📖 Readings for October 13, 2025
First Reading – Romans 1:1-7
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord—through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake. Among whom you also are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. USCCB+1
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him.
The LORD has made his salvation known; he has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. USCCB+1
Alleluia – Psalm 95:8
Alleluia, alleluia. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. USCCB
Gospel – Luke 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man also be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold more than Solomon here. The men of Nineveh shall rise in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and behold more than Jonah here.” USCCB+1
🌟 Verse of the Day
“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” — Luke 11:29 USCCB
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings challenge us on two fronts: our identity in Christ (Romans) and our response to Him (Luke). God calls us not just to believe, but to obey and to be a living sign. We cannot live passively; our lives must reflect His truth.
II. The Gospel & Its Context
In Luke 11:29-32, the crowd demands a sign. Jesus responds that no further sign will be given except the sign of Jonah—that is, repentance and conversion. He points out that people like the Ninevites and the Queen of the South responded to God. Their example condemns those who hear but do not respond. The message is clear: God’s Word demands a reaction.
III. Connection with Romans & the Psalm
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In Romans, Paul emphasizes belonging in Christ, being set apart for obedience. Faith is not inert; it leads to living faith.
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The Psalm proclaims God’s salvation made known to all nations. It invites all lands to sing praise.
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Together: we are called to live out the salvation we proclaim, not just hear it.
IV. Reflections
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Asking for signs can become a way to delay commitment. God’s greatest sign is His Son, and our lives should reflect that.
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Obedience validates faith. The Word of God is not a trophy to admire, but a path to walk.
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The example of those who responded (Ninevites, Queen of the South) is a rebuke: even outsiders often responded better than those with first access to revelation.
V. Practical Applications
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Reflect: Are there demands for “signs” in your faith—or are you ready to live by the Word you have?
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Choose one thing God is asking you to do—small or large—and do it today.
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Share God’s salvation—praise, testimony, acts of mercy—in your community.
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Entrust your life anew to Christ; let your identity in Him reshape your decisions.
VI. Conclusion
We cannot be spectators of faith. God’s Word calls us into transformation, to be living signs of His Kingdom. Through obedience, we become the “signs” He sends to a world that often seeks visible proof. May our lives echo His mercy, justice, and love.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader & the Philippines
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me by name and setting me apart in Christ. Help me not to demand signs, but to live faithfully by Your Word. Grant me courage to obey, humility to listen, and boldness to witness.
We also lift up our beloved homeland, the Philippines—its people, its leaders, its land. Protect us from disaster—storms, earthquakes, floods—and keep every family safe under Your shelter.
We pray for true positive change in governance: cleanse our institutions of corruption, strengthen leaders with integrity, and heal the wounds of division. May Your justice and mercy reign over our land.
May our nation become a living sign of Your Kingdom—to You be glory, now and forever. Amen.
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