FIRST READING
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:3 lb-39)
Nothing in creation will be able to separate us from the. love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Brethren: If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm l09:21-22.26-27.30-31 (R. 26b)
R/. Save me, Lord, with your merciful love.
But you, O Lord, my Lord,
do with me as befits your name.
How good your merciful love!
Deliver me. For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is pierced within me. R/.
Help me, Lord my God;
save me with your merciful love.
Let them know that this is your hand,
that this is your doing, O Lord. R/.
Loud thanks to the Lord are on my lips.
I will praise him in the midst of the throng,
for he stands at the right hand of the poor,
to save his soul from those who condemn him. 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
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 13:31-35)
“It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.”
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
When God is for us, no one can be against us. One with God is majority. God is for us, his grace reigns and covers us. God’s grace is responsible for our every achievement. It helps us overcome obstacles; it recreates and saves us; it strengthens our resolve to serve God. It guides us against sin and makes us enemies of the devil. Amidst dangers of war, hatred, strife, fear and storms of life, God’s grace brings out courage in and delivers his children. God’s grace brings about favours in man and this favour guards against any evil intimidation in us. God’s grace is God leading us to his will, plan and purpose for us.