October 29, 2026
Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Lk 13:31–35

Today is Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time. The passage from the Gospel of Saint Luke presents to us a dialogue between certain Pharisees and Jesus during His final journey to Jerusalem. Let us continue to reflect.

We often see in various films and television works those who, in order to realize their ideals, do not hesitate to give their lives. When they are pursuing dreams in their hearts, there are often people who kindly warn them of the threats they are about to face. Those who warn them kindly are like the Pharisees in today’s Gospel Mass who, as Jesus was entering the city of Jerusalem, advised Him according to their own wishes not to enter the city (cf. Lk 13:31–33). For in their hearts, Jesus seemed to be the Messiah they expected—the One who would save them from the hands of the Roman rulers and restore all Israel. Thus, out of frail human nature, they advised Jesus not to enter the city of Jerusalem.

In fact, when we act according to God’s holy will and, receiving His teaching, proclaim the Gospel to all creatures, we too will face threats just as Jesus was about to, and we will suffer the same pains as those brothers and sisters who, through receiving the one Baptism of Christ, receiving the one Holy Spirit, sharing the one cup of blessing, the one bread that is broken, are united in the Body and Blood of Christ (cf. 1 Cor 10:16–17) (cf. 1 Pt 5:9). Whenever we endure the slight sufferings brought upon us by the ruler of this world and his agents, our weak human nature often hinders us from, through faith and with the help of the Holy Spirit, overcoming all rash impulses of the flesh, so that we dare not bear witness to the Lord Christ before all. Perhaps we may feel isolated and helpless, but Christ our Lord, rich in mercy, will not abandon us. For He Himself said: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom” (cf. Lk 12:32). In another place He taught: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. For what you are to say will be given to you at that moment; for it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (cf. Mt 10:19–20). From this we can see that we have no reason to shrink back. What reason is there then to stop us from proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world?

Today, let us together, with hearts that trust in God and full of confidence, offer our prayer to Him:

Almighty ever-living God,
increase our faith, hope and charity,
and make us love what you command,
so that we may merit what you promise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica