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Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Monday October 14, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.

  • First Reading (Cycle 1) - Romans 1:1-7: I, Paul, am a servant of Jesus, designated to spread God's Gospel. This Gospel, long foretold, is about Jesus, the resurrected Son of God. My mission is to cultivate faith among the Gentiles, including you in Rome.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1: Abraham had two sons, one from a slave, another from a free woman. These represent two covenants: one of slavery from Mount Sinai, and one of freedom from Jerusalem above. We are children of the free woman, so stand firm in Christ's freedom.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 98: The Lord has performed wondrous deeds, revealing his salvation and justice to all nations. He remains faithful to Israel, and his salvation is visible to the whole earth. Sing praise.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 113: Servants of the Lord praise His name eternally, from sunrise to sunset. The Lord's glory is above all nations and heavens. He uplifts the poor and lowly.
  • Gospel - Luke 11:29-32: Jesus tells the crowd that their generation is evil for seeking a sign. He states that the only sign given will be similar to Jonah's experience. At the judgment, this generation will be condemned by the queen of the south and the men of Nineveh.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

  • Demand for Signs: The crowd seeks a sign, but Jesus denies their request. This theme underscores skepticism and the constant demand for miracles as proof.
  • Jonah's Significance: Jesus refers to the sign of Jonah as the only sign given to that generation. This theme emphasizes repentance and the universal call to turn towards God.
  • Greater than Solomon/Jonah: Jesus declares that someone greater than Solomon or Jonah is present. This theme emphasizes Jesus' unique significance and authority.
  • Judgment by Comparison: Jesus states that the Queen of the South and the people of Nineveh will rise in judgment against that generation. This introduces the theme of relative morality and accountability.

This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.

Luke 11:29

Thoughts for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 11:29-32, Jesus admonishes the people for asking for signs. They are seeking miracles, not a closer relationship with God.

This passage highlights Jesus's frustration with the crowd. He refers to the story of Jonah as a metaphor, stating that something greater than Jonah or Solomon is present. The Queen of the South and the Ninevites are presented as examples of people who recognized the signs and repented.

In today's culture, we often seek tangible evidence before we believe or commit to something. This can translate into our spiritual lives as well. Just like the crowd, we may find ourselves looking for explicit signs from God, forgetting that the most substantial evidence often lies in everyday experiences and wisdom.

The essence of Jonah’s story wasn't just the whale but his message of repentance that transformed Nineveh. It’s a lesson in listening and changing one’s ways when confronted with truth. Similarly, we encounter truths in our lives that call for a change of heart.

How often do I want God to just fix the problems in my life? And when the crisis is over, I go back to doing what I was before. I want signs and wonders, but I do not want to really be transformed. I want the quick fix instead of the long hard work of repentance. The true sign we seek is God's mercy.

Jesus indicates that He is a greater sign than Jonah or Solomon. While these figures were pivotal in their own rights, the message and salvation offered through Jesus are of an altogether different magnitude. Sometimes, the answers or signs we seek are right in front of us, in the teachings and examples set by Jesus.

Luke 11:29-32 reminds us to not get lost in seeking extraordinary signs or wonders to validate our faith. Sometimes, the sign is the message itself and how it resonates with us. Whether it’s a lesson from Sunday Mass or an insight gained during prayer, let’s focus on recognizing the everyday 'signs' that guide us closer to God.

Prayer for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Lord, grant me a steadfast spirit to truly seek you. May I see that the real miracle in my life is your boundless love for me. Amen.

Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Word On Fire: Signs of Repentance

In this reflection for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus' message about the sign of Jonah, likening the ancient city of Nineveh to modern cities engrossed in worldly concerns. According to Bishop Barron, Nineveh's conversion serves as a model for contemporary society, showcasing a return to God as the ultimate good. He emphasizes that the ascetic practices of fasting and sackcloth adopted by the Ninevites are aimed at detaching people from worldly pleasures. Bishop Barron suggests that living with a focus on spiritual over material values is akin to living in the kingdom of God.

USCCB Reflection: The Real Sign

This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time focuses on the idea that Jesus is the "real sign" pointing to greater truths like love, hope, and faith. It warns against modern "slavery" to technology, like cell phones and social media, which can distract us from recognizing these deeper messages. Symbols like crosses and rosaries are emphasized as tools that should guide us toward a better understanding of faith, rather than becoming the main focus themselves. The discussion urges people to seek "real signs" of spirituality in their lives, beyond mere symbols or distractions.

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