November 2026 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when praying the Morning Offering:

For The Proper Use Of Wealth. Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less.

A link is provided for further reflection.

DR Squared: Solemnity Of All Saints

First Reading:  Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, till we sign the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them that were signed, an hundred forty-four thousand were signed, of every tribe of the children of Israel. After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne, and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands:  And they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and the ancients, and the four living creatures; and they fell down before the throne upon their faces, and adored God, Saying: Amen. Benediction, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honour, and power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the ancients answered, and said to me: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? and whence came they? And I said to him: My Lord, thou knowest. And he said to me: These are they who are come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Responsorial Psalm:   cf. Psalm 24 (23):6; V. 1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

R.  This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of            Jacob.

V.  The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof:

     the world, and all they that dwell therein.

     For he hath founded it upon the seas;

     and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

V.  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord:

     or who shall stand in his holy place? 

     The innocent in hands, and clean of heart,

     who hath not taken his soul in vain,...

V.  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord,

     and mercy from God his Saviour.

     This is the generation of them that seek him,

     of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Second Reading:  1 John 3:1-3

Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not him. Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God; and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know, that, when he shall appear, we shall be like to him: because we shall see him as he is. And every one that hath this hope in him, sanctifieth himself, as he also is holy.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:1-12a

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying:  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake:  Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 11/1/2025.

Invoking The Church Triumphant

One of the eight approved litanies for public recital, the Litany of Saints, use in various itineration throughout the Church's liturgies, is one of Her most powerful prayers. 

Earth asks Heaven for its help in this valley of tears.

How very appropriate for not only today, but every day.

(Additional saints may be added in the appropriate category.)

(This particular wording comes from the website of Ascension Press, with editorial adjustments.)

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V. Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Christ have mercy on us. 

V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us, 

R. Christ, graciously hear us.

 
V. God, the Father of heaven,

R. Have mercy on us. 
V. God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

R. Have mercy on us. 
V. God, the Holy Spirit,

R. Have mercy on us. 

V. Holy Trinity, One God, 

R. Have mercy on us.

V. Holy Mary,

R. Pray for us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
Holy Mother of God,  
Holy Virgin of virgins, 

Saint Michael, 
Saint Gabriel,  
Saint Raphael,
All ye holy angels and archangels,  
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,  

Saint John the Baptist,  
Saint Joseph, . 
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets.  

Saint Peter,  
Saint Paul,  
Saint Andrew,  
Saint James,  
Saint John,  
Saint Thomas,  
Saint James,  
Saint Philip,  
Saint Bartholomew.  
Saint Matthew,  
Saint Simon,  
Saint Thaddeus,  
Saint Matthias,  
Saint Barnabas,  
Saint Luke,  
Saint Mark,  
All ye holy apostles and evangelists,  
All ye holy disciples of our Lord.  
All ye holy Innocents,  

Saint Stephen,  
Saint Lawrence,  
Saint Vincent,  
Saints Fabian and Sebastian,  
Saints John and Paul,  
Saints Cosmas and Damian,  
Saints Gervase and Protase, 
All ye holy martyrs, 

Saint Sylvester, 
Saint Gregory, 
Saint Ambrose, 
Saint Augustine.  
Saint Jerome,  
Saint Martin,  
Saint Nicolas,  
All ye holy bishops and confessors, 
All ye holy doctors, 

Saint Anthony, 
Saint Benedict, 
Saint Bernard,  
Saint Dominic,  
Saint Francis,  
All ye holy priests and levites,  
All ye holy monks and hermits. 

Saint Mary Magdalen,  
Saint Agatha, 
Saint Lucy,  
Saint Agnes, 
Saint Cecily,  
Saint Catherine, 
Saint Anastasia, 
All ye holy virgins and widows, 
V. All ye holy men and women, Saints of God,

R. Make intercession for us.

V. Be merciful,

R. Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful

R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. From all evil,

R. O Lord, deliver us. (Repeat after each invocation.) 
From all sin,
From Thy wrath,  
From a sudden and unprovided death,  
From the snares of the devil,  
From anger, and hatred, and all ill will, 
From the spirit of fornication,  
From lightning and tempest, 
From the scourge of earthquake.  
From pestilence, famine and war,  
From everlasting death, 

Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, 
Through Thy coming, 
Through Thy nativity,  
Through Thy baptism and holy fasting, 
Through Thy Cross and Passion, 
Through Thy death and burial, 
Through Thy holy Resurrection,  
Through Thine admirable Ascension, 
Through the coming of the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,
In the day of judgment, 

V. We sinners,

R. We beseech Thee, hear us. (Repeat after each invocation.) 
That Thou wouldst spare us, 
That Thou wouldst pardon us,  
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance, 
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thy holy Church 
That Thou wouldst preserve our Apostolic Prelate, and all ecclesiastical orders in holy religion, 
That Thou wouldst humble the enemies of Thy holy Church, 
That Thou wouldst give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes, 
That Thou wouldst grant peace and unity to all Christian people, 
That Thou wouldst bring back to the unity of the Church all those who have strayed away, and lead to the light of the Gospel all unbelievers, 
That Thou wouldst confirm and preserve us in Thy holy service, 
That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires, 
That Thou wouldst render eternal blessings to all our benefactors, 
That Thou wouldst deliver our souls, and the souls of our brethren, relations and benefactors, from eternal damnation, 
That Thou wouldst give and preserve the fruit of the earth,  
That Thou wouldst give eternal rest to all the faithful departed, .
That Thou wouldst graciously hear us We beseech Thee, hear us. Son of God,

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

R. Spare us, O Lord. 
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

R. Graciously hear us, O Lord. 
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

R. Have mercy on us.

V. Christ hear us.

R. Christ, graciously hear us. 
V. Lord, have mercy on us. 

R. Christ, have mercy on us. 
V. Lord, have mercy on us.

Our Father.. (silently)…. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
 
Psalm 69
Deign, O Lord, to rescue me; O Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be put to shame and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back in disgrace who desire my ruin. Let them retire in their shame who say to me, "Aha, aha!" But may all who seek Thee exult and be glad in Thee, And may those who love Thy salvation say ever, "God be glorified!" But I am afflicted and poor; O God, hasten to me! Thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, hold not back!

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
V. Save Thy servants.
R. Who trust in Thee, O my God.
V. Be a tower of strength for us, O Lord,
R. Against the attack of the enemy.
V. Let not the enemy prevail against us.
R. And let not the son of evil dare to harm us.
V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
R. Neither requite us according to our iniquities.
 
V. Let us pray for a true Sovereign Shepherd.
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Deign, O Lord, for Thy name's sake, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good. Amen.
V. Let us pray for the faithful departed. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord;

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
 
V. For our absent brethren.
R. Save Thy servants, who trust in Thee, my God.
V. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy sanctuary.
R. And sustain them from Zion.
 
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. The Lord be with Thee.
R. And with Thy spirit.
 
Let us pray.

O God, Whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our petition, that we, and all Thy servants who are bound by the chains of sin, may, by the compassion of Thy goodness, be mercifully absolved.
 
Graciously hear, we beg Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy suppliants, and pardon the sins of those who confess to Thee, that in Thy bounty Thou may grant us both pardon and peace.
 
In Thy clemency, O Lord, show us Thy ineffable mercy, that Thou may both free us from all our sins, and deliver us from the punishments which we deserve for them.
 
O God, Who by sin are offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people, and turn away the scourges of Thy anger, which we deserve for our sins.
Almighty, everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant N., our Sovereign Pontiff, and direct him according to Thy clemency into the way of everlasting salvation, that by Thy grace he may desire those things that are pleasing to Thee, and perform them with all his strength.
 
O God, from Whom are holy desires, good counsels, and just works, give to Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts be set to keep Thy commandments, and that, being removed from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time in peace under Thy protection.
 
Burn our desires and our hearts with the fire of the Holy Spirit, O Lord, that we may serve Thee with a chaste body, and with a clean heart be pleasing to Thee.
 
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that, through devout prayers, they may obtain the pardon which they always desired.
 
Direct, we beg Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy holy inspirations, and carry them on by Thy gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours may begin always with Thee, and through Thou be happily ended.
 
Almighty and everlasting God, Thou hast dominion over the living and the dead, and Thou art merciful to all who Thou foreknowest will be Thine by faith and good works; we humbly beg Thee that those for whom we intend to pour forth our prayers, whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come has already received them out of their bodies, may, through the intercession of all Thy Saints, by the clemency of Thy goodness, obtain the remission of all their sins.

Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.
 
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us. 

R. Amen.
V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R. Amen. 

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Originally posted 11/1/2024.

Re-posted 11/1/2025.

Today's Hymn

The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs 

by Fra Angelico

The words are from the pen of William Walsham How; the tune to which this is sung, Sine Nomine, was composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Note how well this compares to all of today's Readings.

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For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the apostles' glorious company,
who bearing forth the cross o'er land and sea,
shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
is fair and fruitful, be thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
and seeing, grasped it, thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win, with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
and singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

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All you holy men and women, pray for us.

Where they are, we hope to follow.

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Originally posted 11/1/2006.
Re-posted 11/1/2009.
Re-posted 11/1/2011.
Re-posted 11/1/2012.
Re-posted 11/1/2013.
Re-posted 11/1/2014.
Re-posted 11/1/2015.
Re-posted 11/1/2016.
Re-posted 11/1/2017.
Re-posted 11/1/2018.

Re-posted 11/1/2019.

Re-posted 11/1/2020.

Re-posted 11/1/2021.

Re-posted 11/1/2022.

Re-posted 11/1/2023.

Re-posted 11/1/2024.

Re-posted 11/1/2025.

A Scary Quote

From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us! 

Anonymous

Happy Hallowe'en! Save some candy for the kids, OK?

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Originally posted 10/31/2007.
Re-posted 10/31/2008.

Re-posted 10/31/2009.
Re-posted 10/31/2010.

Re-posted 10/31/2011.
Re-posted 10/31/2012.
Re-posted 10/31/2013.
Re-posted 10/31/2014.
Re-posted 10/31/2015.
Re-posted 10/31/2016.
Re-posted 10/31/2017.
Re-posted 10/31/2018.

Re-posted 10/31/2019.

Re-posted 10/31/2020.

Re-posted 10/31/2021.

Re-posted 10/31/2022.

Re-posted 10/31/2023.

Re-posted 10/31/2024.

Re-posted 10/31/2025.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Thirtieth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  Philippians 1:18b-26

So that by all means, whether by occasion, or by truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall fall out to me unto salvation, through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded, but with all confidence, as always, so now also shall Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me, to live is Christ; and to die is gain. And if to live in the flesh, this is to me the fruit of labour, and what I shall choose I know not. But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better. But to abide still in the flesh, is needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith:  That your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, by my coming to you again.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 42 (41):2b; V. 2, 3, 5cdef

R.  (S)o my soul panteth after thee, O God.

V.  As the hart panteth after the fountains of water;

     so my soul panteth after thee, O God.

V.  My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God;

     when shall I come and appear before the face of God?

V.  (F)or I shall go over into the place of the wonderful tabernacle,

     even to the house of God:

     With the voice of joy and praise;

     the noise of one feasting.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 14:1, 7-11

And it came to pass, when Jesus went into the house of one of the chief of the Pharisees, on the sabbath day, to eat bread, that they watched him. And he spoke a parable also to them that were invited, marking how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them:  When thou art invited to a wedding, sit not down in the first place, lest perhaps one more honourable than thou be invited by him:  And he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee, Give this man place: and then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place; that when he who invited thee, cometh, he may say to thee: Friend, go up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at table with thee. Because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Thirtieth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  Philippians 1:1-11

Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ; to all the saints in Christ Jesus, who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you, Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all, with joy; For your communication in the gospel of Christ from the first day until now. Being confident of this very thing, that he, who hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus. As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you in my heart; and that in my bands, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your charity may more and more abound in knowledge, and in all understanding:  That you may approve the better things, that you may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ, Filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 111 (110):2a; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6  (DR--1-2, 3-4, 5-7a)

R.  Great are the works of the Lord:

V.  I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;

     in the council of the just: and in the congregation.

     Great are the works of the Lord:

     sought out according to all his wills.

V.  His work is praise and magnificence:

     and his justice continueth for ever and ever.

     He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works,

     being a merciful and gracious Lord:

V.  He hath given food to them that fear him.

     He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:

     He will shew forth to his people the power of his works.

     That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles:

Gospel Reading:  Luke 14:1-6

And it came to pass, when Jesus went into the house of one of the chief of the Pharisees, on the sabbath day, to eat bread, that they watched him. And behold, there was a certain man before him that had the dropsy. And Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? But they held their peace. But he taking him, healed him, and sent him away. And answering them, he said: Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a pit, and will not immediately draw him out, on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him to these things.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Thirtieth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace:  In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:  And for me, that speech may be given me, that I may open my mouth with confidence, to make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in a chain, so that therein I may be bold to speak according as I ought.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 144 (143):1a; V. 1, 2, 9-10

R.  Blessed be the Lord my God,

V.  Blessed be the Lord my God,

     who teacheth my hands to fight, and my fingers to war.

V.  My mercy, and my refuge:

     my support, and my deliverer:

     My protector, and I have hoped in him:

     who subdueth my people under me.

V.  To thee, O God, I will sing a new canticle:

     on the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings I will sing praises to thee.

     Who givest salvation to kings:

     who hast redeemed thy servant David from the malicious sword:

Gospel Reading:  Luke 13:31-35

The same day, there came some of the Pharisees, saying to him: Depart, and get thee hence, for Herod hath a mind to kill thee. And he said to them: Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I am consummated. Nevertheless I must walk today and tomorrow, and the day following, because it cannot be that a prophet perish, out of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent to thee, how often would I have gathered thy children as the bird doth her brood under her wings, and thou wouldest not? Behold your house shall be left to you desolate. And I say to you, that you shall not see me till the time come, when you shall say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Feast Of Saints Simon And Jude, Apostles

First Reading:  Ephesians 2:19-22

Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God, Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:  In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord. In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 19 (18):5a; V. 2-3, 4-5

R.  Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth:

V.  The heavens shew forth the glory of God,

     and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

     Day to day uttereth speech,

     and night to night sheweth knowledge.

V.  There are no speeches nor languages,

     where their voices are not heard.

     Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth:

     and their words unto the ends of the world.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:12-16

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God. And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles). Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, And Jude, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 10/28/2025.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Thirtieth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  Ephesians 5:21-33

Being subject one to another, in the fear of Christ. Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord:  Because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. He is the saviour of his body. Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it:

That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life:  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish. So also ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the church:  Because we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular love his wife as himself: and let the wife fear her husband.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 128 (127):1; V. 1-2, 3, 4-5

R.  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord:

V.  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord:

     that walk in his ways.

     For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands:

     blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.

V.  Thy wife as a fruitful vine,

     on the sides of thy house.

     Thy children as olive plants,

     round about thy table.

V.  Behold, thus shall the man be blessed

     that feareth the Lord.

     May the Lord bless thee out of Sion:

     and mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem

     all the days of thy life.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 13:18-21

He said therefore: To what is the kingdom of God like, and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and cast into his garden, and it grew and became a great tree, and the birds of the air lodged in the branches thereof. And again he said: Whereunto shall I esteem the kingdom of God to be like? It is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.