Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time – Year II
Readings on p. 1407 and Antiphons on p. 1393 of the Daily Missal.

First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.

Finally, brothers and sisters, be strong in the Lord
and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God,
that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we are not contending against flesh and blood,
but against the principalities,
against the powers,
against the world rulers of this present darkness,
against the spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places.
Therefore take the whole armour of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore,
having fastened the belt of truth around your waist,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet
with the equipment of the gospel of peace;
above all taking the shield of faith,
with which you can quench
all the flaming darts of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
Pray at all times in the Spirit,
with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance,
making supplication for all the saints,
and also for me,
that utterance may be given me
in opening my mouth boldly
to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
for which I am an ambassador in chains;
that I may declare it boldly,
as I ought to speak.

The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1.2.9-10 (R. 1a)

Let us now pray the Responsorial Psalm

R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.

Blest be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle,
who prepares my fingers for war.

He is my merciful love, my fortress;
he is my stronghold, my saviour,
my shield in whom I take refuge.
He brings peoples under my rule.

To you, O God, will I sing a new song;
I will play on the ten-stringed harp
to you who give kings their victory,
who set David your servant free
from the evil sword.

R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; peace on earth, and glory in the highest.
Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

On that day some Pharisees came,
and said to Jesus, “Get away from here,
for Herod wants to kill you.”

And he said to them,
“Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold,
I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow,
and the third day I finish my course.
Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow
and the day following;
for it cannot be that a prophet should perish
away from Jerusalem.’
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you!
How often would I have gathered your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
and you would not!
Behold, your house is forsaken.
And I tell you,
you will not see me until you say,
‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

The Gospel of the Lord.