📖 Readings for October 24, 2025
First Reading – Romans 7:18-25a
“I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out…
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” USCCB+1
Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
“Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge, for I have believed your commandments…
In your goodness, teach me your justifications…
Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.” Catholic Gallery+1
Alleluia – Matthew 11:25
Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Alleluia. Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel – Luke 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say at once it is going to rain—and it does. And when you notice the south wind blowing you say: It will be hot—and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort today to be released from your sentence—otherwise your opponent may drag you before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the guard, and the guard throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” USCCB+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” — Luke 12:56 USCCB+1
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s scriptural readings challenge us: not only to recognize signs in nature, but to interpret the signs of our lives and times. Jesus criticizes those who can forecast simple weather patterns yet fail to discern what God is doing now. We are called to a deeper awareness—of our moral state, of God’s movement, and of our response.
II. Gospel & Its Context
In Luke 12:54-59, Jesus uses everyday observations—a rising cloud, a blowing wind—as analogies for spiritual blindness. The crowd can predict weather but cannot interpret God’s signs of justice and conversion. He warns that neglecting the present moment, refusing to act rightly, leads to regret. He urges immediate recognition and reconciliation. The message: act now, discern now.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility & Responsiveness
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In Romans 7:18-25a, St. Paul laments his inner struggle: he desires to do good but finds he does the opposite. His honesty reveals the human condition and the need for deliverance.
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In Psalm 119, the psalmist prays for instruction, mercy, and alignment with God’s law. He shows humility, dependence, and desire to understand and live rightly.
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Together: the readings show our need to interpret the times (Gospel), our internal struggle (Romans), and our longing for divine instruction (Psalm).
IV. Reflections
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It is much easier to read external signs than to understand the spiritual moment we live in. Jesus warns that not discerning the present leads to being “handed over” for judgment.
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The moral confusion of our age calls us to humility: to admit we don’t always know, to open our hearts to God’s guidance, and to act.
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Paul’s candid account of his weakness invites us not to pride but to reliance. If we cannot interpret our inner life, how will we interpret God’s movement in the world?
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The psalm invites us to be students of God’s law, asking for guidance rather than claiming we already see clearly.
V. Practical Applications
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Take time today to ask: What signs of God’s work am I missing? Are there movements of mercy, justice, reconciliation around me that I ignore?
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Be proactive in reconciliation or making things right—Jesus’ warning about settlement before court invites us to act now rather than delay.
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Practice humility: when you feel you “should know better,” pray for openness and teachability instead of frustration.
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Memorize or reflect on Luke 12:56 and let it become a prompt in moments of confusion—“What is God doing now, and how should I respond?”
VI. Conclusion
The invitation today is to see clearly—not just in nature, but in the spiritual present. God is active; we are responsible. Awareness without action is futile. Faith demands responsiveness, not simply observation. Let us listen, learn, and act without delay.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader & the Philippines
Heavenly Father,
Open my eyes to the signs of Your presence in this time and place. Teach me to interpret not only the outward world, but the movement of Your Spirit in my life and in the world. Give me courage to act with integrity and wisdom today.
We also lift up our beloved Philippines and all her people. Protect us from disasters—earthquakes, storms, floods—and keep every family safe under Your watchful care. Bring true, positive change in our governance: free our land from corruption, heal our institutions, and unite our people in dignity and peace. May our nation live in watchful faith and active love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.







