FIRST READING
“Take the whole armour of God, that you may be able, having done all, to stand.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6: 10-20)
Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 144: 1.2.9-10 (R. 1a)
R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.
Blest be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle,
who prepares my fingers for war. R/.
He is my merciful love, my fortress;
he is my stronghold, my saviour,
my shield in whom I take refuge.
He brings peoples under my rule. R/.
R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.
To you, O God, will I sing a new song;
I will play on the ten-stringed harp to you
who give kings their victory,
who set David your servant free from the evil sword. R/.
ALLELUIA Luke 19:38; 2: 14
Alleluia. Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; peace on earth, and glory in the highest. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 13:31-35)
On that day some Pharisees came, and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”’
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION
It is expected that every soldier that goes for war adequately equips himself. Same for students who prepare for exams as well as farmers who prepare for the farming season. Being equipped is a pathway that leads to success. The first reading of today simply highlights some basic tools every Christian must possess to fight and win against the “wiles of the devil”. One of such fundamental tool is the belt of truth that must be fastened around our waist. Today falsehood is being proclaimed and practiced as truth. As Christians we must be on our guard never to be deceived by false doctrines and teachings. We must hold on to the basic teachings of the church and the articles of our faith as means of righteousness. We must also hinge on Jesus in prayers such that our every thought, word and deed will be in the name of the Lord Jesus who is the Eternal Truth.