📖 Readings for October 20, 2025
First Reading – Romans 4:20-25
“Abraham did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body already as good as dead… but he was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do. Therefore it was credited to him as righteousness. For not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for us also, to whom it will be credited who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead…” USCCB
Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
…“Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me…” USCCB
Alleluia – Luke 21:36
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have strength to stand before the Son of Man.” USCCB+1
Gospel – Luke 12:13-21
“Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.’ He replied to them, ‘Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?’ Then he said to the crowd: ‘Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist in possessions.’ He told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. He thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have no place to store my crop?” … But God said to him, “You fool! This night your life will be demanded of you…”’” USCCB+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” — Psalm 40:7
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings challenge us to deepen our trust in God, shift our focus away from material security, and embrace a life of faithful obedience. Abraham’s steadfast faith, the Psalmist’s readiness to do the Lord’s will, and Jesus’ warning about greed all converge to call us beyond comfort zones.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus addresses a dispute over inheritance, but uses it as an opportunity to teach about true life. The rich man’s problem wasn’t abundance—his problem was that his abundance held him captive. Jesus warns that life is not measured by possessions. Instead, we are to be “rich toward God.”
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Faith & Obedience
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In Romans 4, we see Abraham's faith credited as righteousness—not because of what he had, but because of what he trusted.
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The Psalm reinforces obedience as the heart’s posture before God: “Here I am… I come to do your will.”
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Together with the Gospel, the message is clear: faith and obedience matter more than wealth, and our readiness to follow God shapes our life’s meaning.
IV. Deeper Reflections
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Material security can lull us into a false sense of safety; Jesus reminds us that even wealthy lives can end in emptiness if God is excluded.
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True abundance is found not in accumulation but in surrender: offering ourselves to do God’s will.
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The readiness of the heart (as in the Psalm) matters more than the readiness of the wallet.
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The readings invite a re-alignment: possessions serve us only if they serve God.
V. Practical Applications
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Today, ask: “What am I holding onto that may hold me back from God’s will?”
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Practice generosity—even something small—to remind yourself that life is found in giving, not just keeping.
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Commit a moment to say fully: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”
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Reflect on how faith (like Abraham’s) and obedience impact your decisions more than financial or material concerns.
VI. Conclusion
God calls each of us to a life of faith and open hands. The rich man in the parable is a warning and a lesson: when life asks more of us than our possessions can answer, only God’s will matters. Let us respond like the Psalmist and Abraham—ready, trusting, obedient—so that our life may truly reflect the Kingdom.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader & the Philippines
Heavenly Father,
You call me not just to believe but to obey. Help me today to say with heart and mind: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” Remove the ties that bind me to possessions or wealth; renew in me a spirit of trust, obedience, and surrender. May my faith be active in love, generous in service, and firm in hope.
I also lift up our beloved Philippines and all her people. Guard our land from disaster—earthquakes, storms, floods—and protect every community, every home, every family. Free our nation from greed and corruption; renew our leaders with integrity and vision. Heal our land, Lord, and let every Filipino live in dignity, peace, and trust in You. May our nation become rich toward You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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