Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Monday October 11, 2027
The Sign We Are Given
On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we hear Paul greet the Christians in Rome. He calls himself a servant of Jesus and explains that his mission is to share the Good News with all people. His words remind us that the Gospel is not for a few but for the whole world.
The psalm calls us to sing because God has done wonderful things. His saving power is shown to every nation. It is not hidden. It is for everyone to see and celebrate.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns the people who ask for a sign. He tells them that no special sign will be given except the sign of Jonah. The message is clear. God has already spoken, and we must listen.
Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 invites us to think about faith and trust. God’s Word is already in front of us. The question is whether we will believe it and let it guide us.
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- 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.
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.
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
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Reflection for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
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?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Something Greater
On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Sr. Barbara Kane reflects on how people in Jesus’ time failed to see who He truly was and how we often do the same. She reminds us that something greater than Jonah or Solomon is here—Jesus Himself. His greatness does not come from power or wealth but from love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Sr. Barbara Kane challenges us to look at what it really means to be pro-life. She explains that following Jesus means caring for every human life, not just opposing abortion. To be truly pro-life is to defend the poor, the elderly, immigrants, and those who are marginalized. She invites us to open our eyes and hearts to see the fullness of Jesus’ message and to live it through mercy, respect, and care for all people.
Change Your Plans
On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Matthew Kelly reflects on the Queen of the South, who traveled great distances to hear Solomon’s wisdom. He asks how far we would go to encounter Jesus if He were on earth now. Many of us live busy lives and might hesitate to change our plans, but the gospel often calls us to do just that. It invites us to step out of comfort and routine to seek God in new places and experiences.
Matthew Kelly encourages us to let the Holy Spirit guide our daily choices. He reminds us that following Jesus is an adventure that requires openness and trust. When we are willing to change our plans and make space for God, we find joy and purpose in unexpected moments. The reflection calls us to be alert, ready to meet Christ wherever He leads us.
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.
Resources
The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Mission of Faith
In Romans, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ with a mission to spread the Gospel. This introduction in Romans 1:1-7 shows his authority comes from God’s call, not his own power. On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we see the foundation of Paul’s letter: the Gospel is for all, rooted in Christ’s resurrection.
The larger message of Romans is about faith and salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that God’s plan is inclusive and extends beyond Israel to the whole world. This passage sets the tone for the letter’s focus on grace, righteousness, and unity in Christ.
Psalm 98: Singing of God’s Justice
Psalm 98 proclaims that God’s saving work is for all nations, not just Israel. On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this psalm echoes the theme of God’s faithfulness and universal reach. The psalmist urges all the earth to sing and rejoice, for God’s salvation has been revealed openly.
The psalm belongs to a group of royal psalms that celebrate God as king. Its larger theme is that God’s reign brings justice, peace, and joy to the whole earth. It reminds us that worship is not only Israel’s call but the call of every nation.
The Gospel of Luke: A Sign Greater Than Jonah
In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus refuses to perform signs for a skeptical crowd, pointing instead to Jonah and the queen of the south. On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this Gospel warns against demanding proof instead of listening to God’s Word. Jesus declares that he himself is the true sign.
The larger theme in Luke is God’s kingdom breaking into history through Jesus. Luke highlights repentance, mercy, and openness to God’s message. This passage fits into the Gospel’s focus on hearing and responding to the Word rather than resisting it.
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Questions and Answers for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Recognizing the Truth and Living in Faith
On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings call us to embrace faith, repentance, and obedience. In the first reading, Paul speaks about his mission as an apostle, sent to spread the message of Jesus. He encourages people to live in faith and obedience, helping others understand that salvation comes through Jesus, the Son of God. This reminds us that our faith is not just about believing but also about acting in obedience to God’s will.
The Gospel reading challenges the crowd’s demand for signs. Jesus rebukes them for seeking proof before believing, stating that the only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah. He compares the people of his generation to those in Nineveh, who repented after hearing Jonah’s message. Jesus calls the people to recognize the truth before them and repent for their sins.
These readings emphasize that faith requires both recognition of the truth and a change of heart. While the crowd seeks signs, Jesus reminds them that faith doesn’t depend on miraculous signs but on turning towards God with a repentant heart. Paul’s message also highlights the importance of living in obedience to the faith we profess, making it a part of our daily actions.
On Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to recognize the truth of God’s message and to live in faith and obedience, following Jesus’ call to repentance.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Do you find yourself waiting for signs before acting in faith?
Think about how you can make repentance and obedience a daily practice in your life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
