FIRST READING
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 4:20-25)
It was written also for us, and it will be reckoned to us who believe in him.
Brethren: No distrust made Abraham waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness.” But the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him that raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Luke 1:69-70.71-72.73-75 (R.68)
R/. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For he has visited his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of his servant David,
As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets
from of old. R/.
That we should be saved from our enemies,
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to perform the mercy promised to our fathers,
and to remember his holy covenant. R/.
The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him
all the days of our life. R/.
ALLELUIA Matthew 5:3
Alleluia. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 12:13-21)
“The things you have prepared, whose will they be?”
At that time: One of the multitude said to Jesus, “Teacher, bid my Brother divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?” And he said to them, “Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. ”And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
Abraham perseveres in faith amidst delay in fulfillment of God’s promise to him of a son, which is seen by God as righteousness. His faith makes him live at rights with God. Abraham pays attention to and focuses on God’s promise. He demonstrates a determined faith in God. He is not distracted but keeps going with God. He even erects altars and gives thanks as he encounters God. Faith comes alive through thanksgiving. Thanksgiving acknowledges that God is the chief actor in one’s life. Through faith professed over and over again, we gain more favours. When we keep believing in God, he keeps blessing us.