Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
I Must Be On My Way
Liturgical Cycle: A | Lectionary Cycle: II
Introduction
Year II. Ephesians tells us, in the words of Paul, how he was boldly and confidently facing the powers of evil. Paul is in prison for the gospel. He asks his Christians to pray that he may have the courage to speak out for the gospel, and he himself prompts the faithful to stand strong in the face of evil.
Gospel. Jesus is warned by apparently sympathetic Pharisees that Herod may kill him. Jesus replies that he has already faced evil spirits and will continue on his way to Jerusalem, – “I must continue on my way”, where death awaits him “today, tomorrow, and the next day,” that is, soon. Are we people marked by courage? Let us pray to the Lord for strength.
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
to have an aim, a purpose,
a sure destiny to go to,
even at the cost of sacrifice and pain,
is very reassuring in all its uncertainty.
Keep us going on our way in faith and trust,
without fear or hesitation,
for we are sure that nothing can harm us
and that no prison made by human hands or minds
can deprive us from the inner freedom
which you have given us
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
First Reading
Fight Against Evil
Finally, be strong in the Lord through his energy and power.
Put on the full armor of God so you can stand against the devil’s schemes.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and dark powers of this world. We are fighting against spiritual and supernatural forces of evil.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that, on the evil day, you may resist and stand firm, using all your equipment.
Take truth as your belt, righteousness as your breastplate,
and zeal as your shoes to spread the gospel of peace.
Always hold the shield of faith in your hand to deflect the fiery darts of the devil.
Finally, put on the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray constantly as the Spirit leads; stay alert with persistent prayer and supplication for all God’s people.
Pray also for me, so that I may speak boldly and clearly, making known the mystery of the gospel.
Even when I am in chains, I am an ambassador for Christ; may he give me the strength to speak as I should.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (1b) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
At that time, some Pharisees approached Jesus and warned him:
“Leave this place and go on your way, for Herod wants to kill you.”
Jesus said to them:
“Go and tell that fox my answer: ‘I drive out demons and heal today, tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my course!’
Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and for a little longer; for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I wanted to gather your children as a hen gathers her brood under her wings? But you refused!
From now on, you will be left with your temple. You will not see me again until you say,:
“Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord!”
Prayers of the Faithful
– For all who are persecuted for their faith, that Jesus may give them the strength to remain faithful, we pray:
– For couples whose roads in marriage pass through difficult moments, that their love may not fail, we pray:
– For all of us, that through questions, doubts and difficulties God may help our faith grow, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
your Son Jesus accepted
to go all the way to his destiny
of suffering and death
because he believed in your love.
By this bread and this wine
keep us believing in your victory
over evil and death
and let them become for us
the source of strength and courage
in our struggle for all that is good.
We ask you this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
we overcome evil with your Son
when we opt for integrity and truth,
for patience and forgiveness.
Keep us going on our way
And strengthen in us the conviction
that the reality of evil and sin
within us and in the world
can never be victorious,
for all that is good cannot die
since your Son rose from the dead,
and he is our Lord for ever.
Blessing
We must be on our way with the Lord, consistently, even in the difficulties of life. We know our goal: love of God and of people, and nothing should stop us. We know we are in the hands of God. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTIONS
I Must Be On My Way
Luke 13:31–35
Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him. Herod had already shown his cruelty by imprisoning and executing John the Baptist. Jesus does not allow fear to control his mission. He calls Herod “that fox” and declares that he will continue casting out demons and healing the sick. His purpose remains firm: he will keep doing the Father’s work and continue toward Jerusalem, even though he knows suffering awaits him there. Threats to his life, in fact, made him more courageous!
However, soon the courageous face gives way for compassion and sorrow. He weeps over the city of Jerusalem- he laments the city that rejected God’s messengers. Jesus grieves because Jerusalem is unwilling to receive the shelter that God offers.
This Gospel reveals the heart of Christ. He is courageous before threats, but never hardened by them. He speaks firmly against evil, yet he continues to love those who resist him. His mission is not driven by anger or the desire to win an argument; it flows from compassion and fidelity to the Father.
We, too, may face opposition, misunderstanding, or rejection. Jesus teaches us not to let fear dictate who we are or prevent us from doing what is good. At the same time, we should not respond to resistance with cruelty. We can speak the truth firmly while keeping our hearts gentle.
Perhaps someone we love is not yet ready to receive help or faith. We cannot force another person to believe in Jesus, but we can offer prayers and faithful love for that person. Jesus walks courageously toward Jerusalem, carrying both purpose and mercy. May we learn to do the same.
Prayer: Jesus, keep me faithful when I face opposition and tender toward those who resist your love. Gather me beneath your wings and make me a shelter of peace for others. Amen.