November 1, 2025 – Solemnity of All Saints

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1–12a

Context: Jesus sat on a hillside in Galilee and shared the Beatitudes with his disciples. These are special teachings that show who God blesses—like people who are humble, kind, and stay true to their faith even when life is tough. He spoke to all kinds of people, including those who were poor or sad, showing them that God’s love is for everyone, not just the rich or successful. This was surprising because many people back then thought being wealthy meant God favoured them. Instead, Jesus taught that true happiness comes from loving God and living with a good heart. His words encourage us to care for others and stay honest in how we live.

Word: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:3)

• Engage 1: Jesus had a special love for those who are poor or struggling.
  Incidents: Welcoming sinners to dine (Lk 15:2); healing the leper (Mk 1:40–41).
• Engage 2: Jesus lived by the values He taught.
  Incidents: Teaching sincere prayer (Mt 6:6); obeying the Father (Jn 6:38).

November 2, 2025 – Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Gospel Reading: John 6:37–40

Context: In a town called Capernaum, after miraculously feeding thousands with a few loaves of bread, Jesus taught a crowd about God’s promise of eternal life. He said that anyone who believes in Him will live forever with God, even after they die. This was comforting for people who were sad about losing loved ones, as it gave them hope of seeing them again in heaven. Back then, many Jewish people believed in a future resurrection, and Jesus made it clear that He is the one who makes this possible. Instead of focusing on earthly things like food, He encouraged everyone to trust in God’s plan for eternal life. His words inspire us to support those who are grieving and to hold onto hope in God’s love.

Word: “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” (Jn 6:39)

• Engage 1: Jesus stood by those who are sad or hurting and did what he could do help them.
  Incidents: Raising the widow’s son in Nain (Lk 7:13–15); consoling Martha at Lazarus’ tomb (Jn 11:25–26).
• Engage 2: Jesus promoted faith in life after death.
  Incidents: Promising paradise to the thief (Lk 23:43); teaching resurrection (Jn 5:28–29).

November 3, 2025 – Monday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time (St. Martin de Porres, Optional Memorial)

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:12–14

Context: While eating at a religious leader’s house in Judea, Jesus noticed how people invited only important or rich guests to their meals. He taught that we should invite those who can’t repay us, like the poor, sick, or disabled, because God will reward us in heaven. This was a big change from the Jewish custom of hosting wealthy people to gain favours. Jesus wanted everyone to be kind to those who are often ignored, showing that true generosity doesn’t expect anything back. His teaching encourages us to help people who can’t help us in return and to care for those who are left out.

Word: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” (Lk 14:13)

• Engage 1: Jesus paid special attention to those who feel left out from the group.
  Incidents: Dining with tax collectors (Mt 9:10–11); healing of Bartimaeus (Mk 10:49).
• Engage 2: Jesus helped others without expecting anything back.
  Incidents: Teaching to lend without repayment (Lk 6:34–35); forgiving the sinful woman (Lk 7:48–50).

November 4, 2025 – Tuesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:15–24

Context: At another meal in Judea, Jesus told a story about a man who invited guests to a big feast, but they all made excuses and didn’t come. So, the man invited poor and outcast people instead, like those who were homeless or sick. This story showed that God invites everyone to His kingdom, not just important people. Back then, Jewish meals were often exclusive, but Jesus challenged this by saying everyone is welcome in God’s family. His parable teaches us to share God’s love with those who are struggling and to say “yes” when God calls us to follow Him.

Word: “Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” (Lk 14:21)

• Engage 1: Jesus made sure that His ministry and blessings reached to all including those who usually are not considered by others.
  Incidents: Healing the blind beggar (Lk 18:35–42); feeding the five thousand (Jn 6:9–13).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to say yes to God’s invitation to follow Him.
  Incidents: Calling disciples to follow (Mk 1:17–18); teaching about the Kingdom (Mt 13:44–46).

November 5, 2025 – Wednesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25–33

Context: As big crowds followed Jesus in Judea, He explained that following Him isn’t always easy. He used stories about a builder planning a tower and a king preparing for battle to show that we need to think carefully about giving our whole heart to God. This meant giving up things like money or comfort and being ready to face challenges, like carrying a cross. Many people thought following God would be simple, but Jesus taught that it takes real commitment. His words encourage us to put God first and stay strong in our faith, even when it’s hard.

Word: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Lk 14:27)

• Engage 1: Jesus was a person who was ready to give up His comforts for the sake of His mission.
  Incidents: Teaching to renounce all (Lk 14:33); praying in Gethsemane (Mt 26:39).
• Engage 2: Jesus always remained totally committed to His mission.
  Incidents: Urging to count the cost (Lk 14:28–32); calling to leave family (Mt 10:37).

November 6, 2025 – Thursday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1–10

Context: In Judea, Jesus spent time with tax collectors and sinners, which upset the religious leaders. He told stories about a shepherd searching for a lost sheep and a woman finding a lost coin to show how much God loves everyone, especially those who feel far from Him. These stories used everyday examples that people understood, like losing something important. Jesus showed that God is happy when someone turns back to Him, more than when people think they’re already perfect. His teaching encourages us to help others find their way to God and celebrate when they do.

Word: “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Lk 15:7)

• Engage 1: Jesus Himself was very happy whenever someone turned to God.
  Incidents: Welcoming Zacchaeus’ change (Lk 19:8–9); forgiving the prodigal son in parable (Lk 15:20–24).
• Engage 2: Jesus made efforts to reach out to those who moved far away from God.
  Incidents: Seeking the lost sheep (Mt 18:12–14); calling sinners to repentance (Mk 2:17).

November 7, 2025 – Friday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1–8

Context: Jesus told His disciples a story about a clever worker who got into trouble but used his smarts to fix things by helping others. The story was about a man who managed money for his boss and made deals to secure his future. Jesus wasn’t praising dishonesty but showing that we should be wise with what we have to help others and serve God. In those days, people often used money selfishly, but Jesus taught us to use our resources to do good for God’s kingdom. His words encourage us to be smart with what we have and use it to help others.

Word: “And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” (Lk 16:8)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed the need to use what one has wisely to help others.
  Incidents: Teaching the talents parable (Mt 25:14–30); praising the widow’s offering (Mk 12:43–44).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to be faithful with money and time.
  Incidents: Advising the rich young man (Mt 19:21); warning against greed (Lk 12:15).

November 8, 2025 – Saturday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:9–15

Context: Jesus taught His disciples in Judea to use their money to help others and build friendships that matter for heaven, not just for this world. Some religious leaders loved money and laughed at Him, but Jesus said you can’t love both God and money. Back then, many thought being rich meant God blessed them, but Jesus taught that true faithfulness means choosing God over wealth. His words encourage us to focus on God’s love in everything we do and to avoid letting money control our hearts.

Word: “No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Lk 16:13)

• Engage 1: Jesus always put God first, not money or things.
  Incidents: Teaching to seek the Kingdom first (Mt 6:33); storing heavenly treasure (Mt 6:20).
• Engage 2: Jesus consciously said no to greed in His choices.
  Incidents: Warning against riches (Mt 19:23–24); teaching the rich fool parable (Lk 12:16–21).

November 9, 2025 – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Gospel Reading: John 2:13–22

Context: During a big festival in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple and saw people selling things, turning a holy place into a market. He got upset, chased them out, and said the temple is God’s house, not a shop. He even said that if the temple was destroyed, He would rebuild it in three days, meaning His own resurrection. This showed how much He cared about keeping God’s house special. His actions teach us to treat holy places with respect and to live with a pure heart for God.

Word: “He answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’” (Jn 2:19)

• Engage 1: Jesus not only had deep reverence for the temple but He considered his own body as a temple.
  Incidents: Cleansing the temple (Jn 2:15–16); visiting temple regularly (Lk 19:47).
• Engage 2: Jesus always kept His heart pure for God and removed from His heart anything that does not fit in there.
  Incidents: Overturning tables in the temple (Mt 21:12–13); teaching to pray in secret (Mt 6:6).

November 10, 2025 – Monday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:1–6

Context: In Judea, Jesus told his disciples not to lead others into sin, especially young or vulnerable people, and to forgive others even if they keep messing up. When His disciples asked for more faith, He said even a tiny bit of faith, like a mustard seed, can do amazing things, like moving trees! This was a big deal because forgiving over and over wasn’t always easy in those days. Jesus’ words encourage us to keep forgiving others and to trust God, even if our faith feels small.

Word: “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” (Lk 17:4)

• Engage 1: Jesus forgave others and taught forgiveness even when it was hard.
  Incidents: Teaching to forgive seventy times seven (Mt 18:22); forgiving from the cross
  (Lk 23:34).
• Engage 2: Jesus was showing the need to put their faith in a forgiving God.
  Incidents: Healing the paralytic through faith and forgiveness (Mt 9:2); Forgiving the
  sinful woman who showed great faith (Lk 7:47–50)

November 11, 2025 – Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:7–10

Context: Jesus told a story in Judea about a servant who worked hard all day and still served his master without expecting a big thank you. This showed that serving God means doing what’s right without looking for rewards or praise. In those days, servants were expected to do their jobs quietly, and Jesus used this to teach humility. His words encourage us to serve others and God with a humble heart, not expecting attention or rewards.

Word: “So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’” (Lk 17:10)

• Engage 1: Jesus helped others without expecting anything in return.
  Incidents: Washing disciples’ feet (Jn 13:4–5); serving as the Son of Man (Mk 10:45).
• Engage 2: Jesus always did what was right, not to get anything, but simply because it was God’s will.
  Incidents: Obeying the Father’s will (Jn 6:38); teaching to serve humbly (Mt 20:28).

November 12, 2025 – Wednesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11–19

Context: While traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus met ten sick people with leprosy, a disease that made them outcasts. He healed them all, but only one, a Samaritan, came back to say thank you. Samaritans and Jews didn’t get along, so this was surprising. Jesus praised the man’s gratitude, showing that thanking God is important and can lead to a deeper connection with Him. This story encourages us to help others with kindness and to always be thankful for what God does for us.

Word: “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” (Lk 17:19)

• Engage 1: Jesus wanted others to feel better in His presence.
  Incidents: Curing the lepers (Lk 17:14); healing the blind Bartimaeus (Mk 10:51–52).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that sincere gratitude is a sign of true faith.
  Incidents: Telling the sinful woman who anointed Him “Your faith has saved you.” (Lk Lk 7:50); thanking God before miracles (Jn 11:41).

November 13, 2025 – Thursday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:20–25

Context: In Judea, some religious leaders asked Jesus when God’s kingdom would come. He said it’s already here, in the way he lives and teaches, not something you see with big signs. He also warned His disciples not to believe people claiming the kingdom is somewhere else. Many expected a kingdom with power and armies, but Jesus showed it’s about love and faith. His words encourage us to see God’s presence in our lives and to be ready for tough times with trust in Him.

Word: “For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” (Lk 17:21)

• Engage 1: Jesus was saying that it is possible to experience God’s love daily in and through everyday moments.
  Incidents: Teaching the Kingdom is near (Mk 1:15); showing it through healing (Mt 12:28).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to recognize and share the Kingdom of God in one’s daily lives.
  Incidents: Asking the disciples to proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come near (Mt 10:7); empowering the disciples to cure the sick (Lk 10:9).  

November 14, 2025 – Friday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:26–37

Context: Jesus told His disciples in Judea that His return would be sudden, like in the days of Noah or Lot, when people were living normally until disaster came. He said we shouldn’t hold onto things like money or possessions when God calls us, but be ready to follow Him. This was a big deal because many expected a clear warning, but Jesus taught that faith means always being prepared. His words encourage us to let go of things that distract us from God and to stay ready to follow Him.

Word: “Whoever tries to make his life secure will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.” (Lk 17:33)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that willingly giving up things for His sake is valuable.
  Incidents: Teaching to lose life for his sake (Mt 16:25); advising the rich young man (Mt 19:21).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that one needs to be ready to follow God’s call whatever might be the cost.
  Incidents: Warning to stay awake (Mt 24:42); teaching vigilance (Lk 12:35–36).

November 15, 2025 – Saturday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1–8

Context: Jesus told a story in Judea about a widow who kept asking a tough judge for help until he gave in. This showed that we should keep praying to God, even when it feels like He’s not answering right away. Back then, widows often struggled to get justice, so this story was powerful. Jesus taught that God listens to our prayers and will help us, especially when we feel weak. His words encourage us to keep praying and to trust that God cares about fairness.

Word: “And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?” (Lk 18:7)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that deep prayer can help us to handle tough situations.
  Incidents: Teaching to pray always (Lk 18:1); praying all night (Lk 6:12).
• Engage 2: Jesus attended to the needs of those who came to Him with compassion and mercy.
  Incidents: Defending the poor widow (Mk 12:43); upholding mercy (Mt 12:7).

November 16, 2025 – Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5–19

Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus told His disciples that the beautiful temple would one day be destroyed, and there would be tough times with wars and betrayals. Even family members might turn against them for following him. But he promised that God’s Spirit would give them wisdom to speak up bravely. This was scary because people thought the temple was untouchable. Jesus taught that staying strong in faith, even when things get hard, leads to God’s protection. His words encourage us to share our faith bravely and keep going through tough times.

Word: “By your endurance you will gain your souls.” (Lk 21:19)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that readiness to suffer for the sake of the mission is valuable.
  Incidents: Teaching endurance amid persecution (Mt 10:22); sending apostles to testify (Mt 10:18–20).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that one must face the challenges in life rather than escaping from it.
  Incidents: Predicting His own suffering (Mt 20:18–19); urging to carry the cross (Lk 9:23).

November 17, 2025 – Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:35–43

Context: Near Jericho, a blind man heard Jesus coming and kept shouting for help, even when the crowd told him to be quiet. Jesus stopped, asked what he needed, and healed him because of his faith. The man was so happy that he followed Jesus, praising God. This showed that even when others try to stop us, we should keep asking God for help. Jesus’ kindness teaches us to care for people who are struggling and to pray with determination, no matter what.

Word: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Lk 18:41)

• Engage 1: Jesus was aware of His surrounding and paid attention to those who needed His help
  Incidents: Healing the man with withered hand (Lk 18:42); raising the widow’s son (Lk 7:13–15).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that He listens to those who cry to Him even if others discourage them.
  Incidents: Praising the Canaanite woman’s persistence (Mt 15:25–28); teaching the persistent widow parable (Lk 18:5).

November 18, 2025 – Tuesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 19:1–10

Context: In Jericho, Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was disliked because he worked for the Romans, climbed a tree to see Jesus. Jesus called him down, visited his house, and Zacchaeus promised to change his ways and pay back anyone he cheated. This shocked people because tax collectors were seen as sinners. Jesus showed that God loves everyone, even those who mess up, if they turn back to Him. His actions encourage us to change our hearts and welcome others who feel left out.

Word: “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham.” (Lk 19:9)

• Engage 1: Jesus always gave second chances to people who went away from Him.
  Incidents: The interaction with the Samaritan woman (Jn 4); teaching the prodigal son parable (Lk 15:11–32).
• Engage 2: Jesus was kind to those who feel left out.
  Incidents: Taking time to meet the Samaritan woman (Jn 4); forgiving the sinful woman (Lk 7:48).

November 19, 2025 – Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 19:11–28

Context: Near Jerusalem, Jesus told a story about a man who gave his workers money to use while he was away. Some used it well and were rewarded, but one hid it and got in trouble. People thought God’s kingdom would come right away, but Jesus taught that we need to use what God gives us—like our talents or time—to do good. This story encourages us to use our gifts to help others and work hard for God, even in small ways.

Word: “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” (Lk 19:26)

• Engage 1: Jesus pointed out the need to do our duties with the best of our abilities. Incidents: Praising the faithful servant (Lk 19:17); commending the centurion’s faith (Mt 8:10).
• Engage 2: Jesus rewarded good intentions and hard work and did not expect all to perform the same way.
  Incidents: Teaching the talents parable (Mt 25:21); sending the Twelve (Lk 9:1–2).

November 20, 2025 – Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 19:41–44

Context: As Jesus got close to Jerusalem, He cried because the city didn’t understand how to find peace with God. He knew it would face trouble for turning away from Him. This was like the warnings of prophets in the past who cared deeply for their people. Jesus’ tears show how much He loves everyone, even those who make mistakes. His actions encourage us to care for people who are lost and to feel sad when others turn away from God.

Word: “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” (Lk 19:42)

• Engage 1: Jesus really felt sad to see people going away from God and did whatever he could to bring them close to God.
  Incidents: Felt sad about the rich young man (Mk 10:21); seeking the lost sheep (Lk 15:4–6).
• Engage 2: Jesus genuinely expressed his emotions.

Incidents: Lamenting Jerusalem’s fate (Mt 23:37); grieving at Lazarus’ tomb (Jn 11:35).

November 21, 2025 – Friday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 19:45–48

Context: In Jerusalem’s temple, Jesus saw people buying and selling, treating God’s house like a market. He got upset, chased them out, and said it should be a place for prayer. The religious leaders were angry, but the people loved His teaching. This showed how much Jesus cared about keeping God’s house special. His actions encourage us to treat holy places with respect and share God’s truth with confidence.

Word: “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” (Lk 19:46)

• Engage 1: Jesus had deep connection with the Father and wanted all to have a vibrant relationship with the Father.
  Incidents: Cleansing the temple (Jn 2:15–16); teaching about true worship (Jn 4:21–24).
• Engage 2: Jesus expressed His convictions boldly though He knew that He would get criticisms.

Incidents: Talking about mercy over legalism (Lk 13:10-17); teaching in the synagogue (Mk 1:22).

November 22, 2025 – Saturday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 20:27–40

Context: In Jerusalem, some religious leaders who didn’t believe in life after death asked Jesus a tricky question about marriage in heaven. He explained that in heaven, people don’t marry or die—they’re like angels, living with God forever. He used a story from Moses to show that God is for the living, not the dead. This surprised the leaders and encouraged people to believe in eternal life. Jesus’ words teach us to share our hope in heaven and trust in God’s promise of life forever.

Word: “Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” (Lk 20:38)

• Engage 1: Jesus politely took time to correct wrong convictions of people.
  Incidents: Telling the rich young man the need of detachment (Mk 10:17-22); Telling Martha that Mary has chosen the better part (Lk 10:38-42).
• Engage 2: Jesus boldly talked about life after death. 
  Incidents: Speaking about the bread that gives eternal life (Jn 6:22-40); answering the lawyer on what to do to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25-37).

November 23, 2025 – Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Gospel Reading: Luke 23:35–43

Context: When Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, people mocked him, but one criminal next to Him asked to be remembered in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus promised he’d be in paradise. This showed that even in His suffering, Jesus offered forgiveness to those who turned to Him. Many expected a powerful king, but Jesus was a king of love and mercy. His actions encourage us to ask for forgiveness when we mess up and to be kind to others seeking God.

Word: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:43)

• Engage 1: Even while facing severe pain Jesus was trying His best to do good to others.
  Incidents: Praying for those who crucified Him (Lk 23:34); thinking about the safety of His mother even on the cross (Jn 19:26-27).
• Engage 2: Jesus was always ready to help those who wanted to change from their past ways.

 Incidents: Speaking on behalf of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus (Lk 7:36-50); forgiving the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:11).

November 24, 2025 – Monday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:1–4

Context: In the Jerusalem temple, Jesus saw rich people giving lots of money, but He praised a poor widow who gave just two small coins because it was all she had. This showed that God cares more about the love behind our giving than the amount. Back then, people gave money to support the temple, but Jesus taught that true giving comes from the heart. His words encourage us to give what we can with love and to trust God to take care of us.

Word: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.” (Lk 21:3)

• Engage 1: Jesus was a person who gave all He had for the good of others.

Incidents: Touching the leper without fearing defilement (Mk 1:40-45); dying on the cross for all (Lk 23:33-46).

• Engage 2: Jesus showed that total giving is possible when one trusts  Divine providence.

Incidents: Teaching reliance on God (Mt 6:26); feeding the five thousand (Jn 6:11).

November 25, 2025 – Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5–11

Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus’ disciples admired the beautiful temple, but he said it would one day be destroyed. He warned of wars, earthquakes, and tough times coming, like signs of the end. This scared people because they thought the temple would last forever. Jesus taught that we should stay watchful and trust God, even when life feels shaky. His words encourage us to stay alert for God’s plans and to keep faith during hard times.

Word: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Lk 21:10)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that hard times might come but those who stay alert to follow God’s word will not be disappointed.
  Incidents: Predicting temple destruction (Mk 13:2); foretelling His Passion (Mt 20:18–19).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to stand firm in faith during hard times.
  Incidents: Teaching to stand firm (Mt 10:22); praying for disciples’ strength (Jn 17:15).

November 26, 2025 – Wednesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:12–19

Context: Jesus warned his disciples in Jerusalem that they’d face tough times, like being betrayed or hated for believing in him. He promised that God would give them wisdom to speak bravely and protect their hearts. This was a big deal because people often faced trouble for their faith. Jesus taught that staying strong through challenges leads to God’s care. His words encourage us to face hard times bravely and trust God to keep us safe.

Word: “By your endurance you will gain your souls.” (Lk 21:19)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed that each one is responsible for his own spiritual life as He Himself took responsibility for His vocation and mission.
  Incidents: Warning disciples of trials (Mt 10:17–18); enduring His arrest (Jn 18:4–8).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that deep trust in God is needed to handle tough times in life.
  Incidents: Praying for disciples’ safety (Jn 17:15); assuring endurance saves (Mt 24:13).

November 27, 2025 – Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:20–28

Context: Jesus told His disciples in Jerusalem that the city would face destruction, and they should be ready to leave when trouble came. He also said there would be signs in the sky before He returns in glory. This was like old prophecies that warned of hard times but promised hope. Jesus taught that even in scary times, God’s love will save us. His words encourage us to hope in God’s rescue and stay watchful with faith.

Word: “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk 21:28)

• Engage 1: Jesus encouraged everyone not to be disappointed or give up while facing challenges, assuring them that even tough times will come to an end.
  Incidents: Predicting His resurrection (Mt 16:21); raising Lazarus (Jn 11:43).
• Engage 2: Jesus was always alert so He remained strong in His faith even in the midst of tough situations.
  Incidents: Teaching to stay awake (Mk 13:33); encouraging faith in storms (Mt 8:26).

November 28, 2025 – Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:29–33

Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus used a story about a fig tree to teach his disciples. Just like a tree’s new leaves show summer is coming, tough times show God’s kingdom is near. He said His words would last forever, even if the world changes. This was important because people used nature to understand God’s plans. Jesus’ teaching encourages us to trust His words and watch for signs of His love in our lives.

Word: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Lk 21:33)

• Engage 1: Jesus showed through His life and teachings the importance of obedience to God’s word.
  Incidents: Teaching eternal words (Mt 24:35); fulfilling scripture (Lk 4:21).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that it is not worth putting our trust in things of this world that will not last.
  Incidents: Parable of the rich fool (Lk 12: 13-21); telling not to store up treasures on earth (Mt 6:25–34).

November 29, 2025 – Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:34–36

Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus warned His disciples not to get caught up in daily worries or distractions, because His return would come suddenly. He said to keep praying and stay ready to meet God. This was important because people often got busy with life and forgot about God. Jesus’ words encourage us to stay close to God through prayer and be prepared for His plans, no matter what happens.

Word: “Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk 21:36)

• Engage 1: Jesus stayed alert by constantly in communion with the Father in prayer.
  Incidents: Early morning He went to pray (Mk 1:35); whole night He spent in prayer (Lk 6:12).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed that sincere prayer can strengthen one to face touch times.
  Incidents: Praying in Gethsemane (Lk 22:39–46); praying before raising Lazarus (Jn 11:41–42).

November 30, 2025 – First Sunday of Advent

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37–44

Context: In Jerusalem, Jesus told His disciples that His return would be unexpected, like a flood in Noah’s time when people weren’t ready. He said we should always be prepared, because no one knows when he will come back. This was a big deal because people wanted clear signs, but Jesus taught that faith means staying ready every day. His words encourage us to live with faith and be prepared for God’s surprises.

Word: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” (Mt 24:44)

• Engage 1: Jesus wants all to be ready for  God’s surprises in life.
  Incidents: Teaching on Noah’s flood (Mt 24:37–39); predicting temple destruction (Mt 24:2).
• Engage 2: Jesus showed the need to live every day the best way possible so that one can always be ready.
  Incidents: Urging to stay awake (Mt 24:42); teaching the faithful servant (Mt 24:45–46).