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. (24)
Jesus Christ our permanent High Priest saves us continuously! But do we merit this grace?
May we remember, we have this great gift and reform our lives. Every minute of every new day is an opportunity for our redemption! May we be sanctified through this holy pursuit, Amen!
Gospel: Mark 12: 28b-34
The Castles of The Prince!
As Christ reiterates the commandment from Deuteronomy 6, HE also pronounces the second most important commandment. This second commandment truly encompasses all the others. But how easy/difficult are both these commandments for us today?
I reckon in the world we live in currently, there is ongoing spiritual warfare in every true Christians’ life! The ‘distractions’ and ‘hurdles’ posed by an ever-evolving, tech-savvy generation are aplenty! With a doom and gloom outlook presented by the world, it is a task to remain a true and joyful Christian!
But then, we are called to look to the Word of God first and then look outside at the world, (ie) from the WORD to the world! “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of GOD -what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2) Once we begin a renewal of our minds, we will ‘see’ that Christ is our Rock from whom flows milk and honey!
If we are ever to love one another, we ought to truly love ourselves first! No, not a narcissistic love, but a healthy respect for oneself! Often we belittle our own selves in our minds. We give in to low self-esteem and do not exercise our authority as children of the One, True, Living God! That’s when a certain con by the name of lucifer steps in through the narrow slit of doubt, fear, and anxiety. Now, Stop and Listen to JESUS Christ, Our Rock, and Redeemer: “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33)
He has given us His Spirit, the Spirit that is able to overcome the world and we have HIS mind! (1Cor. 2:16) When we value what we ourselves have within us, we will be more joyful naturally! Along with joy, comes hope and peace. ‘Cause we know who lives within us: The Prince of Peace! Amen!
God Bless Us All, Praise God!
