📖 Readings for October 30, 2025
First Reading – Romans 8:31 b-39
“If God is for us, who can be against us? … What will separate us from the love of Christ? … I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities … nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” catholic.org+2USCCB+2
Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
“For I am wretched and poor, and my heart is troubled within me… I will give great thanks to the Lord with my mouth… for he stood at the right hand of the poor to save his soul from those who would condemn it.” Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel – Luke 13:31-35
Jesus said: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform healings … on the third day I complete my purpose.’ … ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!’” Catholic Gallery+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31 b USCCB+1
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings invite us to rest in the unshakeable love of God and to respond to His longing to gather us. The certainty of God’s love is paired with the sorrow of rejection in the Gospel—showing both our security and our need to respond.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 13:31-35, Jesus insists on His mission despite threats. He laments Jerusalem’s unwillingness to be gathered under His wings. The image is powerful: God desiring to protect, embrace, redeem—but human resistance blocking the shelter.
III. Broader Scripture Resonance
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The Romans passage assures us that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love.
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The Psalm expresses the plea for mercy and the humble trust of the poor.
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Together they declare: we are loved, we are safe, yet there is a responsive dimension—we must open ourselves to be gathered.
IV. Deeper Reflections
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It is easy to feel alone, opposed, or unprotected—but the Scriptures today affirm our identity in Christ, loved and defended.
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The hen-brood imagery reminds us that God’s protective love is tender and personal.
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Yet, the Gospel also warns: rejection of that love leaves us without shelter. Our response matters.
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The Psalm’s humility reminds us that trusting in God’s mercy is wiser than relying on our own strength.
V. Practical Applications
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Reflect today: Where do you feel opposed, unprotected, or afraid? Bring that fear before God’s promise.
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Receive the assurance: Nothing can separate you from Christ’s love. Let that truth form your identity.
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Respond to God’s gathering: Allow yourself to be under His wings—through prayer, surrender, trust.
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Extend that shelter: Be someone who gathers others—shows love, protection, welcome.
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Remember the needy: As the Psalmist was poor and troubled, let us commit to mercy for others.
VI. Conclusion
We stand in a paradox of divine assurance and human urgency: God is for us—yet we are called to respond, to enter His shelter, to live in community, to be gathered. May we live today in the light of both truths: unassailable love and active invitation.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader & for the Philippines
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being for us, for loving us beyond measure, for no power being able to separate us from Your Son. Help us live in that freedom, confident in Your protection, courageous in our faith, and open to Your shelter. Teach us to respond to Your invitation and to gather others into Your love.
We also lift up our beloved Philippines and all her people. Protect our islands, our families, our communities from disasters—earthquakes, storms, floods—and from the forces of corruption, division, and injustice. Renew our land with integrity, mercy, and hope. May our nation be a place of refuge, unity, and welcome under Your wings.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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