Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday October 29, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Ephesians 6:10-20: Draw strength from God and wear His armor to stand firm against spiritual evil. Be constant in prayer, and boldly proclaim the Gospel with courage, trusting in His power.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 144: I praise the Lord, my protector and strength. He trains me for battle, shields me, and delivers me from danger. I will sing and praise Him for the victories He grants.
- Gospel – Luke 13:31-35: Some Pharisees warned Jesus to leave because Herod wanted to kill him. Jesus said he must continue his work. He expressed sorrow for Jerusalem’s rejection of prophets and its unwillingness to accept him, foretelling that it will not see him again until the people welcome him.
Upcoming dates: October 29, 2026, October 31, 2030
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Luke 13:34
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings from Ephesians 6:10-20 and Luke 13:31-35 focus on perseverance, spiritual strength, and the mission of Christ. St. Paul urges believers to be strong in faith, while Jesus remains steadfast in His journey toward Jerusalem despite the challenges.
- Spiritual Armor for Protection: Paul encourages us to put on the armor of God to stand firm against evil. This shows how faith helps protect us from the temptations and struggles we face in life.
- Strength in the Lord: The reading from Ephesians tells us to be strong in the Lord. This reminds us that our true strength comes from God, not from ourselves.
- Perseverance in Prayer: Paul tells us to pray at all times. Constant prayer helps us stay connected to God, even in difficult moments.
- Jesus’ Mission: In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of His mission to go to Jerusalem. He knows suffering awaits, but He continues because of His love for others.
- Courage in the Face of Danger: Jesus is warned about Herod wanting to kill Him, but He does not turn back. His courage reminds us to trust in God when we face threats or challenges.
- God’s Plan of Salvation: Jesus grieves over Jerusalem, knowing they have rejected Him. This shows God’s ongoing desire to gather His people, even when they turn away.
These readings remind us of the need for strength, prayer, and trust in God’s will. They encourage us to follow Jesus, even when the path is difficult.
Reflection for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on standing firm in faith, responding to God’s call, and finding the courage to follow His will, even when it is difficult. Through Paul’s message of spiritual armor and Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem, we are reminded of the need for strength, trust, and perseverance in our own lives.
The Armor of Faith
In the first reading for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul tells us to put on the armor of God. This armor is not something physical but is spiritual protection. It includes faith, truth, and prayer, which help us stand firm when faced with the challenges of life. Faith is like a shield, protecting us from temptations and struggles.
When we try to rely on our own strength, we often fail. But when we trust in God’s strength and guidance, we are better prepared for whatever comes our way. Just like a soldier wouldn’t go into battle without armor, we shouldn’t go through life without the help of our faith. It gives us courage and helps us stay firm when we face trials.
On Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, this message is a call to action for each of us. It is a reminder that faith is our greatest protection. The closer we stay to God through prayer and trust, the stronger we become in resisting what pulls us away from Him.
God’s Longing for His People
In the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see Jesus grieving over Jerusalem. He knows that many have rejected Him and His message. Yet, His response is one of sorrow, not anger. This shows us how deeply God desires to bring His people back, even when they turn away from Him.
God’s love for His people doesn’t disappear when we make mistakes or reject His call. Jesus longs to gather His people, just like a hen gathers her chicks. But He also respects our freedom to choose, even if that choice is to turn away from Him. This shows how patient and loving God is, always waiting for us to return.
On Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, this reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God never stops wanting to bring us back into His care. We can always return to Him, knowing that His arms are open to welcome us.
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 share a theme of courage. Paul encourages the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and to use the spiritual armor to stand against evil. In the Gospel, Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem, knowing that He will face rejection and suffering.
In both cases, there is the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path is difficult. Paul reminds us that our strength comes from God, not from ourselves. Jesus, despite knowing what awaits Him in Jerusalem, does not turn away from His mission. He trusts in the Father’s plan, showing us that courage is not about the absence of fear but about moving forward with trust.
On Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are called to have the same courage in our own lives. Whether we face temptations, struggles, or fear, we can trust that God will give us the strength to continue. We only need to rely on Him, and He will help us stand firm.
The readings for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on how we stand firm in faith and respond to God’s ongoing call. By trusting in His strength and courageously following His will, we can face the challenges ahead with hope, knowing that God is always with us.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your strength and stand firm in faith. Give us the courage to follow Your will, even when the path is hard. Guide us back to You when we stray, and protect us from the temptations we face. Keep us close to You always. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I rely more on God’s strength instead of my own?
- What are some ways I can use prayer to help me resist temptation?
- Where do I need more courage in following God’s plan for my life?
- How do I respond when I feel distant from God, and what helps me return to Him?
Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Trusting in God’s Plan
In this USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers reflects on a scene where some Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod’s threats. This moment shows that not all Pharisees oppose Jesus.
Undeterred by Herod, Jesus continues His mission, knowing that His life follows God’s greater plan. Deacon Harold emphasizes that Jesus foreshadows His presence in the Eucharist, where we proclaim, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” He reminds us to trust that our lives are in God’s hands, and God’s plan is always for our good.
Be Careful Where You Step
In this reflection for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly reflects on Jesus’ determination to stay focused on His mission, even when warned about Herod’s threats in Luke 13:31-35. Jesus calls Herod “that fox” and declares He will continue casting out demons and healing.
Kelly challenges us to reflect on our own path and the distractions that try to pull us away from God. He encourages us to be mindful of staying on our path with God, paying attention to moments when we stray and refocusing, knowing that walking with God requires constant awareness and commitment.
The Struggle
In this reflection for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Fr. Clifton Harris encourages us to stand firm in faith like soldiers for Christ. He reflects on St. Paul’s call to “put on the armor of God” from Ephesians, reminding us of the spiritual battle between good and evil.
Fr. Harris notes that standing for faith requires courage, resilience, and trust in God’s protection, just as Jesus continued His mission without retreat. He emphasizes that while faith doesn’t mean aggressive militancy, it does call for strength, perseverance, and the joy of sharing God’s peace daily.
Jesus as Our Protector
In his reflection for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron compares Jesus to a mother hen who protects her chicks by shielding them with her body during a fire.
On the cross, Jesus sacrificed Himself to protect us from sin, taking on the full force of evil and suffering. This image connects Jesus to the suffering servant in Isaiah, who bears our sins and brings healing through His pain. Barron highlights how Jesus enters into our suffering to save us.
Called to Healing and Unity
In the USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Deacon Clarence McDavid speaks about the conversion of some Pharisees who began to believe in Jesus after witnessing His healing works. Despite their concern for Jesus’ safety, He continued His mission, knowing more healing was needed.
McDavid connects this to Paul’s message in Ephesians, urging believers to put on the armor of God and work together to overcome evil. The reflection emphasizes unity, healing, and the need to stand firm in faith against darkness and division.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Thursday October 29, 2026.
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 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Thursday October 29, 2026 are:
First Reading – Ephesians 6:10-20: Stand Firm with God’s Armor
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 144: Praise for God’s Protection
Gospel – Luke 13:31-35: A Warning and a Lament for Jerusalem
What does it mean to put on the armor of God in the first reading for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The armor of God means using faith, truth, and prayer to protect ourselves from evil. We are reminded to rely on God’s strength and stay close to Him in prayer.
Why do we need to pray all the time?
Praying all the time keeps us connected to God. Prayer helps us stay strong and resist temptations.
How can we be strong in the Lord?
Being strong in the Lord means trusting in His power rather than our own. We must rely on God’s strength, especially when we face challenges.
Why does Jesus keep going to Jerusalem if He knows He will suffer?
Jesus continues His journey because He knows it is part of God’s plan to save others. His example shows us the importance of following God’s will, even when it is hard.
What can we learn from Jesus facing danger without fear?
Jesus shows courage in the face of danger because He trusts in God’s plan. We are reminded to trust God when we feel afraid or uncertain.
Why does Jesus grieve over Jerusalem?
Jesus grieves because the people of Jerusalem reject Him, even though He wants to save them. God wants to gather everyone to Himself, even when we turn away.
How can we apply the message of these readings to our lives?
The readings for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to stay strong in faith, keep praying, and follow God’s plan. We should trust God and keep going, even when life is hard or we face problems.
Standing Strong in the Armor of Faith
On Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings center on staying strong in faith and trusting in God’s mission. St. Paul urges believers to “put on the armor of God” in Ephesians 6:10-20. This armor is meant to protect us from the challenges we face each day, reminding us that faith is our best defense. By staying strong in the Lord, we can resist temptation and stand firm.
Paul also calls us to pray at all times, showing that prayer is key to connecting with God, especially when things are hard. When we bring our struggles to God through prayer, we stay anchored in His strength, even when our own strength falters. This reminder to pray helps us stay close to God through life’s challenges.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus also shows courage and commitment to His mission. Though He is warned that Herod wants to kill Him, He doesn’t turn back. Jesus knows suffering awaits Him, but He stays focused on His path to Jerusalem. His courage inspires us to keep going, even when we face fears or hardships.
Jesus’ love for Jerusalem is clear as He grieves over the city’s rejection of Him. He longs to gather His people, just as God longs to bring each of us close. These readings remind us to stay strong in faith, keep praying, and trust that God’s plan is unfolding, even when the way is hard.
Your Turn
Take some time to reflect on the readings for Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Consider how St. Paul’s advice to “put on the armor of God” applies to your life. Think about the courage Jesus showed in facing danger and how His example might inspire you. What does staying strong in faith mean to you?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section, and let’s encourage one another to keep going on the path of faith.
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