THURSDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Celebration: Ferial
Table of the Word
First Reading: Romans 8:26–30
Gospel: Luke 13:31–35
Theme: The God Who Never Lets Go.
Reflection
Beloved in Christ Jesus, on this day - Thursaday of the 30th week in Ordinary Time of the year, we are being presented with beautiful readings to remind us of a God who never gives up and a people who too often turn away and God who loves beyond human imagination. From the Table of the Word, the readings are profound dialogue between divine love and human resistance.
In the First Reading, St. Paul offers one of the most comforting affirmations in all of Scripture: a song of triumphant confidence in God’s unwavering love: “If God is for us, who can be against us?... Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31, 39)
Paul’s conviction does not borne from ease but from encounter, he has faced rejection, persecution, hunger, danger, and yet proclaims that love remains undefeated. Divine love is not sentimental; it is redemptive and resilient. This love does not spare us from suffering but transfigures suffering into victory. It is the same love that drove Christ to the Cross, and the same love that raised Him from the tomb.
In the Gospel pericope (Luke 13:31–35), Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem echoes the grief of divine tenderness: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often have I longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” (v. 34)
Here we meet the heart of God revealed in Christ, a heart that loves even when rejected, that pursues even when resisted. Jesus’ lament is not one of anger but of aching compassion. The same Christ who weeps over Jerusalem weeps still over our divided world, over indifference, injustice, and the rejection of His saving love. Yet, He never ceases to call, to wait, to hope.
No wonder St. John Chrysostom marvels at Paul’s confidence:
“See the power of love! When the whole world is against him, Paul stands fearless, for he knows that one with God is mightier than multitudes.”
And St. Catherine of Siena reechoes this truth in mystical simplicity saying: “God is madly in love with His creature, not because we are lovable, but because He is Love.”
The Church Fathers teach us that this unbreakable bond between God and humanity, revealed in Christ forms the heartbeat of Christian hope.
However, as we continue our earthly journey as Christians, let us rest in divine assurance. For we are not forgotten, abandoned, or condemned. Indeed, God is with us always - the Emmanuel.
Finally, let us reflect His love. Stand with courage in a world that doubts love’s endurance and be the sign of the God who never lets go.
And that same God gently whispers: “Even when you turn away, I still call your name; even when you fall, I hold your hand.”
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 30102025
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