Daily Readings for October 31, 2017

1ST READING

We cannot prove that God exists. Our love for Him always has that aspect of hope attached to it. We need to embrace that kind of hope that has already moved beyond any doubt, because of how God’s grace worked in us. Our faith is the expression of a form of knowledge. We know God exists because faith has that experiential component to it, whereby God is more than an abstract concept — we have a personal relationship with Him.

Romans 8:18-25

18 Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

P S A L M

Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: The Lord has done marvelous things for us.

1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

GOSPEL

We are the Christian leaven sent out into the world. We are called to be the witnesses of Gospel truth to the world, so that all may come to know and experience the salvation of God. We cannot accomplish this on our own, but we must be willing to do it alone. Even if no one else will support us, we will live our Christian life because we know that it is the only way to true fulfillment. Only God’s grace can convince us of this truth and enable us to live it daily.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Luke 13:18-21

18 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” 20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the  whole batch of dough was leavened.”