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LITURGY OF
THE WORD
October 29, 2023
The Church
Governing Authorities and Salvation of the World
Those Burdened by Adversity or Difficulties
The Local Community
Prayers of the Faithful
Australian Catholics Website
The Sunday Website
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St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Ponchatoula, Louisiana
All Saints Catholic Church
Manassas, Virginia
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In the Exodus reading, focus is on those who are “other,” harshly translated as “aliens” as if they were not part of humanity. In this narrative, the Israelites are reminded not to oppress the “other” among them…
INTRODUCTION
Throughout Judeo-Christian history, people have explored how to live as God’s people. Reflecting on our bottom line as committed Christians could not be more relevant in our current political and economic climate. Today’s readings reiterate that faithful living means — at rock bottom — loving and caring for one another, especially the most vulnerable. The instructions could not be simpler. That we still need to hear this reminds us that simple does not mean easy.
PENITENTIAL ACT
Lord Jesus, you were asked what is the greatest commandment of all: Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you told us to love God and to love our neighbor: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you showed us how to live out these two commandments: Lord, have mercy.
SOURCE: Joan DeMerchant; Courtesy of the National Catholic Reporter: Cycle A Sunday Resources feature series. View the full series.
God’s Command for Justice
What do you think might happen if you stood up in the halls of Congress and proclaimed today’s first reading? No doubt you would quickly be removed from the room. Would members of our ruling bodies respond to the commands of God recorded in Exodus?
Maybe we should also consider what might happen in your parish assembly when this text is proclaimed this weekend. Will your hearers recognize that God’s commands apply today just as much as they did when this passage was written?…
Dual Commandment
The dual commandment in today’s Gospel passage is well-known but still often set aside when loving our neighbor becomes too inconvenient to suit us. Gospel parables like the good Samaritan remind us that our neighbor is not just the family next door. We live now in a global village, and every person is our neighbor. Every person needs our love and care. We can no longer claim that we need to take care of only our own kind. Let the preaching and the prayers this week lift up the high calling we have been given by baptism, prompting our own care for the alien, the widow, the orphan and everyone else who needs us.
All Saints and All Souls
The Wednesday (following October 29, 2023) is the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation. Thursday is All Souls’ Day, not an obligation day but still a good day to encourage people to gather and pray for those who have gone before us. What Mass schedule would allow the largest number of people to celebrate both days? Remember that there are multiple choices for readings (Lectionary #668) on All Souls’ Day, so let the lectors and musicians know which ones will be used.
SOURCE: Fr. Lawrence Mick; Courtesy of the National Catholic Reporter: Cycle A Sunday Resources feature series. View the full series.
