Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 29, 2020
First Reading: Ephesians 6.10-20
10Concerning the rest, brothers, be strengthened in the Lord, by the power of his virtue11Be clothed in the armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the treachery of the devil12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the directors of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in high places13Because of this, take up the armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand the evil day and remain perfect in all things14Therefore, stand firm, having been girded about your waist with truth, and having been clothed with the breastplate of justice15and having feet which have been shod by the preparation of the Gospel of peace16In all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one17And take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God)18Through every kind of prayer and supplication, pray at all times in spirit, and so be vigilant with every kind of earnest supplication, for all the saints19and also for me, so that words may be given to me, as I open my mouth with faith to make known the mystery of the Gospel20in such a manner that I may dare to speak exactly as I ought to speak. For I act as an ambassador in chains for the Gospel
Psalm 144
1A Psalm of David versus Goliath. Blessed is the Lord, my God, who trains my hands for the battle and my fingers for the war2My mercy and my refuge, my supporter and my deliverer, my protector and him in whom I have hoped: he subdues my people under me3O Lord, what is man that you have become known to him? Or the son of man that you consider him4Man has been made similar to vanity. His days pass by like a shadow5O Lord, incline your heavens and descend. Touch the mountains, and they will smoke6Send a flash of lightning, and you will scatter them. Shoot your arrows, and you will set them in disarray7Send forth your hand from on high: rescue me, and free me from many waters, from the hand of the sons of foreigners8Their mouth has been speaking vain things, and their right hand is the right hand of iniquity9To you, O God, I will sing a new song. On the psaltery, with an instrument of ten strings, I will sing psalms to you10He gives salvation to kings. He has redeemed your servant David from the malignant sword11Rescue me, and deliver me from the hand of the sons of foreigners. Their mouth has been speaking vain things, and their right hand is the right hand of iniquity12Their sons are like new plantings in their youth. Their daughters are dressed up: adorned all around like the idols of a temple13Their cupboards are full: overflowing from one thing into another. Their sheep bear young, brought forth in abundance14Their cattle are fat. There is no ruined wall or passage, nor anyone crying out in their streets15They have called the people that has these things: blessed. But blessed is the people whose God is the Lord
Gospel: Luke 13.31-35
31On the same day, some of the Pharisees approached, saying to him: "Depart, and go away from here. For Herod wishes to kill you.32And he said to them: "Go and tell that fox: ‘Behold, I cast out demons and accomplish healings, today and tomorrow. And on the third day I reach the end.33Yet truly, it is necessary for me to walk today and tomorrow and the following day. For it does not fall to a prophet to perish beyond Jerusalem34Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets, and you stone those who are sent to you. Daily, I wanted to gather together your children, in the manner of a bird with her nest under her wings, but you were not willing35Behold, your house will be left desolate for you. But I say to you, that you shall not see me, until it happens that you say: ‘Blessed is he who has arrived in the name of the Lord.’
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the spiritual battles we face and the call to remain faithful in the face of adversity. The first reading from Ephesians urges us to put on the armor of God—truth, justice, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This armor is not just for protection but also for strength to stand firm against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine our faith. The second reading from Luke shows Jesus facing a direct threat from Herod, yet He remains undeterred in His mission. Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing sorrow over its rejection of the prophets and His own message, yet He remains faithful to His divine purpose.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on trust in God’s plan and perseverance in the face of opposition. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against human enemies but against spiritual forces, and thus we need spiritual armor. In Luke, Jesus exemplifies this by trusting in God’s timing and purpose, even when danger looms. Both readings call us to live with courage and faith, knowing that our ultimate strength comes from God.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to face challenges with faith and trust in God’s providence. Like Jesus, we may encounter resistance or even hostility, but we must remain steadfast in our mission to live as disciples. The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a spiritual reality that equips us to overcome the trials we face. Let us, therefore, put on this armor daily, pray for strength, and trust in God’s plan, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. May we, like Jesus, remain faithful and trusting, knowing that God’s will ultimately prevails.