THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS)

Theme: For faithful people, life is changed, not ended

1st Reading: Wisdom, Chapter 3: 1-9

Scripture paints a picture of unsurpassed peace and unparalleled bliss in the hereafter. Even though the world thinks our passing away is for the worse, these verses should strengthen our faith in what God, our Creator, has in store for us.

2nd Reading: Romans, Chapter 5: 5-11

This scripture teaches that salvation is God’s own initiative that is meant to show us how much he loves us, though we are unworthy of his saving grace.

OR

Romans, Chapter 6: 3-9

Our baptism into Christ ushers us into a life that is dead to sin but alive in Christ. Sin’s power over us is broken, and so we should see ourselves as sharing a new life with Christ, the Messiah.

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 6: 37-40

We hear the reassuring promise that God wants all of us to be saved.

Nobody who turns to our Lord will be rejected. And because of his meritorious death and resurrection, Jesus has the power to raise us up to everlasting life with him.

30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds

 

1^st Reading Sirach, Chapter 35: 12-14, 16-18

Scripture says that God treats all of us equally and fairly, but he pays particular attention to the needs of the deprived and downtrodden.

 

2^nd Reading: 2 Timothy, Chapter 4: 6-8, 16-18

This event in the life of St Paul teaches us that when we are lonely or feel rejected, we should not be dejected. We should find strength in prayer.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 18: 9-14

Jesus condemns the self-righteousness of the Pharisee. The lesson for us is that he whose prayer is acceptable to God, is the one who approaches the Most High in humility.

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: The sacred scripture, source of wisdom

 

1^st Reading: Exodus, Chapter 17: 8-13

God’s word to us is that the God who fought for our ancestors in the faith many years ago will continue to be on our side now and forever.

 

2^nd Reading: 2 Timothy, Chapter 3: 14, to Chapter 4: 2

The Word of God is the source of wisdom that should guide the Christian when he teaches or trains or interacts with other believers in God’s ways.

 

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 18: 1-8

Christ’s lesson for us is that persistent and purposeful prayer does not go unanswered.

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: Was there no one to return to give thanks?

 

1^st Reading: 2 Kings, Chapter 5: 14-17

This scripture teaches that when God works his miracles in us, we, like Naaman, have only one option: to worship the God of Israel in gratitude, all the days of our lives.

 

 

2^nd Reading: 2 Timothy, Chapter 2: 8-13

Paul says that living in Christ, difficult as it sometimes may be, must be done with appreciation and gratitude because Christ will always remain faithful.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, Chapter 17: 11-19

This scripture teaches that it is possible to receive God’s grace by faith. When we receive with thankful hearts and return God’s kindness with gratitude, he is pleased with us.

27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Theme: Increase our faith

 

1^st Reading: Habakkuk, Chapter 1: 2-3, and Chapter 2: 2-4

Habakkuk complains to God about the wrongdoings which were prevalent in his day. God’s word to us this day is that his response to our lamentations will surely come, if only we have the faith to wait upon him.

 

2^nd Reading: 2 Timothy, chapter 1: 6-8, 13-14

Paul reminds us that God has placed his powerful Holy Spirit in us. He encourages us to hold firm onto, and jealously guard our faith, even in times of difficulties.

 

Gospel Reading: Luke, chapter 17: 5-10

Jesus says that a little faith, which must, of necessity, be the right kind of faith, is all that we need. This kind of faith translates into the knowledge that it is a privilege to serve the Lord.