Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday October 17, 2024
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Ephesians 1:1-10: Paul addresses the faithful in Ephesus, stating they’ve been spiritually blessed and chosen by God. He emphasizes adoption through Jesus and mentions the forgiveness and wisdom granted through Christ.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: Celebrate the LORD’s victories and justice with joyful songs and music. His salvation is known to all, deserving our praise from every corner of the earth.
- Gospel – Luke 11:47-54: Jesus condemns those who honor prophets while perpetuating the same injustices that led to the prophets’ deaths. He warns that their actions will bring judgment upon them.
Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.
Luke 11:52
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings highlight themes of God’s plan and the challenges of rejecting His message. Paul speaks of God’s will and purpose, while Jesus warns the Pharisees and lawyers about their hardness of heart.
- God’s plan of salvation: In Ephesians 1:1-10, Paul teaches that God chose us for His plan through Christ. This reminds us that God’s love reaches everyone and He desires to save all of us.
- Christ as the center: Paul explains that all things are united in Christ. This shows that Jesus is at the center of God’s plan and calls us to recognize Him as the source of our salvation.
- The call to holiness: Paul says we are called to be holy and blameless in God’s sight. This theme challenges us to live in a way that reflects our faith in God’s plan for us.
- Rejecting God’s messengers: In Luke 11:47-54, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for rejecting the prophets. This theme reminds us of the danger of ignoring or rejecting the truth God sends through His messengers.
- Burdening others with rules: Jesus accuses the lawyers of placing heavy burdens on people without helping them. This theme highlights the need for leaders to be compassionate and support others, not just impose strict rules.
The readings for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, challenge us to look closely at how we respond to God’s call. We are reminded to follow God’s will with sincerity, holiness, and love for others.
Thoughts for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings from Ephesians and Luke call us to reflect on God’s plan for us, the need for compassion, and the importance of sincerity in our faith. Paul reminds us that God has chosen us through Christ, while Jesus challenges the Pharisees and lawyers to examine their hearts and actions. These reflections invite us to consider how we are living out our faith in light of these themes.
God’s Plan Through Christ
In the First Reading from Ephesians, Paul teaches that God chose us to be part of His plan through Christ. This reminds us that God’s love includes everyone, and He wants to bring all people to salvation. On Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are called to remember that God’s plan for our lives is not just for a select few but for all who believe in Christ.
This teaching also shows us that God has a purpose for each of us. Even when life feels uncertain, we can trust that we are part of something much bigger. By following Jesus, we are participating in God’s saving plan, and we are given the opportunity to grow closer to Him every day.
Paul’s words encourage us to live in a way that reflects our faith in Christ. We are called to holiness, not because of what we can do on our own, but because we are part of God’s plan. On Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s love reaches out to each one of us.
Compassion Instead of Burdens
In the Gospel for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus accuses the lawyers of placing heavy burdens on people without helping them. They were so focused on following rules that they forgot to show love and compassion to those in need. This reminds us that true leadership means helping others, not just demanding things from them.
Jesus challenges us to think about how we treat others, especially when it comes to our faith. Do we make things harder for others, or do we help them to grow closer to God? Jesus shows that compassion and support should always come first. We should never place heavy burdens on others without being there to offer a helping hand.
As Christians, we are called to encourage and support one another. On Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we can reflect on how we can be more compassionate in our daily lives. By helping others and lifting them up, we show them the love of Christ.
Sincerity in Faith
Both the First Reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 speak to the need for sincerity in our faith. Paul teaches that we are called to be holy and blameless in God’s sight, while Jesus warns the Pharisees and lawyers about hypocrisy. Together, these readings remind us that true faith is not just about outward actions, but about having a heart that is fully committed to God.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls out the Pharisees for appearing righteous on the outside but being corrupt within. They focused on rules and appearances, while their hearts were far from God. This shows us that it’s not enough to go through the motions of faith if our hearts are not genuinely seeking God’s will.
Paul, in the First Reading, tells us that God chose us to be holy. This holiness isn’t just about what others can see but about being right with God in our hearts. On Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are invited to reflect on how we can make our faith more sincere and less focused on outward appearances.
Living with sincerity means aligning our hearts and actions with the will of God. We are called to follow Christ not just through words or public acts but by seeking Him in our daily lives with true dedication. Let us strive to live with a faith that is real and pleasing to God.
As we reflect on Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that following Christ involves more than just outward actions. It calls us to embrace God’s plan, show compassion to others, and live with sincere faith. May these reflections help us grow closer to God and live with true love for Him and others.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live with sincere hearts and open minds. Guide us to follow Your plan for our lives with love and humility. Teach us to support and care for others, not burden them. May we always be faithful to You in all we say and do. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I better trust in God’s plan for my life?
- Am I placing burdens on others instead of helping them grow in faith?
- What areas of my life need more sincerity and honesty in following Christ?
- How can I show more compassion and understanding toward others?
Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word On Fire: Reaching Out to the Lost
In this reflection for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, In this reflection, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ strong criticism of the scholars of the Law as presented in the Gospel. According to Bishop Barron, Jesus serves as both the hand that God extends to sinners and a judge condemning actions contrary to God’s will. Jesus calls out those who not only fail to embrace the knowledge and love of God but also block others from doing so. This serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of not standing in the way of others seeking spiritual enlightenment.
USCCB Reflection: Defacing the Church
This USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time highlights a rising number of attacks on Catholic Church buildings. Vandalism includes defacing doors, windows, and stealing sacred objects. It emphasizes that these acts are meant to divert the Church from its mission: caring for their community and those in need. The key message is to remember Jesus’ teachings and not lose sight of the church’s purpose, even when faced with hostility. We must pray for those who commit these acts, inviting them into a path of understanding and forgiveness.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Thursday October 17, 2024.
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. For odd numbered years see Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Thursday October 17, 2024 are:
First Reading – Ephesians 1:1-10: Ephesian Greetings
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: Sing to the Lord
Gospel – Luke 11:47-54: Woe to Hypocrites
What is the main message of the first reading for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 from Ephesians 1:1-10?
The First Reading shows that God has a plan for each of us. He calls us to follow Christ and live holy lives, trusting in His will.
Why does Paul talk about being chosen by God?
Paul talks about being chosen to remind us that God has a purpose for each of us. God’s plan is for us to be close to Him and live in faith.
How can I apply the message of Ephesians 1:1-10 to my life?
You can apply the message by remembering that God has a plan for you. Trust in His guidance and try to live in a way that honors Him.
Why does Jesus speak so harshly to the Pharisees and lawyers in the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus speaks strongly to the Pharisees and lawyers because they were acting like they followed God but were not sincere. He warns them against being hypocrites and tells them to change their ways.
What can we learn from Jesus’ words to the Pharisees?
We learn that it’s important to be sincere in our faith. We should not just follow rules for show but make sure our hearts and actions are in line with God’s will.
How can I avoid being like the Pharisees in my own life?
To avoid being like the Pharisees, focus on living out your faith with love and humility. Don’t just follow rules; think about how you can truly love God and others.
What does Jesus mean when He talks about rejecting the prophets?
Jesus is saying that the religious leaders of the past ignored or rejected God’s messages. He warns that the same thing can happen if we don’t listen to God’s voice today.
How can I make sure I am listening to God in my life?
You can listen to God by praying, reading the Bible, and paying attention to what He is asking of you. Be open to change and ask God to guide you.
What does Jesus mean by burdening others with heavy loads?
Jesus is saying that the Pharisees made it hard for people to follow God by adding many rules. Instead of helping, they just made things harder for others without showing love.
How can I show more love and support to others in my faith?
You can show love by being kind and patient with others. Help them follow God by encouraging them and showing mercy instead of being strict or harsh.
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