Daily Mass Readings for Saturday 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 4:13, 16-18: The promise to Abraham wasn't through law but through faith-based righteousness. This faith secures the promise for all his descendants, making him the father of many nations in God's sight.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - Ephesians 1:15-23: I continually thank God for your faith and love. My prayer is that God grants you wisdom and reveals himself to you, so you can grasp the magnitude of hope, glory, and power in Christ.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 105: The Lord is our God whose judgments are universal. He eternally honors the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, always mindful of his word. He leads his chosen people with joy.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 8: O LORD, your name is glorious. You have crafted the heavens and Earth. What is man that you care for him? Yet, you've made him almost like the angels, giving him dominion over your works.
- Gospel - Luke 12:8-12: If you acknowledge me publicly, you'll be acknowledged in heaven; if you deny me, you'll be denied. Words against me can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit won't. Don't fret about defending yourself; the Holy Spirit will guide you.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
- Acknowledging Christ: Jesus states that acknowledging him before others leads to acknowledgment before God. This theme emphasizes the importance of public affirmation of faith.
- Denial and Consequence: Jesus warns that denying him in front of others will lead to denial before God. This theme suggests the serious ramifications of disowning one's faith.
- Holy Spirit’s Assistance: Jesus assures that the Holy Spirit will provide the words to speak when brought before authorities. This theme offers comfort about divine assistance during times of trial.
Do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.
Luke 12:11-12
Thoughts for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 12:8-12, Jesus tells us that we will experience opposition and persecution as His followers. And He tells us not to worry!
In Luke 12:8-12, Jesus talks about the importance of acknowledging Him before others and warns about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He also assures us that we will be given the words to defend ourselves when needed.
Jesus calls for a public acknowledgment of faith, something that carries real-world implications for us. For instance, standing up for ethical principles at work or in social settings may require the same type of courage to acknowledge a higher standard.
Jesus mentions that disowning Him is forgivable for us, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit isn't. In modern terms, this draws a line between mistakes or moments of weakness and a willful, ongoing denial of what we know to be right or true.
The assurance that the Holy Spirit will help us in times of trial might resonate with those among us facing difficult conversations. The idea here isn't for us to neglect preparation but to have faith that we won't be left alone when standing up for what's right.
We can't always come up with the right answer for every argumentative question or problem put before us. But we can learn to trust in the Holy Spirit. Instead of worrying about how to defend our beliefs, we can let the Spirit lead us into a loving conversation.
The passage encourages us to be open about our convictions and prepares us for the challenges that come with it. In practical terms, this could mean speaking up against unfair practices or standing by our beliefs even when it's unpopular. Knowing that we're not alone in these situations can offer some reassurance.
Prayer for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Holy Spirit, guide my words when I am speaking of faith. Teach me not to get defensive, but to lead with your words of love. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Word On Fire: Dealing with Persecution
In this reflection for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses dealing with persecution as a follower of Jesus Christ. According to Bishop Barron, persecution is an enduring aspect of the Church's existence, one that won't cease until the Lord returns. The Church's message, which speaks of a new world emerging to replace the old, inherently conflicts with the prevailing world of sin. Jesus advises not to worry during times of persecution, as the Holy Spirit will provide the words to say. In the interim, the Church should remain detached from the worldly concerns, while boldly speaking the Gospel's message.
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