📖 Readings for October 6, 2025
First Reading – Jonah 1:1–2:1-2, 11
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because their wickedness has come up before me.”
Jonah, however, attempted to flee from the Lord to Tarshish. … Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish.
Responsorial Psalm – Jonah 2:3, 4, 5, 8
R. You will rescue my life from the pit, O Lord.
Out of my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
The waters closed in over me; deep sea surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.
But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!
Alleluia – John 13:34
Alleluia, alleluia. A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord: love one another just as I have loved you.
Alleluia.
Gospel – Luke 10:25-37
On one occasion a scholar of the law stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” … Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbor as yourself.” The man replied, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho… he fell among robbers… But a Samaritan… had compassion, he bound up his wounds, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ‘Which of these three do you think was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?’ He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
(From Catholic lectionary sources) Catholic Lectionary+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“Go and do likewise.” — Luke 10:37
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings invite us into the heart of mercy and obedience. Jonah flees from God’s command; the Psalm shows his broken prayer from the depths. In the Gospel, Jesus turns the question of “Who is my neighbor?” into a call to active compassion. We are challenged: Will we obey God’s call, even when it is difficult? Will we reach out with mercy, even when it costs?
II. The Gospel & Its Context
A legal expert tests Jesus, asking how to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers with the Law—love of God and neighbor—but the man wants to narrow “neighbor.” Jesus gives a vivid parable: the Samaritan, considered an outsider, shows compassion and care when others passed by. Jesus then commands: “Go and do likewise.” Mercy is not theoretical; it requires action.
III. Connection with the First Reading & Psalm
-
Jonah’s flight and ordeal show that resisting God’s call leads to suffering. His eventual prayer from the pit acknowledges God’s power.
-
The Psalm echoes Jonah’s voice of supplication, trusting God to rescue from depths.
-
When combined with the parable, these scriptures show a pattern: God calls; we may resist; but God’s mercy draws us back to respond compassionately.
IV. Deeper Reflections
-
Mercy often comes from those who are unexpected—Samaritans in Jesus’ context. We must stretch our boundaries of compassion.
-
Obedience is often costly—Jonah tried to flee; the Samaritan risked his time, resources, safety.
-
The command “Go and do likewise” is a personal invitation to step into others’ suffering, not remain a distant observer.
V. Practical Applications
-
Identify someone in need today—perhaps hidden or overlooked—and do an act of mercy.
-
Reflect: where have I resisted God’s call? Pray for courage to obey.
-
Use your resources—time, finances, talents—to serve others without expecting reward.
-
Pray Jonah’s prayer: when I fall, may I cry out to You; may You rescue me and restore me.
VI. Conclusion
God’s call to love and mercy is not optional. To follow Christ is to see and act. Jonah’s story teaches humility, the Psalm teaches trust, and Jesus’ parable teaches compassion. May our faith be alive in mercy that reflects God’s heart.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader
Lord God,
You call me to go beyond comfort, to reach out with mercy, and to obey even when it costs. Grant me a heart sensitive to suffering, eyes to see need, and hands ready to serve. When I am tempted to flee, draw me back. Help me “go and do likewise,” showing Your compassion to all I meet today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment