Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 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.
• Responsorial Psalm – 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.
• 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.

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

On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we hear from Romans and Luke. These readings remind us of faith, obedience, and the need for true repentance.

• Call to Apostleship: Paul speaks about his mission as an apostle. He is sent to share the Gospel and bring others to obedience in faith.
• Jesus as the Son of God: Paul affirms that Jesus is both the Son of David and the Son of God. His resurrection shows He is truly the Lord.
• Faithful Obedience: Paul encourages obedience that comes from faith. This obedience is meant to lead people closer to God.
• Seeking Signs: In the Gospel, Jesus rebukes the crowd for seeking signs. He calls them to recognize the truth that is already before them.
• Call to Repentance: Jesus reminds the people that they need to repent. He points to the example of Jonah and the repentance of the Ninevites.
• Greater than Jonah: Jesus says that He is greater than Jonah and Solomon. The people are urged to listen to Him and turn from their sins.

These themes call us to live our faith with obedience and repentance. They challenge us to open our eyes to God’s message already present in our lives.

Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us readings that challenge us to live out our faith with obedience and repentance. In the first reading, Paul reminds us of his mission to share the Gospel and call people to faith. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to stop seeking signs and recognize the truth already before us.

Paul’s Mission to Share the Gospel

In the first reading for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, St. Paul speaks about his mission as an apostle. He has been chosen and sent by God to spread the message of Jesus to the world. Paul’s main goal is to lead people to faith and help them live in obedience to God’s will. His message is not his own, but the Good News of Jesus.

This reminds us of the importance of sharing our faith with others. Like Paul, we are called to be messengers of Christ in the world. Our words and actions should reflect the love and truth of the Gospel, helping others see the importance of faith and obedience in their own lives.

We can ask ourselves if we are fulfilling this mission in our own lives. Are we living in a way that points others to God? Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to take Paul’s example seriously and find ways to share the Gospel with those around us.

Jesus Calls Us to Recognize the Truth

In the Gospel for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus challenges the crowd for constantly seeking signs. They want proof before they will believe. But Jesus tells them that the truth is already before them, and they need to open their eyes and recognize it. They are missing what God is doing because they are focused on looking for signs.

This speaks to us today. Sometimes we also look for signs or clear evidence before we act in faith. We may want God to show us a special sign before we trust Him or follow His will. But the truth is already before us in the teachings of Jesus and the life of the Church.

Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to stop seeking extra signs and start living by faith. Jesus has already shown us the way. It’s up to us to recognize the truth He has given us and act on it.

The Call to Repent and Obey

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlight the need for repentance and obedience. Paul calls people to live in obedience to the faith, and Jesus speaks about the importance of repentance. Both obedience and repentance are about turning back to God and aligning our lives with His will.

Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for our sins. It’s about making real changes in our lives to follow God more closely. Obedience is about trusting that God’s way is the best way, even when it’s difficult. In both readings, we see that God wants us to turn away from sin and follow Him with our whole hearts.

Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that repentance and obedience go hand in hand. We are called to examine our lives, turn from sin, and follow God’s commands. This is how we live out our faith in a real and lasting way.

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As we reflect on the themes from Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded of the call to live in obedience to God’s will. Both Paul and Jesus urge us to trust in the message of faith and make real changes in our lives. May we respond with open hearts, ready to follow God’s path.

Prayer

Lord, help us to live in faith and obedience. Open our eyes to see the truth that You have already placed before us. Give us the strength to turn away from sin and follow Your will in all things. Guide us as we share Your message with others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I share my faith with others as Paul did?
• Do I find myself waiting for signs from God before acting in faith? Why?
• What areas of my life need repentance and change?
• How can I grow in obedience to God’s will in my daily life?

Word on Fire: Heaven and Earth United

In his reflection for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that the Resurrection of Jesus is the “sign of Jonah.” Jesus’ bodily Resurrection is a promise that heaven and earth are coming together, showing that bodies are not separate from God. This means we have a true advocate in heaven, not as an escape from the world, but as a sign of God’s presence with us. Bishop Barron emphasizes that Jesus’ Resurrection unites the physical and spiritual, offering hope for the future.

What date is Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday October 13, 2025.

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 even numbered years see Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday October 13, 2025 are:
First Reading – Romans 1:1-7: Paul’s Mission
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: The Lord’s Salvation
Gospel – Luke 11:29-32: Sign of Jonah

What is St. Paul teaching in the first reading for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Paul is explaining his mission as an apostle. He wants to help people follow Jesus by living in faith and obedience.

Why does Paul mention both David and Jesus?

Paul speaks of David and Jesus to show that Jesus fulfills God’s promise. Jesus comes from David’s line but is also the Son of God.

What does obedience mean in this reading?

Obedience means following God’s will. Paul is calling people to live out their faith by doing what God asks of them.

Why does Paul emphasize faith in his message?

Paul emphasizes faith because it is the foundation of our relationship with God. Faith leads us to live in obedience and love.

Why does Jesus criticize the crowd in the Gospel for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus criticizes the crowd for asking for a sign. He wants them to believe without needing extra proof.

How can we apply the story of Jonah to our lives?

Jesus reminds us of Jonah’s call to repentance. We can apply this by turning away from sin and listening to God’s message in our own lives.

Why does Jesus say He is greater than Jonah?

Jesus says He is greater than Jonah because He is the Son of God. His message of repentance is even more important.

How can I live out the message of these readings?

The readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us to live in faith and repentance. We can follow this by trusting God and turning away from sin in our daily choices.

What should we do when we feel like we need a sign from God?

Jesus shows that faith doesn’t depend on signs. We can trust God is with us, even when we don’t see obvious signs.